Siciclando » Featured Tours http://siciclando.com Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:43:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc Maremma Bike Tour http://siciclando.com/tours/tuscany/maremma-bike-tour http://siciclando.com/tours/tuscany/maremma-bike-tour#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:56:53 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=1944 Undiscovered Tuscany: Maremma Bike Tour

Bike Tuscany where you are a part of the perfection and harmony of this glorious place. Cycle through picturesque landscapes, visit historically authentic villages, and enjoy the amazing flavors of this region. Siciclando’s Maremma Bike Tour puts you in touch with a quieter part of Tuscany, an area still undiscovered by most – in the Etruscan area of southwestern Tuscany. Where local traditions endure and ancient civilizations echo through the present. This Italian bike tour offers the perfect balance of biking through vivid countryside and along the Tyrrhenian Sea. We have created bike routes that give you optional extensions, allowing you to get just the right amount of biking to fit your needs. We will take you through a region that sees fewer tourists and offers authentic experiences that make this tour memorable.

The Undiscovered Tuscany: Maremma Biking Tour is a special tour to Siciclando. Although Tuscany is a popular destination, Maremma is a unique and quiet setting for rich experiences. We have carefully chosen authentic places and settings to make this a memorable trip – a great choice for the romantic.

We will begin this exciting tour in the picturesque town of Orvieto, where you will discover many fascinating aspects of this beautiful place. You will be taken by the charm of this medieval town during a guided walk which will take you to a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral and then on to the Palazzo del Gusto (The Palace of Taste). This is an old monastery that now plays an important role in the slow food movement founded in 1989 as a response to fast food and fast paced lifestyles. There is a strong focus on maintaining local food traditions and creating awareness of the pleasure and responsibility of cooking and eating well.

The tour will take you to Semproniano, another medieval town set among the hills of Albegna. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside, this will be our base for the next three nights. From here you will experience enjoyable bike rides along rolling fields, vineyards, and olive groves. Here we will gain a good understanding of the flavors of the region as we cook a Tuscan dinner together. This will be an unforgettable experience with our friends Angela and Enrico, who will explain the ingredients and traditions of this region and how to bring it all together in an amazing meal.

You will be pleased to discover the precious town of Sovana, a hidden treasure of this area. The amazing art found in frescos and paintings will surprise you. Traditional weaving is still practiced here.

Pitigliano, is another wonderful town carved in the tufa cliffs above the countryside. There are more than 1,000 caves carved in the steep rock cliffs. This combined with the tall tower houses make this town a majestic sight. After our bike ride here, we will enjoy a walking tour that will lead us along the tombs and the village remains of the Etruscan community that dominated this region long ago. See the charm of “Little Jerusalem” named for the active Jewish population that has inhabited this place since the 15th century. We will enjoy a taste of the grapes we have biked past, when we visit a local winery and enjoy a light lunch.

We will begin a journey towards the sea, passing more charming villages including the town of Magliano in Toscana, which is surrounded by a town wall built between the 13th and 15th centuries. There are three gates that allow entrance into the village – like entering a fairy tale.

We will continue our taste of Tuscany with an olive oil tasting. Giorgio will help us understand the important points of good olive oil while tasting varieties from the region. A visit to a local farm will give you an opportunity to see how local cheese is produced. You will get a chance to taste the different kinds and enjoy lunch at the farm. Another experience we look forward to sharing with you.

We think you will agree that this tour is a wonderful blend of biking, history, culture, and flavors uniquely set in this quiet part of Tuscany. Join us!

Cost
€ 1465 – € 1870 ($) see PRICING details below
Duration
8 days/7 nights
Start/End
Orvieto – Capalbio/Orbetello
2010 Start Dates
September 17, September 25, October 3, October 18

Highlights of the tour

  • Discover the charming hilltop town of Orvieto during a guided walk that introduces you to an ancient Etruscan well, a lovely Gothic-style cathedral, and ends with a wine and cheese tasting at Palazzo del Gusto (The Palace of Taste).
  • Enjoy a guided walk of Pitigliano, an ancient city carved into the steep tufa cliffs, here you will discover “Little Jerusalem” where there is a large and active Jewish population that settled in this town in the 15th century as well as ancient relics of a powerful Etruscan civilization.
  • Join our friends, Angela and Enrico, for a cooking class where together we will prepare our Tuscan dinner using regional ingredients and timeless traditions.
  • Experience the wines of this region with our wine tasting.
  • Visit the lovely town of Sovana, a jewel of undiscovered Italy with beautiful frescos and paintings that capture the essence of this place, where they still practice old-style weaving.
  • Relax with a massage during the tour.
  • Learn the secrets of good olive oil with our friend Giorgio who will host a tasting.
  • Wake to the sounds of church bells and sea as we discover this wonderful region.

Day 1 – Welcome to Orvieto! Arrival on your own to Orvieto, one of the most beautiful small towns of Italy dramatically set atop vertical cliffs and surrounded by ancient defensive walls! Relax in this peaceful place
Our group will meet at 4:00 pm for a walking tour to better understand the 3,000 year history of this charming town.
Dinner is included today.

Day 2 – Transfer to Semproniano and a warm-up ride (13.2 miles/22 kilometers)
We will transfer from Orvieto to Semproniano, a little medieval town located in the Maremma region, among the hills of Albegna. The surrounding area is an example of a cultivated countryside covered with vineyards and olive groves.
Once in Semproniano, you’ll enjoy a light lunch at the hotel. We will have a brief introduction to the tour and a gentle warm up ride to get familiar with the bikes.
Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 3 – Biking the rolling hills of Tuscany and a cooking class (18.3 miles/30.5 kilometers)
A gentle rolling ride that takes you south to Sovana and Pitigliano, two of the most unique medieval towns in Italy. Enjoy Etruscan and Roman history told through incredible works of art: exquisite frescoes and paintings. Sovana is a jewel of Italy, a treasure chest of art and history, architecture and culture. Pitigliano is a village carved in tufa cliffs with a thousand caves and houses like towers situated on a prominent massive rock that is visible for miles. This charming town embraces and actively promotes its history. A wine and food tasting featuring local produce will complete the tour held in one of the many caves carved in the rock centuries ago.

In the afternoon our friends, Angela and Enrico, will introduce us to the local cuisine and take us through the preparation of a traditional Tuscan dinner using regional ingredients and original techniques. Buon appetito! We will stay in Semproniano again tonight.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Day 4 – To a lovely country hotel close to the medieval town of Scansano (22.86 miles/38.1 kilometers)
Today our destination is the resort hotel called Antico Casale di Scansano which offers a full range of amenities such as jacuzzi, sauna, massages and two outdoor swimming pools. The ride features spectacular views of the valley below where one sees grazing sheep and goats. The vineyards grow the Morellian grape, the local name for the red Sangiovese varietal which is the famous red wine from the Maremma area. Upon arrival at this rural resort Irene will greet us and show us our accomodation for two nights overlooking an equestrian centre and panoramic valley below from our terraces.
Breakfast is included today.

Day 5 – Down hill! (21 miles/35 kilometers)
After breakfast we glide down hill on a curving gradual sloping quiet road for 8 miles. Perhaps the best down hill of our trip. The first village we reach is Magliano in Toscana, surrounded by a wall built between the 13th and 15th centuries and allowing entrance into the village by one of three gates. Today’s ride will vividly demonstrates why we’re here – the superlative rural vistas which seemingly never end.

In the afternoon we will enjoy an olive oil tasting at the hotel hosted by Giorgio, a very expert olive oil producer of the area. A wonderful experience! We will spend another relaxing night at the countryside hotel.
Breakfast and dinner are included today.

Day 6 – Bike toward the sea (37.7 miles/62.8 kilometers)
After the spectacular down hill, a gentle rolling ride will take you toward the sea through the pretty village of Capalbio and ending our ride in a very charming resort of the area.
Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 7 – Bike to the beach of Talamone (20.22 miles/33.7 kilometers)
Experience the flat and quite road of the area toward the medieval town of Talamone, standing on a small promontory overlooking the Meditarranean sea. Here a small pretty beach to swim and feel the beauty of the sea. A picnic lunch is arranged for you today with local fresh products of the area.
Overnight in the resort for our farewell dinner together.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today.

Day 8 – Departure Day
After breakfast, end of services and we will say our goodbyes. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations. Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

tasteofsicily
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Tuscany Maremma bike routes are among beautiful hills, which means mostly gentle ups and downs. This tour is described as moderate to easy with an average 22 miles per day. Some days there is an optional extension of 18-24 miles for those interested and ready. This flexibility allows different levels of bikers a great tour at their preferred pace.

We will begin the tour with a warm up ride on day 2. Days 3 and 4 are nice loop rides along rolling terrain ending with gentle climbs to hilltop villages and offer extensions for those wanting a longer ride. Day 5 and 6 are gentle rides — note, day 6 is our longest ride of 38 miles and a gentle climb to the town of Magliano in Toscana. Day 7 is nice ride along the coast with an optional extension.

Travel notes
Airport: the trip is based on ROMA Fiumicino
Books
  • Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes (now, also a movie)
    The true story of an American women who buys and restores an abandoned villa in the countryside of Tuscany. Follow along as she discovers the beauty of the simple Italian life.
  • Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy by Frances Mayes
    A continuation of the New York Times Bestseller Under a Tuscan Sun. Re-enter the world of Tuscany for more beautiful stories of this place and its people.
  • In Tuscany by Frances Mayes
    The book begins with “Tuscany is a world; Italy is a universe.” See for yourself the observances of this wonderful place.
  • On the Shore of the Mediterranean (Travel Narrative) by Eric Newby
    A sparkling observer and famously entertaining, Newby tackles the Mediterranean in the merry classic account of travels to North Africa, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cairo, and Jerusalem.
  • The Hill Towns of Italy by Richard Kauffman
    An oversize survey of the towns, people, and countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. It covers 13 classic towns in the region including Siena, Cortona, Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto. First published in 1983, the book is a good mix of handsome color photographs and insightful text.
  • Central Italy, Tuscany and Umbria by Berrie Kerper
    A quirky, literary guide to the history, food, and landscape of Tuscany and Umbria – as presented in travel essays by writers foreign and local. With an extensive annotated bibliography for each section.
  • The Tuscan Year, Tuscan Life and Food in an Italian Valley by Elizabeth Romer 1996
    An intimate portrait of life on a Tuscan farm, as seen primarily through the robust food. Romer captures the goings-on in the countryside, especially in the kitchen.
  • A Thousand Days in Tuscany by Marlene de Blasi
    “Filled with warmth and the rich and simple drama of a beautiful life. The evocation of country dishes is mouthwatering, the lyrical beauty irresistible.” Susan Herrmann Loomis, author of Cooking at Home on Rue Tatin
Group tour price
  • 4-5 people € 1870 per person
  • 6-7 people € 1635 per person
  • 8+ people € 1465 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees
  • Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
  • Road bike rental €175.00 which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
  • Single occupancy for hotels € 240.00
Included
  • 8 day tour
  • 7 nights lodging in four comfortable hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 4 dinners (D1,D3,D5,D7)
  • 4 lunches (D2, D3, D6, D7)
  • Olive oil tasting
  • Walking tour of Orvieto (D1)
  • Walking tour of Pitigliano (D3)
  • 1 cooking class (D3)
  • Wine tasting (D3)
  • 1 massage at the spa
  • Coordinated transfer IN (from Orvieto to Semproniano)
  • Coordinated transfer back to the hotel on day 3
  • Coordinated transfer back to the hotel on day 4
  • One English speaking tour leader
  • Van support throughout the tour
Not included
  • Flights and public transportation
  • Travel insurance
  • Admission fees not mentioned above
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Gratuity of Tour Leader(s)
Self-guided option
This tour is not available as a self-guided option.
Tour code
TM
]]> http://siciclando.com/tours/tuscany/maremma-bike-tour/feed 0 Sicily by the Sea Biking Tour http://siciclando.com/tours/sicily/sicily-by-the-sea-biking-tour http://siciclando.com/tours/sicily/sicily-by-the-sea-biking-tour#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:11:33 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=1613 Go a little deeper into Sicily’s history and culture.

Discover western Sicily’s sea and shore with a collection of our favorite places and experiences – linked by bike and boat.  Bike along sapphire blue coasts, a patchwork of fields, and vineyards where you will discover yourself at ancient sites, charming villages, and treasures from the sea.  Enjoy the sea with boat excursions that take you off the usual path to nearby islands that hold history, mysteries, and unique works of art.  There will even be time for a swim in the clear ocean water.

On this tour, go a little deeper into Sicily’s history and culture with visits to quiet, yet impressive, museums that tend to be overlooked….or undiscovered by other visitors.  Explore the vibrant capital city of Palermo as well as quiet seaside fishing villages.  See the ancient temple and amphitheater of Segesta; the bronze statue, Dancing Satyr, retrieved from the ocean bottom two decades ago; and the prehistoric cave art of Levanzo.  Unique experiences which will allow you to feel a part of this place.

This very special tour begins in the seaside capital of Palermo where you will be guided through narrow winding streets to the treasures of this place – cathedrals, palaces, and markets.  Escape to the quiet and charming, seaside village of Scopello – a fishing village perched on the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea.  The nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve adds to the beauty of this spectacular place with trees and plants that frame the small bays along the coast – the perfect place for a secret swim or to spot the rare Bonelli eagle.

We will also go to the ancient site of Segesta with its beautiful temple built in 5th Century BC and a spectacular amphitheater that opens up to an amazing view of mountains and sea – as if the performance is the landscape itself.  Bike to the coastal town of Trapani, made popular by the 2005 America’s Cup International Sailing Race. Here you will also see the ancient salt marshes that run along the western coast of the island. A lovely accommodation in the quiet salt marshes of Trapani will be our base for three nights so we can experience the richness of this area.

Bike to the San Vito lo Capo, with some of the most beautiful coastline of Sicily, laced with sandy beaches and hidden coves.  An amazing place to end the day’s ride.

Our tour will take you to the beautiful and mysterious Erice, which sits like a crown on Mt. San Giuliano (750 meters).  You will be captivated by the charming cobblestone streets and buildings of this medieval town.  The views from here are simply unforgettable as you look down on the land and sea below.

From Trapani we’ll enjoy a boat excursion to discover the smallest island of the Egadi archipelago, West of Sicily. Our guide and captain is Salvatore, a local fisherman and very interesting character. He will take us on his private boat for a wonderful tour around Levanzo Island.  The clear waters of this place are so inviting – we encourage an ocean swim.  We will then dock on the island and visit the Caves of Genovese, a prehistoric cave with engravings (dating back 11,000 – 12,000 years ago) and paintings (dating back 5,000-6,000 years ago).

Bike on to Marsala, our base for lodging and discovery for the next three days.  On the way, we will take time to explore the tiny island of Mozia off the coast of Sicily.  This small parcel of land has been colonized by many countries and cultures including ancient Egypt and Phoenicians (modern Lebanon).  It is here you will see the graceful, marble statue, The Boy of Mozia, unearthed in 1979. The marble is Anatolian marble imported from what is now Turkey and was carved in the early 5th century BC.  The style of dress is typical Phoenician dress for that period.  It is a true masterpiece and a great mystery, as nothing like this was to come from ancient Greece for hundreds of years.  The adjacent museum is fascinating.  Old glass display cases store relics and treasures from the varied communities inhabiting this small place over centuries.  It is a place full of wonder and intrigue.  And yet, it is so off the beaten track, that you will be virtually alone here.

Back on the shore of Sicily we will discover another special place, the salt mines of the Marsala coast.  We will visit the museum housed in one of the charming windmills sitting along the coastline.  Learn the ancient art of salt mining still practiced at this place.  It is fascinating and a sweet (actually savory) adventure for the day.  Our next day will take us on a lovely bike ride through the countryside around Marsala and a special visit to the most important winery of the area, famous for Marsala wine.  Again from Marsala we will bike to the lovely town of Mazara del Vallo.  You will love this beautiful place with a central stone plaza and surrounding buildings.  It is here we will also see the highlight of the town, the museum of The Dancing Satyr, an amazing bronze statue discovered 40 kilometers off the shores of neighboring Tunisia in the 1990’s.

Your experiences on this Sicilian bike tour will be rich as you gain a deeper understanding of this beautiful place and explore the charm at a slow pace.

Cost
€ 1690 – € 1990 ($)    see PRICING details below
Duration
8 days/7 nights
Start/End
Palermo/Marsala
2010 Start Dates
May 22, June 19, September 4, September 13

Highlights of the tour

  • Relax in the comfort of three hotels during your stay – allowing you to fully enjoy and explore each area.
  • Explore Palermo, Sicily’s most vibrant city, and the capital of the island.
  • Enjoy the charming seaside village of Scopello and the beauty of nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve.
  • Savor the coastal region of Trapani, known for its ancient salt marshes and host to the 2005 America’s Cup International Sailing Race.
  • Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches of San Vito lo Capo. Find a secret cove for a relaxing swim.
  • Walk along the winding cobblestone streets of medieval Erice – a fascinating place with spectacular views.
  • Discover the history and power of ancient Segesta – the stunning temple and amphitheater.
  • Leave the beaten path on a slow boat ride to the peaceful Island of Mozia and see the beautiful marble statue, The Boy of Mozia, along with an unforgettable museum.
  • Bike through the region of Marsala and enjoy a wine tasting.
  • Enjoy a boat ride to the island of Levanzo and explore the prehistoric engravings and paintings of the Caves of Genovese.
  • Visit the lovely town of Mazara del Vallo, enjoy its impressive stone covered plaza on your way to the nearby museum housing the bronze statue, The Dancing Satyr.
  • Experience the mouth-watering and unique foods of Sicily – arrancini (fried rice balls filled with ragu or ham and cheese), caponata (a sweet and savory mix of cooked eggplant, olives, and tomatoes), pasta with sardines, fish couscous, and more.

Day by Day program

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Arrive at Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city. For those arriving before 12:00 p.m., enjoy a guided tour of Palermo – winding streets, cathedrals, and markets. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 2 – Transfer to Scopello and Segesta with a bike ride to Trapani (27 miles/45 kilometers)

Begin the day with a shuttle ride to the charming fishing village of Scopello, enhanced by the beauty of the adjacent Zingaro Nature Reserve. You will also be shuttled to the ancient site of Segesta where you will enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular temple and amphitheater. You will be ready to bike a peaceful route from Segesta to the coastal town of Trapani, where we will stay for three nights. Dinner is together tonight.

Day 3 – Bike from Trapani to the lovely San Vito lo Capo (27 miles/45 kilometers)

Enjoy a bike ride north to the lovely San Vito lo Capo, a coast with Sicily’s most beautiful sandy beaches and secret coves welcoming you for a relaxing swim after your bike ride. There may be time to enjoy the delicious cake and gelato dessert known as “caldofreddo.” We will shuttle back to Trapani, relax and refresh, and enjoy another dinner together.

Day 4 – Cycle to the medieval town of Erice (33.6 miles/56 kilometers)

Bike ride to Erice for a visit of this beautiful medieval town known for its charming cobblestone streets and buildings. Spend some time in the shady garden overlooking the land and sea below. We will have a unique experience making our own Genovese cake at a local pastry shop…and yes, we will get to eat them! Bike back to Trapani where we will enjoy our last night in this town with a dinner together.

Day 5 – Boat ride to the island of Levanzo for a tour of the Caves of Genovese

Enjoy this special day with a relaxing boat ride to the quaint island of Levanzo, part of the Egadi Islands off the northwestern coast of Sicily. Our captain, a fisherman and resident of the small island, is an enjoyable man….one you will remember. We will enjoy a swim in the ocean and a picnic lunch. Once on land, we will explore the Caves of Genovese, prehistoric caves with engravings (dating back 11,000 – 12,000 years ago) and paintings (dating back 5,000-6,000 years ago). This is a unique experience that few know about or take the time to see; a day you will remember. Back to Trapani with dinner on your own.

Day 6 – Bike to Marsala with worthwhile side stops at the ancient salt marshes museum and the Island of Mozia ( 27.6 miles/46 kilometers)

Today we will bike along the coast to the quaint town of Marsala, our “home” for three nights. Along the way, we will take a break from our bikes and take a worthwhile excursion to the tiny Island of Mozia where we will see the amazing marble statue, The Boy of Mozia, a remarkable piece of art from 5th Century BC. The adjoining museum is a true treasure chest with relics from the many colonies that inhabited this island. Once back on the shore of Sicily, we will enjoy the salt mines and the wonderful “salt” museum, which explains the traditional mining method still done by hand, and wind, today. Tonight, our first night in Marsala with dinner on your own.

Day 7 – Bike to Mazara del Vallo with a visit of the town and The Dancing Satyr (25 miles/40.25 kilometers)

Pedal along the green fields and through olive groves of this lovely region. We will find a beautiful beach setting for a picnic lunch before going on to lovely little town of Mazara del Vallo. Here we will enjoy a guided tour that will also lead us to the museum of The Dancing Satyr, an enchanting bronze statue pulled from the sea in the 1990’s – the sculpture and the story of its discovery are amazing. Back to Marsala by van or bike. Our last night in Marsala. We will enjoy a farewell dinner together.as you make your way to Mazara del Vallo. Enjoy this lovely little town on a guided tour that will also lead you to the museum of The Dancing Satyr, an enchanting bronze statue pulled from the sea in the 1990’s – the sculpture and the story of its discovery are amazing. Back to Marsala by van or bike. Our last night in Marsala. We will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 8 – Departure Day

After breakfast, departure and end of our services. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.

Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

Sicily by the Sea
Travel notes
Airport: for this trip you can use both of the airports in west Sicily to land and to leave the island:
Palermo and Trapani Birgi
Books
  • Divorce, italian style 1961, film director: Pietro Germi. This movie It won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.
  • Anni difficili 1948, film director Luigi Zampa, from the novel of Vitaliano Brancati, “II vecchio con gli stivali”
  • Gente di rispetto 1975, film director Luigi Zampa, from the homonymous novel of Giuseppe Fava
  • Kaos 1984, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, from several novels of Luigi Pirandello
  • The star maker or best known as L’Uomo delle stelle 1995, Giuseppe Tornatore
Group tour price
  • 4-5 people € 1990 per person
  • 6-7 people € 1840 per person
  • 8+ people € 1690 per person
Pricing philosophy
Additional options and fees
  • Road bike rental €175.00
  • Single occupancy for hotels € 240.00
Services included in the tour:
  • 8 day tour
  • 7 nights lodging in three comfortable hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Picnic lunches on Days 5, 6 and 7
  • 4 dinners
  • Cooking the Genovese cake in Erice
  • Hydrofoil tickets on Day 5
  • Fisherman boat excursion on Day 5 with lunch included
  • Sail boat excursions on Day 6 with lunch included
  • Hybrid bike rental
  • Transfer from Palermo airport to hotel
  • Guided walking tour of Palermo
  • Transfer from Palermo to Scopello and Segesta
  • Admission and guided walking tour of Segesta
  • Transfer from San Vito lo Capo to Trapani
  • Transfer between Trapani hotel and port
  • Boat ride and admission of Mozia
  • Admission to salt mine museum
  • Guided walking tour of Mazara del Vallo and admission to The Dancing Satyr museum
  • Detailed road book and maps
  • One English speaking tour leader
  • Van support throughout tour
Not included
  • Flights and public transportation
  • Travel insurance
  • Admission fees not mentioned above
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Gratuity of Tour Leader(s)
Self-guided option
This tour is not available as a self-guided option.
Tour code
SB
]]> http://siciclando.com/tours/sicily/sicily-by-the-sea-biking-tour/feed 0 Cycling Tuscany Hills http://siciclando.com/tours/tuscany/cycling-tuscany-hills http://siciclando.com/tours/tuscany/cycling-tuscany-hills#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:42:44 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=144 The ultimate rolling ride in Tuscany.

This biking tour is a trip through time, from the Etruscan tombs to ancient Roman ruins, from Medieval hill towns to Renaissance basilicas. It also offers a great diversity of landscapes, from the vineyard covered hills of Chianti and Brunello to the barren geometrical cypress-crested mounds of the “Crete.” Everyday a new adventure, a new discovery. You will not want the tour to end.

Cost
€ 1280 – € 1590 ($) see PRICING details below
Duration
8 days/7 nights
Start/End
Poggibonsi/ Montepulciano
2010 Start Dates
April 17, May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19, September 4, September 18, October 2, October 16

Highlights of the tour

  • Discover the San Gimignano towers
  • Enjoy Chianti vineyards
  • Admire the perfectly round walls of Monteriggioni
  • Experience the beautiful Piazza del Campo in Siena
  • Visit the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Monastery with Signorelli’s frescoes
  • Taste the famous wines Brunello and Nobile from Montalcino and Montepulciano
  • See Pienza, home town of Pope Pio II, a first experiment in urban planning

Day 1 – Welcome to Tuscany! – Poggibonsi

You will arrive on your own in Poggibonsi. You will be met by our representative who will drive you to your villa in Staggia near Castellina in Chianti.

Day 2 – Colle Vald’Elsa to San Gimignano (21 miles/35 km)

Departing from Villa Lecchi, first you will encounter the fortified town of Monteriggioni with its distinctive round shape dominating the surrounding plain. On to Colle Val d’ Elsa and its glass blowing artisans, some of which you can visit. Today’s route will also take us to San Gimignano with its beautiful towers. You will want to spend some time here to explore the city and perhaps some of the village shops before starting back to Villa Lecchi.

Day 3 – Castellina in Chianti to Siena (31 miles/52 km)

Enjoy beautiful biking through winding Chianti roads among luscious landscapes with vineyards and superb wineries. Our day will end in Siena where you may enjoy a gelato (ice cream) at one of the most famous squares in Italy, the Piazza del Campo. Overnight in Siena.

Day 4 – Siena to Buonconvento (19 miles/32 km)

As you bike today you will notice lush vineyards give way to the linear cypress-crested hills of the “Crete.” Murlo is a charming little village on your way to the farm where you will spend the night. In summer months you may enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. There are also relaxing massages and a sauna available for your enjoyment.

Day 5 – Buonconvento to Montalcino (27 miles/46 km)

We start towards Buonconvento, then head for the Monte Oliveto Monastery, an imposing brick building that overlooks a rugged landscape of dry ravines. A soft downhill will take you to the start of a fairly long uphill to reach Montalcino. You will spend the night in a nice hotel in Montalcino, the home land of Brunello wines.

Day 6 – Sant’Antimo abbey loop ride (20 miles/34 km)

Enjoy this fortified town from which you will enjoy stunning views from all directions. The descending trail road will lead you to the beautiful and peaceful church of Sant’Antimo Abbey where you may be able to listen to Gregorian chants. A lovely end to a peaceful day.

Day 7 – Montalcino to Pienza and Montepulciano (27 miles/45 km)

A very full day beginning with Bagno Vignoni and its thermal pool in the center of town. On to Pienza, the renaissance jewel redesigned by the pope Pio the II to become a “liveable” town. It is also an agricultural center well known for pecorino cheese and truffle production. A dirt road will take you to Montichiello, a nice little village immersed in the “Crete.” Here you can stop for a nice lunch or a cappuccino before continuing to Montepulciano known for its “Nobile” wine.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of our services after breakfast. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.

Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

cyclingtuscanhills
Level of difficulty: Moderate
There is no easy way to tour Tuscany. It is a hilly country so with all the ups and downs, the altitude gap at the end of the day is never small. However we tried hard to keep it as smoth as possibile. The toughest day is the third, from Siena to Buonconvento and the longest is the fifth if you have road bikes and have to stay on asphalt roads.
Travel Notes
The reference airports for the tour are Perugia, Pisa, or Rome.

You can also find information about travel by train.

Books
  • Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayers
Movies
  • Il Paziente inglese
  • Ballo da sola
Group tour price
  • 4-5 people € 1590 per person
  • 6-7 people € 1455 per person
  • 8+ people € 1280 per person
Pricing philosophy
Additional options
  • Private room – € 260
  • Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 18 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
  • Road Bike rental – € 175 (€ 27 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
  • Cooking class – € 80 per person
  • GPS – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC
Included
  • One English-speaking trip leader
  • Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
  • Seven breakfasts and three dinners
  • Baggage transportation between hotels
  • Detailed route information and maps
  • Van support
Not included
  • Admission to museums and archaeological sites
  • Tickets for trains or any public transportation
  • Wine or beverages
  • Airfare
  • Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
  • Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
  • Gratuity
Self-guided option
This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1.130 per person. This option includes:

  • Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
  • Seven breakfasts and two dinners
  • Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
  • Baggage transportation from between hotels
  • Detailed route information and maps
  • Telephone assistance
Tour code
TU
]]> http://siciclando.com/tours/tuscany/cycling-tuscany-hills/feed 0 Sicily: A Taste of Sicily Biking and Hiking http://siciclando.com/tours/sicily/taste-of-sicily-biking-and-hiking http://siciclando.com/tours/sicily/taste-of-sicily-biking-and-hiking#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:21:50 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=30 Savor the richness of Sicily.

This is Siciclando’s most popular bike tour and best showcases the diversity and richness of Sicily – seaside bike routes, ancient towering temples, charming towns, and the power of the volcanoes. You’ll begin this tour in Sicily’s capital, Palermo, where you will explore its layers of history and beauty on a guided tour. We will transport you to western Sicily where you will taste the popular Marsala wines and discover the beautiful village of Mazara del Vallo and its treasure, the bronze statue of The Dancing Satyr, discovered 40 kilometers off the shores of neighboring Tunisia in the 1990’s.

Siciclando’s beautiful bike routes will take you to three of western Sicily’s most important archaeological sites: Segesta, Selinunte, and Cave di Cusa. Bike to these parks and step back in time thousands of years ago. Spectacular!

The next three days will be spent biking and hiking the stunning and powerful Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Salina provides a lovely green background for your bike tour. Lipari offers spectacular views of the other islands and the coast of Sicily. A visit to the island of Vulcano allows you to take a 40-minute hike of a volcano for the most fascinating view of the Aeolian Islands.

Vulcano is a wonderful place to begin a general study of volcanoes. It was considered by the Greeks as an island sacred to Efesto (God of Fire) and the crater of Vulcano was considered his workshop. The Romans later changed the name of the island to reflect the name for their God of Fire, Vulcano – which contributed to the word volcano used by most modern languages today. From here, enjoy the view of the island of Stromboli, another active volcano that explodes every 15-20 minutes; explosions which are sometimes visible. This volcanic activity is known as Strombolian and is used to characterize other volcanoes around the world with regular eruptions.

The tour takes us back to Sicily where you will spend two nights in charming Taormina, one of the pearls of Sicily with its ancient Greco-Roman theater and shop-lined streets.

You may also choose the optional hike of Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and a fantastic day trip.

This Taste of Sicily will leave you wanting more!

Cost
€ 1980 – € 2280 ($) see PRICING details below
Duration
9 days/8 nights
Start/End
Palermo – Mazara del Vallo/Taormina
2010 Start Dates
March 12, March 20, April 3, April 17, May 6, May 15, June 15, August 30, September 18, October 18, October 30, November 13

Highlights of the tour

  • Discover the rich history and mix of cultures found on the largest island in the Mediterranean
  • Explore Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, on a guided tour — beautiful architecture, excellent cuisine, and a lively market will make this an exciting part of your experience
  • Enjoy the charm of Mazara del Vallo and its mysterious bronze treasure – The Dancing Satyr.
  • See the beauty of ancient Selinunte and Segesta – powerful, mysterious, peaceful
  • Picnic in the serenity of Cava di Cusa – ancient quarries that are now like a sanctuary
  • Taste two of the region’s most famous wines, Marsala and Malvasia
  • Experience three of the Aeolian Islands by bike or hike
  • Visit one of Sicily’s pearls, Taormina, with its spectacular ancient Greco- Roman Theater
  • Optional hike Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe – an addition to the tour
  • Discover Sicily’s unique and amazing array of foods, developed overtime with the influence of many cultures. Fresh seafood, handmade pasta, arrancini (rice balls), pasta with sardines, and caponata (stewed eggplant, olives, tomatoes, and capers). Devine!
  • See Video Highlights from the October 2009 Taste of Sicily Trip.

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Arrive Palermo by coordinated shuttle from Palermo Falcone – Borsellino Airport and enjoy a guided tour of the city the first afternoon (3:00 p.m.). Palermo has so much to see – beautiful churches, lively food markets, and amazing architecture. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 2 – Transfer to western Sicily with a stop at a Marsala winery. (8.8 miles/14.7 km)

From Palermo, a private shuttle will transfer you near the town of Mazara del Vallo, where you will stay in a comfortable 5 star hotel. Along the way we’ll stop in the beautiful, little town of Marsala and then enjoy a guided tour of a winery for a taste of the popular Marsala wines. Upon our arrival at the hotel that afternoon, we will review the itinerary of the bike tour in more detail and enjoy a gentle warm-up ride to get comfortable with your bicycle. Tonight, dinner will be included.

Day 3 – Tour of Mazara del Vallo, The Dancing Satyre, Cave di Cusa and Selinunte (30.1 miles/48.4 km)

Today, before biking, we will tour the beautiful harbor town of Mazara del Vallo. This is the home of the mysterious bronze treasure – The Dancing Satyr. You will enjoy a guided tour of the town and the museum housing the statue. From here we will bike on a lovely ride to the peaceful archaeological site of Cave di Cusa where we will enjoy a guided walk and picnic. These were quarries used for more than 150 years in the 6th Century BC. They were the main source of stone for the temples of Selinunte. We will then bike to the ancient Greek town of Selinunte, one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily at that time. Here you will be guided through the remains of an acropolis and five temple sites, one of which has been re-erected. You will be transferred back to the hotel by shuttle. Dinner included in the village of Mazara del Vallo.

Day 4 – Ancient Segesta and the Aeolian Islands (25.7 miles/42.9 km)

We leave the main island to get to the volcanic archipelago, the Aeolian Islands.
We’ll first cycle to Segesta, once the political center of the Elymians, one of three ancient inhabitants of Sicily. After a guided visit of the site and lunch, we’ll shuttle to Milazzo and then take a hydrofoil to Lipari, the largest island of the archipelago. We’ll stay in another comfortable 5 star hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 5 – Lipari loop ride (16.3 miles/27.1 km)

Enjoy a loop ride on the island, giving us an opportunity to understand more
about the place and the archipelago. The views are outstanding and we expect that you will enjoy your bike tour of Lipari…and perhaps a granita (flavored ice) at our favorite place. This afternoon we are excited to offer a cooking class – a great way to learn and enjoy Sicilian-Aeolian Cooking.

Day 6 – Salina loop ride (13.7 miles/22.8 km)

We’ll take a ferry to the island Salina where we’ll take an amazing loop ride on our bikes. The first stop is small fishing village, Lingua, located along the Roman salt marsh. Here we will stop for a granita or coffee and perhaps a tour of the local museum. We’ll bike on, enjoying the breathtaking views, as we head to a local winery to enjoy a glass of Malvasia wine and a light lunch. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 7 – Walking on the Vulcano’s volcano and back to the main island of Sicily

After breakfast, we’ll take the hydrofoil to Vulcano Island for a hike to the crater of the
volcano with our volcanologist. After lunch, we’ll transfer to Sicily to the beautiful town of Taormina. There will be a guided tour of the magnificent Greco-Roman amphitheatre – from here you will get a fantastic view of the Ionian Coast, Mt. Etna, and the city. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Take a relaxing walk along the Corso Umberto with its classical music cafés, pastry shops, art galleries and clothing boutiques. Dinner is on your own.

Day 8 – Biking to Randazzo and to the Alcantara Gorge (28.4 miles/47.3 km)

After breakfast, a shuttle will take us to the starting point of the bike ride at Linguaglossa. This ride gently rolls along the north side of Mt. Etna volcano, which is amazing in the spring with the wild flowers covering the low sides of the volcano and spectacular in fall because of the rich brown colors of the vineyards. The scenery is accented with old ruins and lava stone walls outlining the fields and vineyards. We bike to the charming village of Randazzo, where we will have lunch at one of our favorite sandwich shops. After lunch enjoy a gentle downhill into the Alcantara Gorge – a beautiful end to the route and to our tour. A bus shuttle will take us back to our hotel in Taormina. We will enjoy a final dinner together tonight.

Day 9 – Departure Day or optional extension Hiking Mt. Etna

After breakfast, departure and end of our services. Ciao!
If you choose the Etna excursion you’ll be shuttled to the southeast side of the volcano for a walking tour.

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.

Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

tasteofsicily
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Sicily is a hilly island, as is the Aeolian archipelago. For this reason we rate the tour between easy and moderate. The most difficult parts of the tour are in some stretches on the two loops in the Aeolian Islands (Lipari and Salina), which can be avoided by taking a van shuttle.

The other moderate part of the tour is the hiking on Etna on day 8, which is an optional activity, a chance to discover the contrast between the forest and the lunar landscape of the volcano.

The tour allows you to have a very good overview of Sicily from several points of view, in terms of

history, archaeology, and nature. You’ll also learn about the volcanic activity of the Mediterranean and its different aspects, in visiting the volcanoes of the Aeolian archipelago and Mount Etna.

Travel notes
Guests arrive by air in Palermo (see Italian airlines or international airlines) and depart from Catania.
Books
  • Salvatore Quasimodo, poet and writer: Ed è subito sera, Giorno dopo giorno, Dare e avere. Modica
  • Gesualdo Bufalino, novelist Diceria dell’untore (the plague sower), Le menzogne della notte (Night’s lies). Comiso
  • Jacopo da Lentini (sec XIII), poet. Lentini
  • Vitaliano Brancati, novelist: Don Giovanni in Sicilia, Il Bell’Antonio, Paolo il caldo. Pachino
Movies
  • Divorce, italian style 1961, film director: Pietro Germi. This movie It won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.
  • Anni difficili 1948, film director Luigi Zampa, from the novel of Vitaliano Brancati, “II vecchio con gli stivali”
  • Gente di rispetto 1975, film director Luigi Zampa, from the homonymous novel of Giuseppe Fava
  • Kaos 1984, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, from several novels of Luigi Pirandello
  • The star maker or best known as L’Uomo delle stelle 1995, Giuseppe Tornatore
Group tour price
  • 4-5 people € 2280 per person
  • 6-7 people € 2130 per person
  • 8+ people € 1980 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees
  • Private room – € 390
  • Road Bike rental – € 175
  • Hiking on Mount Etna – € 90 per person
  • Transfer from Palermo ARP to Palermo center on the arrival day
  • Extention of the tour (pre and post trip)
  • Transfer rates per person (two person minimum):
    • Palermo airport to Palermo center – € 40
    • Taormina to Catania airport – € 80
Included
  • 9 days trip
  • 8 nights in 3, 4 and 5 star Hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 1 picnic lunch
  • 4 dinners
  • Hybrid bike rental
  • D2: Coordinated transfer from Palermo to hotel near Mazara del Vallo
  • D2: guided visit and wine tasting in Marsala
  • D3: Admission to Selinunte archaeological site
  • D3: private guide for Selinunte archaeological site
  • D3: private guide for Cave di Cusa archaeological site
  • D4: Admission to Segesta archaeological site
  • D4: private guide for Segesta archaeological site
  • D4: bus transfer from Segesta to Milazzo
  • D4: hydrofoil transfer from Milazzo to Lipari island
  • D5: cooking class in Lipari Island
  • D6: professional guide for the Vulcano hiking
  • D6: ferry transfer from Lipari to Salina
  • D7: bus transfer from Milazzo to Taormina
  • D8: guided walking tour with a private guide in Taormina
  • D8: bus transfer from Taormina and Randazzo loop
  • D7: hydrofoil from Lipari to Vulcano for hiking and then to Milazzo
  • Detailed road book and maps
  • 1 English speaking tour leader for all the tour (4 – 7 people) – 2 English speaking tour leaders all the tour (minimum 8 people)
  • Van support all the tour
Not included
  • Flights and public transportation
  • Travel insurance
  • Admissions and entrance fees (when not agreed with tour operator)
  • Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
  • Gratuity to Tour Leader/s
  • Expense of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Any items that has not been mentioned in the price inclusions above
Self-guided option
This tour is not available as a self-guided option.
Tour code
SI
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