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, the quarries of the ancient Selinunte. 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 is on your own tonight.

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 and, then, dinner together.

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 private house to enjoy a glass of home made 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.

• Lipari
• Mazara del Vallo
• Taormina

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.

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 ofhistory, 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 € 2880 per person
• 6-7 people € 2630 per person
• 8+ people € 2480 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 – € 90

Included

• 9 days trip
• 8 nights in 3, 4 and 5 star Hotels
• 8 breakfasts
• 1 picnic lunch
• 3 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

Day by Day program

Day 1 – Welcome to Catania, Sicily!

Arrive at the Catania airport on the eastern side of Sicily. We will transfer you to our starting point in Ragusa Ibla, a small baroque village south of Catania. Ragusa Ibla was abandoned until 15 years ago and is now considered a jewel of Sicily. It is a beautiful beginning our our journey. Tonight we will stay in a comfortable three-star hotel and our first dinner will be together.

Dinner included.

Day 2 – Bike through the Iblei countryside (34 miles/55 kilometers)

This wonderful ride takes you on a northern route that will give you a taste of authentic Sicily. Bike through the Catania province along the Iblei mountains, through citrus groves and along rolling hills to our comfortable hotel near the town of Vizzini.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 3 – Bike to Noto, the capital of Baroque architecture (44 miles/71 kilometers)

Today bike from the higher plateaus of the Iblei mountain range to the sweet town of Noto, on the coast of eastern Sicily. Along the way you will bike through the small hamlet of Testa dell-Acqua and the archeological site of Noto Antica (the ruins of old Noto before a devastating earthquake). View the ancient ruins including a castle that overlooks surrounding canyons. Tonight we will stay in Noto at a four-star hotel. We will enjoy dinner together tonight.

Breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 4 – Cycling from Noto to Syracuse (25 miles/42 km)

Cycle an easy route from Noto following the coastline to Syracuse. Enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and consider cooling off with a swim along the way. The afternoon allows for a chance to explore the city of Syracuse, built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by the Corinthians in 734 BC. We will stay in a hotel in Syracuse. Dinner is on your own tonight with many options to choose from in Syracuse.

Breakfast included today.

Day 5 – On to Taormina – no biking, optional hike of Mt Etna volcano

Today we will transfer by private shuttle to Taormina, the pearl of Sicily. For those interested in a hike of Mt Etna, we will stop along the way to Taormina. Mt Etna is spectacular as it towers over the land. It is the tallest active volcano in Europe, at almost 11,000 feet. For those not hiking Mt. Etna, you will go directly to Taormina for an interesting guided tour of the town. Tonight we will stay in a lovely three-star hotel in Taormina. Dinner is on your own tonight with many options to choose from in Taormina.

Breakfast included today.

Day 6 – Beautiful biking through Randazzo and Alcantara Gorges (28 miles/47 km)

After breakfast, we will take a private shuttle to Linguaglossa where we will begin a beautiful route through the countryside on the north side of Mt Etna. The rich colors of fall accentuate the charm of this area. Enjoy the small farms and private gardens separated by lava rock fences. Bike into the charming village of Randazzo, where we will stop at one of our favorite delicatessen shops – a great place to get pistachio products. After lunch we will experience a gentle downhill into the Alcantara Gorge; take it slow to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. We will enjoy another night in Taormina. This is the end of the tour for those joining us only for Week One. We will say farewell to them with a dinner together.

Breakfast and dinner included today.

Day 7/Day 1 – A continuation of the tour for some and we will be joined by some new faces.

No biking today. Transfer to Milazzo and a hydrofoil Vulcano Island and then to Lipari
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Milazzo and take the hydrofoil to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago north of Sicily. We will begin on Vulcano Island for a hike to the crater of the volcano with our volcanologist; an informative hike with spectacular views of the islands. We will then ferry to the island of Lipari where we will stay for three nights at a five-star hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Breakfast included today.

Day 8/Day 2 – Bike a loop of Lipari Island (16 miles/27 km)

Get to know this lovely island with a loop ride that takes us along the sea. The views are outstanding and we expect that you will enjoy this ride. Enjoy a break at our favorite place for a café or lemon granita – refreshing and well-deserved. After biking, we will enjoy a cooking class preparing our dinner. This is a great way to learn and enjoy the cooking secrets of this region.

Breakfast and dinner are included today.

Day 9/Day 3 – Bike ride on the neighboring island of Salina (14 miles/23 km)

This morning we will take a ferry to Salina for a ride of another of the Aeolian Islands. Our first stop as we bike will be the small fishing village of Lingua, located along the Roman salt marsh. Here we will stop for a granita or coffee, perhaps a tour of the local museum. We will continue biking, enjoying the amazing views of Pollara. This is the location of the little house of Pablo Neruda in the Italian movie, The Postman. We will stop along the way for a light lunch as we taste the food, capers, and olive oil of this region. We will also taste the dessert wine of this area known as Malvasia. Dinner is on your own tonight in Lipari.

Breakfast included.

Siciclando
Day 10/Day 4 – Transfer to western Sicily near ancient Segesta – No biking today.

Today no biking; we will leave the peaceful Aeolian Islands and return to Sicily, going to the western side of the island. We will take a private shuttle bus to the archaeological site of Segesta where you will walk along cobblestone paths that take you past temples and foundations of a city from long ago. Then on to our hotel – an old farm that has been restored as a hotel. We will enjoy dinner together.

Breakfast and dinner are included today.

Day 11/Day 5 – Bike to Mazara del Vallo and The Dancing Satyre
(30 miles/50km)

Enjoy one of the most beautiful rides of the tour as you bike through the gentle countryside to the charming town of Mazara del Vallo. Here we will visit the Dancing Satyre, an old bronze statue that was found on the bottom of the sea and restored. It is a worthwhile visit. Tonight we will stay in a five-star hotel near the town of Mazara del Vallo. We will enjoy dinner together at the hotel restaurant.

Breakfast and dinner are included today.

Day 12/Day 6 - Enjoy a lovely bike route inland to Selinunte (21 miles/35 km)

Today’s biking will take you along scenic routes past fields and sea to the archeological sites of Cave di Cusa and Selinunte. Cave di Cusa is an abandoned quarry that provided the tall columns of Selinunute’s majestic temple. Both sites offer interesting glimpses into the past cultures and settlements of this area. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Breakfast included today.

Day 13/Day 7 - Transfer to Palermo for a guided tour of the city and our last night together – no biking today

We will take a private shuttle to the capital of Sicily and discover its mystery and intrigue during a guided walking tour of the city. We will enjoy our final dinner together before departing tomorrow after breakfast.

Breakfast and dinner are included today.

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.

• Ragusa
• Vizzini
• Segesta
• Mazara

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.

Option 1 Tour Map

 

Option 2 Tour Map

Option 3 Tour Map

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 & 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
• Il Postino, the movie
• The Leopard, a book by Giuseppe Tomasi di  Lampedusa
• That Summer in Sicily by Marlena de Blasi
• A Sicilian Odyssey by Francine Prose

Group tour price

Option ONE:

• 4-5 people € 2280 per person
• 6-7 people € 2160 per person
• 8+ people € 1930 per person
• Single room Supplement: € 280

Option TWO:

• 4-5 people € 2880 per person
• 6-7 people € 2630 per person
• 8+ people € 2480 per person
• Single room Supplement: € 360

Option THREE: This option is approximately €700 less than the sum of option one and two.

• 4-5 people € 3980 per person
• 6-7 people € 3830 per person
• 8+ people € 3750 per person
• Single room Supplement: € 570

What’s Included in this Tour?

Option ONE:

• 7 days trip;
• 6 nights in 3 and 4star Hotels
• 6 breakfasts
• 2 picnic lunch (D3 and D6)
• 4 dinners
• Hybrid bike hire
• D2: One coordinated transfer from Catania airport to Ragusa Ibla
• D8: bus transfer from Taormina and Randazzo loop
• D5: Private shuttle to Taormina
• D5: guided walking tour in Taormina

Option TWO:

• 8 days trip;
• 7 nights in 3,4 and 5 star Hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 2 picnic lunch (D3 and D6)
• 4 dinners
• Hybrid bike hire
• D1: bus transfer from Taormina to Milazzo
• D1: hydrofoil transfer from Milazzo to Vulcano and Lipari
• D1: professional guide for the Vulcano hiking
• D2: cooking class in Lipari Island
• D3: ferry transfer from Lipari to Salina and back
• D4: hydrofoil from Lipari to Milazzo
• D4: Private Bus transfer from Milazzo to Segesta
• D4: Admission to Segesta archaeological site
• D4: private guide for Segesta archaeological site
• D6: Admission to Selinunte archaeological site
• D6: private guide for Selinunte archaeological site
• D7: Private Bus transfer from near Mazara del Vallo to Palermo
• D7: Guided walking tour in Palermo
• Detailed road book and maps
• 2 English speaking tour leader all the tour (minimum 8 pax)
• Van support all the tour

Option THREE:

• 15 days trip;
• 14 nights in 3, 4 and 5 star Hotels
• 14 breakfasts
• 4 picnic lunch (D3, D6, D9, D12)
• 8 dinners
• Hybrid bike hire
• D2: One coordinated transfer from Catania airport to Ragusa Ibla
• D8: bus transfer from Taormina and Randazzo loop
• D5: Private shuttle to Taormina
• D5: guided walking tour in Taormina
• D7: bus transfer from Taormina to Milazzo
• D7: hydrofoil transfer from Milazzo to Vulcano and Lipari
• D7: professional guide for the Vulcano hiking
• D8: cooking class in Lipari Island
• D10: ferry transfer from Lipari to Salina and back
• D11: hydrofoil from Lipari to Milazzo
• D11: Private Bus transfer from Milazzo to Segesta
• D11: Admission to Segesta archaeological site
• D11: private guide for Segesta archaeological site
• D13: Admission to Selinunte archaeological site
• D13: private guide for Selinunte archaeological site
• D14: Private Bus transfer from near Mazara del Vallo to Palermo
• D14: Guided walking tour in Palermo

The price does not include: 

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Admissions and entrance fees (when not agreed with tour operator)
• 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

Optional services not included in tour price

• Transfer from Palermo ARP to Palermo center on the arrival day
• Bike hire (with use of helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube)
• Extension of the tour (pre and post trip)
• Single occupancy accommodation
• Hiking extension on Etna volcano

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 Segesta with a bike ride to Trapani (27 miles/45 kilometers)

Begin the day with a shuttle ride to the charming 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 four 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 two 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 the visit 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. This is the 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.

• Marsala
• Trapani

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.

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 € 2570 per person
• 6-7 people € 2370 per person
• 8+ people € 2190 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
• Hydrofoil tickets on Day 5
• Fisherman boat excursion on Day 5 with lunch included
• Hybrid bike rental
• Transfer from Palermo airport to hotel
• Guided walking tour of Palermo
• Guided walking tour of Erice
• 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
• 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

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.

• Siena
• Buonconvento
• Montepulciano

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.

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 € 2220 per person
• 6-7 people € 1930 per person
• 8+ people € 1780 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
• Solo traveller (referred to Self guided option) – € 120,00

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 optionat a cost of € 1.230 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

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.

Day 2 – A beautiful bike ride from Orvieto to Sovana (36 miles/58 kilometers)
We’ll bikde directly from Orvieto to Sovana, Sovana, an amazing medieval village – inluded in the list of the most beautiful villages of Italy – . The surrounding area is outstanding – a cultivated countryside covered with vineyards and olive groves.
Along our route we’ll pass through some other nice villages.

Day 3 – Loop ride through the rolling hills of Tuscany (Sovana, Sorano, Pitigliano), with an optional extension (24 miles/40 kilometers, 44 miles/74 kilometers)
Enjoy a gentle rolling ride that takes you south to Sorano first and than to the little Jerusalem: Pitigliano. All of them are interesting medieval towns. Enjoy their 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. After our visit, we will continue to Pitigliano where a guided walking tour will introduce us to the town.

In the afternoon we’ll have a fun cooking class which will introduce us to the local cuisine and lead us through the prepartion of a traditional Tuscan dinner using regional ingredients and original techniques. Buon appetito! We will stay in Sovana again tonight.

Day 4 – To a lovely country hotel close to the medieval town of Scansano (27.6 miles/46 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.

Day 5 – A lovely bike route and an olive oil tasting (30 miles/50 kilometers)
A gentle rolling ride will take you to the nice little village of 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. Once we’ll be back to the farm we’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting along with lunch. A wonderful experience! We will spend another relaxing night at the countryside hotel.

Day 6 – An enjoyable ride through the Maremma countryside (22.2 miles/37 kilometers)
Today we’ll enjoy a gentle rolling ride near the medieval town of Capalbio. Because of the short ride we’ll have time to relax in our comfortable hotel. Light lunch included at the hotel.

Day 7 – Wonderful ride and opportunity to swim today! (32 miles/53 kilometers)
Our ride today will take us to the sea! After we ride to Capalbio, we’ll continue to the sea, along a lovely and quiet road. We’ll ride 6 km through the wonderful pine forest La Feniglia with many bays where you will have an opportunity to swim. Don’t forget your swim suit.
Our ride will stop in Orbetello where we’ll take a coordinated transfer back to the hotel.

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.

• Sovana
• Scansano
• Capalbio

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.

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

• The Lady in the Palazzo by Marlena de Blasi
  Follow Marlena de Blasi on a new journey through Italy as she and her husband, Fernando, move to Orvieto, Italy – a charming ancient city nestled in the region of Umbria (the starting point of our Siciclando bike tour).  In this book de Blasi sets out to establish herself in this new quiet place and shares how she discovers the traditions, secrets, and charm of Orvieto.  A great, light read to prepare you for your tour.
• 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 € 2350 per person
• 6-7 people € 2120 per person
• 8+ people € 1970 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,D4,D7)
• 4 lunches (D2, D3, D5, 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 back to the hotel on day 7
• 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