Day 1 -  Welcome to Sicily!
Arrive in Catania and transfer on your own to Milazzo where you will get settled on the boat. We will review the tour notes while enjoying a cocktail and dinner on the boat.
Dinner is included.

Day 2 – On to Lipari for a bike around the island.
Bike the perimeter of Lipari, with stunning views of the sea and nearby islands. Lipari is the largest of the seven islands with a population that pushes 20,000 in the busy season of the summer. Because of its strategic position, it became a favorite location for trade (beginning with obsidian) and a strong hold for militaries and empires of many countries over the centuries – Greeks, Etruscans, Arabs, Saracens, Normans, Spanish, and Rome.
Breakfast is included today.

Day 3 – Explore the islands of Salina and Panarea
Today we will bike around the island of Salina and along the way will enjoy a taste of the famous Malvasia wine. This will also be chance to taste and purchase a treasure of the island – capers.
Once back on the boat, we will transfer to the island of Panarea, one of the smaller islands in the chain. This charming island is home to nearly 300 residents and has caught the attention of some celebrities.
We will have wonderful dinner together.
Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 4 – Hike on Stromboli
A day off the bikes with an adventure on foot. We will hike the volcano of Stromboli – the most active volcano of the archipelago. The volcano shows signs of constant activity with mild and medium eruptions/explosions. This activity is not harmful and allows for a hike with our volcanologist to better understand the volcanoes of this region. The views from here are spectacular. Along the way we will stop for a picnic lunch.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included today.

Day 5 – Hike Vulcano’s volcano
Another hike to compare the difference between two neighboring volcanoes, although this one has not shown any activity since the late-1800′s. The Roman name for this island is the basis for the word now used in most modern European languages for volcano.
Breakfast and a picnic lunch are included.

Day 6 – Back to Sicily for a tour of Taormina
After breakfast we will transfer to Sicily and on to the lovely city of Taormina. You will become familiar with this beautiful place with a guided tour. Many shops and restaurants line the stone streets, so you can take your time shopping and eating on the way back to the hotel.
Breakfast is included today.

Day 7 – Bike the foothills of Mt. Etna
Today enjoy a beautiful route in the Randazzo region at the base of Mt Etna. You will bike through lush landscapes dotted with gardens and farms. We will take you to one of our favorite delis (owned by our friends Pippo and Letitsia) where you can choose from an array of pistachio products grown in the area. Tonight we will enjoy our last dinner together and share our favorite moments from the tour.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8 – Departure Day
After breakfast, we will end the tour. Ciao!
Breakfast is included.

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

On this trip, the accommodations are all on the boat!

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

The suggested airport for the tour is Catania, which is easily accessible by airlines from Rome, Milan and other Italian cities. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals to Catania.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

You know… Sicily and the Aeolian Islands are hilly! The tour is developed among ancient volcanoes, totally covered by vegetation and towns. The roads are continuously up and down, which provides spectacular views. For those needing a break during the ride, know that there is van support available.

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

• € 3450 per person 4-5 people
• € 3250 per person 6-7 people
• € 3150 per person 8 people

If guests do both the Amalfi Bike & Boat and the Sicily Bike & Boat (June 8 – 23, 2012 or September 14 – 29, 2012) we will give a 5% discount.

Additional options and fees

• Road bike rental €175.00
• Single Room supplement: € 1950

Services included in the tour:

• 7 nights accommodations based on double occupancy – five nights on the boat and two nights in Taormina at a 3 and 4-star hotel
• 7 breakfasts
• 2 picnic lunches
• 4 dinners included
• Daily Happy hour cocktail on the boat
• Guided tour of Taormina
• Guided tour with volcanologists on Stromboli and Vulcano
• An Italian English-speaking guide
• Overnight transfer to Milazzo for those who decide to also join the Bike & Boat Amalfi tour directly before the Bike & Boat Sicily Tour

Not included

• Airfare
• Transfers between Catania airport and Milazzo, Taormina to Catania airport

Self-guided option

This Sicily boat and bike tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

SBB

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 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 Sicily!

From Catania Airport, we will transfer you to a nicely restored railway station close to Chiaramonte Gulfi.

Day 2 – Cycling through the orange groves (27 miles/45 km)

Today you will begin the tour with a bike loop ride. You’ll bike through citrus plantations and to the small and lovely baroque towns of Buccheri, Ferla and Cassaro. Stop in one of the little bars and enjoy your cappuccino with a piece of almond cake known to the region. At the end of the ride, a relaxing walk in Anapo Valley, which is a protected area in the Iblei mountains. It includes the Necropolis of Pantalica, a fascinating archaeological site dating back to 2300 years ago, an extraordinary place.

Day 3 – Ride to Palazzolo Acreide (56km. – 34 miles)

Today a bike ride to another comfortable farm. Cycle to Ragusa and Ibla, the heart of baroque. Then you’ll climb to Balata di Modica. Finally, you’ll get to Palazzolo Acreide where you will stay for two nights. This town is another UNESCO World Heritage site in the Noto Valley.

Day 4 – Tellaro Valley and dry stone walls (38 miles/63 km)

Enjoy a circular bike route. First you’ll get to the small town of Canicattini Bagni. You’ll cycle downhill through the hidden treasures of Tellaro Valley with picturesque views passing olive plantations and dry stone walls. Bello!

Day 5 Ride to Noto (36 miles/60 km)

Today you’ll leave the quiet countryside to reach Noto, which is considered the capital city of Baroque style. You’ll ride through the towns of Solarino, Floridia and the small hamlet of Testa dell’Acqua. You’ll also bike to the archaeological site of Noto Antica where it’s possible to reach the ancient ruins via the Porta Reale gateway. This route also provides a nice overlook of the surrounding area of “cave” (canyons). A few more kilometers, almost downhill, to Noto.

Day 6 – Vendicari sandy beach and Natural Reserve (14 miles/24 km)

A short ride to Vendicari’s sandy beach and Nature Reserve for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear waters. This peaceful area is perfect for a picnic. In this little paradise you can enjoy bird-watching, as there are several migratory species coming from Africa.

Day 7 – Biking to the ancient Syracuse (23 miles/38 km)

Today you’ll cycle an easy leg from Noto to Syracuse following the coastline. You will be rewarded with wonderful views of the sea. After that you’ll have time in the afternoon to discover the historical importance of Syracuse which was built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by the Corinthians in 734 BC.

Day 8 Departure Day

Breakfast together and end of the tour. 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.

• Chiaramonte Gulfi
• Palazzolo Acreide
• Noto

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

You know… Sicily is an hilly island! The tour is developed into an ancient volcano, totally covered by vegetation and towns. The roads, continously up and down give the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view in the most ancient area of Sicily. Sometimes is rolling, sometimes you cycle on a demanding uphill with, in the mind, the next downhill! The altitude or the gradient of the road aren’t too bad and it could be a good training for everybody.

Travel notes

The reference airport for the tour is Catania. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals to 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 € 2050 per person
• 6-7 people € 1860 per person
• 8+ people € 1750 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1– August 31)
• Private room – € 270
• Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Cooking class – € 80 per person
• GPS rental – € 35 (Garmin E-Trex Venture HC)
• Guided tour of Necropoli di Pantalica – € 30
• Solo traveller (referred to Self guided option) – € 120,00
• Transfers per person (minimum two people)
  • Catania airport to Syracuse – € 35
  • Syracuse to Catania airport – € 35
  • Other transfers – € 30

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Seven nights accommodation on double occupancy basis on 3-star hotels and 3 star farm-house
• Eight breakfasts and two dinners
• One coordinated transfer from Catania ARP to Chiaramonte Gulfi
• Transfer from Anapo Valley to Chiaramonte Gulfi on day 2
• 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 € 1190 per person. This option includes:

• Private transfer from Catania ARP to Chiaramonte Gulfi
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Private transfer from Anapo Valley to Chiaramonte Gulfi on Day 2
• Seven nights accommodation on double occupancy basis on 3-star hotels and 3 star farm-house
• Seven breakfasts and two dinners
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

SM

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Arrival at Catania Airport. Transfer on your own to Syracuse-Ortigia by bus, taxi or train.

Twenty-seven centuries of history separate the origin of this city from present days. Ortigia, the little Island very close to the coast, is the ancient heart of the city. It was from Syracuse the Greek’s began colonization of Sicily. It’s delightful to wander through Ortigia with small routes leading to artisan shops. Walks along the beach are stunning with the rise of the sun or a fresh breeze in the afternoon. An overnight stay in Ortigia or in Syracuse in a three-star hotel with b&b service (close to the archaeological theatre site). Please check your voucher, more options are available.

Day 2 – Ortigia to Noto (train & bike) and from Noto to Vendicari Nature Reserve (18 miles/30 km)

Noto is universally recognized as the capital city of the baroque style. It offers a cross section of buildings that came about after the 1693 earthquake. The Spanish governor, at the time, chose to re-build the city instead of renovate damaged buildings. New aesthetic values were applied, including and above all the ostentatious nature of the political and religious powers. You will notice in Noto the imposing design of palaces and churches, classic of the baroque style, that mix with cozy, hidden courts.

On to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, famous for bird-watching of several species coming from Africa. In autumn it is possible to observe larger wading birds. Overnight stay in Noto, with dinner on your own.

Day 3 – Noto to Noto Antica by bike (16.4 miles/27.4 km)

Today a circular bike route of about thirty kilometers with as much up as down. We will reach Noto Antica. Little is known of its origins. Over the centuries its strategic position always made it the object of attention, with each successive domination adding to its cultural wealth. The Siculs, Greeks, and Arabs turned it into one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily, until the earthquake of 1693 reduced it to rubble. You can reach the ancient ruins via the Porta Reale gateway. The route overlooks the surrounding area of “cave” (canyons). Overnight stay in Noto, with dinner on your own.

Day 4 – Noto to Ragusa-Ibla (train & bike) (3 miles/5 km)

Ibla is adorned with “grinning masks” carved out of stone on the buildings. By light of day, you feel like you can almost talk to these faces. If you take a night-time stroll through the alleys and see the laughing masks of Ibla, you may feel it is all a dream.

SanGiorgio Cathedral towers overhead and watches over the town. Overnight stay in Ibla with dinner on your own.

Day 5 – Biking from Ibla to Palazzolo Acreide, on to Anapo Valley (32 miles/53 km)

Today you bike to Palazzolo Acreide, another jewel of the Val di Noto area, where the baroque is in contrast to the ancient ruins. Akrai was founded by the Siracusans in 664 BC as a strategic position overlooking the surrounding countryside and the “via Selinuntina”, the road that joined Syracuse to the coastal towns in the south of the island. Historian Tommaso Fazello discovered Akrai at the end of the 16th century. The archaeological excavations ran until the beginning of the 19th century under the direction of baron Gabriele Iudica.

Pantalica, located inside the Valle dell’Anapo (Anapo Valley), is another fascinating archaeological site with its mysterious origins dating back to 2300 years ago. You will see the Necropolis of Pantalica, the biggest in Sicily and one of the most important in the world. More than 5,000 tombs were excavated into the rock overhanging the Anapo and Calcinara Rivers. An overnight stay in the Anapo Valley in a farmhouse, dinner included.

Day 6 – Anapo Valley – your choice of options

Today a free day in the Anapo Valley with several options: relax, walk on your own, hike a nature trail with a guide, ride on the back of a donkey or take a cooking class. In the valley you can enjoy the shade trees such as Plans, Ashes and Oaks. You’ll become intoxicated by a thousand smells of this little Eden. Walk along the cold waters of the river, hike the coastal paths or perhaps along the track of the old narrow gauge railway that passed through these valleys until 1956. Overnight stay at an Anapo Valley farmhouse, dinner included.

Day 7 – Anapo Valley to Ortigia by bike (17.6 miles/29.4 km)

Our route will take us back to Ortigia by bike. Syracuse offers classical plays at the Greek Theater. If our timing is right, it is possible to tie a performance into our last day of the tour. Overnight stay in Ortigia or in Syracuse (close to the theatre archaeological site) in a three-star hotel. Please check your voucher, more options are available. Dinner is on your own.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of the tour. Back to Ortigia-Catania by bus. 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.

• Ragusa Ibla
• Anapo Valley
• Noto

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

This tour is an easy one not only because of the total distance you’ll cover along the week (ony 87 miles!), but also because of the rest days you’ll enjoy on day 4 (option ride is available anyway) and day 6. Besides: the rest day more at the beginning of the tour allows you the possibility to have a gentle beginning of your holiday. The mix with the railway is another point which gives you an opportunity to have relaxing stops from the cycling and more opportunities to share your experience with the local people.

Travel notes

The reference airport for this tour is 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 € 1970 per person
• 6-7 people € 1750 per person
• 8+ people € 1630 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1– August 31)
• Private room – € 230
• Half-board – € 135 (5 dinners, 2 dinner are already included in the standard package)
• Bike rental – € 130 (€ 18 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Cooking class – € 45 per person (included for the group tour)
• GPS rental – € 35 (Garmin E-Trex Venture HC)
• Solo traveller (referred to Self guided option) – € 120,00
• Transfer rates per person (two person minimum)
  • Catania airport to Syracuse – € 35
  • Syracuse to Catania airport – € 35
  • Noto to Ragusa Ibla – € 40
  • Extra transfers – € 30

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts and two 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 € 1230 per person.This option includes:

• Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts and three dinners
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

SE

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Arrival at Palermo Airport with a private transfer to an “agriturismo” very special: it’s located in one of the several ancient quarries the Greeks used for their temples. A place out of the time! A faboulus dinner with a very rich local food is included tonight.

Day 2 – Selinunte

 

Enjoy a visit to Selinunte, a spectacular ancient Greek temple. Relax on the sandy beach of the natural reserve area of the “Foce del Belice”. An optional relaxing ride is provided in the route notes to discover the archaeological site of Cave di Cusa. The place where the Greeks carved the rock for the Selinunte temples.

Day 3 – Selinunte/Contessa Entellina (33 miles/55 km)

Bike ride to the bio-farm where you will stay the night. Pass through the villages of Giuliana and Santa Maria del Bosco. The Castle of Giuliana, near Palermo, overlooks the Sosio volcanic valley. It is not far to the monastery of Santa Maria del Bosco.

You’ll spend the night in the country near Contessa Entellina and the archaeological site of Entella. Overnight in the farm, dinner not included tonight.

Day 4 – Cooking class or loop to Corleone (35 miles/60km)

Relax at the country house learning to prepare a delicious Sicilian meal or enjoy an optional ride to Corleone, the famous town of the Corleone “family!” Overnight at the farm with dinner included.

Day 5 – Departure Day

End of tour with a transfer to Palermo Airport. 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 hotel on this tour.

• Selinunte

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

The reference airport for this tour is Palermo, served by both Italian and international airlines and Trapani on West Sicily.

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

Self-guided tour price

€ 835  – currency converter

Additional options and fees

• Single traveler surcharge – € 179
• Private room – € 120

Included

• Transfer from Palermo Airport to hotel and back again
• Four nights, based on double occupancy
• Four breakfasts and four dinners
• Bike rental – which includes one bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• One cooking class at the 3 star bio-country house
• Detailed route information and maps

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

Tour code

BICO

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Arrival at Trapani Birgi Airport with a transfer by public transportation (public bus or taxi) to Trapani and from Trapani to Erice (by taxi, public bus or cable way). Arrangements can also be made for private transfer. Overnight in Erice at a 3-star hotel. Dinner is on your own.

Erice is located on the top of a hill that towers above Trapani. The town has a very

pleasant medieval atmosphere. In ancient times it was an important religious center for the Elymians, a population that lived in western Sicily before Greek colonization. Here they built a temple to the goddess of fertility where the Phoenicians worshiped Astarte, the Greeks Aphrodite and the Romans Venus. Erice was contended by the Syracusans and the Carthaginians until the Roman conquest in 244 BC. During the Arabian invasion it was called Gebel Hamed (Mount of Hamed). In the Twelfth Century it again gained some of the lost importance and then followed the political fate of the Island.

Day 2 – Bike loop ride to San Vito Lo Capo (42 miles/70 km)

Bike a moderate loop to San Vito Lo Capo, spend time at the protected Egadi Islands of Favignana or Levanzo or enjoy a Sicilian cooking class at the hotel. The cooking class option begins in the morning as the guests go to the market with the cook to buy what is in season. There is an additional charge for the cooking class. Overnight in the same hotel.

Day 3 – Erice/Marsala (36 miles/60 km)

Enjoy an almost flat bike ride to Marsala. The route begins with a panoramic descent from Erice and follows an interior route to me Marsala Salt Mining Reserve where you will discover the process of salt cultivation. You will then take an excursion to the island of Mozia with an archeological site of a considerable ancient civilization. The nearby museum shows some of the finds from the site which have a distinctive Egyptian influence. Other items are more Hellinic in detail.

Continue biking to Marsala where you will visit a winery. Enjoy a taste or two. Overnight in Marsala at a 3-star hotel. Dinner is on your own.

The origin of Marsala, the most populated town in the province of Trapani, dates back to 397 BC when the Greeks of Siracusa defeated Mozia. The Phoenicians, inhabitants of Mozia, found shelter in this level coastal district. They founded a city called Lilibeo with a strategic role in the area of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, it became a joining point for the exchange of goods between East and West.

Day 4 – Rest day in Marsala or optional ride to Mothia – (15 miles/20km.)

Rest day with a wine tasting at one of the largest and most famous wine producers of Sicily or a short bike ride to Mothia. Overnight in the same hotel with dinner on your own.

Day 5 – Departure Day

End of tour and departure. 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.

Coming soon.

Level of difficulty: Easy

This is an easy tour because the ride from Erice to Marsala is mostly downhill and you can really ride enjoing the view and taking a break along the way or get the hotel in Marsala and its swimming pool where speding the afternoon.Highlights include Erice, a medieval town so suggestive! A wonderful downhill to Marsala, a spectacular ride through the salt mines of Trapani, the Marsala dessert wine, bike, food, wine… only 3 days! Do you want more?

Travel notes

The reference airport for this tour is Trapani.

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

Self-guided tour price

€ 835  -  currency converter

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 150 (effective July 1– August 31)
• Single traveller surcharge – € 179
• Private room – € 120

Included

• Transfer from Trapani Airport to hotel and back again
• Four nights in three-star hotels, based on double occupancy
• Four breakfasts and two dinners
• Bike rental – which includes one bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Detailed route information and maps

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

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Transfer from Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport to a comfortable country hotel close to Trapani, in the salt marshes nature reserve of “Riserva naturale delle Saline di Trapani e Paceco”. Here you’ll receive the bikes and all the info about the tour.
According to your arrival time you could have time to get the medieval town of Erice, just on the top of the hill close to your accommodation and maybe you would take your dinner there.

Day 2 – Nubia to Segesta (27 miles/44 km)

Enjoy this first gentle rolling ride from Nubia to Segesta.
You’ll have time to spend at the archaeological site before to take your rest to another comfortable accommodation.

The Archaeological site of Segesta is one of the most important and representative in Sicily. The site is renowned for the temple, one of the most representative images of tourism in Sicily, and for the theatre that like a shell suspended in space looks towards the Gulf of Castellammare. Segesta, together with Erice and Entella, was a powerful city of the Elymians, population coming from Turkey, and was marked by several conflicts with Selinunte. During the first Punic War, under the rule of the Romans and the Greeks the town underwent periods of glory; then it was destroyed by the vandals and occupied by the Saracens and ceases to exist in the Early Middle Ages.

Day 3 – Segesta to Contessa Entellina (31 miles/50 km)

This ride will take you inland, in the heart of the Sicily, where we feel the more authentic soul of the island.
The accommodation we use here for this night is a “bio house” where everything is done according to the nature and its own rhythm.

Contessa Entellina is one of the few towns in Sicily where you’ll find the road signs in double lunguage: Italian and Albanians. This because Contessa Entellina is one of the less Greek-Albanians communities we have in Sicily after the Albanians immigrations between century XV and XVIII.

Day 4 – Contessa Entellina to Palazzo Adriano (22 miles/35 km)

Today you’ll continue to ride inland, along gentle rolling hills, towards East.

Palazzo Adriano grew as a town in its own right when a colony from Albania settled there sometimes around 1400s. The town retains much of its ancient charm, that has been able to capture celebrated filmmakers like Tornatore who here filmed scenes of his Oscar’s Nuovo Cinema Paradiso. It is dotted with interesting cultural and architectonic sites. It has two major churches, both standing on Piazza Umberto I, used by Greek and Roman Catholics.

Day 5 – Palazzo Adriano to Alia (28 miles/46 km)

This ride is another opportunity to enjoy the heart of the island: large open views on the countryside and the simple life of the small towns you’ll pass through. Today we offer you two different lengths to get your accommodation.

Alia is a small town of the Palermo province, standing 734m a.s.l. and counting some 4,200 inhabitants. It is surrounded by a number of peaks with sites of naturalistic interest, namely Monte San Calogero, Monte Cammarata, Rocca Busambra and the neighboring Madonie Mountains. Farming and, more recently, naturalistic tourism are the town’s main industries. The area has been inhabited since the Roman Age, as reveal various amphoras, coins and material discovered hereabouts. Historical records also refer to a number of Arab settlements in the area that would soon grow to hamlets.
Especially renowned is the Grotte della Gurfa site, of uncertain origin, their name deriving from Arab term for cave. The grottoes were carved out of the mainly limestone cliff and are divided into two levels with several rooms. At the entrance is the stable with a manger and a tholos, meaning a round room. It is certain that they were used as a burial place by the christians of the 4th century. Some rooms on the upper level are only accessible from outside.

Day 6 – From Alia to Cerda, in front of the Madonie National Park (31 miles/50 km)

The ride of today will start with a gentle climb. More and more openviews will allow you to have an overlooking to the sea and the hilly area around. If you have a clear day, towards East, you’ll see the cone of mount Etna. A comfortable agriturismo, a piece of Sicilian history and very close to the Madonie Park will be the accommodation for this day.

The story of this place is really the story of a whole area, with all its events and deeds involving local people and places – a microcosm that talks with us and testifies to an older Sicily, which, nonetheless, still exists today.
It is a story about men, and work, about lives lived according to the slow rhythms of nature, and according to the seasons, where the day began in the last hour of dark before dawn, and ended at the first sign of sundown.

Day 7 – From Cerda to Cefalù (49 miles/79 km)

It is no exaggeration to qualify the madonita area as a botanical garden in the heart of the Mediterranean. It is also interestingly referred to as a crossroads between three continents. In fact, over millions of years, this area has been favourable to the development of hundreds of native and exclusive species, as well as a survival ground for species native to other areas, as distant as Central and Northern Europe. The Madonie is home to over half of Sicily’s species; a figure topping 2600. The geological structure of the Madonie is also heterogeneous in many ways: structure, breadth, height, hydrological structure, exposure and climate. Its landscapes are varied and stunning, going from the snow caps on the Carbonara, second only to the Etna in Sicily, to the wonderful coastline of Cefalù.
Cefalu has a beach, winding, narrow, medieval streets, and delightful restaurants overlooking a rocky coast. All under the everpresent gaze of the Norman-Arab-Byzantine cathedral, one of the greatest churches of southern Europe. Nestled between the Madonie Mountains and the sea, Cefalù’s mountain boasts the ruins of a large fortress and an ancient Sicanian-Greek temple.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of the tour. Transfer to Palermo’s Airport is on your own. 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.

• Trapani
• Alia
• Cerda

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

Sicily is a wonderful place to bike!  Be aware that it is not a flat island! We have created a tour that begins with a gentle rolling route and gradually increases in difficulty through the tour. The leg between Nubia and Segesta on day 2 is a very enjoyable ride along softer hills. On day 3 you’ll ride another great ride along the hills of Sicily. From here you’ll be inland in a less known Sicily where the you will be surrounded by farms, huge fields of wheat, and a variety of fruit trees. The tour includes a night at Palazzo Adriano which was one of the locations for the Oscar movie “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”.  In the second part of the tour you’ll cross the Madonie Regional Park, a wonderful route, and then you’ll bike to the sea. The last night of the trip is in the wonderful Arab-Norman influenced Cefalù, famous for its lovely duomo.  Join us for this wonderful experience of Sicily.

Travel notes

The reference airport for this tour is Palermo (see Italian airlines or international airlines).

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 € 2110 per person
• 6-7 people € 1910 per person
• 8+ people € 1790 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 90 (effective July 1– August 31)
• Private room – € 270
• Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Cooking class – € 50 per person
• GPS rental – € 35 (Garmin E-Trex Venture HC)
• Solo traveller (referred to Self guided option) – € 120,00
• Transfer rates per person (two person minimum
  • Palazzo Adriano to Santo Stefano di Quisquina – € 35
  • Cefalù to Palermo ARP – € 65

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Nine nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Nine breakfasts and five dinners
• Five lunch boxes (D3; D5; D6; D7)
• 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 € 1325 per person. This option includes:

• Nine nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Nine breakfasts and five dinners
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

HIS

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

Meet in Nicolosi, also known as “the Gateway to Etna.” In the evening, a presentation of the tour and dinner. Lodging will be in the center of town, making it easy to visit the historical center and its museum of volcanoes.

Day 2 – Climb Mt. Etna

Transfer from Nicolosi to the Sapienza mountain hut at an elevation of 1990 meters. Visit the craters of the Monti Silvestri. Cross Mount Etna by mountain bike, from the south to the north slope of the mountain. A well-groomed track allows us to easily cross ancient and new lava flows and to observe the variety of landscapes that only the “highest active volcano in Europe” can offer. Arrival and lodging at an alpine lodge at 1450 meters, situated in the marvelous Linguaglossa pine forest. Rest for the tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 3 – Plains, volcanoes and Randazzo

In the morning we’ll enjoy a guided excursion of the verdant plain of the Piano Provenzana (at 1816 meters). You will visit one of nature’s most impressive theaters, an observatory over looking the lava flow of Mt. Etna. In 2001 and 2002 it had a massive eruption, one of the biggest of the century. After a look, you will descend towards the valley. Journey along the road to Randazzo, with a stop at a winery to taste wines of Etna accompanied by local “Suino Nero dei Nebrodi” salami. Arrival at our hotel in the center of the medieval town of Randazzo.

Day 4 – Nebrodi Park

Today the Nebrodi Park awaits us. The first excursion will be a visit to the small town of Floresta. Situated at 1275 meters, it is the highest town in Sicily. To reach Floresta, we will follow the upper valley of the Alcantara River nearly to its source. The specialty of the area is provola cheese, a pure cow’s milk cheese that we can purchase and taste in town. Return to Randazzo.

Day 5 – Forests and fields

Today will be challenging as we cross woods, fields and streams at high elevations — although on comfortable trails. We will meet herds of grazing cows and may also see the famous “Sanfratellana” horses, whose habitat is the Nebrodi area. This breed of horse is very docile and adaptable and is one that the Normans obtained by crossing their huge and powerful horses with the smaller, but more agile Arabian horses. Before reaching the banks of Lake Trearie (the highest in Sicily), if we have good visibility, we will be able to see the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands. From there, we will cross forests of downy oak trees and semi-wild pastures, where we may glimpse droves of Nebrodi black pigs. We’ll descend to Maniace, crossing through the territory that once belonged to Admiral Horatio Nelson and his ancestors from 1799 to 1981. Once in Miniace, we recommend a visit to the Nelson Castle and Santa Maria di Miniace, the abbey complex of Norman origins, to learn about this fascinating history. Return to Randazzo.

Day 6 – Alcantara River and Gorge

The 6th day will be a relaxing one, leaving Randazzo and heading towards the sea. We’ll travel along the banks of the Alcantara River and cross one of the best areas of production of the Rossi dell’Etna wines. After Francavilla di Sicilia, we’ll visit the marvelous Alacantara gorges, formed by the erosive forces of the river water over millions of years on the most powerful lava flow from Mt. Etna. Finally, we’ll arrive at our hotel in the Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily.

Day 7 – Peloritani Mountain Climb

Another challenging day, as we leave Giardini Naxos and climb to the crest of the Peloritani Mountain to admire the view of the Strait of Messina and main land’s region of Calabria. On the return route we’ll visit the city of Taormina and admire the beauty of its sea and its lovely island, “Isola Bella.” Return to Giardini Naxos for the night.

Day 8 – Departure Day

Our tour ends after breakfast. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

 

 

 

Level of difficulty: Moderate

The orography of the area in which the tour is taking place, is characterized by rolling hills and results in a steady stream of climbs and descents.The tour overall is considered to be one of moderate difficulty, enjoyable for cyclists who have at least a fairly good level of fitness.One of the more demanding climbs of the week is on the last day to get the top of Peloritani Mountain. Another aspect which could increase the difficulty level is the volcanic terrain on the Etna. These trails could be more difficult if they are very dry.

Travel notes

The reference airport for this tour is Catania.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 2170 per person
• 6-7 people € 1990 per person
• 8+ people € 1820 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € ? (effective July 1– September 15)
• Private room – € 120
• Single traveler surcharge – € 240
• Bike rental – € 100, which includes one bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Transfer rates per person (two person minimum)
  • Catania airport to Nicolosi (arrival day) – € 60 until 4 people
  • Giardini Naxos to Catania airport (departure day) – € 80,00 until 4 people

Included

• One English-speaking tour leader
• Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts and seven dinners
• Welcome meeting (including explanation and bike fitting)
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support. The van will be with the group all the tour except on the “Pista Altomontana” on the Etna and in some trails on Nebrodi park. Will be arranged meeting points with the guide anyway.
• Excursion with local naturalist on Day 3

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 € 1230 per person. This option includes:

• Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts and seven dinners
• Welcome meeting (including explanation and bike fitting)
• Baggage transportation from hotel to hotel
• Detailed road book and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

SD