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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

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

• Semproniano
• 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

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

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 1870 per person
• 6-7 people € 1635 per person
• 8+ people € 1465 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Road bike rental €175.00 which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Single occupancy for hotels € 240.00

Included

• 8 day tour
• 7 nights lodging in four comfortable hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners (D1,D3,D5,D7)
• 4 lunches (D2, D3, D6, D7)
• Olive oil tasting
• Walking tour of Orvieto (D1)
• Walking tour of Pitigliano (D3)
• 1 cooking class (D3)
• Wine tasting (D3)
• 1 massage at the spa
• Coordinated transfer IN (from Orvieto to Semproniano)
• Coordinated transfer back to the hotel on day 3
• Coordinated transfer back to the hotel on day 4
• One English speaking tour leader
• Van support throughout the tour

Not included

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Admission fees not mentioned above
• Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
• Gratuity of Tour Leader(s)

Self-guided option

This tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

TM

Day 1 – Welcome to Sardinia!

Following arrival in Cagliari we make the short transfer to your accommodation in the village of Nebida. The rest of the day is spent organizing bikes and going through the route notes – making sure all is well for your bike tour of Sardinia. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 2 – From Nebida to Calasetta – 17.4 miles/28 kilometers + optional 6.2 miles/10 kilometers on Carloforte Island

From Nebida start your trip with a great ride along the coast, leaving the rugged limestone and heading towards the lower lands and the Islands of St Pietro and St Antioco. You have a chance to give your legs a rest as you catch a ferry across to the island of St Pietro. Here the landscape and the culture are yet again different from what you have experienced so far. Carloforte was founded by the coral fishers of Genoa, who moved here from Tunisia where they had lived since the middle of the 16th century. This influence is felt in the architecture of the islands as well as the cuisine.  With its pastel-coloured houses set along narrow cobbled lanes it makes an interesting place to explore, stopping for a fine meal at one of the town’s good fish restaurants. The island is in fact well known for its fishing community, in particular the fishing of tuna.  Since ancient times, fishermen have awaited the arrival of schools of tuna that stream by along the same route, not far from the islands. Another short journey on a ferry will take you across to the island of St Antioco, where a short ride will take you to the town itself. Your accommodation for the night is in a delightful hotel on the coast. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 3 – Exploring St Antioco Island – 28 miles/45 kilometers

Today it is dedicated to exploring the island of St Antioco. Riding along the coast, you reach St Antioco itself. It is worth spending a few hours to wander and visit some of the hidden archaeological sites of this ancient town. The development of the area in fact goes back to the Nuragic times, but truly thrived only when the Phoenicians founded it as “Sulcis” in 259 BC. Worth a visit is the Punic Necropolis and Thophet, as well as the Catacombs below the Church of St Antioco. Traveling south along the quiet roads, you will discover the rugged coastline and remote sandy coves that make this island unique. Your hotel is back at Calasetta. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 4  – From Calasetta to Teulada  – 29.8 miles/48 kilometers

Leaving the island across the bay of Palmas, you’ll be able to see a number of birds, including pink Flamingos. As we cycle on towards the Sulcis mountains, we pass agricultural land and scattered farms in the communities of Masainas. A short detour takes us to the stunning beach of Porto Pino. Here we have time to explore the little fishing hamlet and spend some time on the beach. Moving on, the landscape turns to hills and you will arrive at your next accommodation outside Teulada. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included today.

Day 5 – Biking Teulada to Santadi – 31.1 miles/50 kilometers

Leaving the Agriturismo we first head into Teulada, on the foothills of the Sulcis Mountains. From here we gradually climb past some remote farming hamlets. As you cycle past vineyard after vineyard, it will become obvious that you are entering the wine region of Santadi wines. Not far from here, we will visit the Caves of Is Zuddas with its varied chambers of limestone formations including stalactites and aragonites that are beautiful and unique. We stop for some wine tasting before riding on to Giba and the rolling fertile fields towards St Anna Arresi. Accommodation is at the same Agriturismo with another taste of excellent Sardinian food and wine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are again included.

Day 6 – An exciting ride from Teulada to Pula- 28.6 miles/46 kilometers

Today offers some great cycling along a roller coaster road towards Pula, your next destination for this trip. The Costa del Sud is a wonderful route of twisting, turning road above rugged cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea. There are many outlook points and small sandy coves to stop and enjoy the sea. Cala Tuerredda is one of the most stunning beaches along this coast, protected by two promontories. From here the road climbs away from the coast, dropping back toward the long sandy beach of Chia. A short detour to the right will take you to Chia tower, worth a visit for its spectacular view of Chia beach and the islands. The next section of biking follows the main road north, along a quiet coastal road, finally reaching the little town of Pula. The excellent Gelateria in the main town square, which serves homemade ice-cream, is a well deserved treat and reward after this today’s journey. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 7 – Biking Pula to Nora – 15.5 miles/25 kilometers

Our last day of biking allows us to enjoy the area around Pula. We first bike down toward the coast, where we will explore the interesting Roman ruins of Nora, set in a stunning little bay. In 238 BC the Carthaginians ceded Sardinia to the Romans, who made it their province. Nora became the most important Phoenician town, and capital of the Roman province. Due to Saracen raids, the people were forced to move inland and Nora gradually fell into ruins. Today, it is an impressive site of the Carthaginian city with the Temple of Tanit, the goddess of fertility. From the Roman times you can see the ancient baths decorated with mosaics, paved roads, sewage systems and palaces. Riding on, we follow the coastline, biking past stunning beaches. Our return journey to Pula takes us through the tomato growing area of St Margherita di Pula. Breakfast, lunch, and a farewell dinner are included today.

Day 8 – Departure Day

After breakfast (which is included), you will be transferred to the airport/departure and end of our services. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

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.

• Calasetta
• Teulada
• Pula

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

With an average daily distance of 48 km and climb of 478 m, we classify this tour as moderate plus. Days 1, 4 and 5 are easy with a climb below 230 m, day 6 is moderate (climb 550 m). The two hardest days are 2 and 3 with an overall climb of 1050 and 700 m respectively.

Over 90% of the total distance develops on secondary paved roads with very limited motorized traffic. The rest is on compact unpaved roads.

Why This Tour

All islands have a peculiar fascination, and Sardinia is no exception. Lying a little less than 200km from the Italian mainland and at same distance from the Tunisian coast, Sardinia is often a pleasant surprise to the curious traveller.

The tour develops in the fascinating South-West of the island, an area formerly interested by mining activity that has kept mass tourism away. Nowadays mining has stopped leaving unspoilt beaches and a glorious undeveloped coastline to enjoy during this week long “Off the beaten track” bike tour.

You will find at least one beautiful pristine beach every day and also dramatic cliffs and numerous lagoons which accounts for a rich diversity of wildlife, as do the forested mountains and the wild macchia that carpets the interior.

The sand dunes of Piscinas (some of the highest in Europe), the imposing rock of Pan di Zucchero and the Costa del Sud are just some of the scenic highlights of this tour.

The Phoenician and Roman settlements of Tharros, Sant’Antioco and Nora are a must for those interested in archaeology.

Travel Notes

The reference airport for the tour is Cagliari. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals from London to Sardinia.

Easyjet flies daily from London Luton to Cagliari and Ryan air offers a daily connection (two flights from April to October) from Stansted to Alghero in Northern Sardinia.

A dedicated bus service operates the route Alghero airport-Oristano-Cagliari. The bus leaves the airport half hour after the flight has landed. If the flight is late, the bus waits for the flight arrival. On arrival, you should take the bus down to Oristano. At the end of the tour, the same bus will take you from Cagliari to Alghero airport.

More expensive alternatives to low-cost carriers are BA or Alitalia. They don’t fly direct and it is necessary to change in Rome or Milan.

Group tour price

• 6-7 people € 1390 per person
• 8+ people € 1290 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional fees:

• Hybrid bike hire (with use of helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube) € 100,00
• Any extra day hybrid bike hire € 15,00
• Road bike hire (with use of helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube) € 175,00
• Any extra day road bike hire € 25,00
• Single occupancy accommodation € 140,00
• Single traveler extra charge. It includes the single occupancy accommodation € 220,00
• Additional night/s in Cagliari per person € 50,00 to € 80,00, according to the B&B and Hotel
• Additional night/s in Pula – per person € 45
• Additional transfer of clients during the self-guided Biking that is not already included in the price, € 50 to € 120 according to the distance

Services included in the group guided tour:

• 7 nights accommodation on double occupancy basis (2 Agriturismo and 5 three star hotels)
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners wine included
• 6 buffet style picnic lunches + snacks and fruit
• Arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to Montevecchio
• Departure transfer: from Pula to Cagliari airport
• One English speaking guide on the bike
• One support vehicle and driver – luggage transfer
• Maps provided

Self-guided option

This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1.150 per person. This option includes:

• 7 nights accommodation on double occupancy basis (3 Agriturismo and 4 three star hotels)
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners wine included
• Arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to Montevecchio
• Departure transfer: from Pula to Cagliari airport
• Luggage transfers
• Maps and road book provided
• If hiring bikes- panniers and bike kit

Services not included (same for self-guided and group guided):

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Admissions and entrance fees to sites
• Expense of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
• Any items that has not been mentioned in the price inclusion part

Tour code

SAM

Day 1 – Welcome to Naples, Italy!

Arrive on your own in Naples. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city in the afternoon (3:00 p.m.).

Day 2 – Hike Mt. Vesuvius, visit to Herculaneum and private shuttle to Maratea

Today, before we leave Naples, we’ll enjoy a gentle hike of Mount Vesuvius volcano with our volcanologist to guide you. Onto the archaeological site of Herculaneum for a guided tour of this city devastated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This day will offer a glimpse into the culture 1,000 years ago. A unique opportunity.

We will coordinate your transport to Maratea, where we will begin the biking portion of the tour.

Day 3 – Biking to Palinuro (33.12 miles/55.2 kilometers)

A mostly gentle ride, with some climbs along the coast at first and then later inland. Our bike route will take you to Palinuro. This first section of the ride will give you a beautiful view of the Gulf of Policastro. Then we cycle inland, around the eastern part of Mount Bulgheria, an impressive block of limestone. We’ll pass a number of charming villages and will have time to enjoy an Italian coffee or cappuccino. Then we’ll reach the entrance of the Mingardo Canyon, dominated by the abandoned village of San Severino. Soon after we’ll ride downhill to Palinuro, nestled in a dramatic and beautiful seaside setting.

Day 4 – Boat excursion and bike ride to the farm (19.95 miles/33.25 kilometers)

This day starts with a boat excursion to enjoy some of the grottoes and perhaps… a swim.

After the boat trip you will bike to Pisciotta and Ascea.

Some stretches include a climb that will take you in land. Here we will be stay in a comfortable agriturismo inn with an olive field (olive oil and wine are produced here).

Day 5 – Two options: Bike loop rides of Cilento National Park or the Campania countryside – (12.69 miles/21.25 kilometers for the short loop or 49.08 miles/81.8 kilometers for the long loop)

Today you have a choice of a bike loops.

The longer one will allow you to enjoy some little towns inside of the Cilento National Park. Along the loop you’ll bike along one of the finest coasts of Italy with alternating views of the charming seaside and medieval villages. We’ll have some superb views overlooking both the southern coast, towards Palinuro, as well as the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. As we get to Acciaroli, we can stop for a coffee in this little sea village where Earnest Hemingway spent so much time.

The shorter bike loop will take you along a quiet secondary road close to the farm. You’ll pass through some small villages and will enjoy large views of the valleys. This is the perfect choice if you want to ride a bit and enjoy some time at the farm too.

Day 6 – Bike the ‘heart of the Cilento’ and visit ancient Paestum (43.25 miles/72.1 kilometers)

The bike ride today will take us to Paestum. We’ll begin with a climb and will pass through small villages such as Moio della Civitella, Stio, Magliano, Monteforte Cilento. The route then continues, without much climbing, through the heart of the Cilento National Park, with beautiful mountainous scenery and thick forests. Along the way we’ll have some opportunities to stop for a rest and discovery. Then the route continues along the west side of an impressive mountain chain. The next section of cycling becomes easy, almost all downhill, taking us easily to the fertile plain of Paestum.

Day 7 – Tour Paestum and the Amalfi Coast (optional 5.4 miles/9 kilometers)

We will begin the day with a guided visit to the archeological sites of Paestum. We will take a break from biking and transfer by van along the Amalfi Coast to Praiano where the next hotel is located. Along the way we will stop for lunch in Salerno, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. After lunch enjoy a tour of the Amalfi Coast by boat. If you would like to bike from Amalfi to the hotel, you may – it is approximately 5.4 miles or 9 kilometers.

Day 8: Cycling Amalfi Coast and Punta Campanella (31.7 miles/52.85 kilometers)

Today we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the dramatic ‘Strada Amalfitana’, along the Amalfi Coast. A short ride will take us to Positano, the most scenic of the villages on the coast. After Positano the coast becomes wilder and more rugged, some stretches we will climb and then take a break. We will continue onto Colli di San Pietro, a ridge that separates the Amalfi Coast from the rest of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Our loop will continue to Sorrento and towards the very end of the peninsula: Punta Campanella. Lunch will be enjoyed in Sorrento, a popular tourist area. On the way back to our hotel we’ll enjoy the sunset along the Amalfi Coast — a wonderful experience!

This is definitely one of the nicest bike rides in the world and certainly the best way to end a terrific Siciclando Bike Tour of the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park in Italy!

Day 9 – Departure Day

End of our services after breakfast. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

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.

• Maratea
• Ascea
• Praiano

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.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Level of difficulty: MODERATE

This group trip is suitable for regular bikers who are in good general physical condition. All rides are easy to moderate. For this trip we require a cycling experience. The climb to Mt.Vesuvius, at the beginning of the trip, is about 200 m uphill on a steep path. The rides have some stretches in climb that need a good experience in managing the gears and a reasonable capacity to ride on climb.The trip anyway includes several enjoyable bike rides on downhill and includes the service of the van support, which allows you to avoid the most difficult climbs. Our guide will be there when you need, and will be happy to support you.

Airflight

The reference airport for the tour is NAPLES.
Naples has an international airport which has flights arriving from throughout Italy. There are a number of low cost airlines flying into Naples including EasyJet, Air One, Air Berlin, Air Italy. Here the links of the airport website where you can get the airlines company internet address most convenient for you: NAPOLI.

Suggested Readings and Famous Writers:

• George Norman Douglas, Siren Land
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Italian Journey
• Henry James, Italian Hours

What to taste:

Don’t miss the “limoncello” in the Amalfi Coast. This is an easy and inexpensive to produce requiring only sugar, water, lemon zest, alcohol, and time to mature.

Movies:

A Good Woman film directed by Mike Barker. The screenplay by Howard Himelstein is based on the 1892 play Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde. It is the third screen version of the work, following a 1925 Ernst Lubitsch silent film and Otto Preminger’s 1949 adaptation entitled The Fan.

It Started in Naples, film directed by Melville Shavelson and produced by Jack Rose from a screenplay by Suso Cecchi d’Amico based on the story by Michael Pertwee and Jack Davies. The film stars Clark Gable, Sophia Loren, Vittorio De Sica and an Italian cast.

Peperoni ripieni e pesci in faccia, film directed by Lina Wertmüller. The film stars F. Murray Abraham, Sophia Loren.

The Talented Mr. Ripley, film directed by Anthony Minghella. It is an adaptation of the 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith, which was also filmed in 1960 as Plein Soleil. The Talented Mr. Ripley starred Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett.

Ciao, Professore! (original title Io speriamo che me la cavo, or “Me, Let’s Hope I Make It”), film directed by Lina Wertmuller. Comedy film about an elementary-school teacher from northern Italy who is sent by mistake to an impoverished town in the Naples region of southern Italy, where he must deal with vast cultural differences and teach chronically truant children who only respect violence and power.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 1990 per person
• 6-7 people € 1865 per person
• 8+ people € 1680 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• Private room – € 230 (not available for self-guided trips)
• 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.

Services Included

• 1 English-speaking trip leader
• 8 nights in double rooms: 4 nights in 4 star hotel; 1 night in 3 star hotel; 3 nights in 4 star agriturismo inn
• 8 breakfasts
• 5 dinners
• Boat trip on day 4
• Guides for Naples on day 1, Vesuvius and Herculaneum on day 2, and Paestum on day 4
• Admission to Mt. Vesuvius and Herculaneum
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Services Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites (unless specified above)
• 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 not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

AB

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 € 1590 per person
• 6-7 people € 1455 per person
• 8+ people € 1280 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options

• Private room – € 260
• Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 18 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Road Bike rental – € 175 (€ 27 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Cooking class – € 80 per person
• GPS – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts and three dinners
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
• Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1.130 per person. This option includes:

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

Tour code

TU

Day 1 – Welcome to Tuscany!

Arrive on your own in Siena. The hotel is centrally located and will make it easy to visit this very famous town and its superb square: Piazza del Campo.

Day 2 – Siena to Buonconvento (19 miles/32 km)

Today’s bike ride will take you through winding Tuscan roads. Luscious vineyards give way to the more linear cypress-crested hills of the “Crete.” Murlo is a nice little village on your way to the farm where you will spend the night. Summer months allow you to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. You may also enjoy a relaxing massage and a sauna.

Day 3 – Buonconvento Loop Ride (23 miles/38 km)

Today, a nice loop ride will allow a visit of one of the most imposing monasterys of central Italy : Monte Oliveto Maggiore with its frescoes by Luca Signorelli. Spend the night at the same farmhouse.

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

Your route today takes you towards San Quirico d’Orcia, a lovely small town with many old churches. On to Bagno Vignoni, an ancient thermal town where the main square is a steaming pool. You will spend the night in a nice hotel in Montalcino, the home land of Brunello wine.

Day 5 – Sant’Antimo Abbey Loop Ride (20 miles/34 km)

Enjoy this fortified town where you will enjoy stunning views from all directions. The descending road leads you to the beautiful and peaceful church of Sant’Antimo Abbey where you may be able to listen to Gregorian chants. Come back to Montalcino by a different road.

Day 6 – Montalcino to Pienza and Montepulciano (27 miles/45 km)

A very full day beginning with a visit to Pienza, the renaissance jewel redesigned by Pope Pio the II to become a “liveable” town. This 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.” You can stop there for a nice lunch or just for a cappuccino before continuing to Montepulciano known for its “Nobile” wine.

Day 7 – Montepulciano to Cortona (25.4 miles/40.7 km)

Today’s route meanders through vineyards and cypress crowned hills then passes the Farneta Abbey before climbing to Cortona. It is more challenging at the end of the day, but it is worth it. This little town is full of charm.

Day 8 – Departure Day

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.

• Montalcino
• Siena
• Cortona

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 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 € 1620 per person
• 6-7 people € 1450 per person
• 8+ people € 1265 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options

• Private room – € 275
• Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 18 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Road Bike rental – € 175 (€ 27 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Cooking class – € 80 per person
• GPS – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Seven nights in three-star hotels
• Seven breakfasts and three dinners
• Baggage transportation from hotel to hotel
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
• Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1125 per person. This option includes:

• Seven nights in three-star hotels
• Seven breakfasts and two dinners
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Baggage transportation from between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

TE

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

€ 1120 – currency converter

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 option at a cost of € 990 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

Day 1 – Welcome to the Apulia Tour!

Arrival to Matera is on your own. Once in Matera, you will take an afternoon tour of the UNESCO Sassi districts with one of our guides. For dinner you might look for one of the several restaurants carved out of the rock in the Sassi. Enjoy the flavors of regional cuisine in a unique setting. Overnight stay in Matera.

Day 2 – San Giuliano Lake and the Matera hills (22 miles/35 km)

This route will take you along a wonderful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake. Stop at the Crypt of Original Sin with the oldest frescoes in the area. Back to Matera (pedalling or by van) and a free afternoon. Dinner on your own and another night in Matera.

Day 3 – Matera to Noci (39 miles/64 km)

We will leave Matera and head east towards the coast. Enjoy the beautiful pastures along the way. Accommodations will be in Noci at a beautiful trulli hotel – an old farm converted into a lovely, comfortable hotel with a relaxing pool. Enjoy!

Day 4 – On to Alberobello and Ostuni “the White Town” (28 miles/45 km)

Our route today will take us through the charming town of Alberobello, the capital town of trullo architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a self-tour of the town, we will continue through the Selva (forest) near Fasano, then along the Adriatic Coast to Ostuni. This town is an architectural jewel commonly referred to as “the White Town” because of its white-painted walls and buildings. We will stay overnight here to allow time to explore.

Day 5 – Transfer to Lecce (relaxing day/no biking)

Today, a little bit of pampering as we transfer to the beautiful Baroque town of Lecce. Enjoy a guided walking tour where we will taste puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry). Take time, at your own pace, to continue exploring the charm of this town – with many lovely buildings and churches. Relax with a massage at our five-star hotel.

Day 6 – Bike to Otranto (26 miles/42 km)

Bike along the coast towards our final destination of Otranto. This is a charming city surrounded by walls that protected the people and a castle. Be sure to visit the cathedral, a Romanesque-style building with mysterious mosaics. Overnight stay in Otranto.

Day 7 – Loop ride: Otranto – Porto Badisco –S. Cesarea – Otranto (22 miles/35 km)

Our sunny bike route will take you to the wild, eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. It is a unique place where Turks and Greeks landed centuries ago. We will visit the Caves of Zinzulusa, stunning caves that face the clear waters of the Ionian Sea. The caves are known for unusual, twisted, limestone formations that hang from the ceiling. Back to Otranto for our final night and a farewell dinner together.

Day 8 – Departure Day

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.

• Matera
• Ostuni
• Otranto

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

Apulia is flat. The only ascents you will find are getting in Matera, but just for few km. The roads are not busy (sometimes just near every village). These are old roads only used by local people and peasant. You will find some traffic around Lecce and Matera only.

Why this tour

The tour is an opportunity to enjoy the UNESCO heritage sites of Matera, with its Sassi district, and Alberobello, with the trulli houses. History and architecture are unique in every village, and landscape is typical of Southern Italy, with fortified farmhouses, olive groves, golden fields and the gorgeous coast around Otranto.

Travel notes

The reference airport for the tour is Bari. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals to Bari.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 1655 per person
• 6-7 people € 1485 per person
• 8+ people € 1325 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 100 (effective July 1– August 31)
• Private room – € 265
• Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• GPS rental – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC
• Visit the Crypt of Original Sin – € 8 per person
• Transfer rates per person (2 person minimum)
  • Bari airport-Matera: € 45
  • Otranto-Bari airport: € 200 (up to 6 people)
  • All extra transfer (between the hotels) requested: € 30

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Seven nights in double rooms, six nights in a 3 star hotel and one night in a 4 star hotel
• Seven breakfasts and one dinner
• Guided tour of Matera
• Guided tour of Lecce
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
• Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1175 per person. This option includes:

• Seven nights in double rooms, six nights in a 3 star hotel and one night in a 4 star hotel
• Seven breakfasts and one dinner
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

AP

Day 1 – Welcome to the Amalfi Coast!

Arrive on your own from Naples to Cava de’ Tirreni. Take your time exploring this charming town, nestled in a landscaped valley known as the “green gate”of the Amalfi Coast. Here you will discover its well-known Abbey of the Holy Trinity, which provided temporal and spiritual influence over southern Italy. The paths, used for centuries, linked the Abbey with the nearby town of Vietri sul Mare and with other villages on Amalfi Coast.

Day 2 – Tour of the Abbey and a gentle walk to Vietri sul Mare (3 hours)

In Cava dei Tirreni, you begin the day visiting the Abbey of the Holy Trinity (la Badia della Santissima Trinità), the Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century. Enjoy the atmosphere of this captivating place. After the visit you will enjoy an easy walk through chestnut woods, along paved pathways and steps arriving at the first jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare, well-known for its pottery and ceramics. Every building here, from the fruit store to the town hall, is decorated with fine painted tiles. This walk gives the perfect introduction to the Amalfi Coast with views of the azure sea and green mountains.

Day 3 – The town of Amalfi (3 hours)

Taking the bus from the city center of Cava dei Tirreni you reach the Abbey and take a different path, an old mule-track used for centuries to carry goods to and from the Amalfi Coast. Following the trail, you arrive at a picturesque viewpoint. Walking along the sea you will pass by terraced lemon groves coming to a fishing village. Arrive in Amalfi by public bus during the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore this renowned coastal town, famous as an independent republic during Byzantine times and a place of great naval power.

Day 4 – Ancient paper factories and charming villages, including Ravello (5 hours)

A very scenic day starts in Amalfi with a walk that takes you into the valley of the watermills. Here are remains of the oldest paper factories in Europe, some dating from the 11th century. (Optional visit to the mill and the paper museum before continuing on the trail of this valley.) Following the path, you climb up to the tiny village of Pontone and the Torre dello Zirro, a medieval tower perched on a cliff with spectacular views of Amalfi and Atrani. Walking along an ancient flight of stairs, you reach the charming village of Ravello where you can visit the scenic gardens of Villa Cimbrone, with one of the best viewpoints of the Amalfi Coast, including the stunning 13th-century Villa Rufolo.

Then you leave Ravello on foot and reach the village of Atrani with its small narrow streets. Back to Amalfi in the late afternoon.

Day 5 – Free day or an optional walking tour of Capri (3.5 hours)

A free day or an optional walking tour to enjoy the highlights of Capri. You take a boat to the stunning island of Capri. After passing the famous “Piazzetta” of Capri, you walk towards the impressive Roman ruins of the Villa Jovis, once Tiberius’ pleasure palace. You continue along the Arco Naturale on a coastal path until you reach the spectacular Faraglioni, the peculiar rocks jutting out of the sea. In the later part of the afternoon you have several options for exploring Capri at your own pace. You may choose to relax in the island’s chic shops or take a walk to visit the Convent of San Giacomo, dated back to the 14th century, and the Gardens of August. Return to Amalfi.

Day 6 – Churches and Valleys (5 hours)

Leaving Amalfi you take one of the oldest paved mule tracks in the area, the “Via Maestra dei Villaggi” which dates back to the 9th century. Passing the tiny villages of Lone and Vettica, you arrive at the monastery of Santa Rosa. Walking above the rocky shore, you discover some fascinating chapels including the Church of San Pancrazio. Then a descent to the fabulous fjord of Furore, with its clustered houses built into the rock. (Here a public bus can bring you directly to Praiano). Continue along the “Via dell’Amore,” leading into the green Praia Valley, before descending into the quiet village of Praiano with its old harbour.

Day 7 – The Path of the Gods (4.5 hours)

Today’s walk begins among the white washed alleys of Praiano. You ascend along a medieval pilgrim trail to the monastery of San Domenico; here the scenery is stupendous. Continue climbing, briefly you reach one of the Amalfi Coast’s most famous footpaths, the “Path of the Gods”. The views along the coast are unsurpassed. You go through an impressive valley and the mountain hamlets of Nocelle and Montepertuso. Then you descend along stone steps to reach the charming resort of Positano. Return by local bus to Praiano.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of the tour. Transfer on your own from Praiano to Naples Airport. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

This moderate self guided trip is suitable for regular hillwalkers who are in good general physical condition. The length of each day varies from three to a maximum of six hours walking.

Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individuals own perception of his or her abilities. A good general level of fitness is necessary to get the most out of your trip.

The walking is varied and interesting: there are lots of ascents and descents on stepped trails and some people will find this tiring in warm weather

Travel notes

The reference airport for the tour is Naples, which has an international airport which has flights arriving from throughout Italy. There are a number of low cost airlines flying into Naples including EasyJet, Air One, Air Berlin, Air Italy.

Group tour price

€ 1265 (minimum 8 people) – currency converter

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1 – September 30 and December 18 – January 10)
• Private room – € 265
• Transfer rates per person (2 person minimum)
  • Praiano to Napoli € 120 (3 person maximum)
  • Napoli airport to Cava dei Tirreni € 80 (3 person maximum)

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• 2 Nights in Hotel**** in Cava de Tirreni, 3 Nights in Hotel***in Amalfi & 2 Nights in Hotel**** in Praiano, all rooms with en suite bathroom
• Seven breakfasts
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Transfer Naples Airport – Hotel in Cava de’ Tirreni
• Transfer Praiano – Naples Airport

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

AW

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

€ 1235 (minimum 8 people) – currency converter

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)
• 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 option at a cost of € 960 per person. Non-Monday departures incur an additional charge of € 70.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

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

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

• 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 of

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

Travel notes

Guests arrive by air in Palermo (see Italian airlines or international airlines) and depart from Catania.

Books

• Salvatore Quasimodo, poet and writer: Ed è subito sera, Giorno dopo giorno, Dare e avere. Modica
• Gesualdo Bufalino, novelist Diceria dell’untore (the plague sower), Le menzogne della notte (Night’s lies). Comiso
• Jacopo da Lentini (sec XIII), poet. Lentini
• Vitaliano Brancati, novelist: Don Giovanni in Sicilia, Il Bell’Antonio, Paolo il caldo. Pachino

Movies

• Divorce, italian style 1961, film director: Pietro Germi. This movie It won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.
• Anni difficili 1948, film director Luigi Zampa, from the novel of Vitaliano Brancati, “II vecchio con gli stivali”
• Gente di rispetto 1975, film director Luigi Zampa, from the homonymous novel of Giuseppe Fava
• Kaos 1984, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, from several novels of Luigi Pirandello
• The star maker or best known as L’Uomo delle stelle 1995, Giuseppe Tornatore

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 2280 per person
• 6-7 people € 2130 per person
• 8+ people € 1980 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees

• Private room – € 390
• Road Bike rental – € 175
• Hiking on Mount Etna – € 90 per person
• Transfer from Palermo ARP to Palermo center on the arrival day
• Extention of the tour (pre and post trip)
• Transfer rates per person (two person minimum):
  • Palermo airport to Palermo center – € 40
  • Taormina to Catania airport – € 80

Included

• 9 days trip
• 8 nights in 3, 4 and 5 star Hotels
• 8 breakfasts
• 1 picnic lunch
• 4 dinners
• Hybrid bike rental
• D2: Coordinated transfer from Palermo to hotel near Mazara del Vallo
• D2: guided visit and wine tasting in Marsala
• D3: Admission to Selinunte archaeological site
• D3: private guide for Selinunte archaeological site
• D3: private guide for Cave di Cusa archaeological site
• D4: Admission to Segesta archaeological site
• D4: private guide for Segesta archaeological site
• D4: bus transfer from Segesta to Milazzo
• D4: hydrofoil transfer from Milazzo to Lipari island
• D5: cooking class in Lipari Island
• D6: professional guide for the Vulcano hiking
• D6: ferry transfer from Lipari to Salina
• D7: bus transfer from Milazzo to Taormina
• D8: guided walking tour with a private guide in Taormina
• D8: bus transfer from Taormina and Randazzo loop
• D7: hydrofoil from Lipari to Vulcano for hiking and then to Milazzo
• Detailed road book and maps
• 1 English speaking tour leader for all the tour (4 – 7 people) – 2 English speaking tour leaders all the tour (minimum 8 people)
• Van support all the tour

Not included

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Admissions and entrance fees (when not agreed with tour operator)
• Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
• Gratuity to Tour Leader/s
• Expense of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
• Any items that has not been mentioned in the price inclusions above

Self-guided option

This tour is not available as a self-guided option.

Tour code

SI