Extreme eruptions. Extreme adventures.
The physical challenge of mountain biking is balanced with stunning glimpses of unspoiled nature — at times wild and harsh and other times rich and lush. The rides will not be particularly difficult technically, as they are all along hard-packed dirt trails. Expect rolling hills and a steady stream of climbs and descents. Some days may be more adventurous as you maneuver the volcanic terrain of Mount Etna. One of the more demanding climbs of the week is on the last day when you climb to the top of Peloritani Mountain. These trails may be more difficult if they are very dry.
The Sicilian cuisine will more than sustain you in your physical efforts and the memory of the climbs will be lost in the good wine.
- Cost
- € 1120 (group) $
€ 990 (self-guided) $ - Duration
- 8 days/7 nights
- Start/End
- Nicolosi/Giardini Naxos
- 2010 Start Dates
- May 29, June 19, September 18, October 16
Highlights of the tour
- Explore Nicolosi: the southern gateway to Etna and its museum of volcanoes
- Bike high up on the volcano, Mt. Etna, crossing ancient and recent lava flows
- Experience the lush plain of Piano Provenzana
- Discover the lunar-like landscapes of Etna and the interior landscapes of the Nebrodi Mountains
- Relax in the medieval town of Randazzo
- See the stunning view of basaltic gorges carved out by the Alcantara River
- Soak in the panoramic views from the Peloritani Mountains overlooking the Strait of Messina
- Visit the charming city of Taormina
- Enjoy Sicilian cuisine and wines
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.
- 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
