Italy: Western Sicily Bike Tour
Seven nights; seven days of cycling through Western Sicily’s coastal and inland landscapes, combining seaside roads, rural valleys, and historic hill towns.
"The route is fabulous, taking advantage of bike paths when they are available and never requiring travel on roads that felt unsafe. The experience of the mountain villages was particularly unique and wonderful. The food was exceptional. The accommodations were simply unbelievably wonderful. The hosts were warmhearted, attentive, and so welcoming." - Jill & JoAnne
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Coastal cycling on a mountainous island, along majestic sea cliffs and dense expanses of orange and olive groves.
- Sicily’s first nature reserve at Zingaro with its coastal walk and stunning beaches.
- One of the best-preserved Greek temples at Segesta Archaeological Park.
- Migratory bird wetlands of the famous Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco.
- Exquisite regional cuisine; Cannoli, Pasta alla Norma, Arancine.
- Oldest Carthaginian settlement at Marsala.
- Ancient Greek colony of Selinunte and its acropolis.
- The beach town of Secca Grande and the hill towns of Aragona and Sutera.
- UNESCO World heritage site The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
This is a rewarding coastal and inland ride, moderate most of the time with a few gradual climbs. The route is almost entirely paved, following country roads and occasional cycle paths. Daily distances range from 30 to 80 km, with varied terrain that includes rolling hills, coastal stretches, and rural valleys. Hybrid or e-bikes are the best choices for comfort and versatility on Sicily’s mixed road surfaces.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Transfer to Scopello ~1hr; trail walk at Zingaro Nature Reserve ~7km.
- 2: Scopello to Trapani ~68km (+950m / -1000m).
- 3: Trapani to Marsala ~39km (+200m / -200m).
- 4: Marsala to Marinella di Selinunte ~81km (+500m / -500m).
- 5: Marinella di Selinunte to Montallegro ~66km (+850m / -750m).
- 6: Montallegro to Agrigento ~33km (+600m / -450m).
- 7: Sutera to Aragona ~35km (+750m / -600m).
- 8: Transfer to Palermo.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Palermo, 13:00, day one.
Finish: Palermo, 11:30, day eight.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Transfer to Scopello ~1hr; trail walk at Zingaro Nature Reserve ~7km.
Begin with a transfer from Palermo to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, where you’ll walk a 7km coastal trail lined with dwarf palms, olive trees, and Mediterranean scrub. The path offers uninterrupted views of turquoise coves and rugged cliffs. After stretching your legs, continue to Scopello and settle into your agriturismo lodging for the night.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Agriturismo Tenute Plaia, or Baglio Scopello (upgrade), Scopello.DAY 2:
Scopello to Trapani ~68km (+950m / -1000m).
Set out this morning from Scopello toward the ancient Templo di Segesta, a magnificent fifth-century Doric temple commanding panoramic views of the surrounding valley.After your visit, continue riding through rolling countryside to the coastal city of Trapani. Once there, enjoy an independent walk through the historic old town before dinner.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Badia Nuova Apart Hotel, or Hotel San Michelle, Trapani.DAY 3:
Trapani to Marsala ~39km (+200m / -200m).
Start the day with an espresso and cannoli before cycling past the ancient salt pans at Saline di Trapani, in continuous use since 700 BC. After lunch, continue along the coast toward the Island of Mozia, once a thriving Carthaginian settlement. Returning to the mainland, ride through the Stagnone Nature Reserve and finish in Marsala, renowned for its fortified wine and links to Giuseppe Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Carmine, or Viacolvento Marsala, Marsala.DAY 4:
Marsala to Marinella di Selinunte ~81km (+500m / -500m).
Follow the scenic coastline from Marsala, where long sandy beaches invite a refreshing swim. Stop for a late lunch in the seaside hamlet of Torretta Granitola, then continue to Selinunte Archaeological Park, home to five remarkable Greek temples.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Vittorio Restaurant and Beach Hotel, Porto Palo; or Case di Latomie, or Agriturismo Baglio Vecchio, Castelvetrano.DAY 5:
Marinella di Selinunte to Montallegro ~66km (+850m / -750m).
Cycle along the Sicilian Riviera, winding through vineyards and fishing villages, and passing the Riserva Naturale di Capo San Marco, known for its wide beaches and sweeping coastal views. Continue through the lively town of Sciacca, home to Sicily’s oldest Carnevale, before reaching the inland village of Montallegro.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Relais Briuccia, or Luna Minoica, Montallegro.DAY 6:
Montallegro to Agrigento ~33km (+600m / -450m).
Ride back toward the coast to the dazzling white cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi—the “Turks’ Staircase”—a natural limestone formation made famous by the Inspector Montalbano series. After a picnic lunch, continue to Agrigento and visit the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s best-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Euterpe L.H.T, or La Passeggiata di Girgenti, Agrigento.DAY 7:
Sutera to Aragona ~35km (+750m / -600m).
After breakfast, transfer toward the hilltop village of Sutera, known as “the balcony of Sicily.” On clear days, Mount Etna is visible from the summit of San Paolino. Begin your final ride through authentic inland Sicily, passing through the towns of Milena and Racalmuto, where shepherds still guide their flocks through verdant valleys. Finish in Aragona and relax at your tranquil countryside resort.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Organic Farm Resort Fontes Episcopi, or Turismo Rurale "Principe di Aragona", Aragona.DAY 8:
Transfer to Palermo.
Following breakfast, transfer approximately 2¼ hours back to Palermo, arriving before noon.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 5755 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, guide and van support, maps and route instructions, luggage handling, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, welcome briefing, maps and route instructions, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential transfers, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1045
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Change to Gravel: C 150
Change to E-bike: C 250
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is March-May and September-October.
Sicily experiences hot, dry summers and mild variable winters and springs.
- Spring, March, April and May, averages high temperatures range from 13 to 19 °C (55 to 66 °F).
- Summer, June to August, can be quite hot, typically peaking around 25 °C (78 °F) but sometimes reaching over 30 °C (86 °F). Beaches and towns can be quite crowded during tourist season.
- Autumn, is the wettest time, and still quite mild, with temperatures similar to spring.
GET TO THE START
Fly into Palermo International Airport (PMO). From there, trains and buses depart regularly to the city center.
If you are arriving from elsewhere in Italy, consider overnight train service direct from Naples or Rome via Europe’s only train ferry across the Messina strait. Passenger ferry service to Palermo is offered from Genoa, Civitàvecchia, and Naples.
AFTER THE FINISH
On the morning of day seven you will be transferred back to Palermo where connections to the rest of Europe can be made via rail, air, or ferry.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
An extra day in Palermo before or after your tour. Situated at the northwestern tip of Sicily facing north into the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo is the cultural, gastronomic, and political hub of Sicily. The city has played a major role in trade of goods and ideas in the Mediterranean since settlement by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Under Phoenician rule, the city enjoyed a long period of prosperity by trade with nearby Carthaginians of north Africa before being conquered by Rome in 254 BC.
The city changed hands a number of times during the middle-ages with an extended period of Arab rule in the first century, before a long string of power transfers between various European noble families, only becoming part of the kingdom of Italy in 1860 following Giuseppe Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand. This culturally diverse history is reflected in the architecture and cuisine of the city, revered within Italy for the seamless use of ingredients and cooking techniques from throughout the Mediterranean.
We recommend the following accommodations in Palermo for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
Grand Hotel et des Palmes , or; Alma Hotel
If you have several days:
Spend a week before or after you tour exploring other parts of Italy and Western Europe with a Freewheeling Adventure.