Italy: Western Sicily Bike Tour

DAY 1:

Arrival in Palermo.

Your tour begins in Palermo this evening. If you wish, arrive early to explore Palermo independently before meeting your tour mates and guides over dinner (guided tours only).

Meal Inclusions: Dinner.

DAY 2:

Transfer 1 ½ hour Palermo to Trapani then cycle ~39km to Marsala.

Start with a morning transfer from Palermo to Trapani where you will begin your bike ride towards Marsala. After a quick espresso and cannoli, you’ll cycle past the ancient salt pans at Saline di Trapani, in use since 700BC. After a picnic lunch, continue along toward the Island of Mozia, which held a significant Carthaginian fortress and bustling commercial colony. Once back on the Sicilian mainland, continue through Stagnone Nature reserve and finish the day in Marsala, home to the famous Marsala Wine and the starting point for Guiseppe Garibaldi’s famous Expedition of the Thousand march that led to Italian reunification.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3:

Marsala to Marinella di Selinunte ~72km.

From Marsala you will head along the coastline, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Bring your swimmers and have a dip! Stop for a late lunch at the hamlet of Torretta Granitola, before continuing on to the archaeological park of Selinunte where five Ancient Greek temples await your arrival. Finish the day in the quaint fishing village of Marinella di Selinunte, and dine at a local family-owned fish restaurant.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4:

Marinella di Selinunte to Seccagrande ~82km.

Today you will cycle along the Sicilian Riviera, winding through small fishing villages and vineyards and stopping for lunch at the Reserve Naturale di Capo San Marco, famous for its magnificent panorama and sandy beaches. Continue through the riviera town of Sciaccia, home to the most ancient Carnevale celebration in Sicily. Optional transfer to the nearby village of Montallegro. Enjoy a well-earned local wine, this is your longest day of cycling.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5:

Seccagrande to Aragona ~50km of cycling, two transfers of 30 minutes.

This day combines two of the trip highlights with a morning hill “teaser” for your final day. Leave Montallegro and continue back towards the coast towards the Scale dei Turchi (the Turk’s staircase), white chalk cliffs, with a natural staircase which offered easy access to the surrounding villages to Turkish pirates. This site was made famous by the much-feted Inspector Montalbano television series. After a delicious picnic, transfer by van to the UNESCO world heritage site the Valley of the Temples, the most outstanding example of intact ancient Greek architecture outside of Greece, and a demonstration of the riches and power the Sicilian Greek colonies held. After your visit, transfer by van to the hill town of Aragona for your hotel.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 6:

Aragona to Sutera ~43km.

Cycle inland on part of the Magna Via Francigena, a famous pilgrim route which has recently been reopened following route refurbishment. The pilgrimage crosses the island from Palermo to Agrigento and was a crusader route to the Holy Lands. Experience authentic inland Sicilian life in the towns of Racalmuto and Milena, going along verdant valleys where the last generation of Sicilian shepherds still herd their flocks by foot. Finish in the town of Sutera, which is the only town in Sicily to be awarded the Bandiera Arancione by the Italian Touring Club. Looming over the town is the Mount San Paolino which on clear days grants views of Mount Etna. Transfer back to Aragona at days end.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 7:

Transfer to Palermo.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred about 2 ¼ hours back to Palermo arriving before noon.