Italy: Western Sicily Bike Tour

DAY 1:

Transfer to Scopello ~1 hour; trail walk at Zingaro Nature Reserve ~7km.

Start with a transfer from Palermo to the Zingaro Nature Reserve to walk a 7km coastal path with uninterrupted views of stunning coves, dwarf palms, olive trees and Mediterranean scrub. After stretching your legs, transfer to Scopello where you will be introduced to your agriturismo lodging for the night.

Meal Inclusions: Dinner.

DAY 2:

Scopello to Trapani ~68km (+950m / -1025m).

You will begin your bike ride this morning out of Scopello towards the historical landmark of Templo de Segesta. This unfinished fifth-century Doric temple is sat on a dramatic hill overlooking stunning views into the valley. After taking in the sights, continue your ride onto the ancient city of Trapani.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 3:

Trapani to Marsala ~39km (+220m / -210m).

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 4:

Marsala to Marinella di Selinunte ~72km (+475m / -380m).

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 5:

Marinella di Selinunte to Montallegro ~82km (+950m / -950m).

Today you will cycle along the Sicilian Riviera, winding through small fishing villages and vineyards and passing by 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 6:

Montallegro to Agrigento ~32km (+555m / -500m).

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, continue onto 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, continue onto your luxurious B&B in the city of Agrigento, announced as the “2025 cultural capital of Italy”.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 7:

Sutera to Aragona ~35km (+770m / -590m).

This morning you will transfer to the small agricultural borgo of Sutera, known as “the balcony of Sicily”. Looming over the town is the Mount San Paolino which on clear days grants views of Mount Etna. After a brief visit to Sutera, start riding toward Aragona, experiencing authentic inland Sicilian life in the towns of Milena and Racalmuto, going along verdant valleys where the last generation of Sicilian shepherds still herd their flocks by foot. End your ride in the town of Aragona where you will have the chance to reflect on your trip at your tranquil bio resort.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8:

Transfer to Palermo.

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