Italy Guided Biking / Sicily
The Bicycle Tour of Sicily tour promises to be a tasty combination of cultures wrapped in the magic of the Mediterranean.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and we will ride a counterclockwise loop on the western side of the island. The views change daily in this uncrowded, enchanted landscape of Greek temples, hilltop castles and white sand beaches bordered by seaside cliffs. As we make our way inland to the interior of the island, we find rolling hills with broad valleys of wheat, groves of olive trees and endless vineyards buzzing with activity during the harvest.
In Sicily, the pace of life is slower and there is a real sense of tradition. Sicily’s multi-cultural past is reflected in its well preserved Greek temples, Phoenician ruins, Norman fortresses and Baroque churches found throughout the island. On the culinary side you will find fresh sea food, local produce and delightful pastries. It is also said that Sicilians make the best gelato in all of Italy, but you be the judge! This is the Italy few have seen, and we like to think of this tour as a true “diamond in the rough” for the cyclist who prefers the road less traveled with a great meal at the end of it!
2023 Price: €3600 Euros per person double occupancy
Price Includes:
- 8 nights lodging
- 8 breakfasts
- 8 dinners
- vehicle support
- luggage transfers
- Chuck and Judy Nichols will accompany this tour along with a local guide
Bike Rentals:
Electric Rental Bike: €300 euros, Road bike rental: €225 euros
Price Does Not Include:
International flights, restaurant lunches, airport transfers, beverages, Bike rentals (you may choose to bring your own bike or rent a hybrid bike rental/ €100 euros.
Tour Difficulty
Daily rides are between 60 to 70 km (36– 42 miles).
- Difficulty: Moderately Hilly
- Road Conditions: Paved
- Recommended Bike: Road bikes, hybrid bikes and electric bikes are available for this tour.
Tour Highlights
- Enchanted Landscapes
- Archeological treasures
- Outstanding Cuisine
- Scenic Coastal Riding
“I’d go again in a heartbeat! Lovely country, outstanding food, good bikes, and comfortable accommodations.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
We will coordinate a group transfer from Palermo airport to medieval Erice, one of the most beautiful old towns in Sicily. This is located on the top of a solo mountain and overlooks the flat province of Trapani. It was an important religious center for the Elymians, a population that lived in western Sicily before the Greek colonization, the same who founded Segesta. Erice is a charming village, from there you’ll get some great views overlooking the area below and the Egadi Islands. Orientation and bike fitting. Hotel in Erice
Day 2 – S Vito Lo Capo loop Return to ERICE 39 km, Elevation Gain: 320 meters (If you wanted to ride back to Erice – 39 km, Elevation gain: 1100 meters)
Your first ride is to San Vito Lo Capo, a nice seaside village renowned for its sandy beach and because it is the west gate of the Zingaro Park. In San Vito you may love to swim into the clear water at the white sandy beach and having some relaxing time before to come back to Erice. Shuttle back to the hotel, for the entire ride or part of it, is an option if you don’t want to ride back.
Day 3 – Erice to Marsala 60 km, Elevation gain: 260 meters
Today your trip includes a relaxing bike ride to Marsala. It is a mix of inland and by the coast rides. The coastline from Trapani to Marsala includes saltmarshes and windmills where salt is still cultivated according to ancient methods. Along the way we’ll stop at one of the windmills, here is a good place for lunch and there will be time to visit the salt museum for anyone who wishes.
Day 4 – Marsala to Il Vigneto 65 km, Elevation gain: 426 meters
This ride is pretty flat and includes several stretches by the sea. It takes you to a nice and comfortable resort with a pool and spa, plus the beautiful sandy beach just a few miles away. This is an excellent base for your next two nights.
Day 5 – Loop Ride – Vigneto to the magnificent ruins of Selinunte 40 km, Elevation gain: 300 meters
Our ride today takes you to Selinunte, one of the largest Greek colonies in Sicily. It was founded in the seventh century BC, and destroyed in 409 BC. Nowadays you see ruins of the majesty of the place, which are still impressive. We’ll have plenty of time to walk around and enjoy these ruins.
Day 6 – Vigneto to Rocca dei Capperi and transfer to Sirignano 45 km, Elevation gain: 811 meters
Today we’ll cross the fertile valley of the Belice River which runs along the provinces of Palermo, Agrigento, and Trapani. The ride includes a stop lunch at a farm house near Contessa Entellina and then a transfer to the wine resort. The Valle del Belice area is sadly known even because of the tremendous earthquake in January 1968. Products of the Belice Valley include DOP pecorino/sheep cheese: The Vastedda della Valle del Belice and several different olive oils. Your accommodation for the night is a comfortable agriturismo focused on the wine production.
Day 7 – Sirignano to Castellammare via ruins in Segesta 40 km, Elevation gain: 600 meters
The ride of today takes you to the seaside village of Castellammare, along the ride we’ll stop at the archaeological site of Segesta, one of the most fascinating sites of Sicily due to its magnificent 2,500-year-old Greek temple still intact. After the visit you’ll continue your ride to your accommodation for the day.
Day 8 – Sirignano to Scopello and back to Castellammare. 28 km, Elevation gain: 580 meters
Our final bike ride today takes us to the village of Scopello, which is near the “Baglio” – local name for the farms in the 15th century – and its “tonnara”. The village is close to the Zingaro Park, the first natural park of the island. It is a beautiful area that allows you an opportunity to do some walking along the spectacular Sicilian coastline. Ride back to Castellammare in the afternoon
Day 9 – END OF THE TRIP
After breakfast we will coordinate a group transfer to Palermo airport