Italy Self Guided Biking / Sicily

Tour Dates: March 1 – July 15
and September 1 – November 30

The views change daily in this uncrowded, enchanted landscape.  As you travel through the least densely populated part of Western Sicily, you will be amazed at the many architectural styles, from the imposing Elymian and Greek ruins in Segesta and Selinunte to the narrow winding medieval streets and exuberant Baroque churches in towns. The juxtaposition of colors, constantly changing according by the season, is one of the most outstanding qualities of western Sicily.

The sea is a predominant feature, having many shades of green, turquoise and blue which may sharply contrast with the crisp whiteness of the salt marshes. A warm sun makes everything glow and dazzle. In the backcountry, the greens yellows and browns characterize the seemingly infinite sequence of rolling hills, dotted with buildings soft-coloured in whites, ivories yellows and greys in accordance to the materials and the age of construction.

The sun and soil both contribute to the excellence of Sicilian food and wine through the vivid colors and tastes it gives to the fresh local vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, zucchini, olives, oranges and capers. Add to this a huge variety of cheeses, and fresh succulent fish meals. Also, the enormous selection of almond-based desserts is something you will definitely want to sample.

2024 prices: €1780 Euros / per person double occupancy

Single Supplement: €250 Euros
Bike Rentals: Hybrid Bike / €170 Euros, Road Bike / €300 Euros, Electric Bike / €300 Euros
Price Includes:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 nights hotel
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners
  • luggage transfers
  • GPS with pre-load routes (1 per couple people)
  • Transfers from Palermo Airport at the start of tour and end of tour
  • trip information package that includes maps, route descriptions, and suggested sights to visit, emergency phone numbers for our Italian staff support
Price Does Not Include:

International flights, bike rentals & 3 dinners, beverages, optional extra night in Castellammare

Tour Difficulty

Daily rides are between 30 to 65 km

  • Difficulty: Moderately Hilly
  • Road Conditions: Smooth & Paved
  • Recommended Bike: Hybrid, Electric or Road bikes

Tour Highlights

  • Enchanted Landscapes
  • Archaeological treasures
  • Outstanding cuisine
  • Scenic Coast

“I can’t thank you enough for the great care you took of our group in Italy.  The accommodations, food, routes and even the weather (how did you do the weather?) surpassed anything that I could imagine.”

~ Steve S.

Itinerary

Days 1 – Erice

From Palermo airport a private transfer will take you 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.

Day 2 – Erice to Marsala (60 km)

Today your trip begins with 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 has been cultivated according to ancient methods. Along the way you can stop and visit one of the windmills and the salt museum. From this location you can also take an excursion to the island of Mozia, where is an interesting museum, just 10min away by boat. An optional wine tasting can be arranged in advance in Marsala.

Day 3 – Marsala – Vigneto (near Menfi) (64 km)

This is the longest ride of the trip, but it is easy rolling terrain with some stretches by the sea. It takes you to a nice and comfortable resort with a pool and spa, plus the beautiful, sandy beaches that are only a few miles away. This is an oasis and an excellent base for your next two nights. Dinner is included at the hotel this night.

Day 4 – Vigneto loop ride to Selinunte (60 km)

You will ride 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. The ride is lovely and you’ll have plenty of time to explore this amazing site before returning to your hotel. Dinner is included.

Day 5 – Vigneto – Sambuca Di Sicilia (40 km)

The ride takes you through the fertile valley of the Belice River, which runs along the provinces of Palermo, Agrigento, and Trapani. The area is sadly known from 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 is near Sambuca Di Sicilia, in a comfortable country hotel .

Day 6 – Sambuca Di Sicilia – Sirignano (50 km)

The trips continues inland, with some great views on the interior of the island. The accommodation for this night is an agriturismo and their main production is wine. Guided tour of the winery is available on request. Dinner is included at the agriturismo this night

Day 7 – Sirignano – Segesta – Castellammare – 40 km

The last ride of the trip takes you to the archaeological site of Segesta, the magnificent 2,500-year-old Greek temple still intact. After the visit you’ll continue your ride to your accommodation for the day which overlooks the sea.

Day 8 – Palermo

Your tour ends after breakfast. We will transfer you to the Palermo airport. Or you might enjoy an optional extra night.

Optional Extra night in Castellammare, Day 8: Castellemarre – Scopello – Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro – Castellamare (25 km by bike and up to 14 km on hiking trail)

You will begin with a 12 km ride to the lovely hamlet of Scopello. You might enjoy spending some time in town before continuing to the end of the road where you’ll begin walking in the Zingaro Reserve. This is an out and back walk, so you can choose the distance you would like to walk. This is your chance to walk along the most beautiful stretch of coast of Sicily. You will have the chance to swim in every bay you fancy and to visit the several museums scattered along the main path, telling you about the unique landscape you are exploring and its ancient traditions. Then, you will return by bike to Castellammare.

Optional Day 9 – Palermo

Your tour ends after breakfast. We will transfer you to the Palermo airport.