Biking Sicily: Sicily is like a fabulous, venerable wine. The layers of
history and culture overlap and combine in so many intriguing ways on
the island — just
like flavors in an unforgettable bottle. So many people and cultures
have passed through and colonized this land that history is in the very
air. Greek temples— better
preserved than most in Greece— compete for space between Pheonician
ruins, while Norman fortresses and Baroque cathedrals tell their own
tales of fabulous wealth and power now lost to time. And everywhere is
the luxuriant landscape: the sea dazzles below while rugged mountains
tower above, crowding the skyline. And all long the coast, sheer cliffs
plunge into azure water.
But the smells may be what you remember most... the subtle scent of the orange blossoms, the pungent tang of eucalyptus thickets... And—Dio mio!— the food! Sicilian cuisine combines the best Mediterranean traditions with a touch of North Africa. The freshest fish, the most alluring fruits and vegetables and of course, the unforgettable cannoli, made the proper way, with whipped ricotta. It's so delicious and comforting, yet exotic and inticing. We love dining at Sicily's table!
Biking Sicily: Day 1
Arrival in Palermo either by air or boat from Naples. If by boat, you will
make your way to the Palermo airport for the group pick up around 2:00
pm. (Time may vary depending on arrival times). The van will then head
to Scopello, a tiny village on the seaside in the Castellamare gulf,
at the entrance of the Zingaro park. For those interested we will hike
along the stunning coastal path of Zingaro Nature Reserve, one of the
best-protected areas of Sicily. Scopello offers a charming little hotel,
a few cafes in the enclosed courtyard of a baglio, and a fortified
farmhouse, now transformed into private residences. Be sure to try the
famous pane
cunzato, a traditional local bread cooked in a wood oven and filled
with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, oregano, basil, sardines and fresh cheese...
all of local specialties. A welcome dinner with Cinzia, our host, will
initiate us to the week of gastronomic delights to come. Lodging: Tenute
Plaia Farm
Day 2 (64km)
Today is a challenging day of cycling, but its rewards are great as we
try to take in the breathtaking views. (And not to worry, the van is always
nearby for that quick shuttle to the top of the hill). During our ride
we will enter the archaeological site of Segesta, which dates back to 600
BC. Words can't do justice to the place's beauty the golden stone of
the temple shining in the sun and the peace of the landscape of soft hills.
We end the day in the medieval hilltop town of Erice, one of Sicily's most
enchanting and ancient towns. With its thrilling mountaintop setting, cobbled
streets and beautiful churches, as well as its many historical sites, you
could spend weeks uncovering all its secrets. For dinner, Carmelo, our
vivacious innkeeper and chef, will awe us with his interpretations of regional
specialities. Lodging: Hotel Elimo, Erice
Day 3 (61 km )
Today is an easier ride, beginning with a glorious descent towards the
sea. The road passes by a saline where salt is extracted from
the seawater. The fishing boats and windmills lining the route are characteristic
of the area of the island. We will cycle by Mozia, an island with an ancient
castle and palm trees and famed for its couscous, and spend the night near
the old centre of Marsala after enjoying a meal of the freshest fish. Be
sure to sample the world-renowned Marsala wine, a rival to Port. Lodging:
Villa Favorita, Marsala
Day 4 (68 km)
A completely flat day through a countryside striped with vineyards and
finally finishing along the coast. A detour to the Cusa caves—a quarry
from which the Greeks took the stones for the Selinunte temples— may
be in order before we reach Selinunte itself: the cluster of age-old columns
stark against the setting sun is unforgettable. The day has a magical ending
in the seaside town of Marinella, with a visit to the dunes and estuary
of the River Belice. A short stroll from our inn will have us lounging
in comfort as we enjoy a well earned cocktail and watch the setting sun
glimmer over the ocean. Lodging: Hotel Admento, Selinunte
Day 5 (65 km)
Today's ride is a challenge. We leave the coast and make our way along
the mountain ridges to enter the secluded heart of the island. Mythical
names and stunning scenery, cradle of the Mafia and set to many famous
movies— most notably Franco Zefferelli’s The Godfather— all
await us today. We will pass through the Poggioreale Ruins, where a 1968
earthquake left the town in rubble. Our destination for the evening is
a secluded haven with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It
will more than make up for the hills of the day, and we'll all be well
rewarded for our hard work with a sumptuous meal prepared by Paolo and
his wife. Lodging: Rocca dei Capperi, Contessa Entellina
Day 6 (67 km)
A short uphill, then— ahhhhh!— downhill at last, winding our
way through the lush valley. Today’s ride is a study in landscape
diversity as we make our way along barren summits and through luxuriant
valleys. Our destination today is a masseria overlooking the breathtaking
Scanzano Valley and Rocca Busambra, one of the highest points in Sicily.
Masseria Rossella is named after the roses that grow in this part of the
island and the seclusion and comfort of our lodge (not to mention the pampering
we receive!) will have us all longing to stay. Lodging: Masseria Rossella,
Piana degli Albanesi
Day 7 (35 km )
Today we have payback as the ride is almost totally downhill; finally bringing
us back to civilization, in the form of Monreale. An Old Sicilian
saying goes, “anyone who comes to Sicily without seeing Monreale
arrives a donkey and leaves as an ass”. The
splendid cathedral here is among
Italy's most sumptuous, pure shining gold— what
a way to end the day! We’ll spend our last night in this hilltop
town and enjoy our final dinner prepared in true Sicilian style, in the
private home of a wonderful cook. This is the only evening meal that our
clients must pay for on the Sicily tour. Make sure you save room for their
famous cannoli; truly the best in all of Italy. Lodging: Hotel Carrubbella,
Monreale
Day 8
After our farewell breakfast, reminiscing about the past week, you
might head off homeward, or perhaps you've made plans
to further explore Palermo. We wish you the best in your journeys
and look forward to the time when our paths will cross again. We’ll
be sad to see you go, but happy to have made new friends!
2008 Season
Featured Departure: April 20-27
See also our guided and self-guided tours of Sicily
Prices
$2995 CDN (per person, based on double occupancy)
American rates are dependent upon the exchange rate
Hybrid bike rental: $225 Cdn
Inclusions
• 7 nights' accommodation
• 6 dinners, 7 breakfasts, one lunch
• support van with snacks and refreshments
• guide
• first day transfer to Scopello
• detailed road book and maps
