Biking Sicily: Sicily is a world unto itself; it offers so many different stories, sights, and tastes that is would take a long time to see them all. So many peoples have dominated this land and history has seeped into the landscape. Everywhere you look: Greek temples better preserved than most of the examples in Greece; Phoenician ruins; Norman fortresses; and Baroque churches: all testify to the layers of our civilisation. That should be enough to impress anyone, but then there is the unforgettable landscape: sheer cliffs dropping into the azure Mediterranean, the rugged mountains leaning against the sky.
But the smells may be what you remember most... the subtle scent of the orange blossoms, the pungent tang of eucalyptus woods... 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!
Luckily, with all the calories you'll be burning aboard your trusty steed, you can enjoy such delicacies with impunity. Have five for breakfast with nary a care!
Biking Sicily: Day 1: Scopello
We'll meet you at the airport for the transfer to Scopello. The tour of
Sicily begins in Scopello, a tiny seaside village on the Castellamare
gulf, at the entrance of the Zingaro park. For those interested, you
can hike along the stunning coastal path of Zingaro Nature Reserve, one
of the best-protected areas in Sicily In Scopello, you'll find 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, your host, will initiate you to the week of gastronomic
delights to come. Lodging: Tenute Plaia Farm
Biking Sicily: Day 2
(64 km)
Today is a challenging day of cycling, but its rewards are great for the
views are simply breathtaking. During your ride you will enter the archaeological
site of Segesta, which dates back to 600 BC. Words can't do justice to
the beauty of the place: the golden stone of the temple shining in the
sun, and the peace of the landscape of soft hills. The day ends 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, one could spend weeks
uncovering all its secrets. For dinner, Carmelo, your vivacious innkeeper
and chef, will awe you with his interpretations of regional specialities.
Lodging: Hotel Elimo, Erice
Biking Sicily: 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. You 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
Biking Sicily: 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 you 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 your inn will leave you lounging
in comfort, enjoying a well earned cocktail while the sun glimmers and
sets over the tranquil ocean. Lodging: Hotel Admento, Selinunte
Biking Sicily: Day 5 (65 km)
Today's ride is a challenge. You will leave the coast and make your 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 you today. You will pass through the Poggioreale Ruins, where a 1968
earthquake left the town in rubble. Your destination for the evening is
a secluded haven with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It
will more than make up for the day's hills, and you'll be well rewarded
for your hard work with a sumptuous meal prepared by Paolo and his wife
at your quiet retreat. Lodging: Rocca dei Capperi, Contessa Entellina
Biking Sicily: Day 6 (67 km)
A short uphill, then— ahhhhh!— downhill at last, winding your
way through a lush valley. Today’s ride is a study in landscape diversity
as you make your way along barren summits and through luxuriant valleys.
Your 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 your lodge — not to mention
the pampering you'll receive — will have you longing to stay
another day. Lodging: Masseria Rossella, Piana degli Albanesi
Biking Sicily: Day 7 (35 km )
Today, you have payback, for 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 on a donkey and leaves as an ass”. The cathedral
here is splendid, among Italy's most sumptuous, is pure shining gold— what
a way to end the day! You’ll spend your last night in this hilltop
town on your own, so you should enjoy a final dinner prepared in true Sicilian
style. You have many good restaurants to choose from. Make sure you save
room for the famous cannoli; truly the best in all of Italy. Lodging: Hotel
Carrubbella, Monreale
Day 8
After your farewell breakfast, reminiscing about the past week, you
might head off on your own adventures, 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!
If you want to do The Myths of Sicily Bike Tour, but prefer the convenience of a guide, then we can accommodate you! As a guided tour (minimum of 4 people), the charge is $2995 Cdn per person based on double occupancy. Call our office for details, after reading our guided tour of Sicily page. It's so exciting when you do!
2008 Season
Tours are available whenever you are!
Prices
$1995 Cdn(based on double occupancy)
American rates are dependent upon exchange rates
Hybrid bike rental: $225 Cdn
Inclusions
• 6 nights' accommodation in half-board
• 1 night in a B&B
• first-day transfer, from Palermo airport to Scopello
•
luggage transfer at each change of inn
• telephone number in the unlikely event of an emergency
