Taste of Sicily | Sicily | SicilyCyclingTours

The Grand Tour of Sicily: Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Arabs and Normans history, buildings, culture and traditions of this special island

Ancora 1

THE GRAND TOUR

Sicily is Italy’s most southern region and thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, has always been a land of conquests. Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Arabs and Normans are just some of the ancient civilizations that have influenced the history, buildings, culture and traditions of this special island.

On the West Coast we’ll see African and Arab influences, we can admire the beautiful Baroque style throughout, while on the East Coast we’ll discover Etna’s volcano, the stunning and historical city of Taormina as well as Alcantara’s Valley.

GIORNO 1

Benvenuti in Sicilia.
Arrivo a Catania, benvenuto da parte dello staff e trasferimento in hotel.
Presentazione del viaggio, assemblaggio e preparazione delle biciclette.
Drink di benvenuto.

Il nostro giro inizia nel villaggio di pescatori di Marzamemi, perfetto per le cartoline, e ci fermeremo per un pranzo a base di pasta fresca di pesce in una trattoria locale. Continueremo attraverso la bellissima regione vinicola del Nero d'Avola fino al nostro primo elegante hotel.

Pasti: pranzo / cena
Destinazioni: Portopalo, Marzamemi
Realizzato: 34 km, dislivello: 314 metri
Alloggi: Masseria della Volpe

WELCOME TO SICILY

Welcome to Sicily. Please make your own way to the Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel in Palermo. The rest of the day is yours, so take some time to explore and admire the beauty of this Sicilian capital as tomorrow we will be leaving. You may like to visit some of the city’s most famous attractions such as the Politeama Theatre, the Massimino Theatre, the Ballarò market, the archaeological museum and Monte Pellegrino with the shrine of Santa Rosalia. Tonight we’ll get together at a local restaurant and ready ourselves for our first bike ride.

Meals: Dinner

Destinations: Palermo

Accommodations: Bastione Spasimo

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

GIORNO 1

Benvenuti in Sicilia.
Arrivo a Catania, benvenuto da parte dello staff e trasferimento in hotel.
Presentazione del viaggio, assemblaggio e preparazione delle biciclette.
Drink di benvenuto.

Pasti: pranzo / cena
Destinazioni: Portopalo, Marzamemi
Realizzato: 34 km, dislivello: 314 metri
Alloggi: Masseria della Volpe

PALERMO TO TRAPANI

Our day starts with a 65 km transfer to a sandy stretch of the Sicilian coast near Castellammare del Golfo. After being fitted to our bikes we’ll cycle inland through the mountains to Segesta, a well- preserved historical site with the most impressive Doric Temple and Greek Amphitheatre. You can choose to finish the ride here and join a 2.5 hour tour of the temple (cost approx € 20). Or continue cycling for another two hours to the hotel. Our home for the next three nights is the Baglio Sorìa Resort, a 17th century building located just a few kilometres from Trapani. Built on a hillside, it overlooks the enchanting agricultural landscapes below.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Destinations: Trapani

Accomplished: 34 miles / 55 km

Accommodations: Baglio Sorìa Resort

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 3

TRAPANI & ERICE LOOP RIDE

This morning we’ll cycle to the Salt Pans of Trapani in the Paceco Nature Reserve and visit the Salt Museum to learn about the "white gold" that has driven the local economy for hundreds of years. Then you have the option to be driven to the inner-city cable car for a ride up to the medieval village of Erice. Alternatively take the slow “hard” route and ride up. Perched on a mountain, Erice is described as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. At an altitude of 700m above sea level, it overlooks Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Although Erice was founded by the Phoenicians, it developed a structure much more like Greek towns. We’ll visit the town, taste one of the famous Genovesi (a typical sweet of Erice) and admire the view. Then a beautiful descent awaits as we’ll all hop on our bikes and ride back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Light Lunch / Dinner

Destinations: Trapani / Erice

Accomplished: from 17 miles / 28 km to 30 miles / 48 km

Accommodations: Baglio Sorìa Resort

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 5

FROM TRAPANI TO NOTO

Today we’ll pass through the middle of Sicily during our 4.5 hour transfer from the West Coast to beautiful Noto, considered to be the island’s Baroque capital. Completely destroyed by the terrible earthquake of 1693, Noto was rebuilt on a new site about 10 km from the old centre. It’s now a showcase of massive churches and public buildings with stylish architectural details. Many of these are located on the main thoroughfare of Corso Vittorio Emanuele including the public gardens, Monastero del Santissimo Salvatore with its graceful tower, the inspired Palazzo Ducrezio, the Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco, the Jesuit Church and College, and Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. As are so many other places on the island, Noto is not only an open-air museum, but also an area where local delicacies are produced. Situated on the slopes of the Iblei Mountains overlooking Noto, is Baglio Genovesi, our charming accommodation for the next three nights. Relax on the large terrace and admire the views below.

Meals: Breakfast

Destinations: Noto

Accomplished: no ride day

Accommodations: Baglio Genovesi

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 7

PORTOPALO BEACH

Today’s ride begins along quiet country roads where we’ll pass many olive plantations until we reach the beautiful historic fishing village of Marzamemi. The main square is an ideal spot to stop for a coffee or ice cream, where you can also admire the traditional architecture. Next, we follow the coastal road to the beach of Lido Isola Portopalo. There will be time for a swim before lunch at the local “Plaza del Soul” restaurant. Later we will transfer back to our Baglio.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Destinations: Portopalo

Accomplished: 27 miles / 43 km

Accommodations: Baglio Genovesi

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 4

SAN VITO LO CAPO BEACH

It will take us about two hours to cycle through olive groves and vineyards to the small seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo, known for its beautiful 3 km sandy beach. Sitting in a valley between mountains and sheltered by Mount Monaco, this little village has many restaurant options for lunch. Then relax at the beach before being transferred back to the hotel later this afternoon. Today’s alternative is to spend a relaxing day at the Resort’s pool.

Meals: Breakfast

Destinations: San Vito Lo Capo

Accomplished: 26 miles / 42 km

Accommodations: Baglio Sorìa Resort

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 6

NOTO: LOOP RIDE

We’ll begin by cycling to the highest point in the Noto valley, Testa dell' Acqua, a small and old village that is now populated by only a few people. Here we’ll have a coffee break before descending (with hairpin bends) to the remains of ancient Noto which was destroyed in 1693. From Noto Antica, we’ll continue our ride on small country roads that will take us to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area. Then its downhill to Noto where there will be time to explore the two Basilicas and have lunch at a local food stall before cycling back to our accommodation. Tonight’s dinner includes a cooking class which starts mid afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Cooking Class)

Destinations: Noto

Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km

Accommodations: Baglio Genovesi

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 8

SYRACUSE TO ORTIGIA

It’s an hour’s drive to Syracuse where a guided tuk tuk tour will be waiting to show us the small alleyways and hidden corners of Ortigia. Then we’ll have some time to explore the local food market. If you are looking to go back in time to when the ancient Greeks ruled the world, Syracuse is undoubtedly the place to begin your journey as more than 2,700 years of art and history are concentrated in this extraordinary city. When the Greeks landed here in the 8th century BC, they established their colony on the small but strategically important island of Ortigia which became the central core of Syracuse. Over the centuries its buildings have been influenced by the styles of the time, not only by the ancient Greeks, but also by the Romans, Arabs and Normans. After our stop in Syracuse, we’ll transfer to Castello Di San Marco, a baroque residence situated south of Taormina. This unique 17th century castle is set in a private park, where Sicily reveals itself in all its splendour, celebrating culture, history and identity.

Meals: Breakfast

Destinations: Syracuse

Accomplished: no ride day

Accommodations: Castello di San Marco

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

GIORNO 1

Benvenuti in Sicilia.
Arrivo a Catania, benvenuto da parte dello staff e trasferimento in hotel.
Presentazione del viaggio, assemblaggio e preparazione delle biciclette.
Drink di benvenuto.

Pasti: pranzo / cena
Destinazioni: Portopalo, Marzamemi
Realizzato: 34 km, dislivello: 314 metri
Alloggi: Masseria della Volpe

GODFATHER'S LOOP RIDE

Today we’ll cycle along the coastline that connects Giardini Naxos to Taormina. It’s a beautiful ride, passing numerous caves, coves and bays until we head inland on a mostly quiet country road. After 22 km we’ll stop for coffee & ice-cream at La Pergola in Mongiuffi. There will be a few more climbs and some nice descents before we arrive in the beautiful village of Savoca. Here we’ll visit the famous and quaint Bar Vitelli, straight out of Francis Ford Coppola’s movie “The Godfather”. After lunch we’ll transfer back to our enchanting hotel for an afternoon at the pool, beach or in one of the tranquil spots waiting to be experienced.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Destinations: Giardini Naxos / Taormina / Savoca

Accomplished: 30 miles / 49 km

Accommodations: Castello di San Marco

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 11

NORTHERN ETNA

The long-awaited day has arrived where we’ll take on the highest active volcano in Europe. However you have two options this morning: 1. After a short drive to the charming town of Linguaglossa, founded on a lava stream in 1566, we start our bike ride. It’s a gradual climb through beautiful forest which you can easily manage on your e-bike. We’ll notice how the landscape changes from a tree forest to one best described as lunar, with volcanic rocks and black sand. 2. Transfer to the top of the volcano in the van where you’ll have some free time before joining the rest of the group. (Note: nobody chose to do the optional 2.5 hour 4WD crater excursion). After lunch everyone will be on their bikes for an amazing descent back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Destinations: Etna

Longer Option: 33 miles / 54 km

Accommodations: Castello di San Marco

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

GIORNO 1

Benvenuti in Sicilia.
Arrivo a Catania, benvenuto da parte dello staff e trasferimento in hotel.
Presentazione del viaggio, assemblaggio e preparazione delle biciclette.
Drink di benvenuto.

Pasti: pranzo / cena
Destinazioni: Portopalo, Marzamemi
Realizzato: 34 km, dislivello: 314 metri
Alloggi: Masseria della Volpe

FREE DAY (TRANSFER TO TAORMINA)

Have a relaxing morning before we drop you off in Taormina around midday, either at the famous beach of Isola Bella, or at the cable car which connects the upper part of Taormina with the coast. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Greco-Roman Theatre, from where you have great views towards the Calabrian Coast, the Ionian Sea and the spectacular cone of Etna. Stroll through the historic centre with its many shops, cafes and restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Destinations: Taormina

Accomplished: no ride day

Accommodations: Castello di San Marco

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates

DAY 12

ETNA'S VINEYARDS

We’ll transfer again to Linguaglossa before riding along Quota Mille Road on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. There will be evidence of the volcano's last major eruption in 2002, indicating how powerful nature can be. Then we’ll head to Maletto, the highest town in the Etna circle at 1,000m above sea level, before descending to Randazzo, a small village built with black lava stone and consequently known as “black city”. Our final cycling destination is the Tornatore Winery surrounded by the beautiful Etna landscape. Francesco Tornatore founded this winery in 2012 on the original family farm where he’d previously built a state-of-the-art winemaking facility. The estate is one of the largest and works exclusively with the native varieties of the region. A guided tour with wine tasting and lunch is included before we drive back to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Destinations: Etna’s Vineyards

Accomplished: 25 miles / 40 km

Accommodations: Castello di San Marco

Hotels may vary based on departure.

Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure Dates