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A stunning cycle in west Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and renowned for its rich history and Baroque architecture. Slowly cycling through the western coast of Sicily you will be able to appreciate its vivid contrasts and extraordinary history. This region offers a full palette of colours: luminescent white in the salt pans, deep blue skies, emerald waters for swimming and fields full of greens and yellows. On the table each day a succession of mouth watering specialties will not disappoint you. The towns are lively and bustling while the countryside is quiet and peaceful. Some cycle days are short on purpose, leaving you plenty of time to relax and explore at your own pace.
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26kg of CO2-e PP per day
(154kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Marsala
Arrive in the town where Marsala wine comes from. Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals as they promenade on marble cobbled streets from one piazza to the next, admiring the numerous imposing baroque churches as you wander. Overnight Marsala.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Coastal ride to the Marsala salt pans and return (22.7km/14.2mi)
Head North along the coast to the spectacular Inversa salt flats, a patchwork of shallow coastal lakes lined with ancient windmills and home to many migratory birds and a small salt museum. Return to Marsala where you overnight. +-20m/66ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Transfer to Contrada Casazze, cycle to Buseto Palizzolo or Segesta (41 or 52km/25.6 or 32.5mi)
Today you have the option of cycling directly to Buseto Palizzolo or taking a morning transfer to Contrada Casazze and therefore cutting out 260m of the day's ascent. Leaving the bustling seaside town behind head inland, gradually ascending via a succession of pastures and rolling wheat covered fields. This sparsely populated, vast expanse of beautiful nature dotted with old crumbling farm houses is a joy to the eye and a pallet of contrasting colours that change with every season. Spring is ripe with the lush green wheat that turns bronze yellow in summer then ochre and brown as the fields are plowed. Our destination for the next 2 nights is a small family run farm serving wonderful home grown and locally sourced Sicilian specialties prepared by the “mamma”. +480 or 620m/1584 or 2046ft, -300m/990ft
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Greek temple of Segesta loop ride (15 or 34km/9.4 or 21.2mi)
Contouring the gentle rolling hills, ride to the archeological site of the ancient Elimian town of Segesta where, perched atop of a hill overlooking a deep canyon, an unusually well preserved though unfinished 5th century BC Doric temple stands in full glory. A pleasant walk up the hill past a series of buildings dating back to various ages takes you to the ancient Greek theatre carved into a natural rock hollow. Extend the day’s ride to the local hot springs for a dip or return to the farm to relax by the outdoor pool. Overnight Buseto Palizzolo or Segesta. +-120m or 330m/396 or 1089ft,
Day 5
Cycle to Trapani (34.5km/26.5mi)
Heading back towards the coast, wind your way through some more hills and then descend to the lively city of Trapani where you spend 2 nights. Along the way see looming high above the ancient town of Erice said to have been founded by exiled Trojans. This was also an important religious site and a famous temple dedicated to Aphrodite come Venus in Roman times allegedly stood here. Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals enjoying a stroll and people watching, through the pedestrian historic centre or head up to Erice via the cable car. +260m/860ft, -450m/1485ft
Day 6
Favignana Island loop ride (24km/31mi)
This morning a short boat ride takes you to the Island of Favignana, the largest of the 3 Aegedian Islands, set 7km off the western coast of Sicily and well known for its tuna fishing tradition. It’s a delight to cycling on the flat coastal roads bordered by the inviting turquoise colored sea. Stop for a dip in one of the many secluded coves and bays and enjoy the slow pace of life people watching on the village square. Overnight Trapani. +-40m/132ft
Day 7
Trip concludes Trapani
The trip concludes after breakfast at the hotel in Trapani.
What's included
What's not included
Our adult hybrid-bikes are equipped with comfortable seats and reliable components: They have 20 speeds and Shimano gears and brakes. All bikes are equipped with a padlock and key that must be used at all times when not riding the bike, 1 rear bag, 1 odometer every 2 bikes, repair kit (with levers, spare inner tube and pump) and phone holder. Helmets are available - must be requested at the time of booking.
An electric bike is available on request - supplement applies and must be requested.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 16 years and a minimum height requirement is 160cm / 5ft3”. Our adult electric bikes are equipped with comfortable seats and reliable components: bike brand is Winora or Giant, they have 9 speeds, Shimano gear and brakes and Yamaha engine and battery.
GRADE 2 - The cycling is graded moderate with daily cycling distances between 15 and 52km/9.3 and 32.5mi. The itinerary is mostly on low traffic side roads. Most of the tour is on the lowlands with some slightly hilly passages. A couple of days have uphill stretches without shade on the roads. It gets very hot in summer (June to mid September). As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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