Art & Culture
Sicicla
Unforgettable Sunsets over Western Sicily
Explore the wonders of Western Sicily, from magnificent architecture to delectable cuisine and wine, all against the backdrop of breathtaking Mediterranean sunsets.
Sicily
April to November
8 days/ 7 nights
Difficult: 3.0

ABSTRACT

This tour is expertly designed to showcase the architectural beauty and scenic wonders of Western Sicily, complete with an unforgettable sunset, delectable Sicilian cuisine, and wine. You’ll explore Palermo’s Arab-Norman UNESCO Heritage Sites and savor its street food, visit the historic tuna fisheries in Scopello and Favignana, and marvel at the natural beauty of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The journey includes stops at major attractions like the Segesta archaeological site, Trapani, the salt pans of Trapani/Marsala, and the charming islands of Motya and Favignana. Along the way, enjoy the famous wines of Marsala, the bustling harbor of Mazara del Vallo, and the ancient ruins and pristine beaches of Selinunte.
We are a dynamic DMC specialized in immersive sustainable bike holidays in Sicily, combining physical activities, local experiences, knowledge and care for the visited routes, its culture and local…

Tour Start 

Palermo

Tour End

Palermo

Best start day

Saturday

Tot. distance

179 mi / 288 km

DETAILS

DAILY PROGRAM

  • Day 1: Arrive in Palermo

    Arrive at the Palermo airport with private transfer to your beautiful accommodations located in the heart of Palermo's city center.

    Head to the Sicicla headquarters located near the hotel, for your bike fitting and breifing. Depending on arrival time, there's a option to visit the historic center, with its UNESCO designated Arab-Norman architecture and bustling street food markets.

    Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Sicilian trattoria, included with your tour.

    • Accommodations: Hotel Tonic*** (standard), Hotel Porta Felice Wellness Club**** (superior), or similar
    • Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2: Palermo – Scopello – Castellammare del Golfo

    After breakfast, transfer with your bike by minivan to Scopello, where the bike tour starts. From Scopello, after a brief visit to its ancient courtyard, you will ride towards the Zingaro Nature Reserve, which can be explored by foot following a 4.3 mile coastal path. Marvel at the areas vast natural beauty, from the Mediterranean flora to the sparkling sea with its endless shades of blue. Depending on weather, take dive into the water from one of the many coves that you will come across along the well-sign-posted trekking route.
    After enjoying the beauty and peace of this natural oasis, continue by bike towards Castellammare del Golfo. After about a mile you will reach the Scopello Tonnara (tuna fishery) – used as the set for scenes from “Ocean’s Twelve” as well as other popular Italian TV series. This, with its “faraglioni”, represents a quiet corner of incomparable natural charm.
    Once in Castellammare del Golfo, after checking-in to your accommodation, you can enjoy a walk in the historic center of town – with its beautiful touristic harbour.

    • Daily distance: 30 mi / 48 km
    • Elevation gain: 330 ft / 100m
    • Accommodations: Hotel Al Madarig***(standard) Marina di Petrolo Hotel & SPA****(superior), or similar
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 3: Castellammare del Golfo – Segesta - Trapani

    After breakfast, back on the bikes, for a ride on side streets in the midst of the Sicilian countryside. After a short optional break at the alluring “acque calde di Segesta” (thermal baths of Segesta), you will arrive at the Segesta Archaeological Park, where you will be able to visit two pearls of Sicily’s ancient history: the Doric-style Temple and the Theatre (partially-excavated into the hilltop). Both of these are situated right at the heart of an immensely beautiful natural landscape. Riding through the traditional, rural countryside of Western Sicily, there will be an opportunity to take a comfort break at a farm and a local wine cellar. Then you’ll arrive at Dattilo – a village famous for its “cannoli giganti” (giant cannoli sweet treats) which you will be able to sample – and finally, you’ll reach Trapani where you will settle into your accommodation for the evening.

    • Daily distance: 37 mi / 59 km
    • Elevation gain: + 2,490 ft / 759 m
    • Accommodations: Hotel Punta Tipa****(standard), Suite Hotel Room of Andrea - Palazzo Platamone**** (superior), or similar
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 4: Trapani – Erice – Trapani

    Today's round starts with an ascent to Erice, a medieval village of Elima origin located 2460 feet above sea level just outside the city of Trapani. Reach the hilltop town by cab car with your bike in tow or by bike with a challenging 4.6 mile climb. In Erice you can wander through the medieval alleys of the village and discover its enchanting corners and suggestive views of the Egadi archipelago. After visiting this splendid jewel set on Monte di San Giuliano which dominates the entire coast of Western Sicily from above, you will face the descent towards Trapani, being able to admire along the way the wonderful scenery of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Egadi archipelago and the coasts of the province of Trapani. You will reach Custonaci with its marble quarries, the evocative “Grotta Mangapane”, used as a location for a living nativity scene during the Christmas holidays, and finally the Pizzo Cofano and Cornino Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a break with a nice refreshing dip in the sea. From here, along a coastal road mostly closed to vehicular traffic, you will reach the Tonnara di Bonagia before returning to Trapani.

    Pedal around Trapani's evocative historic city center with its alleys, streets and monumental buildings, before returning to the hotel.

    • Daily distance: 31 mi / 50 km
    • Total ascent: + 4200 ft / 1280 m climbing by bike
    • Accommodations: Hotel Punta Tipa**** (standard), Suite Hotel Room of Andrea - Palazzo Platamone**** (superior), or similar
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 5: Trapani – Marsala

    Enjoy breakfast and take one last look at the beautiful town of Trapani, before leaving for the Paceco Nature Reserve Salterns, where you can admire the wonderful colours of the surrounding landscape. This is characterized by salt mountains, sea views and the traditional Mediterranean vegetation, along with the mills once used for salt processing. If you’re lucky, you may even come across some species of Mediterranean migrating birds that nest near some of the reserve ponds. A key point of interest in the natural reserve is the Salt Museum.

    Continue along Trapani’s coastline, with some amazing views until you’ll reach the dock for Motya Island, home of the Whitaker Museum, which you can chose to visit by boat. Then you’ll reach the town of Marsala – famous for the landing of Garibaldi and his thousand man troops and for the production of Marsala wine. After a tour of the historical town center enjoy a guided tour and tasting at one of the older and traditional wine cellars, included in your package.

    Finally, you will reach Baglio Donna Franca, your accomodations for the evening. This is a perfectly restored nineteenth-century baglio (farmhouse), which rises in the heart of the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi and a wonderful sunset on the sea. You will be welcomed by the owner who tell the story of the cellar you’ll visit before some relax time by the swimming pool and farmhouse dinner (included with your stay).

    • Daily distance: 26 mi / 42 km
    • Elevation gain: + 650 ft / 198 m
    • Accommodations: Agriturismo Baglio Donna Franca Wine Resort****, or similar
    • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 6: Marsala – Mazara

    On your way out of Marsala, pass through the historic centre then on to one of our favorite hidden gems, a dairy farm built inside an ancient tuff quarry called “perriera”. Here you have the chance to add on a visit before riding along a coastal road and take in the beautiful scenery of the beaches and the sea on your way into Mazara del Vallo. Take a look at vast harbour and the many fleets of ships (third in Europe for its number of fishing boats).

    Settle into your accomodations then your free to explore the interesting historical center by bike or on foot. Wander through the ancient Arabic alleyways – which give you the impression as if you are walking through the kasbah of an Arab town. Check out the Norman churches and the “Satiro danzante” (The Dancing Satyr) – a unique masterpiece of Hellenistic origins discovered in the Sicilian waters by a local fishing boat.

    • Daily distance: about 25 mi / 40 km
    • Elevation gain: + 0 ft
    • Accommodations: B&B Cortile Sant’Agostino*** (standard), Hotel Mahara**** (superior), or similar
    • Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 7: Mazara del Vallo - Selinunte

    Make your way out of Masara del Vallo with a quick coffee break in Capo Granitola, and continue to ride through side roads flanked by olive groves towards the Cusa Quarries (used for the construction of the temples in the nearby archaeological area). Arrive at Selinunte – a famous archaeological site, renowned for its beaches and its crystal-clear sea water.

    Top off your bike tour with a celebratory dinner, included with your package.

    • Daily distance: 30 mi / 48 km
    • Elevation gain: +755 feet / 230 m
    • Accommodations: Agriturismo Cave di Cusa***(standard), Momentum Bio Resort & Wellness*****(superior)
    • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 8: Selinunte to Palermo

    Tour ends today with a private transfer back to Palmero airport or city center where you can chose to extend your stay.

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Highlights

• Palermo’s UNESCO Arab-Norman architecture
• Scopello’s Tonnara and the scenic Zingaro Regional Nature Reserve.
• Ancient archaeological sites of Segesta and Selinunte
• Trapani’s salt pans and Pizzo Cofano Natural Reserve.
• Medieval hilltop village of Erice and Marsala’s historic wine cellars

Includes

• 7 nights in 3-4 star accommodations, breakfast included
• Minivan transfer Palermo – Scopello (day 2)
• Minivan transfer Selinunte – Palermo (day 8)
• Luggage transfer
• Medical Insurance
• Support line / assistance (9am – 8pm)
• GPS tracks and brochure of tour and the main places of interest

Signature Experiences:
• 3 draditional Sicilian dinners (day 1, 5, 7) meal only, beverages not included
• Visit to Florio historical cellar with a wine tasting
• Visit to Ansaldi cellar with a wine tasting

Excludes

• Bike rental
• Local tourist taxes (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
• Meals not specified as included in program
• Entrance fees to nature parks, museums, etc.
• Tips and personal expenses

Pricing

Starting at €1250 per person, double occupancy (2 person minimum)
• Single room supplement: €300
• High season (Jul – Aug) supplement: €250
• Tour departure on day other than Saturday: €60

Rates vary by number of participants and season, inquire for more details.

Bike Options

• Bike trekking
• Electric bike – touring/trekking
• Gravel bike
• Mountain bike
• E-MTB
• Road bike (racing)

Extra Costs

Bike Rentals
• Trekking/Hybrid Bike: €180
• E-Trekking pedal-assisted bike: €260
• MTB, road bike or gravel bike: quote on request
• Rear/front child’s seat hire: €25
• Children’s trailer rental (max. 40 kg): €50
• Garmin Edge 820 rental: €20

Services
• Van support: €3000
• Guide: €3000
• Cancellation, accident/injury, liability, theft insurance

Experiences:
• Cooking class in Palermo: quote per person on request