 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cycling In Sicily
|
|
A Self-guided cycling: An exploration of the sights and scenery of western Sicily |
Ref: EX-DIY
8 days
from £929 (minimum 2 passengers)
|
|
Destination:
Italy
<
Go Back
|
|
Self-guided cycling: An exploration of the sights and scenery of western Sicily
Western Sicily is little-known as a tourist destination but it is hard to understand why. It has all the obvious ingredients: beautiful coastal scenery, some lovely towns and villages, and captivating ancient sites. It's the perfect place to explore by bike, and we will find endless insights into the rich and varied history of the area as we cycle by. The strategic location of Sicily has made the island the focus of invaders and settlers from all parts of the Mediterranean over the last 6000 years, and during this trip there is chance to get a flavour of the different influences which have shaped the island's culture. The route takes us first along the western coastline where, between Trapani and Marsala, there are huge mounds of salt drying in the sun and beside them huge Dutch-style windmills. This area of Sicily has for centuries been famous for its saltpans and there is even a Salt Museum to visit. Much of the route goes through vineyards, some of which produce the delicious sweet wine, Marsala, which allegedly was ‘discovered’ by an Englishman in 1773. It was at Marsala that Garibaldi landed in 1860 to begin his struggle for Italian independence. The route then takes us on to one of Italy’s great archaeological sites, Selinunte, from where we turn north and have a chance to see something of the interior of this fascinating island before reaching Monreale. The itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure we see the highlights of the region, and on one day transport is provided to take us some of the way when the route between hotels is rather long. The vast majority of the route is on asphalt, with the occasional short stretch of gravel track. None of the ascents are particularly demanding as a vehicle transfer is provided for the steep section to Erice. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for sightseeing, exploring and relaxing. In the summer months it can get very hot in the middle of the day, when a siesta in the shade is a good idea!
Further Information
Special equipment required:
cycling gloves and shorts, small rucksack, waterproofs, shoes suitable for cycling and walking. Helmets are highly recommended.
Local bike hire:
bikes are good quality road bikes, usually not more than a year old with pannier, lights, tyre levers, a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube and a pump.
Extra Expenses:
entrance fees to the various sites and museums are not included. Allow about €15-20. For lunches allow about €60 and for one dinner allow €30. In addition you should allow something for additional snacks and drinks.
Meals Included:
7 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
Transport:
all necessary transport required to complete the itinerary is included in the holiday price.
Children:
are accepted but must be able to cover the daily cycling distance. As a guide we suggest aged 12 and over.
Joining locally:
the land-only joining point is the Pensione Tranchina in Scopello. From Palermo airport you should take a taxi directly to the hotel. This will cost approximately €55. You can join in the afternoon or evening of day 1.
Group & Staff
Min 2, self guided. Luggage transported and telephone contact numbers supplied.
Accommodation
We stay in good quality 3-star hotels throughout our time in Sicily. Single and double rooms are available and all rooms have ensuite facilities.
Food
Seven breakfasts and four dinners are included and are normally taken at the hotel. For dinner you will be provided with the set menu that is included for ‘half board’. Dinner is not included on our last night, at Mondello. There are many different restaurants with a particularly good choice of seafood. Lunches are not included and can be taken either as a picnic or at a bar or cafe along the way. Sicilian cooking has an excellent reputation throughout Italy. Many of the dishes are fish based and tend to be quite spicy. Thanks to its warm weather many of the fruit and vegetables, especially tomatoes, have an intense flavour.
|
Day 1 | Fly from London to Palermo on scheduled flights via Milan. On arrival in Palermo transfer (included) to the ancient town of Scopello for the first two nights. Those booking land-only arrangements will join us at the hotel. Scopello is on a ridge up above the sea and two kilometers away is the Zingaro Nature Reserve which has no fewer than six beautiful beaches and is home to a wide range of flowers and birds. Hire bikes will be delivered to the hotel during the evening. | Day 2 | A circular ride to the coast to regain your cycling legs. A number of routes give a choice of distance covered for the first day but a 60km ride to the archaeological sights of Segesta and the Castello di Inici ruins is recommended. | Day 3 | A quiet country road takes us to Trapani, the provincial capital (33-40km). From there we are taken by vehicle up to Erice, where we spend the night. Erice is a fascinating mediaeval hill town and one could spend hours exploring its narrow streets and courtyards. | Day 4 | We have a lovely downhill ride back to Trapani where we continue our journey south along the coast (57km). Today we will see many saltpans and we can visit the Museo delle Saline. The town of Marsala itself is delightful and we should have time to visit the island of San Pantaleo, which sits among the saltpans and is home to some interesting excavations of the ancient Phoenician town of Mothia. Needless to say, there will be many opportunities to sample some of the local sweet wine. | Day 5 | We continue south east along the coast on a fairly level road and pass through Mazara del Vallo, once one of the key cities of Saracen Sicily, and wandering through its Casbah quarter makes one feel more in North Africa than in Europe. Then we come to the archaeological highpoint of the trip at Selinunte, a city whose history dates back to 628 BC. This impressive site covers a huge area perched on a cliff above the sea - the Acropolis and the many temples are well worth exploring. We stay the night at Selinunte. (70kms) | Day 6 | Ride to the ruins of Poggioreale and spend the night inland at Roccamena. (57kms) | Day 7 | Head towards Monreale to see the golden mosaics in the church. (62kms) | Day 8 | Transfer (included) to Palermo airport for the return flight via Milan to London. Those with land-only arrangements end the trip in Monreale. |
Departures Between | Price from | 01 Sep 04 - 31 Oct 04 | *£929 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
|
FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
This trip departs on any day from 15 March to 30 June and 1 September to 31 October 2004.
Prices are based on two people sharing a twin room.
Local bike hire £65 paid on booking.
Compulsory single supplement £120.
Insurance £25
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
|
| |
|
|
|
Cycling In Sicily
A Self-guided cycling: An exploration of the sights and scenery of western Sicily
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
