Itinerary

Day 1: Tour begins in Monreale, Italy
The beach and colorful fishing port in Mondello where our tour begins
Highlights: Magnificent "duomo" of Monreale, bike fitting and introductory dinner
We'll gather today in Monreale, a town founded by the Germanic and Scandinavian Normans in the 12th Century and famous throughout the world since that time for its impressive cathedral blending Arabic with northern European architecture. Make sure to view the Romanesque bronze doors as well as the opulent mosaic interior before fitting bicycles this afternoon. Due to its perched position high above the region's capital of Palermo, we'll have limited opportunities for a test ride. We'll enjoy dinner together this evening after introductions.

Lodging: Palazzo Ducale Suites
Day 2: Cycle through vineyards and orange groves
Highlights: Castellammare del Golfo and its medieval castle
Our route today takes us toward the coast, beginning with some elevation loss as we leave Monreale's perch of 300+ meters above sea level. We'll wind through Palermo's fertile countryside before arriving at the coast to finish our ride along a coastal road, with great views over the Tyrrhenian Sea all the way to Castellammare del Golfo. Once the primary port for the ancient Greek towns of Segesta and Erice, Castellammare clusters around its small fishing port and medieval castle on the gulf of the same name. Dinner is on your own this evening in one of the restaurants along the port. Distance: 53 km. (33 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Al Madarig and Hotel Cetarium
Day 3: Bicycle to the Ruins of Segesta and on to the beach of San Vito Lo Capo
The temple in Segesta is one of the best preserved Greek temples from the ancient world
Highlights: Ancient Greek ruins, coastal riding, the beach
We follow a remote valley inland this morning to discover the ruins of ancient Segesta lost among the hills of western Sicily. Perhaps because of its isolated site, Segesta boasts one of the best-preserved temples from all of ancient Greece. The temple was built around 430 BC and together with the nearby theater dating to the 3rd century BC, Segesta is one of the most evocative of ancient sites in Sicily. Take your time to visit, and then we'll head north along the hills and ridges of western Sicily to reach the bustling summer beach resort town of San Vito lo Capo. San Vito is one of the northern most capes in Sicily, so the Tyrrhenian Sea surrounds the town! Enjoy the beach before dinner together tonight. Distance: 73 km (45 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Capo San Vito
Day 4: Ride to Trapani
Highlights: Trapani, vibrant seaport, historic center hotel
We ride south today, partially along the coast and partially on hilltop ridges where we'll reach the bustling city of Trapani, one of the largest towns of this area. Our hotel is in the historic center, set on the main piazza, so you'll be able to enjoy an aperitivo in a local bar after a stroll around town! Trapani has historically been an important fishing and salt-commerce town. Still famous for its tuna fishing, we'll be able to visit a historic tuna processing plant before dinner together this evening. Distance: approximately 45 km. (28 miles).

Lodging: Residence La Gancia
Day 5: Trapani optional ride to Erice
A Sicilian farmer displays handpicked and home cured capers at a local market
Highlights: Explore historical Trapani and the fortress in Erice
Today is a rest day, so you can spend time in Trapani or take an optional bicycle (or funicular!) ride to the the hilltop village of Erice. Erice was a Greek town and important medieval fortress and still preserves its original ambiance. Anybody wanting to take a boat excursion can head off to the nearby island of Favignana (you can even take your bike and go on a short ride if you wish!). Or just spend time strolling the ancient streets of Trapani -- there is plenty of history here as its strategic position on a slip of land saw Carthaginians, Normans, Arabs, Spanish, and Bourbons walk its streets before the unified Republic of Italy was formed in 1861. Dinner is on your own. Distance: 0-30 km (20 miles).

Lodging: Residence La Gancia
Day 6: Trapani to Marsala
Highlights: Marsala wine tasting, 8th century BC Phoenician ruins
We continue south today pedaling by miles of wheat fields. We'll be back on the coast for a late lunch on your own, visit to the Phoenician ruins of Motya, dating to the 8th century BC, and a visit to the natural marine reserve and saline (salt pans). This afternoon we'll be in Marsala where we'll enjoy a wine tasting of the famous, fortified Marsala wines. Dinner together this evening. Distance: 45 km (28 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Carmine
Day 7: Tour Ends in Marsala
Highlights: Spend some time on the beach, or head home
Our bike tour of Sicily finishes after breakfast this morning; spend some extra days here at the beach or head off to visit more spectacular sites on this island. Buses and trains can get you off to Trapani or back to Palermo. Whatever you do, arrivederci!

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