+44 203 1294634Find your perfect trip
Sicily-Going West
- Archaeological Sites: Segesta, Mozia, Cave di Cusa and Selinunte
- Nature Reserves: Zingaro (Scopello) and Belice River Estuary (Selinunte)
- Marsala Salt Mining Reserve and wind mills
- A wine-tasting visit to a traditional wine-producing farm
- Wonderful landscapes in the interior of the region
- Peaceful roads and charming country villages
- Poggioreale Ruins
- Monreale, with its renowned Duomo and beautiful golden mosaics within
- Delicious Sicilian culinary specialties, accompanied by extraordinary local wines
- Warm, welcoming locals
From: 880 €
Tripcode: ITSB080
3.5 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
:
:
2 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
:
:
Duration: 8 days
Details
Cycling Western Sicily
The extraordinary mélange of cultures, flavors and colors of Western Sicily will engage your passions as you experience the hidden wonders of the island. From the delectable local cuisine to the intense blue sea, from the green rolling hills to the dazzling whiteness of the luminous salt mines, this is an unforgettable discovery on wheels. The delightful sun accompanies you through multi-ethnic ruins, invigorating nature reserves and fascinating archeological sites. After riding, reward yourself with local cuisine of remarkably flavorful eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, capers and oranges. The fresh sheep cheese, sweet wines and almond based desserts are not to be missed. Treat yourself to Sicily.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrive in Palermo and transfer to Scopello
Transfer from the Palermo Airport to the ancient village of Scopello, located at 100 meters above sea level, known for its historic Tonnara tuna factory. Spend the afternoon exploring the impressive Zingaro Nature Reserve lining the shores of the rich blue sea. Wander amidst unique dwarf palm woods and swim in the charming little bays along the coastal path. A wonderful first day in Sicily!
Villages along the way: Scopello
Day 2: The anceint ruins of Segesta and the medieval mountain top town of Erice
Travel through history and visit the outstanding archaeological site of Segesta. Marvel at the magnificent Greek temple, which has survived 2,500 years of foreign invasions and earthquakes, and the colossal shell-shaped theatre situated on a hilltop above the temple. Overlooking the inspiring countryside and the Gulf of Castellammare, you ride westward to the rewarding medieval town of Erice. There is a steep climb to get there!
Challenge: 64,1 km
Villages along the way: Segesta, Val d'Erice and Erice
Day 3: Among the salt lakes and vineyards to Marsala
Enjoy a panoramic descent from Erice down to the sea on this relaxing day of cycling. If you wish, take a small boat to the island of Mozia just off the coast. Continue through flat open country road to the extraordinary Marsala Salt Mining Reserve. Discover the secrets of the fabulous local vineyards, followed by wine-tasting at an authentic Marsala wine-producing estate.
Challenge: Salt lakes, Mozia & Marsala
Villages along the way: 57,4 km
Day 4: Vineyards and ancient ruins of Mazzara del Vallo and Selinunte
Today is a demanding, rewarding day along hills to the Cave di Cusa Archeological Site, where you'll view ruins of massive temples and gain fascinating insight on how they were built. Continue on to the abandoned city of Selinunte, once one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world, with its numerous temples and intriguing piles of carved marble.
Challenge: 70,3 km
Villages along the way: Marsala, Mazzara del Vallo, Cave di Cusa & Selinunte
Day 5: The Belice valley till Contessa Entellina
Venture inland along striking landscapes of farmhouses and hills into the secluded heart of the Belice Valley and the awesome Ruins of Poggioreale. After a peek at the ghost town of Poggioreale, struck in 1968 by a devastating earthquake, pedal on to Contessa Entellina, with its unique churches of Greek origin. Experience the essence of the island's interior.
Challenge: 64,9 km
Villages along the way: Poggioreale, Gibellina and Contessa Entellina
Day 6: Through the inland country till the Piana degli Albanesi
Today you cycle through the enchanting open countryside, close by the world-famous town of Corleone, to a comfortable farm near Piana degli Albanesi. This town, founded by Albanians in the 15th century, has maintained its unique ethnic-linguistic and religious identity. Relax and treat yourself to a delicious handmade cannoli, the sweet Sicilian pastry said here to be the best in Italy!
Challenge: 63,7 km
Villages along the way: Corleone & Piana degli Albanesi
Day 7: Wonderful Monreale, gateway to Palermo
After a ride along the track of a disused railway, through an ancient valley, you arrive at the dazzling town of Monreale, famous for its world-renowned Cathedral of Santa Maria la Nuova, a stunning mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Gaze up at its Duomo, covered in splendid gold and gorgeous mosaics, and be utterly delighted.
Challenge: 34,3 km
Villages along the way: Monreale
Day 8: Arrivederci Monreale
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or reserved accommodation elsewhere in Sicily, the islands or on mainland Italy
Villages along the way: Monreale
Practical info
Included:
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to the starting point of the tour by 8 seat minivan
- 7 nights accommodation with private en-suite bathroom. (1 night in a 4* hotel, 3 nights in 3* hotels, 1 night in a 3*star bio-house, 1 night in a 4* farmhouse and 1 night in a 3* farmhouse)
- 5 nights on Bed & breakfast and 2 nights on Half board (drinks excluded) Contessa Entellina & Piana degli Albanesi
- Luggage transfer from Palermo airport on day 1 to Monreale on day 7
- Technical assistance (simple puncture not covered)
- Detailed road book and maps in English
Not Included:
- Flights and public transportation
- Travel insurance
- Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as drinks, meals not included, phone calls, etc.
- Any items that have not been mentioned in the program
Getting there and away:
The best airport of arrival is Palermo which is also served by several low cost carriers. You are met and transferred directly from the airport to the first accommodation. Should you decide to spend a night in Palermo before the start of the trip, you will be picked up at the hotel in Palermo.
Reviews
Start: Scopello
Finish: Monreale-Palermo
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Starting any day from 15 March to 8 July & from 26 August to 15 November
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| twin room: | 880 €/person |
| triple room: | 880 €/person |
| double room: | 880 €/person |
| single room: | 1090 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1195 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| twin room: | 880 €/person |
| triple room: | 880 €/person |
| double room: | 880 €/person |
| single room: | 1090 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1195 €/person |
Other prices
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| hybrid Bike: | 105 €/person |