Enchanted Island Landscapes * Archeological Treasures
Outstanding Cuisine * Scenic Coastal Riding

11 Days * April 20 - 30, 2008

This tour is our - diamond in the rough" for the cyclist who prefers the road less traveled with a great meal at the end of it!

Our Bicycling Tour of Sardinia & Sicily is a tasty combination of cultures wrapped in the magic of the Mediterranean. On the tour we will visit two completely different islands, each with their own ambiance and traditions, archeological treasures, fabulous vistas, superb beaches and outstanding cuisine. This tour is for the rider who wants to experience the best of these two magical Mediterranean Islands.

Beginning in Sardinia, second largest island in the Mediterranean, we’ll cycle through an uncrowded and enchanted landscape where white sand beaches are framed by dramatic coastal headlands and craggy mountains are punctuated with abandoned mines and caves. This wild land is home to peregrine falcons and eagles. Broad rolling hills of wheat and the aromatic scent of wild herbs further enhance the rural ambiance. Imagine riding along the sea with magnificent headlands rising high above Sardinia is Big Sur, California, without the traffic!

Overnight lodging is in comfortable inns and quaint hotels, and the hearty food reflects the character of this rugged island. You will wonder why this place has not been discovered by cyclists. The last day in Sardinia we transfer to Cagliari and board an overnight ferry with comfortable sleeping cabins so we will arrive rested and ready for fun the next morning in Palermo, Sicily.

Sicily is the largest of the Mediterranean islands. We will be riding the western portion of this island where the pace of llife is relaxed and there is a real sense of tradition. Our route traverses sensual rolling hills with small vineyards and rural hamlets and then leads to the scenic coast where we ride the famed Salt Road.  Sicily's multi-cultural past is revealed in its well-preserved Greek temples, Phoenician ruins and gorgeous medieval hilltop towns. On the culinary side you will find fresh sea food, local produce and a variety of wines. It is also said that Sicilians make the best gelato in all of Italy, but you be the judge! Our lodgings are a fun mix of charming old-world hotels, rural inns and an eclectic wine estate.

This combination Bicycling Tour of Sardinia and Sicily is led by great local guides who will introduce you to parts of Italy few take the time to see.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia, and transfer to our country lodge near Arbus where we will have a tour orientation and bike fitting followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2: We'll enjoy a stunning ride to Arbus on our way to the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and then a scenic downhill ride to Piscinas Beach where we find Europe's highest sand dunes. We finish the day with a climb through the ghostly ruins of a vast historical mining district en route back to our lodging in our wonderful country lodge near Arbus. Ride: Arbus loop ride, 55 km.

Day 3: Pristine beaches, scenic headlands and fantastic vistas dominate this ride along a coastline reminiscent of Big Sur, California, only without the traffic. Keep your camera handy for the murals of Fluminimaggiore! The ride ends with a transfer to Sant'Antioco Island and our lodging for two nights near Calasetta. Ride: Arbus to Calasetta, 55 km

Day 4: Layover day. Relax by the pool or join us for a loop-tour around Sant'Antioco Island with its unspoiled beaches, quiet villages and a fun wine tasting. Ride: Sant'Antioco Island loop, 42 km

Day 5: We transfer to Sant'Anna Arresi before starting our ride on the fantastic Costa del Sud, the "Southern Coast." Sparkling blue water, white sand beaches, medieval ruins and headlands covered with brightly colored vegetation will create memories to last a lifetime. After lunch, we transfer to Cagliari to board the overnight ferry (our floating hotel) to Palermo. Ride: Sant'Anna Arresi to our lunch stop, 30 km

Day 6: Arrive in Palermo, Sicily, and transfer to the spectacular archaeological site of Segesta for a tour of one the most impressive Greek temples in the world.  After lunch and a bike fitting, our ride begins in rolling hills surrounded by vineyards with views of a vast marble quarry in the distance. We have a cozy hotel in Erice, an impressive medieval hill top town that overlooks the sea. Ride: Segesta to Erice, 40 km

Day 7: This day's route begins with a fabulous downhill coast highlighted by sweeping views of the sea as we make our way to the Salt Road on the west coast of Sicily. Here we can enjoy hours of flat cruising amid numerous salt ponds and windmills that dot the seaside. Our destination is Marsala, a city rich in history and famous for its sweet dessert port wine. Tonight's hotel is a former winemaking estate in Marsala. Ride: Erice to Marsala, 60 km

Day 8: We head out on a rollercoaster route that takes us inland past numerous family owned wine estates to the fascinating 6th century Cusa stone quarries where massive columns were cut from the native stone. We end the ride near the Greek ruins of Selinunte, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region. From the massive acropolis you'll have a panoramic view of a distant hillside covered with impressive temples. Our hotel is near Selinunte. Ride: Marsala to Selinunte, 65 km

Day 9: - Today we'll pedal to the Ruins of Poggioreale. The route leads us to Poggioreale, one of the towns of the Belice Valley that was struck by the earthquake in 1968. On the way, we pass by a monument created by Alberto Burri to commemorate the tragic event. Tonight's accomodation is a comfortable B & B in a tranquil setting among vineyards and olive trees. Ride: Selinunte to Contessa Entellina, 65 km

Day 10: Today we pedal through a vast agricultural region, where Pecorino cheese is produced, toward the ruins of Poggioreale, a 20th century city that was devastated by an earthquake in 1968. Our farewell dinner will be a feast to remember! Ride: Selinunte to Piana degli Albanesi, 50 km

DAY 11: This morning's ride is mostly a descent and takes us from pastoral farm land to Monreale, on the outskirts of Palermo. The tour ends at the superb Monreale Cathedral, Santa Maria la Nuova, with its dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. We will have time to visit Monreale after lunch and then will transfer to the Palermo Airport. Be sure not to arrange any flights before 6 pm. If you would like to spend additional days in Palermo, we can assist you with hotel lodging. Ride: Piana degli Albanesi to Monreale - 40 km

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

TOUR BEGINS / ENDS: Cagliari, Sardinia / Palermo, Sicily

TOUR DATE: 11 Days, April 20 - 30, 2008
TOUR PRICE: €2,450 Euros/pp double occupancy, €400 Euros/pp single supplement
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 9 nights hotel (double occupancy), 1 night cabin accommodations on the ferry to Sicily, all breakfasts and dinners beginning with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 11, bike rental, support vehicle, bilingual guide/driver
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches, beverages and gratuities for local guide and service staff

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.

Check out our other Italy Tours:
Cycling the Best of Tuscany & Umbria l Piedmont Cycling