La Bella Sicilia Ovest
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Photo Gallery: La Bella Sicilia Ovest
La Bella Sicilia Ovest
An Archaeological Treasure Chest
Highlights
- Stay at the Planeta estate one of the most important wine producer of Sicily
- Sail through the ancient tuna fishing region of the Egadi Islands and visit the Grotte del Genovese with its paleolithic and neolithic graffiti
- Visit the Greek remnants of Agrigento and of the city of Selinunte, one of Europe’s largest archeological sites
- Savor the fresh and locally-sourced Sicilian cuisine
- Visit to Erice, the hilltop town famous for its Norman architecture
Description
Venture off the beaten path to Western Sicily, a part of the island that is too often overlooked. Gain a better understanding of this Mediterranean hub of ancient history and true melting pot, as you pedal along now-sleepy shores … wander some of antiquity’s finest ruins … and savor succulent Sicilian wine and cuisine!
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Price
Apr: $4,095
May - Jun 6: $4,195
Jun 27 - Oct: $4,295 -
Single Supplement
$750
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Rolling with flat stretches
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Distance
Total mileage: 227 Daily average: 38
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Departing
Agrigento
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Arriving
Castellammare del Golfo (Palermo)
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- May 20, 2012
- June 6, 2012
- June 27, 2012
- September 12, 2012
- October 1, 2012
Day 1: Castellammare del Golfo
Today you can catch our group shuttle at 12pm at Palermo airport to reach the hotel where we meet at 1:00 pm in hotel lobby for a quick lunch and introduction talk followed by a bike fitting. Our warm-up ride today takes us through the Jato Valley vineyards to Castellammare del Golfo.
Day 2–3: Erice, Trapani and the Egadi Islands
Day 2: After a morning ride through a remote inland valley, we stop in Erice, the tiny medieval town overlooking Trapani. While we savor homemade gelato, we stroll through the cobbled streets and ancient alleyways to see the 14th century churches and castles, taking in the magnificent views of the Sicilian coast.
Day 3: Today we take a ferry over to the Egadi Islands where we will meet with local fisherman and discover the secret traditions of a tuna fishing village that were taught to them by the Arabs, hundreds of years ago.
Day 4: The "salt way" to Mazara del Vallo
A long ride awaits us today as we head to Marsala along the “via del sale,” the salt way. Since ancient times, this road was used for the salt trade. On our right, like delicate patchwork, the salt fields show their different colors arranged like a colored chessboard.
Day 5–6: Selinunte, Menfi and Lago Arancio
Day 5: Our day begins with a visit to Selinunte, an ancient Greek city and a rival of Segesta. In the afternoon, we ride through citrus and olive groves to our hotel that belongs to the Planeta estate, one of the most important wine producer of Sicily.
Day 6: Our day begins with a nice ride inland surrounded by vineyards, the main wine area in the region and location of some of the most important wine makers. For lunch we'll stop in a famous Sicilian winery for a visit.
Day 7: Sciacca and Agrigento
Our ride begins with a stop in Sciacca with the sea at our side. We’ll have time to discover the well preserved historical center. In Agrigento, a guided tour of the archaeological museum and temples will reveal all the history and art of this mystical place.
Day 8: Arrivederci!
After our goodbye breakfast, we'll take you to the Agrigento train station to make your connections. You may want to take an extra few days to explore this culturally rich and diverse island on your own!
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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Lisa A., Arlington Heights IL had this to say about La Bella Sicilia Ovest:
Five for five! Yet another great trip - guides ,riding, sites, scenery, and food!! -
Bobbi N., Atlanta GA had this to say about La Bella Sicilia Ovest:
Made our trip so special with their support, personality and genuine interest in making our experience in Sicily exceptional. I would absolutely do another Ciclismo tour if they were our guides. The cultural field trip were excellent too.
