Celebrity Series: Sommelier Robin Stark in La Bella Sicilia Ovest

Come discover a part of this magical island that is often overlooked and too easily dismissed. Sicilian history was shaped along these now sleepy shores, and much of its remnants are ancient, including the magnificent ruins at Segesta, whose temple has remained virtually intact for 2,500 years. No hilltop medieval town equals Erice, and the cathedral in Monreale will take your breath away. Due to Asian, African, and European influences, this Mediterranean hub of ancient history has become a true melting pot.

Gain a better understanding of Sicily’s fascinating rich cultural heritage as you pedal between ancient sites and wander amid some of antiquity’s finest ruins and classical Greek temples. Experience the succulent Sicilian wine and cuisine. Local specialties, such as involtini di pesce spada, spaghetti con tonno e finocchio, caponata di melanzane and the timeless granita di limone, are examples of how we will tantalize your taste buds!

This special departure will take you through Sicily during the peak of the harvest!

We're proud to welcome back special guest Robin Stark on her second Italian wine tour with us. After a sold out wine tour of Piedmont in 2006, Robin will help lead us through her side of Sicily, one of her favorite wine regions, offering undiscovered wineries whose vintages fit every taste and budget. As a longtime wine collector and enthusiast, Robin Stark consults with wine collectors and restaurants throughout the country providing inventory services, building the optimal collection and consulting on the purchasing and selling of wine.

Her newest expedition is leading this bike tour through Western Sicily to some of the region's best producers of wine. As she often says "I'm on a one woman crusade to move Americans off those one-dimensional overpriced California Cabs and into the fabulous and well-priced wines of Italy." Robin is one of the few female members of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. Much of her free time is spent cycling and traveling. This has led her to become one of the premiere experts on bike touring.

Her website work has received acclaim in Adventure Cycling, Cycling Magazine, and Kiplinger's. As an avid cyclist and skier, Ms. Stark is a big fan of the outdoors and she participates in many events throughout the year, including several centuries.

Day 1 – Palermo
We meet in the hub of western Sicily for a fun walking tour, followed by a Sicilian meal at our favorite trattoria.

Day 2 – Castellamare del Golfo
Pedal to this small town overlooking the Gulf of Palermo. An added loop reveals a traditional fishing village.

Day 3-4 – Trapani
Today, we stop in Segesta, one of the best-preserved colonies of Magna Graecia, then continue on to Erice, a Norman fortress town settled by the Phoenicians. The last stretch is to Trapani, the recent theater for the America's Cup sailing regatta qualification rounds. On Day 4 perhaps you'll opt for our excursion to Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands.

Day 5 – Mazara
Ride along the "via del sale" (the salt way), an ancient trade route. If time allows, we'll board a boat bound for the ancient Phoenician city of Mozia. Then, enjoy a spin by the sea.

Day 6 – Sciaccia
Explore Selinunte at its most magical time- the early morning. In the afternoon, we ride to Sciaccia, a spa town of antiquity.

Day 7 – Agrigento
Spin through Sicily's lovely wine country today. The afternoon features a guided tour of Agrigento's archeological treasures.

Day 8 – Arrivederci!
Combine this trip with our "La Bella Sicilia" tour for the complete Sicilian cycling adventure.