The rides are mostly along well asphalted country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic, however sometimes you have to travel on more busy roads when approaching and entering the larger towns.
Start: Marsala Finish: Trapani
Arrive to the town where Marsala wine comes from and spend the afternoon mingling with the locals as they promenade on marble cobbled streets from one piazza to the next, chatting and admiring the numerous imposing baroque churches.
Head North along the coast to the spectacular Inversa salt flats, a patchwork of shallow coastal lakes lined with ancient windmills and home to many migratory birds and a small salt museum.
Challenge: 22.7 km / 14 mi, 30m ascent, 30m descent
Leaving the bustling seaside towns behind head inland, gradually ascending via a succession of pastures and rolling wheat covered fields that gently sway in the wind. This sparsely populated, vast expanse of beautiful nature dotted with old crumbling farm houses is a joy to the eye and a pallet of contrasting colours that change with every season. Spring is ripe with the lush green wheat that turns bronze yellow in summer then ochre and brown as the fields are plowed.
Our destination for the next 2 nights is a small family run farm serving wonderful home grown and locally sourced Sicilian specialties prepared by the “mamma”.
Challenge: 41 - 52 km / 25 - 32 mi, 480/620m ascent, 300/300m descent
Contouring the gentling rolling hills ride to the archeological site of the ancient Elimian town of Segesta where, perched atop of a hill overlooking a deep canyon, an unusually well preserved though unfinished 5th century BC Doric temple stands in full glory. A pleasant walk up the hill along a series of buildings dating back to various ages takes you to the ancient Greek theater carved into a natural rock hollow. Extend the day’s ride to the local hot springs for a dip or return to the farm to relax by the outdoor pool.
Challenge: 16 - 34 km / 10 - 21 mi, 120/330m ascent, 120/300m descent
Heading back towards the coast wind our way through some more hills and then speed down to the lively city of Trapani where you spend 2 nights. Along the way see looming high above the ancient town of Erice said to have been founded by exiled Trojans. This was also an important religious site and a famous temple dedicated to Aphrodite come Venus in Roman times allegedly stood here. Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals enjoying stroll and people watching through the pedestrian historic center or head up to Erice via the cable car.
Challenge: 34.5 km / 21,5 mi, 260m ascent, 450m descent
This morning a short boat ride takes you to the Island of Favignana, the largest of the 3 Aegedian Islands, set 7km / 4,5 mi off the western coast of Sicily and well known for its tuna fishing tradition. It’s a delight to cycling on the flat coastal roads bordered by the inviting turquoise colored sea. Stop for a dip in one of the many secluded coves and bays and enjoy the slow pace of life people watching on the village square.
Challenge: 24 km / 15 mi, 40m ascent, 40m descent
The trip and our services end after breakfast unless you have booked extra nights.
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
We choose comfortable hotels and agriturismo where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom.
You can find below the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight:
You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way.
Hotel Carmine is located in the city centre of Marsala housed in an elegant building. Rooms are beautifully decorated with antique furnitures, exposed wood-beamed or vaulted ceilings. These have free Wifi, air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom, telephone. Location is quiet, staff is helpful. On good season breakfast is served in the garden.
This Agritourism is a biological company surrounded by Trapani's hills. Rooms are well-finished, basic and welcoming with private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wifi. The structure has an external swimming pool. Breakfast is very good. Owners are welcoming and helpful.
Rooms, furnished in modern style with subtle and elegant colours, have hight quality mattresses with "Memory" technology to guarantee the best relax during you stay.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and July, and between September and November.
The nearest airports are Trapani Birgi (TPS), located half way between Marsala and Trapani, and Palermo Punta Raisi/Falcone-Borsellino (PMO).
Arrival in Marsala
Direct train and bus connections are available to reach Marsala from the main stations of both Trapani and Palermo.
Departure from Trapani
On departure, direct busses connect the bus/train station in Trapani to the airport (TPS). You find information about times and costs here: www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/.
If you are flying from Palermo (PMO), the Segesta Autolinee bus company connects Trapani to Palermo Centrale train station. From there, you find connections to the airport.
RENTAL BIKES
The rental includes: phone holder, rear bags, odometer, repair kit and padlock
Ciy bike Atala Discovery
GPS tracks are available on request.
Included
Not included
Optional services
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Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)