Sicily Bike Tours
Sicily has been seducing seafarers, cyclists and travelers alike to it’s alluring, mysterious and sunny island since long ago. The land of the Cyclops has been praised by poets from Homer to Virgil and prized by the many ancient cultures – Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Elymians, Romans and Greeks – whose bones lie buried here. Whether in the classical perfection of Agrigento’s Concordia temple, the monumental rubble of Selinunte’s columns or the rare grace of a dancing satyr statue rescued from Mazara del Vallo’s watery depths, reminders of bygone civilizations are everywhere.
Essence of Sicily
- Byzantine and Baroque artistic and architectural gems
- A ancient but timeless plethora of recipes, unique dishes and foods from meats to cheeses and fish
- Lively, theatrical open markets
- Greek and Roman temples set in pristine, wide open landscapes
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The Experience
Culture
As if its classical heritage weren’t formidable enough, Sicily is bursting at the seams with later artistic and architectural gems. In a short walk around Palermo you’ll see Arab domes and arches, Byzantine mosaics and Norman palace walls. Circle around to southeast Sicily and you’ll find a stunning array of baroque architectural masterpieces, from the golden-hued domes and palaces of Noto to the multi-tiered cathedral facades of Ragusa and Modica. Meanwhile, throughout the island you’ll find yourself stumbling upon the evocative remains of Arab and Norman castles. This embarrassment of cultural riches remains one of the island’s most distinctive attractions.
Food & Wine
A delectable layer-cake of culinary influences, Sicily’s ancient cuisine continues to rely on a few key island-grown ingredients: shellfish and citrus, tuna and swordfish, pistachios, almonds and ricotta. Talk to the septuagenarian chef at a Catania restaurant and she’ll confide that she still uses her grandmother’s recipe for pasta alla Norma, joyfully sharing the poetic imagery that links it to Mt Etna: the tomatoes are lava; the aubergines, cinders; the basil, leafy greenery; the ricotta, snow. Modern chefs may play with the details, but Sicily’s timeless recipes – from the simplest cannolo to the most exquisite fish couscous – live on.
Landscape
Sicily’s varied landscape makes a dramatic first impression. Fly into Catania and the smoking hulk of Etna greets you; arrive in Palermo and it’s the sparkling Golfo di Castellammare. This juxtaposition of sea, volcano and mountain scenery makes a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Cyclists can wind along precipitous coastlines, climb erupting volcanoes and traipse through flowery mountain meadows; birders benefit from the plethora of species on the Africa-Europe migration route; and divers and swimmers enjoy some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine waters. Whatever your personal predilections, Sicily and its dozen-plus offshore islands offer enough activities to build an entire vacation around.
Best Time to Visit
April through November
What to Bring on Tour
On the Bike:
- 2-3 pairs of cycling shorts with chamois lining
- Chamois cream
- 2-3 brightly colored bicycle jerseys (one will be provided by us)
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes and pedals (if you use them)
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof wind breaker or rain jacket
- Light weight jacket or vest
- Bicycle helmet
- Day pack/hip pack
- Arm and leg warmers
- Saddle (optional)
Off the Bike:
- 2-3 interchangeable evening outfits – our style is very casual and comfortable; jacket and tie not necessary
- We occasionally have a more formal evening, feel free to bring something for that occasion
- 1-2 lightweight sweaters
- 1-2 pairs of shorts or slacks
- Intimate clothing/sleepwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for evenings in town
For Alpine Tours:
Pack warmer clothing (layers), waterproof gear, warm gloves and hat
Personal Supplies:
- Passport and photocopies of your passport
- Wallet
- Airline ticket/e-ticket information
- Camera and camera charger
- Cell phone
- Electrical adapter and adapter plug
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions or other medications
- Bathing suit and sunscreen
- Cash for guide gratuity and meals on own
- Cash for wine kitty (optional)