East Sicily and Etna Italy Cycling Tour
East Sicily and Etna
This trip is one of the best possible interpretations of Sicily.
We’ll explore the North-East side of the island first and the area of Etna volcano in the second part.
Each ride is in strong connection with the sea; its blue color will give us a boost of energy, while the hills and quiet roads will provide us with opportunities to breathe deeply and listen to our bodies.
Small villages and ancient ruins are part of the experience, as well as fresh food and lovely wines.
The two climbs on both the North-West and South sides of the Etna – the highest Europe active volcano - complete a memorable experience.
DAY 1: arrival day
This ride is a relaxing one to the Cape of Milazzo. We'll first ride the climb of the Tindari where Nibali used to ride at his early stage, and then continue to Milazzo, the port for the volcanic Aeolian archipelago. The little peninsula is quiet with almost no traffic and enjoyable to ride, always with the sea view. On the ride back, we'll climb the Tyndary Hill again and shortly we'll be back at our hotel for our welcome briefing and dinner together.
MEALS ARRANGEMENT: Dinner is included this night
DAY 2: GREEN HILLS AND DRY RIVER grand loop ride
The loop ride of today is enjoyable because it runs along a dry river, locally called Fiumara. The fiumare are the beds of the Sicilian rivers dry in the summer and real river in winter. The ride connects to the SS185, that we'll ride on the opposite side in two days. This time we'll ride it downhill, towards the sea. Our tour leader with van support will provide an easy-style picnic on the way with some local pizza and focaccia.
MEALS ARRANGEMENT: Breakfast and light lunch are included
DAY 3: Granita at Brolo, Raffaele Bar
This ride is about to taste one of the best granite in the area. Granita is flavored ice (it's more than this, but we can say that to make it easier). Locally we eat it with cream and brioche. It could be an excellent stop to refill our legs for the rest of the ride. We'll have a wine-tasting and guided tour at a local winery in the afternoon. Optional group dinner (not included) may be at a local trattoria (easy-style cheese, meat, and local specialties).
MEALS ARRANGEMENT: Breakfast and wine tasting are included
DAY 4: Terre Eolo to Picciolo GR via Sella Mandrazzi
Today we'll move to the Etna area; the ride includes the climb to Sella Mandrazzi along the same route that has been part of the Giro on the last editions. The ride will offer open views of the sea and inland, in the countryside in its second section. Again, our tour leader, with van support, will provide an easy-style picnic on the way with some local pizza and focaccia. Dinner is included at the hotel this night.
MEALS ARRANGEMENT: Breakfast, light lunch and dinner are included
Day 5: ETNA NORTH
The last two rides of the trip are about the Etna; both were included several times in the Giro d'Italia. We'll approach the volcano from its West/Northside today. Leisurely style lunch on the way
MEALS ARRANGEMENT: Breakfast, light lunch and wine tasting are included
DAY 6: ETNA SOUTH
The very last ride of the trip is the longest also; it takes us to the top of the Etna from its South side. We'll warm up first along the volcano's base on its West side and approach the climb from Nicolosi after 35km. We may have a quick lunch on the top before riding downhill back to the hotel. Farewell, MEALS ARRANGEMENT: Breakfast and dinner are included
BIKE RIDES MILES PER DAY EL GAIN FEET Day 1 Warm Up: Cap o Milazzo and back 43.2 (72KM) 2499.36 (762M)
Day 2 Green Hills and Dry River Grand Loop 46.08 (76.8KM) 5343.12(1629M)
Day 3 Granita at Brolo, Raffaele Bar 40.20(67KM) 5513.68(1681M)
Day 4 Terre Eolo to Picciolo GR via Sella 38.4 (64KM) 6192.64(1888M)
Mandrazzi
Day 5 Etna North 37.8 (63KM) 5454.64 (1663M)
Day 6 Etna South 62.4 (104KM) 8150.80 (2485)
Total Price 3740 Euros per person based on 10 people
SERVICES INCLUDED:
· 6 Nights in 4* hotel
· 6 Breakfasts
· 3 Dinners
· 3 pic-nic style lunches
· 2 Wine tastings
· 1 Italian, English speaking Tour leader biking with the group
· 1 Italian, English speaking Tour leader with van assistance
· 1 Coordinated transfer IN from Palermo or Catania airport
· 1 Coordinated transfer OUT from Palermo or Catania airport
·
SERVICES AVAILABLE AND NOT INCLUDED
· Road bike rental (carbon frame and disk brakes, mechanic shift): €275,00
· Road bike rental high end Italian factory Officine Mattio (carbon frame and disk brakes, electronic shift): €350,00
· E bike rental: €275,00
· Single room: €200,00
Questions? Contact Us