EPIC SICILY: MASTERPIECES
Oct 4-16th, 2027

Day 1 - Monday, Oct 4th, 2027   Palermo-Castellammare, cycling 12mi/894’ 

Pickup at Palermo airport (PMO) or central hotel and coach transfer to Castellammare del Golfo. After bike fitting, enjoy a coastal shake-out ride past waterfront watchtowers along steep cliffs to the idyllic village of Scopello. Pre-tour briefing and traditional Sicilian welcome Dinner. (D) 

DAY 2- Tuesday, Oct 5th, 2027   Castellammare-Segesta-Trapani, cycling 34mi/1970’ 

You’ll ride on rolling hills through rustic vineyards, olive groves and wind swept, golden wheat fields. Our cycling journey culminates at the majestic ancient (424BC) but well preserved Greek Doric ruins of the Temple of Segesta which sits atop the limestone hill of Monte Barbaro. After a guided tour and picnic lunch we’ll descend to the coast, arriving at the historic port city of Trapani, lined with narrow streets and vibrant markets. Visit the impressive Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata or ride the cable car to visit the medieval hill town of Erice. (B,L) 

DAY 3- Wednesday, Oct 6th, 2027   Trapani Favignana loop, cycling 8mi/200’
We board a ferry to reach Favignana, the “butterfly of the Mediterranean”. Our coastal ride circumnavigates the island where you’ll witness a true spectacle of nature among pristine beaches and places of barren and wild nature. Enjoy dramatic, turquoise rocky coves and the top swimming spots in all of Sicily.. Our excursion ends with a guided tour of the Florio tuna fishery. (B)

Day 4 - Thursday, Oct 7th, 2027  Trapani–Marsala, cycling 25mi/750’ 

Cycle the flat ‘salt way’ through the Trapani Salt Pans and Paceco Nature Reserve witnessing working salt pools, graceful windmills and a flamboyance of flamingos and egrets. Visit the Salt Museum  to learn of the ancient industriousness of the Trapani people in the field of salt cultivation which is more of an art than a profession. Our scenic route takes us to the stately baroque town of Marsala, famed for Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Thousand as well as for its exquisite Marsala fortified wine. Feast on a 7 course home cooked meal by a local Mamma. (B,D) 

Day 5 - Oct 8th  Marsala–Mazara del Vallo–Selinunte, cycling 40mi/1200’
We cycle the stunning ‘African coast’ reminiscent of northern Africa and Tunisia's culture and sun-baked landscapes. Venturing inland through picturesque vineyards and olive groves, you’ll pedal to the port town of Mazara del Vallo, home to Italy’s largest fishing fleet. Explore the town's fascinating Casbah (Arab quarters), baroque churches and visit an archaeological museum dedicated to the extraordinary statue of the "Dancing Satyr, discovered by fisherman at a depth of 500m in the Strait of Sicily. Continuing along the coast, we turn inland among olive groves and vineyards to our Agriturismo for an olive oil tasting before dinner. (B,D) 

Day 6 - Saturday, Oct 9th, 2027  Shuttle to Caltagirone,  no cycling
Transfer to the  grand ruins of the Greek city of Selinunte, the largest archaeological park in Europe. Here you’ll enjoy a guided tour and buffet lunch. Selinunte was founded by settlers from Megara Hyblaea near Syracuse, which flourished until its eventual destruction by the Carthaginians. We shuttle to the center of Sicily  to the baroque town of Caltagirone, famed for its ceramic production. Visit the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, a magnificent staircase with 142 steps, each adorned with colorful, hand-painted tiles depicting historical themes. (B,L) 

Day 7 - Sunday, Oct 10th, 2027  Caltagirone – Vizzini – Buccheri, cycling 32mi/2100’
We ride through olive groves and prickly pear plantations to the charming town of  Vizzini before beginning our ascent into the rugged Iblean Mountains. Our route passes through ancient stone limestone terraces and deep canyons. As you climb, the silhouette of Mount Etna begins to dominate the northern horizon, providing a majestic, snow-capped contrast to the Mediterranean scrub around you. At Buccheri, nestled among the rolling hills of the Iblei Mountains and recognized as one of  the most beautiful villages in Italy, you’ll stay in a 19th century Masseria (fortified farmhouse). (B,L,D)  

Day 8 - Oct 11th  Buccheri – Palazzolo Acreide – Ragusa Ibla, cycling 31mi/2450’ 

Descending from the mountains, our route winds through olive groves, orchards and small villages. At the Baroque World Heritage Site of Palazzolo Acreide, we’ll visit the stunning Church of St. Sebastian and enjoy a pastry tasting at the famed bakery. You’ll continue pedaling along rolling hills to Ragusa Ibla, a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll walk through labyrinthine streets and hidden courtyards to visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, considered the most magnificent Baroque cathedral in Sicily. (B)

Day 9 - Oct 12th  Ragusa Ibla - Modica - Scicli - Portopalo, cycling 41mi/2150’
You’ll cycle Sicily’s "Val di Noto" from its hilltop Baroque cities down to the island's southernmost tip. From the ancient district of Ragusa our route descends through the Irminio Valley before climbing into Modica Alta. Here, enjoy a tasting of Antica Dolceria Bonajuto famous "grainy" chocolate, still produced using an ancient cold-process Aztec method. We continue our gentle downhill ride on quiet roads through the Sicilian countryside to Scicli,  a UNESCO World Heritage site known for the Palazzo Beneventano and church of San Bartolomeo. From town, our path heads toward the Mediterranean, then follows  the shoreline through the protected Longarini and Cuba marshes. Finally, you’ll reach the fishing village of Portopalo. Directly in front of our hotel you’ll see the 16-century watchtower of Capo Passero located near the ‘island of currents’ at the confluence of the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas, the southernmost tip of Sicily. (B)

Day 10 - Oct 13  Portopalo - Marzamemi - Vendicari - Noto, cycling 27mi/1300’
From the stark and windy southern tip of Sicily, we’ll cycle north to Marzamemi, an 17th-century fishing village centered around The Piazza Regina Margherita, one of the most picturesque squares in Italy-vibrant blue doors, potted geraniums, and sandstone buildings. From here, you’ll ride through a mosaic of lagoons, sand dunes, and juniper bushes in the  Vendicari Nature reserve to see  flamingos and herons in the marshes. Afterwards, we’ll visit the  the exquisite Roman floor mosaics at the Villa del Tellaro. Unlike its more touristed cousin, the Villa del Casale near Pizza Armerina, you’ll be able to quietly marvel at these astonishing mosaics. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst lemon groves. Our route ends in Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B/L)

Day 11 - Thursday, Oct 14th, 2027  Noto Antica and Cavagrande loop, cycling 31mi/2440’
As you climb into the hills above Noto,  the landscape opens into the Monti Iblei plateau: a patchwork of limestone plateaus, ancient carob trees, and olive groves, all crisscrossed by centuries-old white dry-stone walls. At the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve over a picnic lunch, enjoy the dizzying and spectacular views into the massive limestone canyon-one of Europe's deepest-dropping 1,000’ to the emerald pools of the Cassibile River below. Returning to Noto, enjoy a late afternoon guided walking tour of Noto. Visit the Noto Cathedral and take in the view from the bell tower of San Carlo.  (B/L)

Day 12 - Friday, Oct 15th, 2027 Noto - Siracusa, cycling 25mi/870’

Our final leg is a scenic victory lap that trades the rugged inland climbs for a fast, flowing descent through the heart of Sicily’s agricultural "gold"—miles of almond orchards and Nero d’Avola vineyards. The route is a flat, coastal cruise along the Ionian Sea, passing through the historic town of Avola and the white limestone cliffs of Ognina. The journey reaches a cinematic conclusion at the Porto Grande, where you’ll trade your bike for a boat to glide past the 13th-century Castello Maniace and the ancient sea walls of Ortygia, arriving at the heart of Siracusa with a unique perspective on 2,700 years of Mediterranean history packed into a small island. After lunch in the market, walk Ortigia’s ancient streets to rediscover: the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Piazza del Duomo, the most beautiful square in Sicily. (B,L,D)

Day 13- Saturday, Oct 16th 2027  Departure  Group transfer to Catania airport (CTA). 

Joining the ride 

“Request to participate" or make further inquiries by contacting the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid. Upon acceptance you will be asked to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling registration fee, The deposit will be paid directly to Maremonti Tours (MT) after ride confirmation. 

Payments
The total thirteen (13) day tour cost per person is  $4,490 USD based on two persons sharing a room, calculated at a current currency exchange rate of $1.14 USD equals 1 Euro (€3,950). The ride cost and bike rentals (listed below) are based on payment in Euros. As exchange rates fluctuate, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. MT requires a minimum of twelve participants for the ride. Singles are welcome at a surcharge of approximately $1,254 USD (€1,100)  per room (limited to 2 singles). If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to connect participants as roommates.  A deposit of $900 USD is required on booking with the balance due 90 days prior to the tour.  

Cancellations
Refunds of deposits and payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recovered. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made when the replacement has paid their fees. If the canceling participant can't be replaced there will be no refund. Refund calculations are based on the principle that a canceling participant will not increase the cost for others. All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $175 USD, which MT will deduct from the deposit. If a participant that is sharing a room cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the supplement for a private room of the roommate remaining on the tour. The People Cycling ride registration and membership fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. You are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation, medical and travel insurance. The itinerary and menus are subject to change depending on availability, size of group and local conditions. 

Tour includes: 

• 12  nights accommodation with city tax in 3-4 * hotels or Agriturismi and selected B&Bs 

• 5   dinners (including water and glass of wine pp) 

• 6  picnic or market lunches with water

• 12  breakfasts

• light snacks, fruit, energy bars, water and electrolyte powder in the van for the rides

• Guided visits to the archaeological sites of Segesta and Selinunte,  Florio Museum in Favignana, Salt Museum and Noto . 

• Entrance fees to Segesta, Florio Museum, Salt Museum, Selinunte, Vendicari and the Roman Villa del Tellaro

• Ferry to Favignana  

• Self guided walking tours of Mazara dell Vallo and Siracusa 

• Pastry tasting in Palazzolo Acreide 

• Chocolate tasting in Modica

• Boat ride into Ortigia 

• English speaking cycling guide

• group transfer from Palermo center to Castellammare del Golfo

• group transfer from Selinunte to Caltagirone 

• group transfer from Siracusa to Catania airport

• Basic spare parts and inner tubes 

• Emergency vehicle support and luggage transfer 

• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

• MT bidon water bottle

• Bike box transfer (very limited)

• RWGPS experience TCX or GPX files for each day’s route

Tour excludes:

• flights

• taxis and transfer except as listed above

• bike hire

• medical/travel insurance

• tips/gratuities

• drinks not listed above

• pre/post tour accommodations

• anything not mentioned in the included list above

Weather
With an average range from 60-70°, Sicily weather in October is mild and perfect for cycling. Occasional rain in the mountains is always a possibility; participants should be prepared to ride regardless of weather. Anticipate eight hours of sunshine daily with moderate UV levels. 

Bike Rentals
Gravel bikes aluminum € 300    alu frames, Shimano GRX 600 components, 

Gravel bikes carbon      € 340    carbon frames, Shimano GRX 600 1 x12 or Campagnolo Ekar 1x13

Hybrid bikes € 230    hybrid/sport bike with 27 gears 

E-bikes (S,M, L, XL) € 465    E-touring bikes with Bosch Motor and 500Wh battery 

Cycling helmet € 15      for those bringing bikes; included with bike rental on request

   All rentals include a saddle bag repair kit with extra tubes and levers

Arrivals, pre and post tour options:
The tour starts with a morning transfer from central Palermo to Castallamare del Golfo. It is recommended that you arrive in Palermo a day or more in advance to allow time to explore the city. There are frequent trains, public buses and taxis available from the airport to Palermo. The tour ends with a morning transfer from Siracusa to Catania airport (CTA). It is recommended that you spend an extra day in Siracusa exploring the island gem of Ortigia

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