From Catania to Palermo by bike: Inside the Real Sicily

The self-guided tour by bike you need to have the best time while discovering the real Sicily!

Take this self-guided 8-days Tour to find out the beautoful region of Sicily. You will cross-it from East to West and it will be a journye you will never forget!

From Catania to Palermo by bike: Inside the Real Sicily

Self Guided Bike Tour, Nature cycling
Tour duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Bike difficulty
Easy
Middle-Easy
Middle-Difficult
Difficult
Challenging
E-Bike difficulty
Easy
Middle-Easy
Middle-Difficult
Difficult
Challenging

Description

This tour will take you through a classic route from the Eastern to the Western points of Trinacria (Ancient Sicily). Through natural and archaeological parks you will discover just what the poet Goethe meant when he described Sicily during his travels there, saying: “The purity of the sky, the tang of the sea air, the haze which, as it were, dissolved mountains, sky and sea into one element—all these were food for my thoughts.” Cool corners with small woods await you, together with traditional semi-inhabited villages and paths drawn through Ancient Greek ruins. This epic journey recalls the deeds of Ulysses and Polyphemus, taking your across a range of landscapes and architecture, from Aci Trezza to the volcanic Mount Etna – which is aid to have inspired Homer’s writing of the Odyssey. You will encounter sites that are renowned for their gastronomic excellence, such as Cesarò’s ricotta or Cerda’s artichokes, uncovering unique taste sensations. There will also be time for some well-deserved relaxation, during which you can take a dip in the pleasantly warm or cold waters that the natural landscape provides.


Tour Map


Tour Plan

DAY 1: CATANIA

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DAY 2: CATANIA –  TAORMINA

Total distance by bike: 55 Km Total ascent: 475 m  – Route Characteristics: medium-easy (This part of the tour is mainly on flat land, except one last climb to Taormina and a few small climbs along the route)

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DAY 3: TAORMINA – RANDAZZO

Total distance by bike: 40 Km Total ascent: 950 m – Route Characteristics: medium (mostly regular uphill stage with some steeper stretches)

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DAY 4: RANDAZZO – TROINA

Total distance by bike: 56 Km Total ascent: 1,250 m – Route Characteristics: medium – hard (this stage of the tour has continuous climbs up and down, and a few stretches of challenging ascent)

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DAY 5: TROINA – GANGI

Total distance by bike: 57 Km Total ascent: 1,400 m  – Route Characteristics: Hard (This stage includes continuous ups and downs, and a few stretches of challenging ascent)

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DAY 6: GANGI – SCLAFANI BAGNI

Total distance by bike: 57 Km Total ascent: 1,837 m – Route Characteristics: Hard – very hard (This stage involves continuous ups and downs, with a few stretches of challenging ascents)

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DAY 7: SCLAFANI BAGNI – PALERMO

Total distance by bike: 79,5 Km Total ascent level: 715 m  – Route Characteristics: Medium – hard (this is a long stage of the tour)

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DAY 8: PALERMO

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Point of Interest (POI)

  • Catania and its historic center: Cathedral Square, St. Agatha Cathedral and the popular folk markets;
  • The villages of Acitrezza and Acicatena with their “Faraglioni” and the famous Cyclops Islands;
  • The square and the Cathedral of Acireale;
  • The enchanting Taormina with the Greek Theatre, the Villa Communale and “l’Isola Bella” (the Beautiful Island)
  • the Alcantara Gorges, including small lakes, waterfalls and river beaches;
  • Randazzo, a medieval village at the foot of Mount Etna;
  • The scenic road over the Etna volcano;
  • Cesaro’
  • Il Castello di Nelson di Maniace (Castle of Nelson of Maniace)
  • Troina, the city in the Nebrodi Mountains;
  • Cheese and dairy farms;
  • Cerami and its churches;
  • The Castle and the rocky village of Sperlinga;
  • Gangi, named the most beautiful village in Italy in 2014;
  • The diversity and uniqueness of Petralie, Soprana and Sottana;
  • The natural site of the Madonie Park;
  • Sclafani Baths, a town known for its natural hot springs;
  • Himera Archaeological Park;
  • Cerda, a town famous for its gastronomic specialties;
  • Floriopolis (The historical pits and grandstands of the Targa Florio);
  • The port city of Termini Imerese;
  • Solunto, the remains of the Phoenician village and the ancient Greek city;
  • Palermo, the city of unique art and gastronomy

Book info







    from € 660* per person

    Conditions

    ×

    NOTICE:

    The participation fee refers to a minimum of 2 participants, in the case of a single participant there is a supplement (see “extra services”)

    Departures are guaranteed from 1st March to 30th November every Saturday, other dates on request and with payment of any supplement

    THE HOLIDAY PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES:

    • x7 nights with first breakfast included, in double/twin room in 3 or 4 star-rated accommodation
    • x5 dinners in agritourism sites (water and wine included)
    • Maps and road books with route description (1 kit per room)
    • GPS trackers on the bike
    • Medical – luggage insurance
    • Telephone assistance during travel (from 9.00 to 19.00 hrs)
    • VAT and other charges

    THE PACKAGE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

    • Transfers to/from airports or to/from train stations
    • Lunch and x2 dinners (not included)
    • Museum admission fees and tips
    • City taxes
    • Anything not specified under “package price includes”

    OPTIONAL EXTRA SERVICES:

    • Single room supplement €180.00
    • Extra night- double room (B&B package) in Catania or Palermo € 50.00 per person
    • Extra night- single room (B&B package) in Catania or Palermo single room € 75.00
    • Hire of Trekking 21-gear bike model, equipped with side rear bags, protective helmet and security chain lock € 80.00
    • Hire of racing bike, MTB or gravel in aluminum € 100.00
    • Hire of Model Atala B Tour (Bosch Engine) pedal-assisted bike, equipped with side rear bags, protective helmet, repair kit, pump and security chain lock € 150.00
    • Luggage transport (minimum 2 people), fee per person € 240,00
    • Hire of trailer for children (maximum 40 Kg) € 50.00
    • Rear/front seat rental – € 20.00
    • Garmin Edge 820 rental € 20.00
    • Assistance (bike mechanics, luggage transport, beverage transport, possible passenger transport) with minivan following for the duration of the bike tour € 2,400.00
    • Assistance from a certified cycling guide for the duration of the bike tour: € 800.00
    • Transfer from the Falcone Borsellino Palermo airport to Palermo city centre (min. 2 passengers) quote per person € 25,00
    • Transfer from Trapani Birgi airport to Palermo city centre (min. 2 passenger) quote per person € 50,00
    • Transfer from Agrigento to Palermo Airport or to the city by minivan (min. 2 passengers) fee per person – € 40.00
    • Quote for children (aged between 4-12 years) available on request
    • Insurance cover for trip cancellation due to sickness (including COVID), conditions and quote per person available on request
    • Comprehensive injury/accident insurance during the tour, conditions and quote per person available on request
    • Third party liability cover in case of bike accidents, conditions and quote per person available on request
    • Bike theft insurance, conditions and quote per person available on request
    • Other service quotes available on request

     

    CANCELLATION TERMS & CONDITIONS (link):

    • 28-14 days before the start date of the tour, you will be charged 50% of the total amount payable
    • 13- 5 days before the start date of the tour, you will be charged 70% of the total amount payable
    • 4 days before the start date of the tour or no show, you will be charged 100% of the total amount payable

     

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    We recommend that you wear comfortable footwear, sportswear and that you bring a helmet and a flask/water bottle with you.

    Our group tours are designed for people who regularly practice sports activities, although not necessarily competitively. Given the nature of the route this tour covers (an undulating track with uphill sections) and in light of the length of some of the sections, we recommend e-bikes for those who do not go out cycling regularly (at least once a week).

    The itinerary may be subject to substantial changes before and/or during your holiday, depending on organizational or climatic factors, or due to updates in regulations issued by local authorities that are out of our control. Along the route, for example, there may be some temporary diversions due to unplanned roadworks, which are impossible to predict and that are normally reported on location.

    Departure date
    Every Saturday

    Place of departure
    Catania

    Place of arrival
    Palermo

    Total Km by bike
    344 km

    Total ascent
    6610 metri

    Useful information
    It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, sports clothing and to bring your own helmet and water bottle