Cycle Sicily - Coast and Temples

Arrive in the town where Marsala wine comes from. Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals as they promenade on marble cobbled streets from one piazza to the next, admiring the numerous imposing baroque churches as you wander. Overnight Marsala.

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. Return to Marsala where you overnight. +-20m/66ft

Today you have the option of cycling directly to Buseto Palizzolo or taking a morning transfer to Contrada Casazze and therefore cutting out 260m of the day's ascent. Leaving the bustling seaside town behind head inland, gradually ascending via a succession of pastures and rolling wheat covered fields. 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”. +480 or 620m/1584 or 2046ft, -300m/990ft

Contouring the gentle 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 past a series of buildings dating back to various ages takes you to the ancient Greek theatre 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. Overnight Buseto Palizzolo or Segesta. +-120m or 330m/396 or 1089ft,

Heading back towards the coast, wind your way through some more hills and then descend 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 a stroll and people watching, through the pedestrian historic centre or head up to Erice via the cable car. +260m/860ft, -450m/1485ft

This morning a short boat ride takes you to the Island of Favignana, the largest of the 3 Aegedian Islands, set 7km 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. Overnight Trapani. +-40m/132ft

The trip concludes after breakfast at the hotel in Trapani.