SECRETS OF SICILY CYCLING (FURTHER DETAILS)

General information:
This holiday is graded as a lower 2 bike holiday. The terrain is usually flat with a few short climbs and some great downhill whizzes! And at the end of them there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy Sicily’s exquisite cuisine and wines. It's more exposed than shaded and can be windy (all year!) which can make it slow/tougher going even on the flat. The routes are mainly through the countryside and hidden farming hamlets set back from the sea and along the coastal tracks. All tracks are smooth (rather than strade bianche gravel type) and apart from one small strech on the first morning, you're away from busy main roads.

Location:
This holiday starts in Scopello and ends in Marsala.

This independent cycling holiday explores the best of Sicily's beautiful western coastline between the lovely baglio-style hamlet of Scopello and the wine-producing town of Marsala. En route you visit the remarkable Greek temple of Segesta and the Punic remains at Mozia, and savour an evocative Mediterranean landscape of silvery olives, swaying vines and scented citrus groves. There’s also the unique coastal scenery of crumbling windmills, saltpans and glistening piles of salt crystals.

Who would this holiday appeal to?
This holiday would appeal to anyone who likes to cycle along coastal paths with beautiful views and who is into cycling quite long distances. There are good quality hotels along the route and the food and the wine is excellent.

It's non touristy or modern in any way, people speak little English, it's quite a poor region (tiny battered cars, farmers, shops selling essentials rather than luxury goods). Also people interested in architecture and ancient ruins.

Similar to which other holidays?
Probably the most similar holiday is the 'Secrets of Cyprus' holiday in that it is linear and similar mix of coast and history/archaeology. Cycling in Sicily easier than Cyrpus however, although distances are longer in Sicily.

Possibility of non-standard departures?
Non standard transfers are possible for a minimum of 2 people, no early/late arrivals.

Other details:
Programme Manager: Heather

Matt has seen areas on this tour in 2008, Catherine has also done this holiday.

The holiday will run in the months of April, May, June, September and October. Sicily gets very hot so cycling would be too uncomfortable in July and August. From late October onwards the weather can be unpredictable (stormy and rainy) but remains pleasantly warm. It can be windy all year round which can make the route slow/tougher even on the flat.