Secrets of Sicily Cycling

Location: Sicily, Italy. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed by Headwater appointed agent. Activity level: 2 bikes Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: A mix of luxury/stylish, mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected Saturdays from 7 Apr '12 to 13 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This 8-night cycling route explores Sicily's unspoilt western coast, a sun-drenched landscape of golden bays, azure waters, swaying vines and tiny farming hamlets unchanged over the years. Lots of historic interest too: mediaeval Erice, ancient Segesta and sea-facing Marsala.

Day-by-day itinerary

Saturday - Arrive in Scopello

We meet you at Palermo airport and take you to your hotel (40 mins) spectacularly situated above Castellamare del Golfo.

Sunday - At Scopello

Maybe spend the day discovering the pristine Zingaro nature reserve on foot, with miles of coastal tracks and perfect coves lapped by sapphire waters. Leave time in the early evening for a pre-dinner aperitivo in the tiny Moorish village of Scopello - it's a gorgeous jumble of cobbled lanes and alleys radiating off the central square - fantastic sea views too!

Monday - Scopello to Buseto Palizzolo 43km/27mi or 46km/29mi

Gentle pedalling along pine-scented roads dotted with pink bougainvillea before an exhilarating whizz to Castellamare del Golfo. Leaving the sea behind, you cycle inland climbing through an enchanting landscape of swaying vines, palms and citrus groves to reach Segesta with its stunningly preserved 2,500 year old Doric temple with breathtaking sea views. Then onto Signor Di Vito's lovely farmhouse hotel; time for a drink on the rooftop terrace before dinner.

Tuesday - At Buseto Palizzolo

Almonds, olives and oranges are farmed by our hotelier in this wonderfully warm climate and the oils are used for massages at the hotel - a perfect excuse to ease any aching muscles! Nearby is the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, a towering limestone mass with a vaguely African landscape, dotted with fig, carob and lentisk trees. Here you'll find the Grotta Mangiapane - an incredible cave containing a rural hamlet complete with chapel and cobbled street - as well as a lovely beach at Custonaci.

Wednesday - Buseto Palizzolo to Nubia 34km/21mi

As you climb gently out of Buseto, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the three Egadi islands as they glimmer on the horizon. It's then downhill virtually all day passing through a string of tranquil hamlets before reaching a beautiful flat stretch next to the sea, lined with sparkling mounds of salt and crumbling windmills - perhaps you'll spot flamingos bathing vividly in the warm waters - which leads to our stunning **** baglio.

Thursday - At Nubia

Mediaeval Erice is easily visited - its cobbled narrow streets seem to cling to the hillside and amazing balcony views sweep across to the Mediterranean and Trapani. Maybe visit the 12C Norman castle, dedicated to Venus or enjoy an icy granita, flavoured with fresh lemons or mint, in the bustling piazza. For a lazier day, our hotel has a gorgeous pool nestling in verdant vines.

Friday - Nubia to Marsala 46km/29mi

First pedalling inland through a delicately perfumed landscape of melon groves, vines and palm dates before reaching the coast again. Maybe savour a fresh fish lunch al fresco in the salty sharp air before taking a wooden boat to fascinating Mozia - ruins of a strategic Phoenician settlement dating back to 1300 BC on San Pantaleo island. It's then an easy cycle along the seafront to reach Marsala - time to try the eponymous sweet wine before dinner!

Saturday - At Marsala

Favignana, the largest (and flattest!) of the Egadi islands, is just a short ferry hop away. A cyclist's paradise with pine-scented tranquil lanes leading to secret coves and archaeological ruins - lots of choice for lunch in the bustling harbour-side town. Plenty to discover in Marsala too; the historic centre has a colourful market and butter coloured Baroque churches.

Sunday - Leave Sicily

We take you to the airport (75 mins) in time for your return flight - or how about spending a couple of nights in lively Palermo? We can easily arrange it for you.

NB: Please note that, from spring 2011, cycling helmets are compulsory in Italy for under 16's. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.