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Secrets of Sicily Cycling

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    C07MR
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided cycling
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
    , and
  • Activity level
  • From $2360per person, tour only
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
  • All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Electric bikes available
  • Room upgrades
  • Transfers available at a supplement for tour only packages
  • Suitable for
  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Food lovers, flora & fauna, art & history, swimming opportunities, vegetarian meals, coastal routes, island exploring
      from 20 reviews

Sharon Colin says...
This was a lovely holiday. But with hindsight, other destinations in France have provided more of a relaxing holiday in that we could stop along the way ...
Read reviews »

Italy: Sicily

Secrets of Sicily Cycling

  • Visit Baroque churches, charming seaside towns and bustling food markets
  • Cobalt blue seas, coral-lined grottos and unspoilt sandy beaches
  • Superb historical monuments: Segesta Amphitheatre, Selinunte Archaeological Park
  • Enjoy a slow pace of life amongst windmills, the coast and salt pans

This holiday provides a wonderful introduction to Sicily's western coast, an undiscovered part of the island renowned for its beautiful, unspoilt coastline, pristine nature reserves, spectacular Baroque architecture and sumptuous regional cuisine.

Your journey begins from the coastal town of Castellammare del Golfo from where you'll head inland to discover the stunning ancient Greek city of Segesta before returning to the coast at Trapani. Enjoy a day out of the saddle to explore its Baroque churches and take the cable car to the medieval village of Erice. You also have the option to visit the Egadi islands, all within easy reach from the port of Trapani. Continue your ride to Marsala, renowned for its sweet fortified dessert wine, stopping en route to explore the Phoenician island of Mozia. Your final days take you to Mazara del Vallo and its famous bronze statue the Dancing Satyr, before reaching your final destination, Selinunte, one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe.

See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Cycling information

95% of the cycling is on asphalt roads, with 5% on cycling paths. The routes generally keep to quieter, secondary roads although you should expect more traffic in the towns. Expect a climb up to the site of Segesta but otherwise gentle routes, especially along the coast.




We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Arrive in Castellammare Del Golfo

Arrive at Castellammare del Golfo with its glittering coastlines and authentic Sicilian 'feel'. Enjoy an afternoon in one of Sicily's most picturesque seaside towns.
Overnight at Sopra le Mura Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Castellammare del Golfo - Bruca 20km/13mi

From the fortress-studded shores of Castellammare Del Golfo you reach the archaeological site of Segesta. After admiring its Grecian temple and amphitheatre, make your way to the Baglio Pocaroba, where there's time for a dip in the pool before your evening meal.
Meals included: Breakfast and evening meal
Overnight at Baglio Pocaroba

Day 3: Bruca - Trapani 43km/26.5mi

Leaving Bruca's olive covered foothills, you'll cycle inland towards Trapani. Spend the afternoon exploring its intricate Baroque churches, museums and shops that sell hand harvested sea salt, coral jewellery and tuna products.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Room of Andrea – Palazzo Platamone

Day 4: Free day exploring

A great opportunity to explore the area with many options available for you whilst in Trapani. Spend time exploring this beautiful coastal city or take a cable car to the picturesque medieval village of Erice overlooking the Salt pans. Alternatively, ride the hydrofoil to enjoy a day exploring one of the Egadi Island which offer plenty of opportunities to snorkel around coral reefs, cycling or walking.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel Andrea – Palazzo Platamone

Day 5: Trapani - Marsala 55km/34mi

Today you can cycle at a relaxed pace with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea whilst admiring the Egadi Islands in the distance. If you haven't already done so, on your way to Trapani, spend time exploring the Saline of Trapani and Paceco. Then it's onto Mozia, an ancient city on San Pantaleo Island off the West Coast of Sicily and visit its striking archaeological ruins. A short ride away, you will reach Marsala where the fortified wine originates from.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel Carmine

Day 6: Marsala - Mazara del Vallo 31km/19.5mi

Visit Marsala's local wineries and explore the town at your own leisure before setting off on today's panoramic coastal cycle towards Mazara del Vallo, with its vibrant fishing port and Arab Kasbah and home of the bronze statue the 'Dancing Satyr'.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Mahara Hotel

Day 7: Mazara Del Vallo - Selinunte 41km/26mi

Most of today's cycle will be along the coast before heading inland towards vineyards and aromatic olive groves. You end the day in Selinunte where you can visit one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe before heading to your hotel in Marinella di Selinunte. With seven Grecian temples spanning 1,300 meters east, the Selinunte archaeological site is a true architectural gem.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel Admeto

Day 8: Leave Selinunte

Leave Selinunte or maybe spend extra nights in Palermo.
Meals included: Breakfast

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Sopra La Mura Boutique Hotel, Castellammare del Golfo

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Located in a historic building a stone's throw from the port of Castellamare del Golfo, the elegant Sopra le Mura Hotel has been recently renovated with scrupulous attention to every detail. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and free WiFi is featured throughout the property.

The rooms include a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day.

Breakfast is a real taste experience: the buffet is a triumph of varieties, shapes, colors and flavours of local products of the highest quality, ranging from sweet to savory for the happiness of all palates.

During summer months, guests can enjoy the use of a sun lounger and parasol at a nearby partner beach.


Room upgrades: Classic room with sea view, superior sea view, junior suite and junior suite with sea view
Superior rooms are larger than the classic rooms. Junior suites are larger still and have a balcony.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Baglio Pocaroba, Near Bruca

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The term baglio derives from the ancient French 'bail', meaning courtyard. In Sicilian it literally means a large cobbled courtyard, which effectively defines this simple 19th century restored farmhouse with a large enclosed courtyard. The baglio is surrounded by vineyards and orchards and also comes with a swimming pool.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Room of Andrea – Palazzo Platamone, Trapani

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With its great location right next to the beach and the historic centre of Trapani, this lovely 4 star hotel is located in the spectacular Palazzo Platamone, built in the early 20th century by the Marquess Enrico Platamone.

Some of the rooms are decorated in neoclassical style, retaining the original details of that era and all offer the modern facilities that will make your stay very comfortable. The hotel also has a bar and a terrace with swimming pool.

Guests at Room of Andrea - Palazzo Platamone can enjoy a buffet breakfast.


Room upgrades: Superior room with lateral sea view


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Carmine, Marsala

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Located in an elegant, historic building, Hotel Carmine offers a central position, within walking distance from the Convento del Carmine and the central square of Marsala.

Renovated in 2005, the hotel retains some of its original and historic Sicilian furniture creating a charming atmosphere throughout the hotel.

Stay in cosy rooms with modern comforts such as a minibar and air conditioning. Rooms feature exposed wood-beamed or vaulted ceilings. Some offer original ceramic-tiled floors. Wi-Fi is free. Some rooms overlook the internal courtyard while others offer a view of the street or the quiet garden.

Start your day with the hotel’s free buffet breakfast and end it by relaxing in the hotel lounge. During the summer you can enjoy your breakfast in the garden.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Mahara Hotel, Mazara del Vallo

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Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Mazara del Vallo, on Sicily’s south-west coast, this modern Hotel was rebuilt from an old winery belonging to the eighteenth-century English family Hopps. The relaxed atmosphere and the excellent local cuisine based on fish, makes it the perfect destination.

Ghilbi restaurant is recommended by Italy's most prestigious food guides and serves traditional Sicilian dishes for lunch and dinner. Drinks are available in the lounge bar, with sofas and internet access.

All elegant rooms are spacious and air conditioned. Each includes satellite TV and a minibar. Many offer full views of the Mediterranean Sea with either a balcony or terrace. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle to partner beaches.

The wellness centre is complete with a Turkish bath, chromotherapy shower and hot tub. The outdoor swimming pool, open from April until October, is equipped with a terrace and sun loungers.


Room upgrades: Superior sea view
Superior rooms are larger than classic rooms.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Admeto, Selinunte

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The Hotel Admeto boasts a superb location, facing the beach and the glittering sea, and a short walk from the world renowned archaelogical site. The hotel is airy and modern, whilst the contemporary rooms are minimalist in style but comfortable and spacious, with balcony. The hotel also comes with bar and 2 restaurants, one of which is on the top floor with a wonderful panorama over the ruins and the Mediterranean.


Room upgrades: Superior and junior suite
Superior rooms are larger with balcony and sea view The junior suite is larger still with a sitting area, balcony and sea view.

Extending your stay

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo

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Located just a stone's throw from one of Palermo's main streets - the Via Vittorio Emanuele that runs through the heart of the historical centre - the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is a stunning conversion of 2 historic buildings. The origins of the hotel date back to the 16th century convent of the Mercedarian Monks; the hotel's picturesque cloister dates back to this era.

In the early 1800s, the monks joined the convent with the Briuccia family's neighbouring palazzo. However, by the 1860s, the monks had left Palermo and the building was used as the Sicilian stock exchange - in fact the former trading floor is now the hotel's Kemonia restaurant.

Today, the Piazza Borsa is a comfortable 4 star hotel, fully equipped for the needs of the 21st century traveller, with a gym and spa (including jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and massage rooms), bar and elegant restaurant.


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Travel

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


Sharon Colin, 01/10/2023

This was a lovely holiday. But with hindsight, other destinations in France have provided more of a relaxing holiday in that we could stop along the way for coffee or lunch whereas on this one we just went from A to B with little in between. Maybe this is because Sicily is a poorer area although it was beautiful. We didn't appreciate the fly tipping either!


Timothy Stocker, 30/09/2023

It was a good holiday. It would be very helpful for Headwater to give some restaurant recommendations. Most hotels made suggestions but we had to spend time looking the suggestions up online which was time consuming. The recommendations in Castellamare and Mazara were excellent Headwater's notes seem to suggest a richness of seafood at Selnunte along the shoreline. We did not find it so,. It might be a good idea to draw attention to other restaurants that are available in the town and away from the sea.


Veronica Stephens, 18/09/2023

Really enjoyed our trip and was well organised by Headwater with very good guide to help. All hotels good with exception of Hotel Mahara


Heather Binmore, 08/09/2023

Helen Hodson was extremely attentive, helpful and reliable.


Karen Hastings, 01/09/2023


Mr BOLAND, 29/04/2023

Overall we really enjoyed this trip and based on previous cycling trips the 1+ rating was about right. Undulating on the interior sections and generally flat on the coastal sections. With the exception of Hotel Hopps (not originally part of itinerary) all hotels were good with good breakfast. With the exception of the agriturismo all overnight locations had many points of interest if you had the time and energy, and there were many places for a swim on the coastal sections. A couple of unexpected route diversions encountered as well as a few injections of speed to get past the odd stray dog. Without wishing to condone any fly-tipping whatsoever, the level of rubbish was not as bad as expected having read previous trip reviews. We saw much worse as we continued our journey through Sicily. Botecchia cycles were appropriate for trip profile and distance. Filippo the local agent provided an excellent briefing and introduction to the trip. All-in-all we would recommend this trip.


Mrs Chambers, 15/04/2023

Thoroughly enjoyed our cycling in Sicily with Headwater. All transfer arrangements went smoothly. The local Geotravel representative, Filippo was extremely helpful, friendly and efficient in imparting information and answering queries.

The bikes were perfectly adequate for the level of cycling and road conditions. The Navigation App is easy to use.

Cycling in April, the weather can be mixed so pack accordingly, it was cold and wet at the start of our trip but temperatures rose throughout the week.

The countryside is beautiful. Highlight visits were to Enrice, Marsala Wine Tour, Archeological Site at Selinute and it is well worth spending an extra two nights in Palermo to experience the magnificent buildings.

We ate well throughout at small local restaurants and drank the excellent local wines.

We have no hesitation in recommending this holiday. Headwater area great company to travel with.

Thank you.

Rosemary and Bryan


Mr Moncrief, 08/10/2022

Fairly easy cycling through undulating countryside with some nice coastal sections. Wonderful food and good swimming in clear water. Some fine hotels, particularly the agriturismo and Room of Andrea. Unfortunately, Sicily is an opencast landfill of rubbish, and it is so sad and depressing to ride along otherwise wonderful backroads lined by endless garbage. The tourist board needs to apply some pressure to stop the accepted culture of dumping. I wouldnt recommend it as a cycling destination purely for this.


Mrs Fowler, 01/10/2022

This is our second holiday with headwater and we would definitely travel with Headwater again. The organisation is good and all staff friendly and helpful. . We enjoyed Sicily very much and were very pleased with the bikes, locations and liked the mix of hotels . However we were really shocked by the rubbish that litters the Sicilian countryside and found it difficult to see past this to enjoy the countryside as we would have liked to. Most of the hotels were very good , one was a bit past it’s best . Mostly the food ( usual just breakfast ) was good, but our 2 last hotels the breakfast was poor and in one case very poor, with dreadful coffee in both. The other thing that I struggled with is that the beds were generally very firm to hard and in all the hotels but one the pillows were very hard foam and very uncomfortable. This of course could be normal for Sicily, but unfortunately I came home with a very sore neck. I am sounding negative, but really overall it was a great holiday .


Ms Richards, 28/09/2022

Although rated as 1+, there are a lot of hills on this trip so we were glad we chose ebikes . My ebike started to emitt an enervating wailing sound from the front wheel hub and Philipo came out in a storm that evening to repair it. The scenery was varied and interesting, but there was a fair bit of urban and main road to negotiate, which was not pleasant. The hotel breakfasts were on the whole limited for vegans. We spent a couple of additional nights in Selinute, with a beautiful beach, warm sea and a laid back feel.


Mrs Easton, 24/09/2022

Sicily is a country of contrasts. The archeological sites are amazing, Segentum and Selinunte are fantastic. The roads are not in a great state of repair, and at times we had to wade through mud. The roadsides are disappointingly covered in rubbish, and fly tipping is very prevalent. The roads are also very busy for cycling, and the drivers don’t give you much room. As someone previously mentioned the bikes are not high quality, , heavy and really suitable for short city rides.

I’m sorry I don’t buy into the fact that they need to be sturdy as there are panniers. We carried virtually nothing . We went to the Egadi islands for a few days….they were fantastic, and great cycling, well worth a visit.

Eating out was very expensive.

We travelled in September , temperatures were great, and often a gentle wind.

The hotels were mainly great. It’s worth spending extra time in Palermo, as there are some amazing museums and palaces, The archeological museum has a lot of information on Selinunte.


Ms Karayi, 17/09/2022

Doing our cycling holiday as a self-guided tour was an excellent way for four of us to travel, to see and experience this part of Sicily.


Mrs Curnow, 17/09/2022

please see below


Ms Harris, 10/09/2022

Another great holiday with Headwater!


Mr Beeby, 03/09/2022

A very good holiday, much enjoyed.


Mr Sadler, 25/06/2022

We went on the Secrets of Sicily cycling holiday but happened to hit a heatwave which made the first couple of days cycling very hard due to the intense heat and lack of shade, but Headwater were very accomodating and arranged with the accomadations to provide breakfast earlier so that we could leave early in the morning and beat the sun, after that we enjoyed our trip a lot, the cycling was relatively easy and the scenery was lovely especially in the last few days, I thuink this trip would suit people who are interested in history, architecture and local "real" Sicily, we didn't see another tourist at all while we were cycling, only once we stopped in the cities. The highlights were the meal that we had in the Eco-Tourism hotel, and the small seaside resort of Selinunte on the last day - simply lovely !


Mr Hunter, 14/05/2022

Excellent way to see beautiful places. Good routes and well selected hotels


Mr Browne, 30/04/2022

We really enjoyed this holiday with you. We were met on arrival at the first hotel by the local rep , who was very helpful. The cycling was very good and with beautiful scenery. The hotels were excellent and very welcoming. Certainly it has given us a taste of Sicily and we will definitely want to visit again.


Mrs Coupland, 09/04/2022

Generally we loved our holiday through Headwater. The only disappointment was the rental bikes - we are both very keen cyclists and felt, in the spirit of openness, advertising the bikes as 'high quality' is a little wide of the mark. They are heavy, clunky and are more of an entry level city explorer bike rather than biking 200 or so kilometres on. Scenery was beautiful in parts and the route great, however it was disappointing in parts to see so much rubbish dumped on the side of the roads (which we know is no fault of HW). Everything ran incredibly smoothly, mapping was very easy to follow, local support staff were excellent and in constant communication - we felt very safe and looked after :)

Would highly recommend and will definitely travel again using HW. The booking process was efficient and very friendly. On the whole we had a fantastic time.

Headwater response:
Thank you for your feedback we are so pleased you had a lovely holiday and thank you for your comments regarding the bicycles. The bikes do need to be sturdy enough to withhold the usage, the weight of the pannier racks and panniers, the stand, heavier saddles and the suspension - all of which contribute to the overall weight.
Its such a shame that you experienced rubbish that had been dumped on the side of the road. Our team, when planning the routes do try to choose the most scenic routes
I do hope that we will be able to welcome you back to Headwater for another holiday in the future.
Kind regards
Customer Service


Mrs Rayner, 23/09/2017

Cycling in lovely countryside with places of interest to see. Evenings spent in comfortable hotels with good local food.



Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 7 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels

All breakfasts and 1 evening meal

Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday

Headwater navigation app for your smartphone

Bike hire

Luggage transfers between hotels


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Apr 2024
  • May 2024
  • Jun 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Apr 2024 US$2360 US$456 Tour only: US$2360
Single supp: US$456
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13th Apr 2024 US$2360 US$456 Tour only: US$2360
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20th Apr 2024 US$2360 US$456 Tour only: US$2360
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27th Apr 2024 US$2360 US$456 Tour only: US$2360
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30th Apr 2024 US$2400 US$456 Tour only: US$2400
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
4th May 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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11th May 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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18th May 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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25th May 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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29th May 2024 US$2550 US$456 Tour only: US$2550
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
1st Jun 2024 US$2540 US$456 Tour only: US$2540
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8th Jun 2024 US$2540 US$456 Tour only: US$2540
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15th Jun 2024 US$2540 US$456 Tour only: US$2540
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Sep 2024 US$2690 US$456 Tour only: US$2690
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14th Sep 2024 US$2690 US$456 Tour only: US$2690
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21st Sep 2024 US$2690 US$456 Tour only: US$2690
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28th Sep 2024 US$2690 US$456 Tour only: US$2690
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Oct 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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12th Oct 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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19th Oct 2024 US$2510 US$456 Tour only: US$2510
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Holiday details

Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.

Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed by Headwater rep.

Departures
Selected Saturdays from 6th Apr 2024 to 19th Oct 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.

Meals
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal

Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £134 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

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