dossier

Secrets of Sicily Cycling

SECRETS OF SICILY CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY

Tenute Plaia Agriturismo  ****
Scopello  Days 1+2

The Tenute Plaia Agriturismo is located just below the hamlet of Scopello. Unlike most Italian agriturismi, the Tenute Plaia is a new construction and was only opened in June 2004. It is a sympathetic building, based on the traditional Sicilian 'baglio' (fortified farmhouse) with the rooms built around a central courtyard. It is situated above the sea and you have wonderful coastal views from many angles of the agriturismo. The rooms have been decorated in a modern but simple style, using wrought iron furnishings to lend a traditional feel. Each of the ten rooms has ensuite facilities, satellite television, minibar, air conditioning and direct dial telephone. The rooms are spacious and either open out onto the hotel’s courtyard or overlook the vineyards.

Further details on the hotel website.

Saturday Arrive in Scopello

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

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 spin 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 .

Baglio Fontana  ****
Buseto Palizzolo  Days 3+4

Baglio Fontana is an 11-room agriturismo built in the traditional Sicilian farmhouse style (baglio), with the accommodation located around a cobbled central courtyard. Some of the rooms open directly onto the courtyard and others are located over two floors. All rooms are ensuite with shower and are equipped with hairdryers, television (Italian channels only) and air-conditioning. The large rooms are furnished in a traditional rustic style with tiled floors, teak furniture and bright curtains and bedspreads.

Tuesday At Buseto Palizzolo

Almonds, olives and oranges are farmed by our hotelier in this wonderfully warm climate and the oils are use massages at the hotel – a perfect excuse to ease any aching muscles! Nearby is theMonte Cofano Nature Reserve, a towering limestone mass with a vaguely African landscape, dotted with fig, carob and lentisk tree. Here you’ll find the Grotta Mangiapane – an incredible cave containing a rural hamlet complete with chapel a 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 the 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.

Relais Antiche Saline  ****
Nubia  Days 5+6

Relais Antiche Saline is a gorgeously renovated “baglio” (old Sicilian farmhouse style) The hotel has just 16 rooms located across two floors; all are equipped with satellite television, direct dial telephones, self-adjust air conditioning and hairdryers. All have ensuite facilities, although almost all rooms just have showers rather than bathtubs. The rooms are tastefully decorated with marble floors and bright white furniture contrasted with blue fabrics. Breakaway clients will be allocated standard rooms, although it is possible to upgrade at a supplement to a deluxe (with sea view and balcony).

Thursday At Nubia

Medieval 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 Venu enjoy an icy granita, flavored with fresh lemons or mint, in the bustling piazza. For a lazier day, our hotel has 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 wood boat to fascinating Mozia – ruins of a strategic Phoenician settlement dating back to 1300 BC on San Pantale island. It’s then an easy cycle along the seafront to reach Marsala – time to try the eponymous sweet wine before dinner!

Villa Favorita  ***
Marsala  Days 7+8

Villa Favorita, a gorgeously restored *** baglio crammed with antiques, paintings and original furnishings, is located just 2km from the centre of ancient Marsala. The hotel is divided between the old baglio building (where 13 bedrooms are located) and 29 individual bungalows, which are designed like igloos! Breakaway clients will be allocated rooms within the baglio building unless previously advised. The baglio rooms are all individually furnished in a traditional style, but all are equipped with satellite television, direct dial telephones,air conditioning and hairdryers.

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 colorful market and butter colored Baroque churches.

Sunday Leave Sicily

We take you to the airport (75 mins) for flights home – or how about spending a couple of nights in lively Palermo?

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

For extra nights we recommend Nubia, Palermo or Scopello.