Day 1

Individual arrival in Trapani

We meet in Trapani. (Optional transfer from Palermo). Set up of the bikes.
Trapani, the ancient Drepana, was the port of the Elymian settlement of Erix (Erice) until it was captured by the Carthaginians. Later Trapani has become an important port for the salt trade. It has a beautiful historical center with baroque palazzi and churches, but also some interesting Liberty architecture. It is famous for the “Mystery” processions on Good Friday. It is also the gateway to the Egadi islands

Stay at: Residence Porta Botteghelle

Day 2

Day excursion to Favignana 25 km or Loop ride Erice 35 km

Our first option is a day excursion to Favignana. We can take our bikes on the ferry as Favignana is best explored by bike. Favignana is famous for the crystal clear water and the little bays (calette), some with cliffs, some with sandy beaches. Interesting is the Tonnara Florio that now is a museum which hosts findings like rams and helmets of the first Punic war. Note: time tables for May are not yet available, only ferries allow transport of bicycles, hydrofoils do not. Both are subject to weather conditions.

Alternatively, we can cycle up to Erice, a beautiful town up on the hill at 750 m above sea level that has maintained its medieval character. But we can choose the easier and take the cable way up to Erice (with our bikes). From Erice we have a stunning view over the coastline to the Egadi islands. After a walk around town we start a beautiful descent to the coast and return to Trapani.

Day 3

Trapani – Marsala 45 km

Today’s stage is totally flat along the coastline. We cycle along the Via del Sale (the Salt way) with its salt pans and windmills. We can visit a former wind mill transformed into a museum where the methods of salt extraction are explained. Along the lagoon (stagnone) we also have the possibility to visit the small island of Mozia which can be reached by boat. Mozia was a prosperous Phoenician colony, destroyed by the Syracusans and rediscovered by Joseph Withaker. Our stage today ends at Marsala. Marsala is famous for the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldi with his “Mille” and for the Marsala wine. A visit at the famous Florio winery can be arranged.
Stay at: Hotel Le Caserie

Day 4

Marsala – Mazara del Vallo 30 or 50 km

We continue mostly along the coast but will take detours to the inland through vineyards. Our destination today is Mazara del Vallo. When we arrive we will first see the harbour with what is the biggest fishing fleet of all Italy. But we will continue to the fascinating historical center where the arab influence is still very present. Mazara del Vallo also has a small but very fine archaeological museum dedicated to the statue of the “Dancing Satyr”, an extraordinary statue that has been found by fisherman at a depth of 500m in the Strait of Sicily.
Stay at: B&B Cortile Sant’Agostino

Day 5

Mazara del Vallo – Selinunte 35km

Today’s stage is a little bit more hilly. We will cycle among vineyards most of the times. On the way we pass by the “Cave di Cusa”, a fascinating archaeological site halted in time. This quarry was the main source of building stone for the temples of Selinunte have been extracted here. Our stage ends in Selinunte, an ancient Greek city, founded by settlers from Megara Hyblea near Syracuse. The city was wealthy and flourishing, but has been completely destroyed by the Carthaginians. Today it is one of the biggest archaeological sites of Europe.
Stay at: Agriturismo Case di Latomie

Day 6

Goodbye

After breakfast, individual departure. Optional transfer to Palermo.