Mount Etna and the North Coast

Day 1

Arrival in Linguaglossa

Individual arrival at Linguaglossa, a small town on the slopes of Mount Etna. The first thing you will notice is the black lava stone used for the buildings. Bike delivery and tour briefing.

Day 2

Alcantara Valley and Taormina 60 km/700m+

You start after breakfast and the first stop will be Castiglione di Sicilia, a small formerly fortified town overlooking the Alcantara Valley. Continue along the Alcantara Valley where you can see the bizarre basalt formations of an ancient lava flow. Text stop is Taormina. After a short climb we reach this famous destination, also called the pearl of the Mediterranean and for good reason. Take the time to explore the city and have lunch (on your own) before you continue along the coast to Savoca. Savoca is a beautiful little town on the hill and has become famous as some scenes of the first Godfather scenes have been filmed here.

Transfer to the hotel in Messina.

Day 3

Messina to Milazzo 65 km/350m+

Today you cycle all day along the coast, the route is almost entirely flat. Our first stop will be Capo Peloro. Here the distance to mainland Italy is only a few kilometres and you can clearly see the coast of Calabria. You are literally between Charybdis and Scylla here! Your destination today is Milazzo, the gateway and harbour to the Aeolian islands. Milazzo has a pretty historical centre with a castle and citadel from where you have a breathtaking view on the closest islands, Vulcano and Lipari.

Day 4

Rest day or Day excursion

Today you can either take it slow, maybe a short ride to Capo Milazzo along a panoramic road, a hike to the “pool of Venus” or  take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands. Several operators offer mini cruises to the islands. Lipari & Vulcano, Salina, or Panarea & Stromboli.

Day 5

Milazzo to Capo d’Orlando 65 km/850m+

You start on a flat stretch along the Thyrrenian sea before you start climbing up on switchbacks to the sanctuary of Tindari, a fairly recent building which shelters a Byzantine Black Virgin. Possibility to visit the nearby archaeological site of Tyndaris before you start the descent to the coast. The road offers beautiful views of the blue sea and coast, dotted with rocks and small characterful seaside resorts. Your destination today is Capo d’Orlando, a delightful seaside town with a beautiful pebbled beach.

Day 6

Capo d’Orlando – Castel di Tusa – Cefalù 80 km/800 m+ (shorter version possible)

The last stage continues along the sea, but the scenery changes. The stage is a bit longer, with some short but not difficult climbs. The first part is completely flat until you arrive at Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for hand painted ceramics. Back on the coast, the first thing you will see is a gigantic frame, the first piece of art of the “Fiumara d’Arte” a contemporary art project: The frame (window) is the “Monument to a Dead Poet”. You continue on a mostly flat road to Castel di Tusa, ideal stop for lunch. From here you continue on a scenic road to our final destination Cefalù. Cefalù once a charming fishing village, now courting visitors, who in return, respond eagerly to its charms. From the cathedral to the unparalleled setting, as well as the numerous bars and restaurants. Celebrateyour arrival and the end of the tour with a Spritz or Granita (with a twist) on the picturesque Piazza del Duomo with a view on the stunning Cathedral and the”rocca” (rock).

Day 7

Departure: Goodbye!

After breakfast individual departure.