Sicily - Mt Etna, Taormina, and the Ionian Sea

Day 1: Arrival in Nicolosi
Day 2: Nicolosi, - Rifugio Sapienza - Etna Mountain - Nicolosi 13 mi. (20 km)
Day 3: Nicolosi - Bronte, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 4: Bronte - Maniace - Randazzo, 19/22 mi. (30/36 km)
Day 5: Randazzo - Castiglione - Gole dell’Alcantara - Giardini Naxos, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 6: Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos, 13 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Acireale - Aci Trezza, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 8: Aci Trezza - Catania

*All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival in Nicolosi
Individual arrival at Nicolosi, where you'll be fitted for your bikes and receive a roadbook and maps containing all the information you will need to complete each day of cycling.

Day 2: Nicolosi, - Rifugio Sapienza - Etna Mountain - Nicolosi 13 mi. (20 km)
Either by public transportation (not included, approx. €6 per person), you will arrive in Rifugio Sapienza. Also available is a private transfer for a minimum of two participants. Cost is  €15 per person/min. 2 persons and €12 per person for min. 3 persons.

It is possible to go further up the Etna mountain with funicular, four-wheel-drive, and a guide and then continue to Nicolosi with the bikes. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, alternative itinerary would be a public bus transfer to Catania and possibility of a sightseeing-tour through the town center.

Day 3: Nicolosi - Bronte, 30 mi. (49 km) 
You are leaving Nicolosi on quiet back roads, almost all the time downhill you arrive at the nature reserve "Forre laviche del Simeto" to see the famous Saracen bridge. From here you will pass through huge pistachio plantations that announce the near city of Bronte. Overnight in a country manor in the midst of a pistachio plantation.

Day 4: Bronte - Maniace - Randazzo, 19/22 mi. (30/36 km)​
Passing outside of Bronte you will soon arrive in Maniace, where you can visit the Castello Nelson and the ex-monastery of Santa Maria di Maniace. Continuing on secondary streets you will reach Randazzo, with it's rich and interesting medieval town center. Perhaps you will want to allot some time to visit the  For day 4 there is also an option of visiting the Museo del Carretto 
Siciliano (Sicilian cart museum). The ticket's price is 5€. This is their website: Museo del Carretto  Siciliano (Sicilian cart museum). The ticket's price is €5.

Option wine tasting: See OPTIONS for details.

Day 5: Randazzo - Castiglione - Gole dell’Alcantara - Giardini Naxos, 29 mi. (46 km)
Today will be an easy downhill trip along the "strada del vino dell’Etna” with many winemakers along the way. From the gracious town center of Castiglione, you will have a nice view over the Alcantara valley, which separates the Etna from the Nebrodi forests, which you will visit further down the road. Final destination will be Giardini Naxos, on the Ionian coast, where you might enjoy a refreshing swim in its splendid waters.

Day 6: Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos, 13 mi. (20 km)
After only a short uphill climb, you will reach Taormina, pearl of the Ionian coast. A stop in Castelmola, a picturesque medieval village located about 3 miles (5 km) uphill from Taormina, can be enjoyed. The breathtaking view over the whole bay and from Calabria to Mount Etna makes the climb totally worth it! Return this evening to Giardini Naxos.

Option cooking class. You can bike or bus to Taormina and take part in a cooking class. See OPTIONS for details.

Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Acireale - Aci Trezza, 23 mi. (37 km)
This easy trip takes you along the Ionian coast, also known as "riviera of lemons". After a short uphill slope, you reach Acireale with its interesting baroque city center. You finish today in Aci Trezza.

Day 8: Aci Trezza - Catania
After breakfast, end of tour and individual departure or extension with additional days.

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Accommodations are an eclectic mix ranging from from small bed and breakfast establishments, to boutique hotels, and 3 star hotels in standard rooms. In some hotels it is possible to upgrade room type. Supplement will apply. We can provide sample hotel list on request.