Etna – Cefalù e-bike tour
An epic journey and a unique experience, this is an e-bike tour starting from the black slopes of Mount Etna all the way to the blue sea of Cefalù, crossing wild territories, visiting enchanting villages and tasting traditional Sicilian cuisine along the way. It’s a 250km adventure on your bike surrounded by the spectacular nature of Sicily’s natural parks!
First day • Arrival
Arrival at the airport and transfer to a hotel on Mount Etna. Dinner and overnight stay on Etna.
Second day • Etna Park – Floresta (Nebrodi Mountains)
56 km with 970 metres of uphill ascent
We begin our bike tour pedalling along the black slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano, alternating between fields of lava, lunar landscapes, and dense forests. We ride through Randazzo, a medieval town nestled between Mount Etna and the Nebrodi Mountains, and arrive in the village of Floresta by riding up the banks of the Alcantara River, inside the Nebrodi Park.
Dinner and overnight stay in Floresta, Nebrodi.
Third day • Nebrodi Park – Floresta -> Villa Miraglia
42 km with 1.100 metres of uphill ascent
A total immersion in the wild, unspoilt nature of the Nebrodi Mountains including lakes, dense woods and endless panoramas alternating throughout the day. It is not unusual to encounter some local animals such as the Nebrodi black boar piglets, wild horses and various species of birds of prey. They keep us company until our arrival at Villa Miraglia, a wonderful hotel in the middle of the Nebrodi Park, where a delicious dinner based on local products awaits us.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Relais Villa Miraglia, Nebrodi.
Fourth day • Nebrodi Park: Villa Miraglia – Mistretta
52 km with 1.200 metres of uphill ascent
We continue our ride along the trail known as the ‘Dorsale dei Nebrodi’, the true ‘backbone’ of this fascinating natural park. The trail is a continuous up and down through dense beech and oak forests and the diversity of the terrain is one of the characteristics of the route, interspersed with wide valleys and beautiful views. At the end of this stage we arrive at a farmhouse in Mistretta for the night.
Dinner and overnight stay in Mistretta, Nebrodi.
Fifth day • Mistretta – Geraci Siculo (Madonie Park)
54 km with 1.200 metres of uphill ascent
The shortest ride of the tour takes us from the Nebrodi Park to Gangi, recently named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and gateway to the Madonie Park, and Geraci Siculo. Leaving the farmstead, we set off uphill towards the last mountains to the west of the Nebrodi Park. A nice descent brings us right to the entrance of the enchanting Monte Sambughetti Nature Reserve. The oak forests and cork oak groves of the reserve later give way to green hills before arriving in the medieval town of Gangi. The afternoon is free for a pleasant stroll through the town.
Dinner and overnight stay in Geraci Siculo, Madonie.
Sixth day • Madonie Park: Geraci Siculo – Cefalù
46 km with 800 metres of uphill ascent
The last stage of the tour is dedicated to exploring the trails of the Madonie Park and its quaint villages. Along the route we alternate between small villages nestling in the mountains and exciting tracks through woods and pastures. We pass through the villages of Geraci Siculo and Castelbuono, before heading down towards the blue sea of Cefalù, where we finally arrive after a ride of over 45 km.
Free dinner, overnight stay in Cefalù.
Seventh day • Departure
Transfer to Catania airport.
Season: from April to December, depending on the snow on the trails
Included:
- 5 e-bike excursions (gravel or MTB)
- Qualified bike guide (Italian and English)*
- GPS device with GPS track to follow **
- 5 nights in 3/4 star Hotel/Agriturismo. Half board accommodation, including water and house wine. Other beverages not included
- 1 night in 3/4 star Hotel, B&B accommodation in Cefalù
- Luggage transfer from one accommodation to another
- Van support
- E-bike rental (professional bikes with disk brakes, tubeless wheelset, suspension fork, Shimano groupset, Yamaha central motor etc.)
- Transfer from/to Catania airport and hotels in the surrounding area
Not included:
- Flights and public transportation
- Travel insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
- Any items that have not been mentioned in the price inclusions above
What to wear and bring with you:
- A small backpack/rucksack for your personal items (you can leave this in the van if you don’t want to take it with you during the excursion)
- Comfortable clothes suitable for biking
- A change of clothes in case it rains
- Closed shoes e.g. trainers or biking shoes (no flip-flops or sandals!)
- Sunglasses & sun cream
- A camera or smartphone if you want to take pictures
- A spirit of fun and adventure!
* For guided tours
** For self-guided tours
