Sicily & the Aeolian Archipelago
Italy Bike + Boat Tours
Bike & Boat in Sicily!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1500 Rates
Overview
Let yourself be enchanted by this spectacular bike and boat tour in Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean sea. Comprised of a number of satellite islands and archipelagos, Sicily, though part of Italy, seems a world apart. Conquered and influenced by one invader after another, it has emerged with a unique and distinct blended culture.
On this adventure, aboard a traditional Turkish Caïque, by bike, boat, and on foot, you will explore the extraordinary Aeolian Islands - a volcanic archipelago, comprised of the "seven sisters"; seven inhabited islands that are now part of the Unesco World Heritage List.
The volcanic origins have left a dramatic legacy of black-sand beaches, smoldering craters, and splintered, rocky coastlines with breathtaking views. The myths and legends live on. It was here that Dionysus discovered the vine and Hephaestus forged thunderbolts from Etna's molten lava. Aeolus, the God of the Winds, lived here, and Ulysses battled the monstrous Polyphemus and his companions, the followers of Vulcano, God of the Fire!
This is not a passive exploration by any means, but a truly active journey, combining boating and cycling tours deep into the wonders of the Aeolian Islands.
Highlights
- Creeks of Vulcano
- Cave of the Cavallo
- Pool of Venere
- Valle Muria beach and Stacks Menalda (only reachable by boat)
- Sciara del Fuoco
- Panarea's rocky ridges
- Multi adventure tour - cycling and walking
- Looking for a different flavor? Check out our full list of bike and boat tours in Italy here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Milazzo
Day 2: Milazzo, 9 mi. (15 km of cycling)
Day 3: Vulcano, 12 mi. (20 km of cycling)
Day 4: Panarea - Stromboli (3.5 hours of walking)
Day 5: Stromboli – Panarea (2.5 hours of walking) – Salina
Day 6: Salina - Lipari, 12 mi. (20 km of cycling)
Day 7: Lipari, 16 mi. (25 km of cycling)
Day 8: MilazzoThe captain and the guide reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind, sea, and weather conditions or organizational requirements before and/or during your holiday. This is not a sailing trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Milazzo
The closest airport to your tour start in Milazzo is the Catania Airport from which there is a collective transfer at 3:30 pm to the Milazzo harbor. Plan your airfare accordingly and please note that transfers are only available on embarkation and disembarkation days. Embarkation on the Sundial will start at 6 pm at the Marina di Nettuno in Milazzo. Following a complimentary beverage, dinner will follow and presentation of the program. Night in the port of Milazzo.Day 2: Milazzo, 9 mi. (15 km of cycling)
By bike, you head to Capo Milazzo (Milazzo Cape), the thin peninsula on the northeastern part of the island which extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here there will be the possibility of bathing in the wonderful “Venus Pool”, a protected natural sea pool at the very end of the cape. Upon your return to Milazzo, you can visit the castle and its ancient hamlet. Dinner onboard and overnight in the port of MilazzoElevation gain: 100 m
Day 3: Vulcano, 12 mi. (20 km of cycling)
While you enjoy your morning meal, the boat will begin navigation towards the island of Vulcano, the “Sulphur Island”. By bike, you can explore the hinterland of the island towards Piano Grillo, the ideal place to admire an amazing panorama. The afternoon provides plenty of free time. The following are suggested activities to discover the volcanic activity of the island: walk up to the crater of the volcano (400 m.), experience a mud bath in the sulfur beach of the island, or swim among underwater fumaroles. Dinner on board and overnight in port in Vulcano.Elevation gain: 400 m
Day 4: Panarea and Stromboli, (3h30 hrs of walking)
As the ship navigates towards Panarea, you first will stop for a swim close to the little islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara, and Dattilo. The volcanic activity is still clearly visible and vapors rise up through the cracks between the rocks. Once you've arrived in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, you stop for a lunch break at anchor in a nice bay. Navigation towards Stromboli with a superb view on the Sciara del Fuoco. In the late afternoon, you can take a walking tour (about 400 m) above sea level to admire the volcanic explosions at dusk. Dinner tonight is a picnic that offers nice panoramic views. Return on board, overnight in roadstead in Stromboli.Elevation gain: 400 m
Day 5: Stromboli – Panarea (2h30 hrs of walking) – Salina
After breakfast you will navigate back towards Panarea, stopping to drop anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, where you can enjoy a nice walk through the little village of Panarea, Drautto beach, and its prehistoric village. You will have your picnic lunch at Cala Junco and then board your vessel once again, sailing towards the island of Salina. Here you will visit a local shop and taste several local products. Dinner is on your own this evening and overnight in the harbor of Salina.Elevation gain: 0 m
Day 6: Salina - Lipari, 12 mi. (20 km of cycling)
You will start cycling directly in Salina from Santa Marina, on the east coast, reaching Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast. Here you can visit the lake of Lingua and Pollara, with the possibility to taste a very good “granita”. Back on board, the Caique Sundial will navigate up to Lipari, where you can meander through the charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.Elevation gain: 300 m
Day 7: Lipari, 16 mi. (25 km of cycling)
You start your day with a fantastic coast to coast ride by bike. Starting in the village of Lipari, you pass through the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. Arriving at the pumice quarries and the nice beach of Acquacalda, a refreshing swim will be welcomed. After a picnic lunch at the panoramic point of Quattrocchi, you pedal back to the historical center with many shops and restaurants to visit. After your return on board the boat navigates to Milazzo. Dinner is on your own this evening.Elevation gain: 600 m
Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation at 9am after breakfast. You will be offered a collective group transfer to Catania Airport with arrival at approximately 12 pm.You can view all of our bike and boat tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Boats
- Sundial
Standard Class Boat
The Sundial is a standard class Turkish Caique, constructed of pine and mahogany in the Vedat Sungul Shipyard in Bodrum, Turkey, using the ancient art of Turkish shipbuilding still in use. The boat has a spacious dinette, large solarium with comfortable beach mattresses, and on the stern deck, a wide and elegant lounge. Read More
Bicycles
Accessories
Included accessories
- Mudguards
- One-sided Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
- One handlebar bag
- One bike lock per cabin
Supplemental accessories
Please see pricing
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights on board the Sundial (6 nights in port and one night in roadstead)
- Breakfasts, packed or onboard lunches, & 5 dinners
- 1/2 litre bottle of water for lunch and water in jug provided during dinner
- 24-speed touring bike with accessories
- English speaking tour guide
- Arrival day group transfer from Catania Airport to the boat at 3:30 pm (Day 1), embarkation at 6 pm
- Departure day group transfer from boat to Catania Airport at 9 am, arriving at the airport around 12 pm (Day 8)
- WiFi (only available in common areas. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable WiFi please consider a a personal hot spot.
- Port fees
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner in Salina and 1 dinner in Milazzo
- Beverages
- Headlight for the Stromboli volcano trip (can be rented for €2)
- Entrance fees
- Additional harbor charges if the ship cannot anchor in roadstead on Day 4
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Standard Class
Saturday departures
Season 1: May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, & June 12, 2021
Season 2: August 28, September 4, September 11, September 18, & September 25, 2021Minimum of 6 guests required to confirm a departure.
Cabin Type Season 1 Season 2 Double $ 2497 £ 1316 $ 2,254 € 1500 kr 229955 ₪ 6142 ¥ 256788 Mex$ 27655 NZ$ 2739 NOK 17883 zł 6582 S$ 2232 kr 17874 $ 1,648 $ 2663 £ 1404 $ 2,404 € 1600 kr 245286 ₪ 6551 ¥ 273907 Mex$ 29499 NZ$ 2921 NOK 19075 zł 7021 S$ 2381 kr 19066 $ 1,758 Single $ 3662 £ 1930 $ 3,306 € 2200 kr 337268 ₪ 9008 ¥ 376622 Mex$ 40561 NZ$ 4017 NOK 26228 zł 9654 S$ 3274 kr 26215 $ 2,417 $ 3828 £ 2018 $ 3,456 € 2300 kr 352598 ₪ 9417 ¥ 393741 Mex$ 42405 NZ$ 4199 NOK 27421 zł 10093 S$ 3423 kr 27407 $ 2,527 Extra Options
Electric bike rental: $ 175 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 kr 16097 ₪ 430 ¥ 17975 Mex$ 1936 NZ$ 192 NOK 1252 zł 461 S$ 156 kr 1251 $ 115
Special diet (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan): $ 83 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7665 ₪ 205 ¥ 8560 Mex$ 922 NZ$ 91 NOK 596 zł 219 S$ 74 kr 596 $ 55
Helmet rental: $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 kr 2300 ₪ 61 ¥ 2568 Mex$ 277 NZ$ 27 NOK 179 zł 66 S$ 22 kr 179 $ 16
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Rating a tour is one of the most difficult things we do. One person’s moderate will be another’s difficult. After reviewing our client’s feedback, we are rating this tour moderate to difficult on a regular touring bike and easy to moderate on an electric bike. The total cycling distance is 80 km over 4 cycling days and 2 walking days. Total elevation gain on this tour is 1400 m. The terrain ranges from flat to hilly and one can expect to climb between 0 to 600 m each day. The route takes place on 50% tarmac roads and 50% unpaved. Please refer to each day’s details for daily distances and climbs.
Airport Info
The closest ariport to your tour start in Milazzo is Catania Airport (CTA).
Local Travel
Arrival and departure airport transfers are included in your tour price. The arrival transfer is at 3:30 pm on day 1 to Milazzo Harbor. Departure transfer will arrive at the airport on day 8 at approximately 12 noon. Please plan your airfare accordingly. Included transfers are only available on embarkation and disembarkation days.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival! This tour is organized during the time of year when it is the most pleasant for active warm-weather itineraries. Catania can be quite warm during peak summer months, but May through early June and end of August through September, the temperatures are on average are pleasantly warm, perfect for swimming, biking, hiking, and lounging on deck! Below is the average weather for Milazzo.
Recommended
We strongly recommend bringing a headlight with you for the Stromboli volcano day trip. If you don’t have one, you can rent it on site for €2.
Remarks
During the tour, the boat will be docked in the port for 6 nights. The remaining night the ship will stay anchored in roadstead. Roadstead is a place outside the harbor where the ship can lie at anchor. It is an enclosed area with an opening to the sea. Natural roadsteads offer shelter from storms, winds, and currents, and are frequently used for naval bases. Sometimes, in exceptional cases (unfavorable meteorological and/or sea conditions), for safety reasons, the ship must return to the port during the night that it is scheduled in roadstead. Only and exclusively, in this case, the clients will be asked to pay the relative price for the stay in the port. This amount, variable from port to port, will be divided among all the participants of the tour and will be paid directly on site (approximately from €20 to 50 per person per night, subject to changes).
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, & blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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