DAY 1 - Welcome in Sicily. Arrivals at Catania Airport and transfer to Linguaglossa by private transfer
Clients pick-up at Catania airport and transger to Villa Neri Etna Resort. Welcome drink and vacation briefing, fine tuning of road bikes and relax in swimming pool. Linguaglossa is a sort of northern door of the volcano, the starting point as regards excursions and rides. Here cows, sheeps and goats are farmed with the production of cheeses and sausages. Ask for some samples in one of the many butcheries that are in the town. Dinner in hotel.
Meals: dinner
Destination: Linguaglossa (CT)
Accomodation: Villa Neri Etna Resort or same category alternative one in case of overbooking
DAY 2 – Etna volcano, its mountain villages and wine routes
After a good breakfast, you’re ready for the thrilling ascent of Etna Volcano till the ski lift area called “Piano Provenzana”: you pedal for a part along the “Mareneve” road going up, following the final climbs of the “Giro d’Italia” 2020 stages. No worry, the craters are just 10 miles away! Once on the top at Piano Provenzana, you begin to descend, with breath-taking views over the North-eastern slopes and the top of the volcano, through woods and chunks of lava flow, vineyards more and more. Just to arriving again at Linguaglossa.
Meals: half board and energy supplements
Destination: Piano Provenzana and Etna
Bike itinerary: 45 km and 1.400 meters (uphill) altitude gap
Accomodation: Villa Neri Etna Resort or same category alternative one in case of overbooking
DAY 3 - The Northern slope of the volcano
Terraced vineyards and volcano peaks! These are the sceneries of our pedalling along the Northern slope of Etna volcano and the Alcantara river valley, rich of attractions for nature lovers and foodies.
We will tour the small towns that circle the volcano’s base in the North,all part of “ Città del vino, villages along the Etna wine route. In these country districts as Passopisciaro, the medieval Randazzo, Verzella, Solicchiata, Castiglione di Sicilia are located the most prestigious wine-making areas! Leaving from Randazzo, we will pedal along the wine route and pass through the Alcantara river valley discovering wineries, farm-houses and ancient noble estates. You can admire some wide views over Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains.
Wine tasting in Villa Neri Etna resort will ends this special day. Dinner in hotel.
Meals: half board + energy supplements for lunch
Destination: Etna Northern slopes and Alcantara river
Bike itinerary: 47 km and 850 meters (uphill) altitude gap
Accomodation: Villa Neri Etna Resort or same category alternative one in case of overbooking
DAY 4 - Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains and medioeval villages
Before fill the tank with “cannoli” and “granita” to enjoy your Sicilian breakfast; then the van transfer bring the group at the daily ride starting point: from here, you pedal on the ridge of Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains, enjoy the descends and their breath-taking views over the Etna volcano and Alcantara river valley till the amazing Argimusco peaks which is a nature site made of megalites. used for religious and astronomic rituals,
A sports massage awaits for you in the afternoon, then relax yourself in the Spa.
Meals: half board + energy supplements for lunch
Destination: Nebrodi mountains
Bike itinerary: 33 km and 430 meters (uphill) altitude gap
Accomodation: Villa Neri Etna Resort or same category alternative one in case of overbooking
DAY 5 – hiking on Etna volcano
A different way of climbing Etna: hiking. A local guide brings the group till Rifugio Sapienza to enjoy Volcano marvel in the best way. No other words, remember to take a picture of this amazing experience.
Although Etna adventurous trekking, a more charming afternoon awaits for you: a transfer will run you to Taormina, one of the most iconic site of East Sicily. Of course, an exciting dinner here will be the right end of this further extraordinary Sicilian stay.
Meals: half board + energy supplements for lunch
Destination: Etna volcano
Bike itinerary: hiking
Accomodation: Villa Neri Etna Resort or same category alternative one in case of overbooking
DAY 6 – The southern slope of Etna volcano
Approach to the southern slope by van to reduce distance and time to spend on your road bike. Indeed today is another spectacular ride to explore the famous Bove valley with its solidified lava flows and the ancient village of Zafferana Etnea: it’s famous all over the world for its pistachios. The ascent is long and breathless due to the moon landscape.
Visiting one of the local wine cellar in the area is a “must” on the way back: for tasting several local wines, starting from “Etna Rosso” made of both Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes.
Meals: half board + energy supplements
Destination: Zafferana Etnea
Bike itinerary: 60 km and 1.600 meters (uphill) altitude gap
Accomodation: Villa Neri Etna Resort or same category alternative one in case of overbooking
DAY 7 – Bye bye Sicily
A last Sicilian breakfast with overview on Etna, then private transfer to Catania airport.
Meals: breakfast
Destination: Catania airport
