Bike, boat, and island hop the Sicilian Coast

Discover the captivating essence of this extraordinary bike and boat tour through Sicily, nestled within the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Comprising several 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 distinctly blended culture.

On this biking, boating, and walking adventure, aboard a traditional Turkish Caïque, you will explore the extraordinary Aeolian Islands - a volcanic archipelago comprising 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, smoking craters, and splintered, rocky coastlines with breathtaking views. The myths and legends live on - here, Dionysus discovered the vine and Hephaestus forged thunderbolts from Etna's molten lava. Aeolus, the God of the Winds, lived in this wild region, and Ulysses battled the monstrous Polyphemus, the deity of fire!

This is not a passive exploration but an active journey, combining boating and cycling tours deep into the wonders of the Aeolian Islands.

You can extend your stay in Sicily with an optional hotel-to-hotel bike tour...getting the best of both worlds - land and sea!

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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
• Traditional Sicilian granita - a delightful frozen dessert

Daily program

Day 1: Embarkation - Milazzo
Arrive individually and gather at Catania Airport by 3:30 p.m. for a group transfer to Milazzo Harbor, located on the northeast coast of Sicily. Boarding commences at 6:00 pm at Marina di Nettuno in Milazzo. Meet your crew, settle into your accommodation on board, and savor a welcome drink, dinner, and program introduction. Tonight, you will overnight at the harbor, the gateway to the Aeolian Islands.

Day 2: Milazzo (9 miles/15 km)
Today's highlight is Capo Milazzo or Cape Milazzo, renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. Rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and crystal-clear waters characterize the area. You can swim in the refreshing waters of the "Venus Pool" - a protected natural pool formed by the sea.

You will then have the opportunity to visit the Castello di Milazzo, a historic fortress on a hill overlooking the town of Milazzo and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The castle has a rich and diverse history, with elements from different periods, including Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. Overnight once again in the harbor.

Day 3: Milazzo - Vulcano Island | Vulcano, roundtrip (13 miles/20 km)
Your incredible experience continues as your vessel sets sail for Vulcano, the "Sulphur Island". You'll explore the island's hinterland around Piano Grillo by bike, soaking in stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time. You can trek to the volcano's crater, indulge in a mud bath at the sulphur beach, or swim among underwater fumaroles. Overnight at Vulcano harbor.

Day 4: Vulcano - Panarea - Stromboli (3h 30 walking)
Following breakfast, you'll set course for Panarea, pausing for a swim near the islets of Lisca Bianca, Bottara, and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Arriving at Panarea, the Aeolian Islands' smallest gem, you will enjoy a lunchtime anchor stop in a charming bay. Caique Sundial then sails on to Stromboli, granting stunning views of Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli's renowned talus scree, occasionally featuring lava flows. In the late afternoon, a walk up to 400 meters (1312 ft) unveils twilight's volcanic spectacle. A scenic picnic dinner awaits at a panoramic viewpoint. Tonight's berth: a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.

Day 5: Stromboli - Panarea | Panarea – Salina ((2 h 30 walking)
The morning sail takes you back to Panarea, anchoring at Porto San Pietro Bay. A delightful stroll unfolds, exploring Panarea's village and Drautto Beach with its prehistoric village. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Cala Junco before returning on board. You'll then sail toward Salina where you can visit a local shop and sample local products. Overnight harbored in Salina.

Day 6: Salina | Salina – Lipari (13 miles/20 km)
Today, you'll start cycling directly on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, you will ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where you will visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara, you can try a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to Lipari Island, where you can stroll around the charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.

Day 7: Lipari | Lipari - Milazzo (16 miles/25 km)
With the morning sun, a captivating coast-to-coast bike expedition awaits. Commencing from Lipari's quaint hamlet, you will journey past the scenic village and Canneto Beach. A delightful picnic lunch awaits at Quattrocchi's panoramic viewpoint, followed by a return to Lipari's historical heart, bustling with shops and dining establishments. Afterward, your vessel, Caique Sundial, charts a course toward Milazzo. Conclude your journey with a final dinner at one of Milazzo's esteemed restaurants and settle in for the night within Milazzo's harbor.

Day 8: Milazzo
Check-out at 9:00 am after breakfast and board the collective transfer to Catania Airport. Arrival at Catania Airport will be around 12:00 pm. Or extend your stay!

Self-Guided Extension Program

Day 8: Milazzo Porto – Villafranca Tirrena | Villafranca Tirrena – Messina (25 miles/40 km)
Concluding the caique journey, you'll transfer via minivan from Milazzo Porto to Villafranca Tirrena. Upon arrival in Villafranca, collect your bike and embark on a cycling adventure guided by a digital "Roadbook" towards Messina. Following the northeast coast of Sicily along the old State Road 113, you'll pedal through the Calamona pine forest and the village of Spartà, reaching Capo Peloro and the charming village of Torre Faro. The alluring beach and the towering Pilone at 232 meters (761 ft) await your admiration. This tower symbolizes the town's spirit, standing at the nearest point between Sicilian and Calabrian coasts. Cooling off with a typical Messina granita in Torre Faro is delightful.

Continuing towards Messina, the route unveils the serene Ganzirri and Faro lakes, a Protected Nature Reserve. A dedicated cycle path guides you to the city center, where the market square and the cathedral's astronomical clock await your exploration. A short ride leads you to your B&B, Emme B&B (or similar), concluding the cycling day.

Day 9: Messina – Giampilieri Marina | Giampilieri Marina – Taormina (22 miles/35 km)
Begin the day with breakfast at the affiliated "Delia" bar of B&B. Following breakfast, a minivan transfer takes you from Messina B&B Emme to Giampilieri Marina. Bike delivery initiates your journey towards Taormina. The route traces old State Road 114, passing Capo Alì and embracing the seafront allure of the Ionian coast's historic seaside villages until you reach the Castle of Capo Sant’Alessio. Descending towards Taormina and Mazzarò Beach, the shadow of legendary Mount Etna accompanies your ride.

Overnight stay at Hotel Baia Azzurra Taormina or similar, offering numerous dining options in Taormina for an exquisite dinner.

Day 10: Taormina – Alcantara Gorge – Riposto | Riposto – Catania (27 miles/43 km)

Following breakfast, pedal from Taormina to Alcantara Gorges. Shifting from the coast, State Road 185 leads you to Alcantara Gorge Natural Fluvial Park. A lunch pause allows exploration of the gorge, its beach, and perhaps a refreshing swim in the Alcantara River, depending on the season.

Homeward bound, Marina Cottone's seafront beach and the town of Riposto, where a fish market visit is recommended, beckon. Returning the bikes, a private transfer to Catania follows. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon discovering Catania's historic center, and dinner at local eateries offers an opportunity to savor regional delights.

Conclude the day with an overnight stay at La Collegiata Hotel or similar.

Day 11: Catania
Bid farewell to this extension after breakfast at the hotel. A transfer from your Catania hotel to Catania Airport marks the end of this journey.

Photos

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Dates

Prices

Included services

Bike and Boat

• 7 nights accommodation in chosen cabin category
• Collective bus transfer to and from Catania airport on arrival (at 3.30 pm) and departure day (at 9 am, arrival at airport around 12 noon). Please let us know in advance if you want to use this transfer and provide flight details and mobile phone number
• Breakfast, packed lunches and 6 dinners
• Coffee and tea on board
• Welcome drink
• 1/2 lt bottled water per person for lunch and water jars on the table at dinner
• Airconditioning in the cabin
• Daily cleaning of the cabin
• Digital tour information
• English-speaking tour leader
• Fully-guided cycling and walking tours
• Harbor charges
• Wifi (only in the harbors)
• Carbon offset payment to a non-profit organization

Extension Program

• 3 nights accommodation
• Breakfast
• Standard rental bicycle
• Mini-van transfers as scheduled

Tour Company