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Western Sicily from Trapani to Monreale
Western Sicily from Trapani to Monreale is a 9-day, 8-night self-guided bike tour of moderate level that starts in Scopello and ends in Monreale, near Palermo. Over seven cycling days you ride past the temple of Segesta, the salt pans and windmills near Trapani, the island of Mozia, Marsala and the Greek ruins of Selinunte, then climb through the hills of Sambuca di Sicilia and Corleone. Luggage transfers, GPS tracks and a selection of B&Bs, hotels and agriturismi are all arranged for you.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Scopello
Arrive at your own pace in Scopello, a tiny village that grew up around a 17th-century baglio, the fortified farmhouse typical of western Sicily. Your tour briefing follows, with the roadbook and all your travel documents. Overnight in Scopello.
- Day 2
Scopello – Buseto Palizzolo
47 km · +860 m
From Scopello you ride to Segesta, one of the most evocative archaeological sites in Sicily, where the great Doric temple stands on a hillside with views down to the sea. Segesta was once a powerful city of the Elymians, one of the ancient peoples of the island. The day ends in the quiet countryside of Buseto Palizzolo. Overnight in Buseto Palizzolo.
- Day 3
Buseto Palizzolo – Trapani
34 km · +460 m
A short stage through the quiet back roads of the Trapani hinterland, among fields and scattered farmhouses where rural life still follows its own rhythm. You then roll down to the coast and into Trapani, with time left to explore the city. Overnight in Trapani.
- Day 4
Trapani – Marsala
50 km · +460 m
An easy, relaxed ride along the coast road, past the salt pans and their windmills. Along the way you can take the boat to the small island of Mozia, an ancient Phoenician settlement with an archaeological site and a museum. A few more kilometres bring you to Marsala, where a visit to one of the historic wineries producing Marsala wine is a must. Overnight in Marsala.
- Day 5
Marsala – Selinunte
70 km · +600 m
The longest stage of the tour leaves the flat vineyards around Marsala for gentle inland hills, then drops back to the sea. On the way you pass the Cave di Cusa, the ancient quarries where the stone for Selinunte's temples was cut. You finish at Selinunte, whose archaeological park stretches for about 1,300 metres from east to west. Overnight in Selinunte.
- Day 6
Selinunte – Sambuca di Sicilia
38 km · +600 m
Starting from sea level, you head inland on a mix of flat and rolling roads. A few climbs are rewarded with long descents through woods and farmland before you reach the small hill town of Sambuca di Sicilia. Overnight in Sambuca di Sicilia.
- Day 7
Sambuca di Sicilia – Corleone
57 km · +1,400 m
A demanding day through the dramatic scenery of inland Sicily. After a look at Sambuca's church, you ride through the Monte Genuardo nature reserve and the village of Contessa Entellina. You end in Corleone, known as the 'town of a hundred churches' and, to film lovers, for its link with Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. Overnight in Corleone.
- Day 8
Corleone – Monreale
58 km · +1,450 m
The last cycling day is full of big views. An old railway line takes you to the entrance of the Monte Jato archaeological site and on to the lake of Piana degli Albanesi; in Santa Cristina Gela, stop for a Sicilian cannolo. You finish in Monreale, 310 m above sea level on the slopes of Monte Caputo, famous for the cathedral built by King William II in the 12th century. Overnight in Monreale.
- Day 9
Monreale
Departure after breakfast. End of our services; on request we can arrange your transfer from Monreale to Palermo Airport.
Tour details
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Tour type
- Self-guided, with navigation app
- Area
- Western Sicily
- Distance
- 354 km
- Level
- Moderate
- Departures
- Daily, April to October (except August)
- Participants
- Minimum 2
- Accommodation
- A combination of B&Bs, 3- and 4-star hotels and agriturismi (farm stays)
- Meals
- Bed & breakfast
- Bikes
- Touring bike, E-bike
Prices and services
Price per person
| StandardB&Bs, 3*–4* hotels and agriturismi | € 1,500 |
Included in the price
- 8 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Touring (trekking) bike rental
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- GPX tracks or access to the Ride with GPS app
- Roadbook and tour briefing
- Telephone assistance
Not included
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Drinks
- Helmet (available on request)
- Airport transfers
- Entrance fees and extras
- Tourist taxes
- Anything not listed under "included"
Supplements
| GPS device rental | € 45 |
| E-bike rental | € 290 |
| High season (July and September) | € 240 |
| Transfer Palermo Airport – Scopello / Monreale – Palermo Airport | On request |
Prices are per person in a double room, with a minimum of 2 participants. Supplements are per person.
Bikes available for this tour
Touring bike
E-bikeRoute map
Questions about this tour
How long is the tour and how much does it cost?
9 days and 8 nights, from €1,500 per person in a double room. The price includes accommodation with breakfast, a touring bike and luggage transfers.
Where does the tour start and end, and how do I get there?
It starts in Scopello and ends in Monreale, even though the name mentions Trapani, which you reach on day 3. Palermo Airport is the closest airport, and we can arrange transfers from the airport to Scopello and from Monreale back to the airport on request.
How difficult is it and how many kilometres will I ride?
It is a moderate tour: 354 km in seven stages of 34–70 km. The last two days are the toughest, with about 1,400–1,450 m of climbing each, so an e-bike is a good idea if you are not used to hills.
When is the best time to go, and are there seasonal supplements?
The tour runs daily from April to October, except August. July and September carry a high-season supplement of €240 per person.
Which bikes are available? Can I book an e-bike?
Yes. A touring (trekking) bike is included, and you can upgrade to an e-bike for €290. A GPS device can be rented for €45.
What is included in the price?
8 nights with breakfast, bike rental, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, GPX tracks or access to the Ride with GPS app, a roadbook and telephone assistance. Meals other than breakfast, entrance fees and tourist taxes are not included.
