71km | 1,334m | 1,360m | 3,30h

Stage with medium difficulty level. Left Castellammare del Golfo, our route features a continuous up and down for about 30 km. Then a long and spectacular hairpin climb will take us to the small village of Erice, considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A cappuccino break in Erice is mandatory, especially when accompanied by a local specialty like the Genovesi cookies. Tasty, right? After this sweet break, we'll descend to Trapani, one of the most important towns in Sicily, and famous for the centuries-old marine salt production.

Our hotel is not far from there, and in the last 6km of our ride, we can take a chance to admire the stunning salt pans of the natural reserve of Trapani and Paceco, visit the Museum of Salt and learn about the "white gold" that drove the local economy for hundred years. Overnight in Saline di Nubia (Trapani).

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

95.7 km | 318m | 262m | 4h

On this day, we'll ride all along the coastline of Western Sicily. Left Trapani, after 25 km, we'll reach Marsala, sea town known for the homonym Marsala wine, a fortified wine famous all over the world, but also for being the landing town of the "Expedition of the thousand": the campaign undertaken in 1860 by Giuseppe Garibaldi that overthrew the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Naples) and reunited southern Italy and Sicily with the central and northern part.

After leaving Marsala, we continue on to Mazara del Vallo, a captivating town blending history and diverse cultural influences from Phoenicians to Normans. Its charming historic center features winding streets and ancient architecture, including the stunning Cathedral of Saint Vitus. The town's bustling port boasts one of Europe's largest fishing fleets and the renowned Dancing Satyr Museum. Mazara delights visitors with its fusion of authentic Sicilian and Arabic cuisine, especially its exquisite seafood dishes. This town's rich history, natural beauty, and welcoming ambiance make it an enchanting destination. The last 30 kilometers trace the coastline to Selinunte, renowned for its majestic ruins of ancient Greek temples, silent witnesses to a glorious past. 

Overnight in Selinunte.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

72.9 km | 1,067m | 876m | 4,15h

Out of Castelvetrano we'll keep exploring the wildest areas of western Sicily, through the hilly countryside of the Belice Valley, for us cyclists a region where scenic roads go through vineyards, but historically an area of great interest, as it was totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. We'll see around us the indelible signs of that disaster either in the landscapes and in the memories of the local population: from the small village of Partanna, and for the next 30 km we'll mostly encounter ghost villages, aside to the ever present vineyards and pastures. Noteworthy, the suggestive Cretto di Burri (or Cretto di Ghibellina): a huge land artwork, built as a form of memorial on the ruins of the town of Gibellina and conceived by the artist Alberto Burri, that has followed the former street plan covering the village with a white concrete maze.

...it is a sort of concrete labyrinth, which, seen from above, is similar to the maze of lies in which the judges had to orient themselves to find the thread of the investigation" - Alberto Burri Past this artwork, our ride will continue through the vineyards of Belice, crossing the important wine towns of Poggioreale, Salaparuta, Santa Margherita del Belice up to Sambuca di Sicilia, our destination. A day rich in culture ends in a comfortable accommodation at Sambuca di Sicilia.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

80 km  | 1,400m | 1,043m | 4,40h

Today we'll face a demanding stage in one of the wildest area of the island, very poor in settlements. And during our ride, we will encounter only two villages. Left Sambuca di Sicilia we'll ride on a continuous up and down across the Sicani Mountains up to Chiusa Sclafani, a small village active in the cherries' production (capable of 3800 quintals/year), but also rich in more typically Mediterranean products like olives and peaches. Up and down again to Palazzo Adriano, a village founded in the XV century by Albanian emigrants and known for being the film set of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, the masterpiece of Giuseppe Tornatore which won an Oscar in 1990. Nothing more fascinating than having a break right there! Maybe with cappuccino and "cuddureddi" - a sweet pastry characterized by a filling of cooked wine and almonds. So much tasty! Past Palazzo Adriano, nature becomes the unique protagonist, and riding through pastures, cultivated fields and eventually forests we'll reach Corleone,

If you're a fan of the Godfather trilogy, this name will remind you for sure the movies directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movies were inspired right by this place - Corleone - which has gained notoriety because of the mafia. However, if you speak to the residents of the town, they'll tell you they don't know anyone belonging to that criminal organization. And that the mafia itself doesn't actually exist. And of course the big business of mafia doesn't take place in the small center, where there's a lack of possible business opportunities, but in the big towns, like Palermo.

Actually, Corleone was the town where the main mafia's families used to live. We don't agree too much with that local way to analyze this very complex organization and have our opinions, which we'll be of course happy to share with you. The hotel, a comfy four-star, is 5 km out of the village.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

56.6 km | 1,053m | 952m | 3,10h

Another hilly stage. Past Corleone, we'll ride onto the rolling hills through the countryside up to our hotel, situated under the limestone massif of Rocca Busambra, and covered by the biggest forest in western Sicily: the Ficuzza forest. A peaceful place to recover.

Accommodation:Agritourism

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

54.2 km | 742m | 1,439m | 3,10h

Short stage on our last day: this would give you some more time to visit Palermo, a really stunning place, you'll agree with us. Left our hotel, we'll reach Piana degli Albanesi, considered one of the most important Arbëreshe colonies (decedents of Albanian refugees) in Sicily.

Locals maintain the typical traits of Albanian culture, preserving their language, traditions, and religion. Piana degli Albanesi is also known for being the best cannoli place, and after tasting this delicacy you will agree with the famous sentence of Peter Clemenza - right-hand man of Vito Corleone in the Godfather - when he said: "leave the gun, take the cannoli". Past Piana degli Albanesi, we'll approach the Palermo area.

The hilly landscapes step aside to show us the sea and the coastline. Before reaching Palermo, we'll pass through the village of Monreale, famous for its magnificent Cathedral, a Sicilian masterpiece built during the Middle Age, a perfect example of coexistence between Islamic, Byzantine and Romanesque cultures. We are 7 km far from Palermo. Our hotel is situated in the heart of the town. A perfect position to experience a bit of the Sicilian lifestyle, walking through the picturesque markets of Ballarò and Vucciria, tasting the amazing Sicilian street-food and feeling the warmth of this friendly population. A note for those either on the guided or self-guided tour: we offer the opportunity to get an extra night at Palermo (check in the 'ON REQUEST' items). And we warmly suggest taking it!

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast |