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Holiday Type: self-guided cycling holidays
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Duration: 8 days/7 nights
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Level of Difficulty:
 
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Group Size: from 2 bikers
- Price: from 550 €
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The Aeolian Islands Archipelago is made up of 7 islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. Islands of wild aspect fall sheer into the sea, offering visions of amazing beauty. Like Sicily, land of many contrasts, the islands are characterized by many different landscapes that generally do not exist in the same place. Vast back beaches like ebony contrasting with light colored shores; inaccessible and winding coasts follow in antitheses to low and hospitable rivieras; large sterile areas extend alongside fertile, pleasant gardens. Also, the nature offers many peculiarities, such as strange perforated rocks resembling bold bridges and rampant arches (I faraglioni); areas of sea in ebullition (due to underwater fumarole); rocks with a network of clefts from which boiling water gushes. Another attraction of the Aeolian Islands is the hot spring of high therapeutic value, located in Vulcano. The mud baths can be done on the inside of the hot spring, therefore the island offer a unique example of a highly healing mixture made of natural volcanic mud with natural hot spring. Particularly indicated for articulation, circulation and dermatological affections.
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contrast between sea and volcano
- Etna park,the largest active volcano in Europe and Nebrodi Park
- History, culture, volcanoes and Italian dolce vita in one week
Catania
Arrival at Catania Airport and transfer by private car to the hotel** in the city centre (very close to the Cathedral). Catania shows many baroque churches and buildings, all placed in the very heart of the city centre. Moreover there is a huge variety of pubs, restaurants, pizzerias and trattoria to be chosen for dinner. Briefing to discuss the program and bike’s delivery. Overnight stay in Catania.
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Catania/Rifugio Sapienza/Randazzo (60 Km, +345 m –1440 m)
In the morning short ride to the Catania Station. Transfer by public bus at the Rifugio Sapienza (1851 mt). Chance to climb by 4x4 jeeps until 2900 mt and on foot to 3350 mt escorted by a volcano or alpine guide. From Rifugio Sapienza on a panoramic road on the south west of Etna we reach Randazzo, characteristic medieval village. On the way we cross Bronte and its pistachio’s plantations. Overnight stay in B&B in Randazzo.
Alcantara Tour (60 Km, +650 m -650 m)
Alcantara is one of the most important rivers of Sicily famous for its splendid gorges. It has its source in Nebrodi Mountains, at 1,250 m of altitude near Floresta, and it runs for about 50 km before flowing into the sea near Capo Schisò. Chance to visit characteristics smalls Sicilians village like Francavilla di Sicilia e Castiglione. Overnight stay in B&B in Randazzo.
Randazzo/Milazzo/Lipari (80 Km, +599 m -1225 m)
On a panoramic road we are getting the northern coast of Sicily. On the way chance to visit the old castle of Montalbano Elicona. From Milazzo hydrofoil to Lipari. Overnight stay in B&B in Lipari.
Vulcano (28 Km, +584 m -584 m)
In the morning hydrofoil to Vulcano (10 min), Vulcano, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, famous for its black beaches and Thermal Springs. Short ride from Porto di Levante to south side of the island. Chance to visit Gelso, small fishing village. In the early afternoon chance to Excursion to Vulcano’s crater to see the Fumarole. In the late afternoon, hydrofoil to Lipari.
Salina (22 Km, +341 m -317 m)
In the morning hydrofoil to Salina (20 min.), the island greenest of the archipelago. The road is proceeding from Santa Marina to Rinella, crossing the village of Malfa, Pollara e Leni. Salina, is become a natural reserve for a few years, it is also a paradise for everybody that who love to walk in the nature. Overnight stay in B&B in Lipari.
Lipari (25 Km, +693 m -632 m)
In the morning to go in search of Lipari. Chance to visit the “Castello di Lipari” and his village. In the early afternoon hydrofoil to Milazzo and transfer to Catania. Overnight stay in Hotel in Catania, very close to the city centre.
Departure
After breakfast return of the bikes and transfer by car to Catania Airport. Possibility of extension of the stay in Syracuse, Catania or Taormina.
Gallery
Trip profile: This trip is difficult and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and likes to bike. Since some of the roads we bike on are steep, biking experience prior to the trip is necessary.
Departure date: From April to July and from September to October
Accommodation:
- 2 nights in Hotel** in Catania
- 2 nights in B&B*** in Randazzo
- 3 nights in B&B in Lipari
Luggages & Special items
It is advisable to bring 2 backpacks, a large one to pack all your belongings for the holiday and another smaller, lighter one to hold items you will need for each day. In addition to normal casual holiday wear, it is recommended that you bring a bike helmet, rain jacket, sun protection, lipsalve, sun glasses, sun hat, moisturiser, swim wear, multitask knife, personal first aid kit and a pocket torch, better if frontal. Your main luggage is transported by a support vehicle
Bike rental: City bike 24 gear, with locker, emergency kit and side bags
| Retail price Mandala tour website
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550 € |
| Single room supplement
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75 € |
| Bike rental
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80 € |
| Extra night in hotel** in Catania in double room with breakfast
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40 € |
Included:
- Transfers from/to Airport (day 1 e 8)
- 7 accommodations with breakfast included
- Maps and detailed description of the routes
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Baggage transportation
- mechanic assistant 24h24
Not included:
- beverages and soft drinks
- lunches and dinners
- travel insurance
- Hydrofoils at the islands
- Bike rental
Responsabile Booking/info: Sebastiano Foti
 
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