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Italy

Italy: Sicily + Aeolian Islands

The heart of the Mediterranean sea
Milazzo Round tour.
From €2099 p.p.
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Italy: Sicily + Aeolian Islands

Highlights of this tour

Be enchanted by this spectacular cruise among the extraordinary Aeolian islands. On board a charming caique – a traditional fishing boat – you’ll discover these volcanic islands, today part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Starting from Milazzo on the north-east coast of Sicily, your first stop will be the island of Vulcano. The journey continues to Panarea, with its large rocky ridges. In the background you’ll admire the continuous explosive activity of the Stromboli volcano. We then head to Salina, where you can’t miss tasting a typical Sicilian granita! […]

In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea

Visit 5 Aeolian Islands

Explore UNESCO World Heritage landscapes

Barge with max. 12 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 2 Difficulty level 2
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8, 11 days

About this tour

Be enchanted by this spectacular cruise among the extraordinary Aeolian islands. On board a charming caique – a traditional fishing boat – you’ll discover these volcanic islands, today part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Starting from Milazzo on the north-east coast of Sicily, your first stop will be the island of Vulcano. The journey continues to Panarea, with its large rocky ridges. In the background you’ll admire the continuous explosive activity of the Stromboli volcano. We then head to Salina, where you can’t miss tasting a typical Sicilian granita! Finally, enjoy a tour around the charming island of Lipari.

Get ready to experience a truly active journey combining exploration with relaxation. On our cycling and walking tours, you’ll enjoy the wonders of the Aeolian Islands, also known as the “pearls of Sicily.”

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling and walking excursions, you’ll cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You’ll dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day to take along the way. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board.

Fully Guided
Accompanied by an experienced tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting places and sights during the daily cycling and walking tours. Along the way, you will hear all about what you encounter. You can also choose to cycle the cycling tours individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).

Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

Preparation is half the fun, so why not start straight away?
See all tips

Day to day program

We wish to specify that this is not a sailing trip. The ship is a motor vessel, it has sails but the navigation is powered by engines.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Day 1: Embarkation: Milazzo

Individual arrival and meeting at 3.30 pm at Catania airport, where you’ll be transferred to Milazzo harbor. Embarkation is at 6 pm at the Marina di Nettuno in Milazzo. Get to know your crew and accommodation on board, and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and presentation of the program. Overnight in the harbor of Milazzo.

Day 2: Milazzo  (Approx. 15 km/9.4 mi.)

Today you’ll cycle towards Capo Milazzo, where you’ll have the chance to bathe in the wonderful “Venus Pool”, a protected natural sea pool. Once back in Milazzo, you can visit the castle and its ancient hamlet. We’ll stay the night in the harbor of Milazzo.

Day 3: Milazzo – Vulcano Island | Vulcano, roundtrip (Approx. 20 km/12.7 mi.)

Today your caique Sundial will start navigating towards the island of Vulcano, the so-called “Sulphur Island,” where by bike you’ll explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to admire an amazing landscape. Then enjoy free time in the afternoon, with plenty of interesting suggestions: walk up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath at the island’s sulphur beach, or you can even swim among underwater fumaroles (volcanic vents). Overnight in the harbor of Vulcano.

Day 4: Vulcano – Panarea – Stromboli (3h30 walking)

After breakfast we head towards Panarea, stopping for a swim close to the little islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Once in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. Then the caique, Sundial, will navigate towards Stromboli, with a superb view over the Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli’s famous talus scree, which sometimes still features lava flows. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a walking trip up to 400mt (1312 ft) above sea level to admire the volcanic activity at dusk. Then we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner at a scenic panoramic viewpoint. Tonight we’ll stay in a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.

Day 5: Stromboli – Panarea (2h30 walking) | Panarea – Salina

After breakfast, we’ll navigate back towards Panarea. After dropping anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to visit the little village of Panarea, as well as Drautto Beach and its prehistoric village. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Cala Junco and then return back on board. Afterwards, we’ll head towards the island of Salina, where you can visit a local shop and sample local products. Overnight in the harbor of Salina.

Day 6: Salina (Approx. 20 km/12.7 mi.) | Salina – Lipari

Today, you’ll start cycling directly on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, you’ll ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where you’ll visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara you can try a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to the island of Lipari, where you can stroll around its charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.

Day 7: Lipari (Approx. 25 km/16 mi.) | Lipari – Milazzo

After breakfast, you’ll experience a wonderful coast-to-coast bike ride. Starting from the hamlet of Lipari, you’ll pass by the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. Stop for your picnic lunch at the panoramic point at Quattrocchi and then return to Lipari’s historical center, rich in shops and restaurants. Back on board, Sundial will navigate to Milazzo. Enjoy your last dinner at one of Milazzo’s many restaurants and overnight in the harbor of Milazzo.

Day 8: Disembarkation: Milazzo

Check-out at 9am after breakfast and collective transfer to Catania airport. Arrival in Catania airport will be around 12 midday.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay and relax on board.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

Optional Extension program

We wish to specify that this is not a sailing trip. The ship is a motor vessel, it has sails but the navigation is powered by engines.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

We wish to specify that this is not a sailing trip. The ship is a motor vessel, it has sails but the navigation is powered by engines.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Day 8: Milazzo Porto – Villafranca Tirrena | Villafranca Tirrena – Messina (40 km/25 mi)

End of tour by caique, and transfer by minivan from Milazzo Porto to Villafranca Tirrena.

Upon arrival in Villafranca, you’ll pick up your bike and start cycling with a digital “Roadbook” in the direction of Messina. Along the way, you’ll follow the entire northeast coast of Sicily, riding along the old state road 113. Passing through the Calamona pine forest and the small village of Spartà, you’ll reach Capo Peloro and the small village of Torre Faro. There, you can admire one of the most beautiful beaches in Messina, but also the Pilone, a huge tower 232 meters high (761 ft) towering over the town. It may not be beautiful, but the locals are fond of it and see it as one of the symbols of the town. It stands at the closest point between the Sicilian and Calabrian coasts (on the Strait of Messina). In the village of Torre Faro, you can cool off with a typical Messina granita, a sweet frozen desert.

Departing from Torre Faro in the direction of Messina, you’ll can stop to admire the two lakes of Ganzirri and Faro, a Protected Nature Reserve. Next, you’ll take the dedicated cycle path toward the city center, where, following our Roadbook, you’ll reach the market square and the cathedral, where you’ll see one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. It’s not much further to your B&B and the end of your cycling day.

Dinner is not included, so you can try a local restaurant in Messina. Overnight stay at Emme B&B or similar.

Day 9: Messina – Giampilieri Marina | Giampilieri Marina – Taormina (35 km/22 mi)

Breakfast at the “Delia” bar affiliated with the B&B, end of breakfast transfer by minivan from Messina B&B Emme to Giampilieri Marina.

After delivery of the bikes, we’ll start our cycling route toward Taormina. We’ll follow the old state road 114, passing Capo Alì and continuing along the seafronts of the various old seaside villages of the Ionian Coast until we reach the Castle of Capo Sant’Alessio. We will then descend to Taormina and Mazzarò Beach, near the legendary Mount Etna.

Dinner is not included, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Taormina. Overnight stay at Hotel Baia Azzurra Taormina or similar.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll depart by bicycle from Taormina to the Alcantara Gorges. Turning away from the coast, you’ll take state road 185 to Alcantara Gorge Natural Fluvial Park. There, in addition to a lunch stop, you can descend into the Gorge and, depending on the time of year, enjoy its small beach and take a swim in the Alcantara River.

On the way back, you’ll reach the seafront beach of Marina Cottone. From here you’ll move on to the town of Riposto, where we suggest a visit to the fish market.

After returning the bikes and a private transfer from Riposto to Catania, you can enjoy a free afternoon visiting Catania’s historic centre.

Dinner is not included, so try out the local specialties in Catania. Overnight stay at La Collegiata Hotel or similar.

 

Day 11: Catania

Breakfast at the hotel, marking the end of this optional extension. Transfer from your hotel in Catania to Catania Airport.


The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

Cyclists in a green landscape

Touring bikes

The rental bicycles on board are custom built by a small manufacturer and equipped with all the essentials of a great touring bike. Reliable Shimano 24-gear and brake systems, a pannier rack, a sturdy bike stand, mudguards and a comfortable Selle Royal touring saddle complete the package. All bikes have 28-inch wheels and there are different frame sizes available.

E-bikes

The e-bike is a tailormade Granville Urban. It is relatively light and has a comfortable low entry. It is equipped with a smooth functioning 9-speed chain shift and reliable hydraulic Shimano disc brakes as well as a powerful central motor from the Bosch Active+ line.

Taking your own bicycle

On this trip it is not possible to bring your own bikes due to lack of space on board.


Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For all dates
Small double cabin 2 pers. € 2099 Double cabin 2 pers. € 2399 Small double cabin for single use 1 pers. € 3148.50
Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 nights
  • Collective bus transfer between Catania airport and ship on arrival day (at 3.30 pm) and between ship and Catania airport on departure day (at 9 am, arrival at airport around 12-noon). Please let us know in advance if you want to use this transfer, if so we need your flight details and mobile phone number
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 6 x dinner
  • 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
  • Bed linen and towels (1 change of towels per week)
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Rental helmet
  • Digital tour information
  • English-speaking tour leader
  • Fully-guided cycling and walking tours
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Harbor charges
  • Wifi (only in the harbors)
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
  • Transfers to/from Catania Airport, Sicily
  • 1 dinner
  • Rental bicycle or E-Bike
  • Entrance fees & excursions (museum, parks, monuments)
  • Parking fee
  • Other transfers
  • Drinks on board
  • Personal (travel) insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Additional options & information - 2024

2024:

  • Rental bicycles: € 125 per bike/week
  • Rental E-Bike: € 235 per bike/week
  • Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike on this ship, due to a lack of space on deck.
  • Optional Extension program 4d/3n: € 599 p.p. (bookable as from 2 persons)

 

Collective bus transfer: The pick up for the transfer on arrival day is scheduled at 03.30pm at Catania airport. The pick up on the last day from the boat is at 09.00am with a foreseen arrival at Catania airport at around 12.00pm.
For each booking we need to know if customers will take part to the collective transfer/s, if so we need flight details and a phone number.

Optional Extension Program:

  • Included: all city taxes; 24-hour local assistance; 3 nights in hotels with breakfast; rental bicycle; transfers with mini van as scheduled.
  • Excluded: all lunches and dinners; personal expenses; tips for tour leader and driver; rental E-Bike (supplement € 120 per E-Bike)

 



Reviews

based on 3 reviews on
19 Sep 2019

Lisa Pearson

Aeolian Islands boat bike tour was great! What a beautiful place! The Sundial was a beautiful boat with lovely meals and crew. There was limited air-conditioning and wifi available-some nights were quite warm in the little cabin. Tour was rated as a “2”-not accurate! Many hills and climbs-I am an avid biker and would recommend ebike for this tour.

29 Jul 2018

DebraAdam

We did the Trip of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. This trip was the best trip we ever took. Very exoctic we thought. However, the climate was pretty hot, and the air conditioning was sporadic making it hard to sleep which was an issue for all the guests, the wifi was also sporadic. The ship Sundial was beautiful, the tour Guide Vera was great, the Captain and First Mate Angelo were great, the chefs and housekeepers were great! The bike riding in my opinion was tough on a pedal bike even though I trained for this, if I was to do this again I would have ordered an e-bike for all the bike rides as the rides are a constant climb up. Other than that, the trip was a DREAM!! Beautiful sites, people, food, drink!!!

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 31 Jul 2018

Thanks very much for your review. Team Boat Bike Tours.

19 Jun 2018

CRL

Really enjoyable holiday, well looked after by team leader and the crew, food excellent.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 21 Jun 2018

Thanks very much for writing this review. Team Boat Bike Tours.


Available ships for this tour

Boutique ship Sundial Italy

Dining area

Deck chairs

Lounge area on deck

Air conditioning

max. 12 passengers
6 cabins
1 tours available with this ship

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Tallship with max. 34 passengers

Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch. 8 days
4 stars
4 Reviews
Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 3 Difficulty level 3

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Italy: Sicily + Aeolian Islands

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