Explore Italian islands in the Mediterranean
Distance: 40-60 km average per day Altitude: 100-500 hm average per day Not too steep and not too long slopes on not very difficult terrain.
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.”
Individual arrival and transfer to Milazzo harbor (boat Sundial). Embarkation is at 6 pm. 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.
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.
Today your caique 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.
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 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. Please bring forehead lights with you as the return is by night. Tonight we’ll stay in a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.
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.
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 barge will navigate to the island of Lipari, where you can stroll around its charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.
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, the Sundial will navigate to Milazzo and the Tersane IV will return to Capo d’Orlando Marina. Enjoy your last dinner at one of the many restaurants and overnight in the harbor of Milazzo or Capo d’Orlando Marina.
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9 a.m.
North-East Sicily
Route profile
The daily tours average in length between 15 – 25 km and 400 – 800 feet of elevation and lead predominantly through hilly and mountainous terrain and can be completed without time constraints. You will need to master longer, steep climbs, during which you are of course permitted to push your bicycle. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented by traffic. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the tour details. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bicycle tour.
This tour foresees 4 cycling days and 2 walking days. The caique is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the guests in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by caique.
To see the prices for 2027, select a date and click 'Book'.
Boarding is at 6 PM in Milazzo. Accommodation on board, welcome drink, dinner and presentation of the programme. Overnight in the harbour of Milazzo.
The mooring place of the barge in Milazzo is at the Porto di Milazzo.
There are flights to Catania from many international airports.
After arrival in Catania airport, we recommend booking an individual transfer yourself (for example via Connecto Transfers) or taking the regular train service operating between Catania and Milazzo. This transfer is not included in the price.
The tour ends one week later on Saturday morning after breakfast at 9 AM.
On this tour the following barges are scheduled
All rented adult E-bikes are equipped with:
1 one-sided saddlebag
1 handlebar bag
1 bike lock per cabin
Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. At the moment of booking you can also rent helmets (limited) or you can bring your own helmet.
Price rental E-bike: €273,- per week
9-Speed E-Bike (28")
This bike is fitted with a powerful and almost silent Bosch moter, as well as a long range 500 Wh battery. The high-quality Shimano gear and brake systems round off this two-wheeled package.
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.
The captain/skipper, the chef and your tour guide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tour leader accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and speaks English/Italian. The tour leaders are carefully selected. They are experienced enthusiastic travelers who have a true passion for sharing their love of the outdoors, peoples, cultures and local food. Thanks to their knowledge of the territory, they can give you useful hints and help you appreciate the place you are visiting.
Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
The captain and the guide reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind, sea and weather conditions or organizational requirements.
This is not a sailing trip. The ship is a motor vessel, it has sails but the navigation is powered by engines.
During the tour the boat will be docked in a harbour during 6 nights, while on one night it will anchor in roadstead. The roadstead is a sheltered anchorage in a bay, which is an enclosed area with an opening to the sea. Natural roadsteads offer shelter from storms, winds and currents. In exceptional cases (bad meteorological and/or sea conditions), for safety reasons, the ship might have to return to the harbour also during the night that is scheduled in roadstead.
Only and exclusively in this case, the clients will be asked to pay a supplement for the overnight in the harbour. This amount, variable from port to port, will be divided among all participants and will be paid directly on site (approximately 20-50 € per person per night, subject to changes).
This tour foresees 4 cycling days and 2 walking days.
The terrain is from plain to hilly, with a daily positive difference in height from 0 to 600 mt. The caique is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the guests in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by caique.
Leisure to Moderate: some days the itinerary will be flat, others it will present some hills. Suitable for everyone in good physical condition and with some cycling experience.
