RomaPolacchi

InnTravel , a British holiday outfit, is offering unique bicycle tours of Italy. There are two tours of Sicily: The Realm of the Baroque , which is a gentle tour of the beaches, ruins and cathedrals of southeast Sicily (Siracusa and Ragusa are included) and Golden Cities , a more challenging ride through western Sicily beginning at Monreale, travelling down to Selinunte and ending in Marsala. The tours include bicycle rental, hotel accommodations, breakfast and many other meals. The tour company transports your baggage for you from town to town so you can be free to enjoy the scenery as you ride unencumbered. InnTravel also offers biking and walking tours and villa rentals in many other regions of Italy , including Sardinia and the Veneto.

The ruins at Selinunte are spectacular. You will forget the rest of the world as you gaze at the golden fields and blue sea surrounding the temples. But there's more to Selinunte than archaeology. Selinunte boasts beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and a simple yet extraordinary seafood restaurant. Try the beach west of Via Pigafetta (near the ruins) or take Via della Pineta east until it ends. You'll find a sandy beach there with a concession stand for snacks. Be sure to stay for the whole day when you visit and finish with a seaside dinner at Ristorante Pierrot of pasta con sarde or couscous (after all Africa is only about 100 km away!).

Often overlooked by tourists, Sicily is Italy's hidden treasure. From beautiful beaches to elaborate ruins, Sicily has something for everyone. Don't miss the Greek temples at Agrigento and Selinunte. Taormina's Greco-Roman theater and access to Mt. Etna are truly the jewel of the island. Gorgeous beaches and seaside retreats in Zingaro and the Aeolian islands will leave you wondering why you would ever vacation anywhere else. World-class museums in Palermo and Siracusa showcase some of the most exquisite artifacts in the Mediterranean. Sicilian culture, relatively untouched by the rest of the world, offers the most delicious food and interesting traditions. Just don't expect anyone to speak English!