Welcome to our Challenge Series

Explore the stunning roads of Sicily, a true cycling paradise with a perfect blend of beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, lush vineyards and the magnificent Sicilian coastline as your backdrop. 

The highlight of the trip - conquering Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and an iconic climb summited many times in the Giro d'Italia. With its rugged terrain, hairpin turns, and the rewarding panoramic views from the summit, it's going to be epic.

No. 5 in our not-to-be-missed Challenge Series, this trip includes luxury accommodation in our Njinga private villa, delicious local cuisine, and plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind by the pool.
 

The Details

DATES

OCTOBER 2024




Thursday 3rd Oct 2024
to 
Monday 7th Oct 2024




price

 4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD


  1. £925 pp sharing twin room with own bathroom 
  2.  £925 pp sharing double room with own bathroom 
  3. £1135 pp single occupancy double room with own bathroom
challenge day

what to expect


This trip is suitable for riders able to cycle a minimum of 23kph & 80-150km a day.

On the challenge day we will be riding 150km and climbing over 3500m as we ascend Mount Etna twice (option to do just one ascent).

"There are many cycling operations around, but Njinga Cycling truly want their clients to have a great time. Their attention to detail is second to none, this is why they are so different!"

STEVE WHEELER

Accommodation

  • We will be staying in our own luxury Villa in the south East of the Island with private access to two pools and a hot tub. Each room has its own private bathroom.
  • There is also plenty of space for "non-riders", so partners are welcome to join with close proximity to the beach to relax and explore during the day.  
  • The accommodation we choose is focused on bringing everyone together to recount the days riding, while still having your own privacy to retreat to for a post ride nap.  

"Leigh and Togo, you both provided a wonderful break full of great cycling, great food and great fun. What an amazing team of two you are! We will return soon."

Kay & Patrick Keenan

Daily Highlights

"I loved it! Tough and challenging but so, so rewarding and great team spirit. Togo’s enthusiasm and encouragement pushed me to reach levels I didn’t think I could. Leigh’s cooking was sublime. An altogether enjoyable and rewarding experience. I will definitely be booking again!"

SOPHIE DALE

Delicious Home Cooked Food

We always put great emphasis on our food and this trip is no different.

  • Welcome lunch on arrival as you unpack and assemble your bikes.
  • Wake up to a perfect breakfast each morning ensuring your body is fully fuelled for your days cycling adventure. 
  • Delicious post ride recovery smoothies and G&Ts by the pool will ALWAYS be part of our trips. 
  • Each night we will feast family style on tasty local produce, including dessert and a glass of wine. 
  • We can cater for vegan and gluten free for an additional cost (please email to enquire).

"Leigh's selection of food and kitchen atmosphere in the evening was just unforgettable." Daria Baranik 

It exceeded all my expectations! Although the rides were challenging, everyone was really friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed and we had plenty of time for coffee and cake stops! The villa was great and the food was really delicious. 

MARTIN FRANCIS

"I made the best decision, from the minute I got off the plane the people were lovely and the atmosphere was so welcoming from everyone. The rides were hard but fun. And I felt I accomplished what I’d set out to do. The support by the ride captains was spot on."

KAREN BAITUP

Camaraderie & Support

  • Our number 1 consistent feedback is the relaxed and welcoming feel and the encouragement of the Njinga community that keeps everyone coming back. 
  • Whether its your first time coming or your 4th time, you will settle right in and leave with new friends and a lifetime of memories.
  • The focus on these trips is fun, laughter and sharing new experiences together. 

"Unlike many commercial cycling operators, the Njinga crew really make you feel like part of the family, which makes for a very relaxed time off the bike."
Simon Hathaway

Training Options

Need help getting ready for the Challenge?

  • Sign up to this Challenge Series Trip and get 10% off our monthly Academy membership which includes multiple climbing training plans - the perfect preparation for this exciting challenge. 

"It exceeded all my expectations! Although the rides were challenging, everyone was really friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed and we had plenty of time for coffee and cake stops! The villa was great and the food was really delicious."

MARTIN FRANCIS

Pricing

BOOKING TERMS:

  1. A non-refundable deposit of £300 is required when you sign up to reserve your space online. 
  2. We then require the remaining total balance no later than 12 weeks prior to our departure date.  
  3. Final payments will be made by bank transfer. 
  4. If you are signing up after the 15th July, you will be expected to pay the total amount in full, via bank transfer.  
  5. See FAQS below for our Cancellation policies

£925 pp sharing
£1135 single occupancy

Njinga Cycling Academy members save £60*

What is included:


  • 4 x nights accommodation
  • 4 x buffet breakfasts each morning specifically designed for cyclists
  • 4 x supported rides (2 speed groups)
  • 4 x dinners served family style taking in the delicious local cuisine 
  • 4 x post ride protein recovery smoothies (high quality, natural, gluten, dairy and soy free) 
  • Poolside Gin & Tonics each evening as the sun sets  
  • British cycling coach support 
  • Post ride stretch sessions by PT and cycling coach 
  • Guided by expert Njinga ride captain navigating and setting the pace of the peloton 
  • GPX files of routes 
  • Full itinerary provided
 
EXCLUDES:    

- Cost of flights and transfers from the airport.
- Personal and bike insurance (ESSENTIAL) 
- Additional alcohol
- Lunch/coffee stops along the route each day 
- Any mechanical spare parts
- Special dietary requirement additional cost, enquire here.
- Cost to bring a non riding partner (contact us for additional costs)
- Additional days (contact us for pricing and to discuss)

* Academy Discount
- You must be an Academy member for minimum 3 months to qualify for the discount. (To get your discount code, visit the Benefits page of the membership).
- Excludes members who are on a trial membership as part of a 4 or 8 week group training programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 x nights accommodation based on 2 sharing
4 x nutritionally enhanced buffet breakfasts each morning to provide energy for the day  
4 x dinners served family style taking in the delicious local cuisine  
4 x post ride protein recovery smoothies (high quality, natural, gluten, dairy and soy free)
Poolside Gin & Tonics each evening as the sun sets
British cycling coach support (highly experienced, endurance cyclist)  
Post ride stretching by PT and cycling coach
Guided by expert Njinga ride captain navigating and setting the pace of the peloton  
GPX files of routes
Full itinerary provided

Cost of flights and transfers from the airport
Personal and bike insurance (ESSENTIAL WITH COVID)
Additional alcohol
Lunch/coffee stops along the route each day
Any mechanical spare parts
Special dietary requirement cost is additional. Please contact us for pricing.
Cost to bring a non riding partner (contact us for additional costs)

Yes, there will be a ride Captain/coach leading the ride each day at a min 23 kph pace. Depending on the group's ability, stronger riders can start slightly later each day or ride ahead to the coffee stop if needed. Everyone will receive all the route GPX files prior to departure. 

Yes, travel insurance is a must, particularly with all the Covid uncertainty. We will do our best to ensure the trip goes ahead as planned but please see our Covid specific policy below.

If the trip is affected by any changes implemented by the government in either the UK or Italy we will do the following:

- If we are unable to travel on the specified dates due to new travel restrictions put in place, we will offer you a credit towards another trip later in the year.

- If you test positive for Covid prior to departure and are no longer able to travel, we will do our best to try and accommodate you on a future trip but we are a small business and unfortunately can not absorb the cost for any changes out of our control. We shall have no liability to you for any refunds, compensation, losses, costs, expenses or damages you incur. These are risks which you must protect through obtaining comprehensive travel insurance which includes cover against any COVID-19 issues or incidents which may affect your booking.

- We are not responsible for any flights or other relevant expenses you may be liable for in the event of having to cancel so strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as suggested above.

If there is any other reason the trip has to be cancelled which is out of our control, we will transfer your payment onto another trip running later in the year. If it is due to our own decision, we will refund you the full amount already paid.

In both instances we are not responsible for any flights or other relevant expenses you may be liable for in the event of having to cancel so strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as suggested above.

If you are no longer able to make the trip and need to cancel, you have the following options:

2 months or more from date of departure - you lose your £300 deposit only
0-2 months from date of departure and you have already paid the full balance, 0% refund

If however you are able to find a replacement rider, there will be a £30 charge to transfer the booking into someone else’s name provided you find someone and they pay the full amount owed.

As there are multiple back to back days of riding with a fair amount of climbing, we recommend you are comfortable maintaining a speed of 23kph for 80-150km