Described as the Mediterranean’s most alluring island with sweeping olive-strewn landscapes, starkly beautiful Greek temples and Byzantine mosaics, this island in the sun offers outstanding food and culture and interesting cycling routes. Our itinerary includes overnight stops in Ragusa, Noto, and Syracusa, staying in charming and authentic lodging. Be prepared for some climbing and the reward of sweeping descents, along coastlines and through villages that throw out the welcome to visitors, especially those on bikes. Need inspiration? Read Francine Prose NY Time article; Enthralled by Sicily, Again.
Sicily is certainly unique; it’s beautiful with a colorful history going back 3,000+ years. The towns boast Baroque architecture and ancient palazzi and superb food and wine. If you have cycled in Tuscany, Umbria or Piemonte with us, southern Italy (and Sicily in particular) doesn’t have the same buttery smooth pavement that you find in the north and litter is sometimes found along roads here. Our itinerary takes these into consideration offering the best routes possible, staying in lovely hotels and visiting charming villages. Sicilians are passionate, proud and welcoming.
Straight Talk
Note that the Classic and Luxe itineraries stay in different locations on certain days. On the 7-day Classic trip, up to 4 nights are in villages and 2 nights at an upscale masseria. On the 7-day Luxe trip, 3 nights are in villages and 3 nights outside of villages in rural settings. When staying at a hotel in a rural setting, there are dining options at the property or you can always take a taxi to a nearby village.
Vizzini, Province of Catania, Italy
Day 1+2
Ragusa, Province of Ragusa, Italy
Day 3+4
Modica, Free municipal consortium of Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
Day 4
Noto, Province of Syracuse, Italy
Day 5+6+7
| Start any date between Mar 1 and Nov 30. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelAvid
60 km (36 mi) average daily distance
TerrainThe terrain in this region is hilly
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,450
Single Supplement: US $620
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,050
Single Supplement: US $770
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-Bikes*: US $480
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
We recommend flying into Catania-Fontanarosa Airport. There are international airports in Catania, Palermo, and Trapani however for this trip, it makes most sense to fly into Catania. We include a transfer from Catania Airport to your first hotel, which takes approximately 45 minutes.
Vizzini
Arrive to your hotel, check-in anytime after lunch and meet your bikes. Ride a loop day from your hotel, with time to stop in the village of Vizzini, considered one of the oldest cities in Sicily, ruled in the middle ages by aristocratic families and today a vibrant village with restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Distance: 40 km; elevation gain: 700 m
Vizzini Loop to Grammichele & Caltagirone
Today, set off for the nearby village of Grammichele, which was heavily damaged in an earthquake in 1693 and redesigned and rebuilt. A longer option reaches Caltagirone, famous for ceramics. On the return route, stop in the village of Mineo for a late afternoon refreshment before reaching your hotel.
Distance: 44 km; elevation gain: 530 m or 80 km; elevation gain: 1,400 m or 100 km; elevation gain: 1,800 m
Vizzini to Ragusa
Ride from Vizzini south to Licodia Eubea, Lake Dirillo and Villagio Gulfi, where you might be tempted to visit and taste wine at celebrated Gulfi Cantina. Arrive to Ragusa, known for its traditional Baroque architecture and one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily with great options for lunch. The Luxe trip stays at the Eremo della Giubliliana, a historic 5-star hotel on a rural estate located 10 km outside of Ragusa.
Distance: 50 km; elevation gain: 800 m (Classic) or 62 km; elevation gain: 950 m (Luxe)
Ragusa Loop to Donnalucata and Scicli
Today’s ride loops south towards the coast and the charming village and splendid beaches of Donnalucata. On the return ride, stop for lunch in Scicli, a UNESCO listed Baroque town with abandoned cave settlements and then reaches Modica, another UNESCO listed site and a splendid village to explore and visit. There are lots of great options for dinner here so you can choose to dine where you please.
Distance: 60 km; elevation gain: 910 m (Classic) or 42 km; elevation gain: 600 m (Luxe)
Ragusa to Noto
Depart Modica and follow a route across the interior of Sicily, past the ancient city of Noto Antica and into Noto. Conde Naste Traveler describes Noto: “In contrast to big European cities during the summer, this region of southern Italy has all the history of Rome along with the small-town breezy seaside charm of the Cinque Terre.” Stop in at Caffe Sicilia, founded in 1892, and now famous since Netflix featured the self-effacing Assenza in its Chef’s Table series. His exquisite granita, ice-cream and pastries all proudly showcase local ingredients and producers – almonds from Avola, lemons from Noto and pistachios from Bronte on the slopes of Etna. We recommend enjoying dinner at Manna, a superb restaurant that designer Gordon Guillaumier converted from the former cellars of the historic Palazzo Nicolaci.
Distance: 53 km; elevation gain: 850 m (Classic) or 63 km; elevation gain: 940 m (Luxe)
Noto Loop to Marzamemi
On today’s loop ride, cycle south towards the coast to some of the most secluded sandy beaches not just in Sicily but in all of Italy. Visit the sea-side village of Marzamemi. Take a swim, enjoy lunch at the atmospheric Traverna La Cialoma, or if you prefer to sun-bathe at an exclusive beach, head to Agua Beach Resort and then ride through the National Park Vindicari. Back in Noto, celebrate with another extraordinary dinner at an acclaimed restaurant.
Distance: 48 km; elevation gain: 600 m or 84 km; elevation gain: 1,050 m (Classic) or 36 km; elevation gain: 665 m or 70 km; elevation gain: 880 m (Luxe)
Depart
Depart from Noto to Catania-Fontanarosa Airport (1h15) as desired, you can find bus schedules here; a typical departure leaves Noto at 7:45 AM and arrives to Catania airport at 9 AM.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
This charming B&B is in the village of Licodia Eubea and has rave reviews from guests who appreciate the hospitality of Francesco and Piero. "It was truly a luxurious stay in the most exquisite decor, the greatest attention to detail and the two most dedicated hosts we met in Sicily!..."
San Giorgio Palace is a lovely boutique hotel in Ragusa Ibla. Its modern design sparkles in the old stones of the original architecture. It is located in really nice part of Ragusa, and from there we can enjoy a panoramic view of Santa Domenica Valley.
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of historic Modica, blending contemporary design with Sicilian charm. Perched above the city with panoramic views of the Baroque skyline, it offers elegantly appointed rooms, a pool, rooftop terrace, and is within walking distance of Modica’s cultural landmarks.
Translated as Farmhouse of Olives, this 19th century farmhouse is built around a baglio (courtyard) with an olive tree providing shade. The guest rooms are in new buildings and have high beamed ceilings and rustic touches. There is a large infinity swimming pool.
This property is a part-crenellated 16th century Masseria with beautiful grounds and views to Mount Etna. Inside are warm stone walls, white sofas, ecru draperies, rustic stone fireplaces. There is a long elegant swimming pool, floodlit for nighttime swims and an excellent restaurant with classic Sicilian menu.
This property is a 15th century convent-turned-inn of the Nifosi family (antique collector, architect and chef among them).This 5-star hotel boasts an elegant restaurant, outdoor pool and spa, as well as an archaeological site and a private airstrip.
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of historic Modica, blending contemporary design with Sicilian charm. Perched above the city with panoramic views of the Baroque skyline, it offers elegantly appointed rooms, a pool, rooftop terrace, and is within walking distance of Modica’s cultural landmarks.
*Classic
Housed in an 18th-century palazzo in the heart of exquisite Noto, this boutique hotel is romantic, sophisticated, luxurious and steeped in charm. Boastings a rooftop terrace with views of the Duomo and an attentive, friendly staff, this hotel is a favourite.
Tour Reviews
“We found the people we met made the trip so special. Several of us have already been talking about which trip to go on next year.”
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