Described as the Mediterranean’s most alluring island with sweeping olive-strewn landscapes, starkly beautiful Greek temples and Byzantine mosaics, Sicily offers outstanding food and culture and interesting cycling routes. Our itineraries include overnight stops in Vizzini, Ragusa, Noto, and Syracuse, 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 9-day Classic trip, 6 nights are in villages and 2 nights at an upscale masseria. On the 9-day Luxe trip, 5 nights are in villages and 4 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
Siracusa, Syracuse, Province of Syracuse, Italy
Day 8+9
| Start any date between Mar 1 and Nov 30. |
|---|
| 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 $3,275
Single Supplement: US $820
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,905
Single Supplement: US $980
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $440
Racing Bikes: US $540
E-Bikes*: US $640
*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.
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 – the restaurant at the hotel, Locanda del Colonello is a great option!
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, where you’ll stay at the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel. 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)*
Noto to Syracuse
From Noto, ride south to and along the coast towards the sea-side city of Syracuse, founded in 734 B.C. Stop to view the cliffs at Oasi Gelsomineto or a swim and refreshing drink in Fontane Bianchi along the way. This is an easy ride as you’ll descend over 300m (1,000’). An add-on loop follows a dedicated bicycle path around the peninsula. Syracuse and the island of Ortigia are sublime: “Architecture that spans centuries, troves of religious art, a distinctive sweet-savory cuisine and glorious Mediterranean sunsets: This ancient city is filled with timeless riches.” NT Times.
Distance: 40 km; elevation gain: 215 m or 55 km; elevation gain: 350 m
Syracuse
We wouldn’t blame you if you decided to take the day off cycling and just explored more of Syracuse, perhaps exploring the celebrated archaeological park and museum. If you’d like a local guide to take you on a morning walking tour, we can arrange. Should you wish to ride, we offer three routes through the surrounding countryside including one to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Palazzo Acreide. Before dinner, partake in the evening passagiata around Ortigia island with the locals. Follow them into the bar Fratelli Burgio al Porto for a cocktail before dinner. If you’d like to splurge, a fine choice would be Room Cucina which has been getting rave reviews for its imaginative cooking and midcentury modernism interiors. If you are looking for a late night bar to finish your evening, try Boats, with a view over the ruins of the 2,500 Temple of Apollo. Lit by candles with exotic cocktails, toast your time in Sicily.
Distance: 48 km; elevation gain: 450 m or 81 km; elevation gain: 1,000 m or 95 km; elevation gain: 1,300 m
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 hotel is a guest favourite.
Located on the sea in Siracusa historic district, this hotel occupies two 19th century buildings, just a 4 minute walk to the Temple of Apollo. Recommended by New York Times, Conde Naste Traveler, Telegraph and others.
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.
Set in a stately townhouse opposite the Mediterranean Sea, this upscale hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Temple of Apollo and a 10-minute walk from the Palazzo Bellomo. The elegant rooms and suites are individually decorated with a mix of antique furniture, hand-woven rugs, wood-beamed ceilings and Sicilian-tile bathrooms. There is an excellent restaurant adjoining.
Tour Reviews
“I am writing to thank you again for our wonderful trip “
“This is our 4th trip with Randonnee and again they outdid themselves with the organization, quality of accommodations and great bikes and support. We actually bumped into a family that had been traveling with them for 20 years! We hope to continue to have Robbin and his team create our fantastic bike holidays for many years as well. Our Area Manager was fantastic. What a great guy. Helpful and knowledgeable. The stay at Licodia was memorable. Was a small town with not much to do but the great company of the hosts and the ride through the country made it fantastic. Felt like leaving family after 2 days. The range of accommodations was great. From B&B to luxury hotel. Really added to the experience.”
“The rides were challenging but beautiful. The scenery was fantastic. The people and food was exceptional. The week prior to this tour we were on bicycles from another tour company. Yours were in better condition and better tuned. Our Area Manager spent significant time setting up the bikes with our saddles and pedals.”
“We loved the route, accommodations and activity/food recommendations. Beautiful country, very friendly, perfect weather and always felt safe. Full of interesting history with so many UNESCO sights enroute. Our Travel Advisor was very accommodating and responsive especially as we had last minute flight changes. The Area Manager was very attentive and accommodating. He was easy to reach and very friendly. We loved the flow of the tour. It was flawless the way the riding, sights, accommodations, food, history, weather, people and trip planning all came together. It was a memorable experience.”
Leave a Review