Cycling in Sicily

Cycling in Sicily

8 Days Starting in Palazzolo Acreide and ending in Syracuse

Visiting: Italy, Sicily

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MWY

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $2700

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Classic Mediterranean landscapes, millennia-old history and some of Italy’s best food: Sicily is the perfect destination for a well-balanced cycling adventure. On the bike, we explore the southeastern part of the island, riding along the coast, through vineyards and to the edge of Cavagrande del Cassibile, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. Off the saddle, there’s culture and architecture in the UNESCO-listed baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and Noto, plus the chance to sample the superb regional cuisine and wine.  

Highlights

  • Discover the best of Sicily by bike with a small group of like-minded adventurers

  • Ride through UNESCO-listed baroque towns in the Val di Noto, Marzamemi and Syracuse

  • Cycle to Cavagrande del Cassibile, one of the deepest canyons in Europe

  • Cool off with refreshing dips in hotel pools and in the Mediterranean Sea

  • Sample the exquisite regional cuisine and wine of Sicily

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start In Palazzolo Acreide, Welcome Briefing And Bike Fitting

Accommodation Name: Feudo Bauly (or similar)

We start in Palazzolo Acreide, a maze of narrow streets and baroque churches that was built following an earthquake in 1693 on the site of an ancient Greek colony.



The tour leader will give a welcome briefing and, if there’s time, we will do the bike fitting. Depending on the arrival time of the group, we may have the chance to explore Palazzolo Acreide. If not, we look around the town tomorrow morning.



Accommodation: Feudo Bauly (or similar)

Day 2 : Ride South To The Hilltop Baroque Town Of Ragusa Ibla; Cycle Scenic Roads To Modica

Accommodation Name: Ferro Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our adventure with a ride through the beautiful lower valleys of the Hyblaean Mountains, passing olive plantations and dry-stone walls that characterise this area. We then climb into the highlands to Ragusa Ibla, a town built over three hills separated by a deep valley, and home to beautiful baroque churches and buildings.



We then cycle to Modica, a Sicilian baroque town at the bottom of a gorge. After the ride, we recommend trying Modica chocolate, still prepared using the Aztec recipe brought over by Spaniards in the 1500s. We stay overnight in Modica.



Accommodation: Ferro Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 : Cycle To The Architectural Delight Of Scicli, The Filming Location Of ‘Inspector Montalbano’, Then On To Our ‘Agriturismo’

Accommodation Name: Agriturismo Tenuta Arangio (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Modica and ride along a ravine that slopes downhill until we reach another outstanding example of Sicilian baroque architecture, Scicli, where the popular Inspector Montalbano TV series was filmed. We continue further south until we meet the Mediterranean coast, where we stop for lunch and a swim. Getting back on the bikes, we cycle along the shore to the area of San Lorenzo, where our agriturismo (converted farmhouse) is located.



Accommodation: Agriturismo Tenuta Arangio (or similar)

Day 4 : Gentle Circular Route Through Vineyards, Along The Coast And Back To Marzamemi

Accommodation Name: Agriturismo Tenuta Arangio (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

A loop ride takes us through vineyards and past cherry tomato greenhouses (where the renowned Pomodoro di Pachino tomatoes are cultivated). If we are lucky, we may spot flamingos, herons and other migratory birds in marshes along the way. We then follow the coastline to Portopalo di Capo Passero, the southernmost village in Sicily (further south than Tunis). Here, we stop for coffee and a chance to swim where the Mediterranean and Ionian seas meet. We reach our lunch stop in Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village of Arab origins, before returning to the agriturismo for a second night.



Accommodation: Agriturismo Tenuta Arangio (or similar)

Day 5 : Coastal Ride To Vendicari Nature Reserve, Continue To Noto, The Capital Of Sicilian Baroque Architecture

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Sofia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short ride brings us to the beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve. This narrow stretch of marshy coastline provides a rare and now completely protected habitat for migratory bird species and the local flora and fauna. A short walk will take us to beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. As we leave the reserve behind, we head north to Noto, another Unesco World Heritage site. It’s a planned town in the Late Sicilian baroque style, all built in a beautiful honey-coloured stone. A must-try in Noto is the delicious cannoli alla ricotta and almond pastries. We stay overnight in Noto.



Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sofia (or similar)

Day 6 : Circular Ride To Cavagrande National Reserve And The Deep Cassibile Canyon

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Sofia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our day with a challenging but rewarding 4mi (6km) climb to San Corrado di Fuori, where we stop for a well-deserved coffee. Continuing the cycle, we reach the archaeological site of Noto Antica, the original settlement of Noto, which was destroyed by the 1693 earthquake. Another ascent takes us to the viewpoint of Cavagrande del Cassibile (1,657ft/505m), one of the deepest canyons in Europe, where we enjoy a lunch stop with sweeping views of the gorge and the Cassibile river far below.



In the afternoon, we enjoy a magnificent descent with hairpin bends towards the coast, before returning to Noto for a second night in this wonderful city.



Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sofia (or similar)

Day 7 : Final Coastal Ride To Syracuse; Free Time To Discover The Historic Town

Accommodation Name: Hotel Centrale (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's gentle ride will lead us first to Avola for an espresso or cappuccino, then along the coast to Syracuse, passing beautiful beaches where we will stop for a refreshing sea dip. Once we arrive in Syracuse, described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all", our tour leader will provide a short orientation tour of Ortigia, the island where the city was founded. In the afternoon, there is free time to explore at your own pace, do some shopping or visit the archaeological park with its spectacular hillside Greek theatre. We stay overnight in Syracuse.



Accommodation: Hotel Centrale (or similar)

Day 8 : End In Syracuse

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Syracuse after breakfast. If you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and one dinner

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Local bike hire

  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request )

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Local city taxes (approximately €15)

  • E-bike hire

Food

All breakfasts and one dinner are included.



Sicilian cuisine is a mix of the different cultures that have called this island home over the millennia: from the Greek and Arabs to the Normans and Spaniards. Soil here is incredibly fertile, with a perfect climate for the cultivation of fresh produce, such as olives, oranges, lemons, aubergines (eggplant), tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more. Additionally, mussels, clams, tuna, swordfish and anchovies are fished right off the coast. This wide range of high-quality ingredients serves as a base for myriad dishes, resulting in a cuisine that’s fresh, varied and delicious.



Sicilian wines are also superb: grillo and inzolia are excellent white wines, Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Nero d’Avola are both fabulous reds, and marsala, moscato and zibibbo are wonderful dessert wines. As nearly 90 percent of Italian lemons grow in Sicily, sampling the local limoncello is a must.



On this trip there is the chance to join an optional picnic lunch, prepared by the support driver and your leader.



Dinners are taken at the hotels or local restaurants recommended by your guide, according to your budget and preferences.

Accommodation

On this cycling adventure in Sicily, we stay in hotels and an agriturismo, which were selected for their friendly atmosphere and character. Most are conveniently located near the UNESCO-listed historic centres we visit.



Below are the properties normally used:



Palazzolo Acreide: Feudo Bauly (night 1)







Our adventure begins in this historic hotel run by the Corsino family. The stone-walled restaurant serves traditional Sicilian cuisine made from local, seasonal produce – you might even see black truffles sourced from nearby Bauly Forest on the menu. There’s also a swimming pool when you’d like some downtime.



Modica: Ferro Hotel (night 2)







Within a renovated building once used for railway workers, the Ferro Hotel takes us to modern Sicily. The contemporary décor pays tribute to the locomotive history of the building and there’s a varied spread for breakfast. The hotel itself is within walking distance of the main town.



Marzamemi: Agriturismo Tenuta Arangio (nights 3-4)







Enjoy a rural idyll with a stay at this agriturismo (farm stay). It’s a traditional Sicilian estate, owned by the Arangio family since 1980, and they still grow produce here. There’s also a large swimming pool area in the courtyard, where you can relax under the shade of olive trees.



Noto: Grand Hotel Sofia (night 5-6)







Back to more conventional hotel comforts, the Grand Hotel Sofia has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar (and happy hour). There’s also a restaurant, Limoneto, which serves Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes made from local produce, plus a small bar area.



Syracuse: Hotel Centrale (night 7)







The majority of groups spend their final night at Hotel Centrale, though some stay at Hotel Posta, Grande Albergo Alfeo or Hotel Gargallo, depending on availability. Centrale is one of the oldest hotels in Syracuse and close to local attractions including the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. When you're not out exploring, the hotel has a garden and reading room.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years old people can go on this tour

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No visa required for British passport holders.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Cycling in Sicily

It takes a lot to come together to make to make a perfect trip but this one succeeded. The group gelled perfectly although there was big range of cycling abilities. The leader was excellent, the accommodation good and last but not least he hire bikes were very good, which is not always the case.

Superb Cycling in Sicily

This was my first trip with Exodus and I was looking forward to exploring the island. The whole holiday was first class from start to finish. Iris and Giuseppe looked after us throughout and we felt that they were friends not just guides by the end. The group got on very well and although I was the youngest at 28 this was not an issue. Food was superb throughout especially the picnic lunches and food at the agriturismo. Always lots to eat at breakfast and plenty of stops for coffee. Scenery is beautiful and is unspoiled compared to mainland Italy. Bikes are great and well maintained I did not miss my own bike at all. Overall an immersive experience with an excellent group. Just go ahead and book it.

Cycling in Sicily - October 2022

10 out of 10. Davide Di Mauro leads the cycling (from local tour guide company CicloFree) and works really hard to ensure the cycle tour is well organised and great fun. Giuseppe (van back up driver) provided solid back up support all day long with water and any other assistance always available if required. Accommodation all of a good standard. Cycling pitched at the right level without being overly strenuous. Davide ensures that all routes are safe and relatively low traffic routes. Davide puts lots of effort into selecting / suggesting places to eat. All of which were of outstanding quality but not necessarily expensive. I will remember the tour almost as much for culinary highlights as well as for cycling highlights. The cycling was excellent with the bikes being of high quality and very well maintained. Most of all however is the knowledge and enthusiasm that Davide has for Sicilian culture and nature. It was a huge pleasure to be part of a cycle tour led by Davide. Davide made sure the tour was fun from start to finish with his great sense of humour.

Cycling Sicily

Country is beautiful with so much history. Great for historical buffs and scenery lovers. Everyday was different with scenery and great variety of hills. Going through farmlands and cycling along the waterfronts.

Michele's Sicily

Fantastic adventure with a great guide, wonderful food and wine

Cycling in sicily

Fantastic guide,great crowd of people,good hotels.great weather,good food

Really excellent cycling trip around south east corner of Italy

Excellent cycling, wonderful guide and an all round great trip

Beautiful Sicily

We enjoyed a wonderful cycling holiday in Sicily. We now have such an appreciation of Sicily's rich cultural past, the delicious Sicilian cuisine and the beautiful countryside we cycled through.

sicily

The holiday got off to a rocky start, as the flight was shifted to arrive very late and we just arrived at our hotel in time for bed on the first day. Similarly, the flight back was also very late. Maybe this was due to BA, but Exodus should consider how to avoid this in future. We landed in unusually hot weather, in the 30s, but the riding was pretty manageable, albeit the toughest day first. Food was excellent throughout and a real highlight. Thomas was a fine leader.

Wildflowers, empty roads and big, big hill climbs!

Sicily is an intriguing place full of history that is very much alive all around you. The highlands, with empty roads and big views, were lovely. In April there were very few tourists and there were amazing wildflowers everywhere. The weather was rather 'English' though! The food was amazing.

Read all 42 reviews

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