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 $2160 Operator discount: -$540 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-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

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

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’

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

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

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

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

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.

Videos

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 was INCREDIBILE!

Cycling in Sicily is the first cycling trip my husband and I have taken. We both absolutely loved it and are anxious to start planning our next one with Exodus. Everything from start to finish was terrific; the itinerary, accommodations, events, FOOD and FRIENDS!

Another great Italian Exodus trip!

Beautiful Baroque towns, great coastal views, delicious food and a brilliant guide

Spot on again from Exodus

Perfect combination of cycling, sightseeing and fun!

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.

Michele's Sicily

Fantastic adventure with a great guide, wonderful food and wine

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.

Great week cycling in Sicily, but very disappointing flights

A great week's cycling in Sicily in October. Weather and scenery were great (sunny in high 20's), the group was very entertaining and got on so well that all 16 of us ate together every night, and the tour guides were very helpful, friendly and informative. The cycling route could have been extended, as there were a couple of very light days, but the only real problem was the group flights (see advice below).

Great leader and super enjoyable cycling

Davide was a first class leader - fun, adaptable, friendly, considerate, and managed the group really well; he deserves 5 stars personally. E-bikes were the best ever. Excellent hotels except the one in Syracusa which is not an acceptable standard (room and breakfast). Fascinating insight into Sicilian history, culture and ecology - Davide knew so much and made every trip interesting. Cycling was very good overall - a couple of really good and challenging rides including stunning scenery though cycling days 3 and 4 could have been longer and more interesting ideally. A very nice group which gelled well.

Great trip

The trip was great with a decent amount of hills! The distances were doable and the cycles by the coast wonderful! The hotels were all very good especially the Agriturismo which was amazing!! The only gripe about hotels was the one in Syracusa which was ok and had no outside space! We had thee most fantastic lunches courtesy of Giussippe which were better then any dinners we had!! All in all a great trip!! Great group of people helped!!

Beautiful country

We enjoyed a lovely week’s cycling in Montalbano country along quiet roads surrounded by red and yellow flowers and smelling oleander and citrus blossom. Iris was an excellent guide who never flapped , always ensuring our safety on the roads . The bikes were the best I have hired on an Exodus trip .

Read all 42 reviews

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