Self-Guided Cycling through Baroque Sicily
Self-Guided Cycling through Baroque Sicily
9 Days Starting in Ragusa, Italy and ending in Siracusa, Italy
Visiting: Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Isola delle Correnti, Noto, Siracusa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C08BS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
13-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-guided cycling adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Baroque Sicily. This tour invites you to explore the unspoilt coastlines, charming fishing villages, and fertile valleys of Italy's southern gem. Discover the iconic haunts of Inspector Montalbano and marvel at the authentic Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indulge in Sicily's superb regional cuisine and savor the renowned Nero D'Avola wines. Your journey begins in Ragusa and concludes in the historic city of Siracusa, with accommodations ranging from a villa hotel with stunning views over Noto to a minimalist design hotel in Portopalo. Enjoy the freedom of cycling at your own pace, with route directions, maps, and luggage transfers provided. Delight in all continental breakfasts and three evening meals, leaving you free to explore local dining on other nights. This is a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and cycling in one of Italy's most picturesque regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Ragusa
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: De Stefano Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive at your luxury 4 star hotel in Ragusa. *(Staying at the De Stefano Palace, Half Board)*
Day 2 : Ragusa To Modica
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Ferro Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We strongly recommend spending some time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla before setting off this morning. The simply stunning old town of Ragusa, rebuilt in 1693 after a huge earthquake, is full of enchanting Baroque architecture, along with a number of tempting cafes and restaurants for lunch. Follow your visit with a climb above Modica, skirting Modica Alta (the upper part of the city), before passing quaint, dry-stone-wall farms through a rich, fertile valley of cacti and pomegranate orchards as you weave your way to Cava d'Ispica - a verdant gorge full of thousands of caves and grottoes, stretching for 13 kilometres between Modica and Ispica! *(Staying at the Ferro Hotel, Breakfast only)*
Day 3 : At Modica
Location: Modica
Accommodation Name: Ferro Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Often referred to as the Baroque capital of Sicily, the atmospheric city of Modica sits in a dramatic setting, perched between limestone cliffs. This UNESCO-listed city is home to an impressive 29 churches including two grand Baroque cathedrals, along with charming narrow streets peppered with cafes, restaurants and a number of tempting chocolate shops! Modica's chocolate is one of the Ragusa area's most famous products and to this day it's still made to ancient Aztec methods. Make sure you sample some at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily! *(Staying at the Ferro Hotel, Breakfast only)*
Day 4 : Modica To Pozzallo
Location: Scicli
Accommodation Name: Torre Dantona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start today with a feel-good freewheel through a valley rich in pomegranates, cacti and quaint little farmsteads, on your way to the unmissable little town of Scicli. Overlooked by an imposing rock on which sits the magnificent Church of San Matteo, Scicli, like the other towns in the area, has been totally rebuilt in a pure Sicilian Baroque style following the 1693 earthquake. Wander its atmospheric streets and you'll feel like you're on the set of Inspector Montalbano - Via Mormino Penna is where you'll find the fictional police station from the TV show! Be sure to check out the impressive, hilltop cemetery, just out of town, full of mausoleums and surrounded by magnificent pines and tall cypress trees. You reach the coast Cava d'Aliga and Sampieri (one of Ragusa's most picturesque fishing villages and another of Montalbano's favoured locations) all offer beautiful sandy beaches where you can stop and take the weight off today. *(Staying at the Torre Dantona, Half Board)*
Day 5 : Pozzallo To Portopalo Di Capo Passero
Location: Isola delle Correnti
Accommodation Name: Portopalo Suite, Breakfast only
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hugging the coastline again you head to Pozzallo this morning, home to no less than four Blue Flag beaches - why not stop for a morning coffee and dip your toes in the Ionian Sea? Cutting inland you'll cycle through pantani, a series of saltwater lagoons rich in birdlife such as mallards, flamingos, herons and storks, on your way to today's highlight - the Isola delle Correnti (the 'Island of Stream'). The southernmost point of Sicily's mainland, this isolated, seemingly adrift island is also the point at which the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. It's quite a sight to behold!
Day 6 : Portopalo Di Capo Passero To Noto
Location: Noto
Accommodation Name: Villa Favorita, Half Board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's cycle takes you to the beautiful old fishing village of Marzamemi - one of Sicily's prettiest - with its colourful wooden boats, fishermen's houses and charming buildings such as the Baroque church of San Francesco di Paola. Marzamemi became the centre of Sicily's tuna fishing industry under its Arab influence and it keeps the tradition alive today, using artisanal fishing methods to produce a number of delicacies including canned tuna, smoked swordfish and marinated anchovies! Making your way to Noto you'll head inland on a virtually traffic-free road that winds its way through olive groves, vineyards, almond trees, sugar cane and beautifully perfumed citrus orchards - idyllic surroundings for a picnic lunch.
Day 7 : At Noto (Optional Cycle)
Location: Noto
Accommodation Name: Villa Favorita, Half Board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your hotel is located in a lovely courtyard setting with an outdoor pool and superb views over Noto. If you can tear yourself away from the 4 star luxury, you could cycle to the nearby seaside resort of Lido di Noto for a lazy day on the beach, or opt for our recommended cycle ride into atmospheric Noto itself. Perhaps the most beautiful of all the cities you visit on this holiday, Noto's current centre was rebuilt after the 17th century earthquake and is considered a Baroque masterpiece as well as being an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander down the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele, overlooked by Noto's elegant cathedral, and explore the side streets filled with an array of fine architecture and cafes serving delicious local treats such as the savoury arancini and sweet cannoli.
Day 8 : Noto To Siracusa
Location: Siracusa
Accommodation Name: Grand Albergo Alfeo, Breakfast only
Meals Included: Breakfast
What a final day! You'll follow the coast to the stunning city of Siracusa, built on an ancient Greek settlement and boasting a treasure trove of temples, amphitheatres and an ancient castle. On the way you'll cycle through Avola - home of the famous Nero D'Avola red wine grape. You'll also enjoy views of the majestic Mount Etna, and discover Plemmirio, an important area for flora and fauna and whose waters are home to a number of species including tuna, sea urchins, dolphins and sperm whales. After passing the Murro di Porco Cape, a striking landmark in the 1943 Conquest of Sicily, a final stretch takes you along the Bay of Siracusa and into the city itself.
Day 9 : Leave Siracusa
Location: Siracusa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Siracusa or maybe spend extra nights in the Island's second city.
What's Included
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All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
The tour includes all continental breakfasts and three evening meals, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine on other nights.
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Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
The tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent to ensure a smooth experience.
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Route directions and maps
Route directions and maps are provided to guide you through the cycling tour.
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Luggage transfers between hotels
Luggage transfers between hotels are included, so you can cycle without the burden of carrying your luggage.
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High quality bikes
High quality bikes are provided for the duration of the cycling tour.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included, featuring a mix of charming villa hotels and minimalist design hotels.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory single supplement.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately if required.
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Return transfers
Return transfers are not included unless booked as a flight inclusive package.
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E-bike hire
E-bike hire is available on request for an additional supplement.
Food
Sicily's typically southern Italian cuisine is interspersed with many more exotic dishes reflecting the island's jumbled cultural past. Italian dishes like pasta alla norma (made with tomatoes, aubergine and grated ricotta) are often found on menus along with couscous (a north African speciality), or even pasta con le sarde (a pasta dish dating back to Phoenician times made from sardines, raisins, pine nuts, fennel, saffron, parsley and capers).The Arabs introduced citrus groves to the island and a popular drink today is granita made with crushed ice and lemon. This was traditionally drunk with sweet bread dipped in it as a lunchtime snack by Sicilian peasants.Fish is of course also abundant. Local specialities include pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish cooked with tomatoes, capers, onion, celery and potatoes) or tonno fresco alla brace (grilled fresh tuna).Sicily is famed for its desserts. Why not try cannolo, a crunchy pastry tube filled with ricotta cheese and studded with candied fruits, pistachio and chocolate? Or cassata, the Arab influenced cake made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit and chocolate pieces.Sicily is not traditionally famous for its wines, so it is surprising to learn that the island boasts one of the largest wine producing areas in the whole of Italy. Look out for the Etna DOC label and Corvo di Salaparuta. One of Sicily's most popular wines is Alcamo Bianco - a soft white which goes well with fish dishes. Let's not forget the Marsala wine, a fortified wine made in Sicily which takes its name after the town where it is mostly produced. Marsala is most commonly used in cooking to create nutty, rich caramelised sauces.
Accommodation
You'll stay in a wonderful mix of accommodation including a charming villa hotel boasting fabulous views over Noto from its outdoor pool terrace and a minimalist design hotel in the centre of bustling Portopalo. Given the wonderful local cuisine on offer, including such Sicilian specialities as Pasta alla Norma and Pasta con le Sarde, we've included three evening meals on this holiday, leaving you free to dine out on the remaining nights.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes luggage transfers between hotels, allowing you to cycle freely through the beautiful landscapes of Sicily. High-quality bikes are provided for your self-guided cycling adventure, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride as you explore the stunning Baroque architecture and coastal views.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a mix of accommodations, including a charming villa hotel with views over Noto from its outdoor pool terrace and a minimalist design hotel in the center of Portopalo.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes all continental breakfasts and three evening meals, allowing you the freedom to dine out on the remaining nights.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the cycling tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent, and you will be provided with route directions and maps.
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Can I hire an e-bike for the tour?
Yes, e-bike hire is available on request, but a supplement applies.
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What are some of the highlights of the cycling route?
The route includes beautiful coastlines, charming fishing villages, and rich fertile valleys. You will also visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and experience authentic Baroque architecture.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Ragusa and ends in Siracusa.
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What can I expect to see in Modica during the tour?
Modica is known as the Baroque capital of Sicily, with 29 churches including two grand Baroque cathedrals. It is also famous for its chocolate, made using ancient Aztec methods.
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What wildlife might I see during the cycling tour?
While cycling through the pantani, you may see birdlife such as mallards, flamingos, herons, and storks. The waters near Plemmirio are home to species like tuna, sea urchins, dolphins, and sperm whales.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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