Ready for an adventure like no other? Dive into the heart of Sicily’s south-east corner with our self-guided cycling tour. But here’s the twist – while you chart your own course, we handle all the logistics. Picture yourself cruising through natural reserves, past azure waters and fragrant Mediterranean flora. Pedal through history and explore ancient Greek, Roman, and Baroque wonders, including UNESCO sites and cliff-clinging towns. With cozy accommodations and amazing local cuisine arranged for you, all you need to do is pedal, explore, and savor. Are you ready to create unforgettable memories on two wheels?
Indulge in wine, lemons, olives, cannoli, pasta alla norma — you name it, they’ve got it!
Explore the Baroque towns of Modica, Ragusa and characterful hill-top Noto
Cycle and soak in the views at your own pace without worrying about logistics
Embark on a Sicilian cycling escapade! Pedal through stunning landscapes, past azure waters, and fragrant gardens. Explore ancient towns like Portopalo di Capo and Ortigia, dripping with history. Don't miss out on Modica's cliffside charm or Noto's fancy Baroque vibes. Stay in cozy spots, savoring amazing local food and wine—you’ll never want to leave this culinary heaven. Flexible start dates and easy flights to Catania make this trip a breeze. It's time to hop on your bike and soak up the Sicilian sun!
You will be met at Catania airport and transferred (approx 1.5 hours) to your accommodation in the charming town of Palazzolo Acreide. Palazzolo Acreide is an ancient town that was once the Greek city of Akrai. The town was rebuilt in 1693, and offers the perfect start to your tour of Baroque Sicily. After your briefing with our Sicilian rep, going through the route notes and providing you with useful tips;,the remainder of the day can be spent visiting the town of Palazzolo Acreide on foot, exploring the winding lanes of the medieval part of town. Famed for its Baroque architecture, the town is jam-packed with unmissable sights, like its Basilica of San Paolo and the Basilica of San Sebastiano, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Grabbing your bikes, say ciao to Palazzolo Acreide. You have the option to cycle to the Greek archaeological site of Akra and discover ancient ruins. The surrounding view of the Hyblaean mountains is stunning! Getting back on your bikes, you’ll cycle through Hyblaean territory to the hill-top city of Ragusa Ibla, making your way past ancient dry stone walls, through valleys with lush Mediterranean vegetation. The last section of your ride will offer up an awe-inspiring descent into Modica, your destination for the evening. Modica, a UNESCO-listed city, sits majestically in a valley and is famed for its Duomo of St. Giorgio, which is well worth a visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 30 mi / 50 km
Ascent: 1970 ft / 600 m
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Before heading away from Modica, we recommend a visit to the town’s famous cioccolateria, to sample the famous chocolate (maybe even best in Italy!). Your ride will begin with a downhill stretch as you make your way to the charming town of Scicli. Cycle through a fertile valley, with small quaint farms with a backdrop of terraced hills. In Scicli, take some time to explore the town and the enchanting Saint Bartholomew’s Church, which looks out over a rocky landscape of ever-changing colors. Pedal towards the Sicilian coast as you head to your destination for the evening; Pozzallo.You’ll ride past long sandy beaches and the picturesque fishing hamlet of Sampieri. Your destination for the day, Pozzallo, is a town that’s famed for its clean beaches and crystal-clear water, offering the perfect end to a day of cycling.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 28 mi / 45 km
Ascent: 1315 ft / 400 m
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Today you’ll enjoy the Mediterranean coastal road to Capo Passero. The road will take you past vibrant waters and sandy beaches. As sections lead you inland, the riding will take you past marshland and lagoons, with a wide variety of bird life, such as herons, flamingos and storks. As you get closer to Capo Passero, the route will take you along tomato farm land. Reaching the most southern point, facing the Isola delle Correnti, you’ll see a spot where the two seas, Ionian and Tyrrhenian meet, hence the name, island of currents. Cycling further along the coastal route, scattered with rustic Sicilian houses, you’ll ride through Portopalo di Capo Passero, until you reach the quaint Marzamemi fishing hamlet with its colorful fishing boats moored up near the old fishermen’s houses. Marzamemi has an ancient tradition of tuna fishing so make sure you taste some delicious products.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 35 mi / 55 km
Ascent: 985 ft / 300 m
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Leaving Marzamemi, you’ll ride past the untouched Vendicari Natural Oasis, an area of great historical and scientific interest bursting with flora and fauna. Leaving your bikes secured at the park entrance, you’ll discover the reserve on foot, walking past lagoons filled with bird life.
Leaving Vendicari, the riding picks up a little as you head for the characterful hill-top town of Noto, universally recognised as the Baroque capital city. Noto was completely rebuilt in the 17th Century, following an earthquake, taking on a whole new facade. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this gorgeous town this evening, strolling down Corso Vittorio Emanuele with its imposing Cathedral, meandering the back streets lined with little restaurants and pasticcerie. Enjoy indulging in some Sicilian specialties!
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 22 mi / 35 km
Ascent: 1315 ft / 400 m
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Leaving Noto behind, you’ll begin your final day’s riding heading towards the coast through the wine region of Nero d‘Avola. The first section of the route will take you along quiet roads through cultivated orange groves and olive trees with the smells of Sicilian produce filling your senses.
In Avola you’ll be back on the coast. You’ll ride through scattered summer-holiday residences alternating with sections of rocky coastline and cultivated fertile fields. After reaching Capo Murro at the far end of a promontory, you’ll loop back, with views opening up to the imposing Siracusa and Ortigia across the bay. You’ll soon arrive at your final stop, Siracusa, the capital of Magna Grecia. Leave your bikes at your accommodation and explore Siracusa’s center on foot. Lose yourself (not literally!) in the winding, narrow streets of Ortigia as you dip in and out of craft shops and a good selection of bars and restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 25-37 mi / 40-60 km
Ascent: 650-2130 ft / 200-650 m
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Today you’ll be free to explore Siracusa at your leisure. It’s a city that has something for everyone, with lush citrus orchards, dazzling blue sea, classic Italian coffee shops and ancient Greek ruins! Must-see sights include the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Duomo (built on what was the Greek temple to Athena), and the Fountain of Arethusa. Visit the traditional Ortigia Market, held every morning (excl. Sunday) where you can sample delicious Sicilian citrus fruits, limoncello and fresh fish.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Local 3* hotel or B&B
Today you’ll say arrivederci to Sicilia, as it’s time to head to the airport for flights home.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving: 1 hour
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
If you recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or you‘re looking for a more energetic alternative to your usual vacation, this tour is for you. This is an opportunity to bike along quiet roads, cycle paths and some accessible cycle-friendly routes.
With mostly flowing terrain with slight ups and downs, and the odd cheeky challenge, this should be suitable for anyone who rides their bike relatively frequently at home, perhaps commuting to work or heading out for some leisurely rides at the weekend. You will generally cycle 22-37 miles / 35-60 kms per day. You can find more information about daily mileage in the itinerary.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, you can rent one from your tour organizer.
These bikes are typically Fuji or Drossiger hybrids (or equivalent) – both male and female frames (with a lower cross bar) are available. Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 pannier, a phone mount, an odometer, a water bottle holder, a puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes.
If you are taking your own bike, it is imperative that they are in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bikes to a local bicycle dealer for a service.
If you are traveling with an e-bike, please keep in mind that most airlines don’t allow for e-bike transportation.
You’ll be staying in comfortable 3 star hotels and local B&Bs (agriturismi), all with en suite facilities which have been carefully selected for their location, local cuisine and service.
You can upgrade your accommodation on request. Let us know if you’d like this option and we’ll contact you with the best options.
Food and wine are among Sicily’s main attractions! Breakfast will generally be continental and consist of bread, jam, yogurt, juices, cereal, tea or coffee. Lunch can be taken en-route.
Sicily is renowned for its seafood, so make sure to try some! Grilled swordfish is popular. Also make sure you sample some of Sicily’s famous cannoli! Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can be catered for – please indicate at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation and transportation.
You will be looked after by a local representative who will welcome you and talk you through the riding to come, and advise you about events in the area during your trip. We’ll transfer your luggage (but there’s no additional vehicle support).
A team member will be available in case you have any problems and will collect your rental bikes at the end of the trip. Please note that you may be asked to leave rental bikes and route notes at the hotel and be transferred by a local taxi company.
Your luggage will be transported. Participants can bring one main piece of luggage per person besides your bike and a small day pack you’ll take with you. Your main luggage should be either a backpack or a duffle bag so as to assist in transportation. Please don’t bring hard shell suitcases. Your day pack may be useful for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing, camera and snacks — anything you’ll need that day along the way.
Please note there may be additional charges for transferring additional bags.
Group sizes and pricing
Min. age requirements
To get to Catania, most people fly into Catania airport (CTA) which is well connected to most European hubs. Most flights from North America require overnight travel and may involve multiple travel days, with a stop over in an intermediary airport.
Please arrive between 9 am and 4 pm and depart between 10.45 am and 7 pm. Airport transfers are included in the cost of your tour. Your transportation will take you to the starting point of the tour in Palazzolo Acreide and pick you up at the ending point in Siracusa (Syracuse).
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Sicily, Italy please refer to the official tourism website of Sicily.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Weather
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) usually have the most pleasant weather, with minimal rainfall and temperatures usually in the 70’s°F/20’s°C.
The island receives a small amount of rain, most of which will fall either side of the cycling season (Mar – Oct). It is advised to pack light weight rain gear in case of any unexpected rainfall.
Money
The local currency is the euro. We suggest taking approximately €15-€25 for lunches per day, and €30-€40 for evening meals (per person excluding drinks).Please refer to the daily itinerary to see which meals are included. Any personal expenditure for things such as souvenirs depends very much on the individual.
Outside of larger towns opportunities to draw money from an ATM or to exchange cash may be rare. Some places may accept card payments but it is better not to rely on this and to take some local currency with you. Your bank may impose charges for using your card abroad. You should always notify your bank you will be traveling with your card prior to your trip.
Traveling with bike
Most airlines will charge you to transport your bike. This amount varies from carrier to carrier but we recommend always booking and paying for this in advance which will usually save you money compared to paying at the airport. Please contact your airline for specific details. Most airlines will also require your bike to be properly packaged for transport. Most commonly this will be in a bike bag or box specifically designed for the job.
A non-refundable $250 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies:
