Italy’s Sicily by Bicycle Tour

Day One

Arrive in Catania and transfer to Siracusa. It is a 1 hour drive to Syracuse and once in the hotel we‘ll meet for the bike fitting. We’ll take a walk around this beautiful city located on the southeastern coast. Syracuse has a long history, one of the largest metropolis of the classical age. It has excelled in power and wealth with Athens, which tried in vain to subdue it. It was the birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes, who stood at the head of the defense of the city during the siege of the Romans in 212 BC. Syracuse for centuries, was the capital city of Sicily until the conquest by the Arabs, which occurred in 878. It was transformed in the Spanish era as a fortress, its historic center, Ortigia, took on today's baroque appearance with the reconstruction undertaken following the violent earthquake of 1693. Characterized by great wealth of history, architecture and landscape, Syracuse was declared UNESCO Site. Then off to our Welcome Dinner!

Day Two—58 km (elevation 364 mt)

We ride from Siracusa to Noto! Today is the first day of cycling of the Sicily bike tour. Leaving the island of Ortigia, after 5 km we will take secondary roads with sea views entering the most authentic Sicily. We will pedal as close as possible to the coast, sometimes almost on the sea, crossing well-known places such as Avola. Avola is known for its wine, the "Nero d'Avola", whose origin is linked to the vines of the town and, although today is produced mainly in other places, makes Avola famous throughout the world. Moreover, in Avola there is a great development in tourism. From here we will continue to pedal to our final destination.

Day Three — 53 km (elevation: 1030 mt) 

Noto loop. Today our tour starts with a climb that will lead us to discover the hinterland of the valley of Noto. Arriving at the top of the plateau we will continue until we reach the "City of Noto Antica" of which you can still visit the ancient remains. Noto Antica or Netum, is the ancient town of Noto destroyed as a result of the earthquake of January 11, in 1693. Surrounded by imposing walls (many of which are still standing) and deep valleys of Mount Alveria, it was never taken by force. Only the violent earthquake of 1693 managed to destroy it, causing over 60,000 victims in the Val di Noto. After the visit we go on towards the lakes of Avola, and then enjoy a beautiful descent to Avola. From here we will cycle back to Noto.

Day Four — 53 km (elevation: 386 mt)

Noto to Portopalo. Today we start with a downhill!!! Direction TO SEA!!! Along the way we will cross orange groves that will accompany us to the town of Pachino. Here we will leave oranges to give way to the cultivations of the famous cherry tomato Pachino, which takes its name from the town itself. We cross the central square of this typical Sicilian village heading to Marzamemi, a fishing village among the most characteristic of Sicily. Born as a fishing port, it has developed over the years and is still quite active today, having also a tuna trap, one of the most important in Sicily. Our day on the bike will end in Portopalo, the last part of the ride along the sea! 

Day Five — 65 km (elevation: 820 mt)

Portopalo to Modica. Today we ride to Modica, a very special city for its Baroque history and for its particular urban structure. Easy riding along the sea up to Pozzallo, a seaside resort very popular in the summer season. From here we have a long and gentle climb to the top of the plateau. This city of Neolithic origins, until the nineteenth century, was the capital of a county that exercised a wide political, economic and cultural influence. Its historic center rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 is one of the most significant examples of late Baroque architecture. For its masterpieces, the city was included in 2002, along with some centers of the Val di Noto, in the list of UNESCO Sites. It is also known for the production of the area typical chocolate. A visit to the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto to taste the local delicacies is a must. Not to be missed!

Day Six — 66 km (elevation: 1565 mt)

Modica loop! We have wonderful biking today!! Leaving Modica riding along the Sicilian country roads, crossing plateaus on secondary roads outlined by typical stone walls made of dry stone, very characteristic. We climb to Giarratana, famous for the festival of the giant onion, the living crib, its fine olive oil soap and almonds with which the Nougat is produced. Our ride continues along the valley of Irminio River until reach Ragusa Ibla, currently the oldest district of the historical center of Ragusa. After the earthquake of 1693, the city of ancient Ragusa was rebuilt by implementing yards that produced works, buildings and monuments of late Baroque style. The architectural masterpieces built after the earthquake, together with all those in the Val di Noto, were declared in 2002 Sites UNESCO Site. Ragusa is one of the most important places for the presence of testimonies of Baroque art, such as its churches and its eighteenth-century palaces. 

Day Seven — 55 km (elevation: 380 mt)

Modica to Donnalucata Unfortunately we have arrived to the last day of the Sicily Bike Tour!! In fact, 8 days are too few to discover all the beauties of this Island! However, we plan to enjoy this last ride. Departure from Modica downhill, more or less, up to Scicli, another baroque town. Climbing inland, we are accompanied by the beautiful view of the sea that will accompany us to our destination. The last part of the route will be entirely along the road that runs along the sea on bike paths ... The sea will give us beautiful views! This will be the last ride for this tour, but it will not be the last for us! 

Day Eight — Farewell

End of the tour after breakfast – we do transfers back to Catania Airport, Airporto Catania - from here you can fly to Rome and onward!

* Details subject to change.