Cycling in Sicily

Name: Cycling in Sicily
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (51 reviews)

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 2199

4.7/5 from

Cycling

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Cycling

Group Size :

6 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MWY

Carbon Footprint :

13kg CO2e per person per day

Discover the Mediterranean’s largest island by bike: an alluring blend of coastlines, culture and cuisine

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

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts and one dinner
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request )
Visas or vaccinations
Local city taxes (approximately €15)
E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)

6 Days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; 95 percent paved and some short sections of gravel. Generally quiet, rural and rolling roads

Day 2

53 km / 32.9 miles

Day 3

59 km / 36.7 miles

Day 4

45 km / 28 miles

Day 5

35 km / 21.7 miles

Day 6

47 km / 29.2 miles

Day 7

43 km / 26.7 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

MWY - Cycling in Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

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Last Name *

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Palazzolo Acreide Syracuse

Begin your adventure 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 have our bike fitting.

Want more time in Palazzolo Acreide? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Feudo Bauly (or similar)

Start our cycling 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, where we spend the night.

Accommodation: Ferro Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 33mi (53km)

Ascent: 2,566ft (782m); Descent: 3,527ft (1,075m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 37mi (59km)

Ascent: 1,010ft (308m); Descent: 1,959ft (597m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

Ascent: 971ft (296m); Descent: 984ft (300m)

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)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance covered: 22mi (35km)

Ascent: 1,385ft (422m); Descent: 1,175ft (358m)

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)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance covered: 29mi (47km)

Ascent: 2,333ft (711m); Descent: 2,333ft (711m)

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)
Upgrade to a superior sea-view room with a balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance covered: 27mi (43km)

Ascent: 587ft (179m); Descent: 807ft (246m)

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified as Road. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Six days of cycling
Partial vehicle support (due to limited seats) and a cycling guide.
The route is 95 percent paved

Cycling profile: All the rides are door-to-door, meaning there are no transfers to or from hotels. Most of the cycling is along flat to hilly paved roads (mainly traffic-free); days 2 and 6 include more demanding ascents and rolling routes, so a reasonably good level of fitness is required. As we approach the main towns and cities, such as Syracuse, and around popular beach areas, there are busier sections with traffic at peak hours.

Support vehicle: A support vehicle, with limited spare seats and driven by a bicycle mechanic, is available throughout the trip, following at all times (pedestrian areas excluded). The driver will help you at junctions by giving route directions and allowing you to access any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.

E-bikes: E-bikes are available on request for a fee payable prior departure.

Weather: The region normally has a relatively mild and sunny climate, but heatwaves and heavy rains are possible. This, along with consecutive cycling days, may increase the difficulty of the trip.
Considering all of this, we recommend you arrive physically prepared to tackle slightly more challenging routes by exercising regularly before the trip. You should also bring suitable equipment with you and always stay hydrated.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Feudo Bauly, C/da Bauly, 96010 Noto SR, Italy
Phone: +39 0931 882088
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Catania Airport (CTA)

Getting to the start hotel

Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, speak to your sales representative to organise a private transfer. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Palazzolo Acreide
Location end: Syracuse

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Food & Drink

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.

Weather

Sicily has a good year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm-to-hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 30C-35C (86F-95F). The earlier and later departures will be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain – make sure you pack some warm clothing if you travel in low season. In late summer, there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

TRIP

MWY - Cycling in Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels and an agriturismo

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.

Upgrade to a superior room on Day 5 and 6, and a superior sea-view room with a balcony on Day 7 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Palazzolo Acreide: Feudo Bauly (night 1)

Cycling in Sicily

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)

Cycling in Sicily

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)

Cycling in Sicily

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)

Cycling in Sicily

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)

Cycling in Sicily

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.

TRIP

MWY - Cycling in Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Judy Smith

The gorge and descent on the Noto circular ride

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant, safe, good sense of humour and great local knowledge

Could be hot at the end of June! Made the moderate rating just enough for this average cyclist. Do be ready to jump in the sea; it’s lovely - and welcome! All the hotels are good quality. Singles and couples in equal rooms.

Read All Reviews

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Cycling in Sicily

4.7/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 2199

Cycling in Sicily

Discover the Mediterranean’s largest island by bike: an alluring blend of coastlines, culture and cuisine

6 Days of Cycling

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Itinerary

Palazzolo Acreide Syracuse

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

Passport

Visa

Italy

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels and an agriturismo

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Great way to explore South East Sicily

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best holiday ever!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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Scintillating Sicily

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Thoughts on Group Leader

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September cycling in Sicily tour

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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A week in Sicily

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Thoughts on Group Leader

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A fabulous week full of idiom

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling in Sicily

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great way to see Sicily

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sicily on a bike - much better than expected!

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sicily cycling

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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