On our adventure across the whole Sicily we'll learn about the epic history of this colorful region. Starting from Palermo we'll cross the Arabic west, then we'll head south immersing ourselves in the Magna Graecia, ending with the triumph of Baroque in the East.
| Cycling | Active | 11days/10nights | Self-Guided | From € 2370 |
Palermo and its markets
Cathedral of Monreale
Marsala wine
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
1 | Arrival in Palermo | D | |
2 | Palermo to Trapani | Cycling 110Km/1800m | B |
3 | Trapani to Selinunte | Cycling 100Km/600m | B |
4 | Selinunte to Agrigento | Cycling 95Km/1200m | B |
5 | Agrigento to Piazza Armerina | Cycling 100Km/1800m | B D |
6 | Piazza Armerina to Ragusa | Cycling 90Km/1500m | B D |
7 | Ragusa to Noto via Modica | Cycling 100Km/1500m | B |
8 | From Noto to Siracusa | Cycling 65Km/750m | B |
9 | Siracusa to Etna | Cycling 36Km/1200m | B |
10 | Zafferana to Taormina | Cycling 80Km/1600m | B D |
11 | Arrivederci! | B |
Earliest recorded human activity on the Island dates to 12,000 BC. Since then, Sicily has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Turks, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Austrians and finally Italians. Each civilization left its mark, as we can still see today in the architectural facades and in the people features, and we’ll see it in the streets of Palermo, considered the real capital of the whole Mediterranean. After the shuttle from airport, we’ll have time to check out our bikes and try them on a warm up ride, then we’ll have an aperitif with an extensive briefing about the upcoming adventure, followed by our first sumptuous Sicilian dinner.
Overnight: PalermoWe leave the traffic of Palermo climbing until the majestic Cathedral of Monreale, probably the best example of Arabic and Norman architecture. A long downhill among limestone canyons we’ll take us by the coast, then gently up again until lunch, a feast of local food with the best views over Castellammare del Golfo village.
An optional extra effort will take us to the beautifully located Erice, a medieval village perched on the top of a hill dominating the whole gulf thanks to its fortified and very well preserved castle. Here we can visit the lovely Signora Maria Grammatico, owner of one of the best pastry shop of whole Sicily, having a deserved dessert and listening to the story of her business that has been written in the poplar "Mandorle Amare" novel. Our ride will take us across the Val d’Erice fields, ending with the northern African perfumes of Trapani.
Our days starts with the peaceful ride among the ancient salt works shaping this coastline, with scenic windmills emerging from the lagoons. Soon we'll leave the salt immersing in the grapes of luscious vineyards, the landmark of Marsala with its famous wine and historical cellars. We’ll visit a local winery, and of course we’ll taste its most important product, the precious (and delightful) Marsala wine. At exotic fisherman village of Mazara del Vallo we’ll make time to visit its Kasbah district, a piece of Arabic world nestled in a Sicilian village, and possibly its small museum hosting the statue of the "Dancing Satire", a delightful art masterpiece coming directly from Magna Grecia. Our day ends at the coast in Selinunte, where we'll visit the majestic Selinunte Temples site.
Overnight: SelinunteAgain along the coast, leaving Sciacca and its scenic sea views, conquering the whole glory of this part of Magna Grecia in the Temples Valley of Agrigento. Today we'll have also a taste of a very rural Sicily, while riding on the hills covered by the wonderful orange groves of Ribera, producing the famous tasty oranges. Back on the coast we'll ride by one of the most known landmarks of Sicily, the popular “Scala dei Turchi” (Staircase of the Turks), a rock formation resembling an enormous staircase. Agrigento offers some very good accommodations, some at the town centre perched over the valley, and the most exclusives ones immersed in one of the most spectacular settings in the world, the magnificent "Valle dei Templi".
Overnight: AgrigentoThat's the hardest stage of the tour, climbing through the dry hills of inner Sicily up to the old village of Piazza Armerina, hosting the amazing Villa Romana del Casale.
We'll experience a very rural Sicily, made out of solitary roads and sun-dried landscapes. Prepare yourself for long yet steady climbs, spaced out by sporadic silent villages, pale yellow clay round hills covered with resilient olive oil groves and emerald green vineyards. Mazzarino stands out with its Cannon shaped Castle dominating the valley, a neat Baroque center and some top class pastry shops, a perfect spot for lunch. The last part of the stage goes across the old sulfur mines well described by Verga, the writer that started the "Verismo" literary movement, vividly describing the hard life of its people. This austere landscape almost strikes with the absolute beauty of the enchanting mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, one of the best-preserved buildings built by the Romans about 2000 years ago. Piazza Armerina is very scenic too, with its baroque buildings and its cupole emerging from the old houses.
Overnight: Piazza Armerina
As we leave the lush gardens and orchards of Piazza Armerina, we'll be again into the typical landscapes of the inner Sicily, made out of bare hills drawn by fields and dry stone walls. The town of Caltagirone is world known for its refined pottery craftsmanship, sublimated in the wonderful staircase of Santa Maria del Monte. Here you could visit one of its many workshop, creating colorful crafts according to the ancient tradition. Then we'll cross olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see, along a rolling route taking us at the footsteps of the Ibleo limestone plateau. We'll ascend through the characteristic white limestone walls, with breathtaking landscapes on the surrounding valley. The stage ends at one of the most magical places in Sicily: Ragusa Ibla, a marvelous city known throughout the world. This place will surprise you with the quality of its cuisine, awarded with three Michelin starred restaurants.
Overnight: RagusaThis stage starts with a new ascent of the Iblei mountains immersed in one of the most beautiful Sicilian countrysides, it looks like riding along a terrace overlooking the valley.
In Modica we’ll discover the ancient chocolate making tradition. We’ll visit the Bonajuto laboratory, one of the oldest chocolate makers of Italy, still using the ancient Aztec technique for their high quality products. This place makes you feeling like inside a tale, with so many chocolates of all shapes and colours. Scicli is an authentic Baroque gem still preserved and alive, described as one of the most fertile places of the Med by the famous Arabic explorer Muhammad al Idrisi back on the 12th century a.c. Then our ride takes us close to the Cava d’Ispica, a complex of grottos used as cemetery since prehistory. Then a long and gradual descent takes us to the perfumed citrus orchards of Noto Valley, preparing us to the last ascent of the day to the flamboyant baroque of Noto. Its Cathedral is one of the best symbols of baroque architecture in the world.
Today we'll conquer the sea bastions on the island of Ortigia, the ancient Greek settlement originating the most powerful Greek colony in the Mediterranean. Ortigia, in just a square kilometre, boasts a number of impressive buildings and monuments, here stands out the wonderful Cathedral of Syracuse (Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary Most Holy). It was a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, then converted in a church by the Normans. Its Doric columns along the walls closing the side aisles are still very evident both inside and outside. An aperitif on the ancient walls, in front of the sunset over the sea, and a dinner in one of the several good restaurants in town, will close the day through south-western Sicily.
Overnight: SiracusaA 1 hr shuttle will take us to the slopes of mount Etna, the highest active Volcano of Europe. Starting from the village of Nicolosi, we’ll climb in this lava brown rock landscape until the first caldera at Rifugio Sapienza. Our way down gives us stunning views over the strait of Messina and the Calabria on Italy mainland.
Our goal is the village of Zafferana Etnea, one of the best preserved villages of the area, miraculously survived to so many eruptions during the centuries.
Our final ride starts crossing the luscious vineyards of Milo and Linguaglossa local grapes, growing in the fertile volcanic landscape. Those wines are now considered some of the best expressions of southern italian wines. We’ll ride across Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the best villages of Italy, truly medieval and not “Touristy”, beautifully perched on a hilltop surrounded by thousand of hectares of vineyards. The last breathtaking downhill is along the Alcantara Canyons, then we’ll touch the Med at the Greek origin village of Giardini Naxos, finally conquering the stunning Taormina. Again, we’ve carefully selected all the properties used in this tour, more romantic than that it’s simply impossible!
Overnight: TaorminaSadly today we leave, but we are sure that we will meet again on the roads of the Mediterranean!
Included: BreakfastIn the heart of Palermo, facing the Politeama theater. A nice hotel perfect for starting or ending your tour in Sicily.
A modern hotel inside an period palace. You'll be in the heart of Trapani, within walking distance from the port and the shopping district.
Hotel immersed in a luxuriant park overlooking the Valley of the Temples and the sea. Precious ceramics, 19th century Sicilian furniture and Persian carpets create an elegant environment with a family atmosphere.
Villa Trigona is an ancient and elegant summer residence of the noble Trigona family, carefully recovered and restored.
A careful restoration makes Villa del Lauro an elegant hotel just a few steps from the historic center. It's equipped with garden and swimming pool with jacuzzi.
Just few steps away from Noto cathedral, with wellness area, an excellent restaurant and a splendid swimming pool.
In a strategic position, in front of the Archaeological Park, the Greek Theater, and a walking distance from Ortigia. Contemporary design, with panoramic swimming pool and solarium, SPA, fitness area.
Located in a strategic position for your bike rides, the hotel overlooks the southern side of Etna. A lovely SPA is waiting you for an after bicycle relax.
You can bring your own bike or rent one from us, we offer great bikes from selected Italian and international brands: road bikes, leisure cycling, mountain bikes, e-bikes, all in perfect working conditions. You can book your bike on the Booking / Information form.
Tour Price: € 2370 per person
Deposit: 30%, Balance: 60 days before departure
This price includes:
10 nights in nice hotels 4*
10 breakfast + 4 dinners
Welcome meeting and tour briefing
Maps, route notes or GPS tracks
Luggage transportation inn2inn
Telephone assistance
Transfer IN from Palermo airport
Tranfer OUT to Catania airport
Peace of mind being with our experienced team
This price not includes:
Local Taxes (approx. 15 €)
Drinks at Dinner
Road Bike Carbon + Ultegra/105: € 350
E-bike: € 350
Trekking Bike: € 265
High season supplement: € 300 (Jun 23 - Sep 08)
Single room supplement: € 300
Solo Traveller: € 1000
Free cancellation for any reason till 30 days before departure.
Free cancellation for COVID-19 related reasons till 10 days before departure.
This means you will pedal free at your pace following maps and tracks received during our pre tour briefing at your arrival. We will advise you where to have lunch and dinner, about sightseeings along the road and where to find technical assistance. You can start on any day of the year.
With just 4 people, this tour can be ride as a Guided Tour
In our Guided tours you have: