Described as the Mediterranean’s most alluring island with sweeping olive-strewn landscapes, starkly beautiful Greek temples and Byzantine mosaics, this island in the sun offers outstanding food and culture and interesting cycling routes. Our itinerary includes overnight stops near Vizzini, Ragusa, and Noto staying in charming and authentic lodging. Be prepared for some climbing and the reward of sweeping descents, along coastlines and through villages that throw out the welcome to visitors, especially those on bikes. Need inspiration? Read Francine Prose NY Time article; Enthralled by Sicily, Again.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
  • A ride you will never forget: each and every day, but especially our loop ride to Donnalucata and Scili
  • The opportunity to order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Location

Vizzini

Vizzini, Province of Catania, Italy

Day 1-2

Rargusa

Ragusa, Province of Ragusa, Italy

Day 3-4

Noto

Noto, Province of Syracuse, Italy

Day 5-7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
We include transfer from Catania to the first hotel at 11am on arrival day and to Catania on departure (by 10 am)
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
Wine included at reception on first and final nights

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2019

Apr 10-16
May 6-12
May 14-20
Aug 29 - Sep 4
Sep 5-11
Sep 12-18
Sep 18-24
Sep 25- Oct 1
Oct 4-10
Oct 11-17

2020

Apr 8-14
May 4-10
May 12-18
Aug 27 - Sep 2
Sep 3-9
Sep 10-16
Sep 16-22
Sep 23- 29
Oct 2-8
Oct 9-15

Custom and self-guided trips also available and can start any date.
Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

8-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days/ 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Vizzini / Noto

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Intermediate

TERRAIN

Sicilly is hilly

COST

Land Cost (current year):
7 day trip
US $2750

Single Supplement:
US $675

Bike Rental:
US $220

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

“We found the people we met made the trip so special. Several of us have already been talking about which trip to go on next year.”

– Kay & Jim D,
Burlington, VT

Getting there :
There are international airports in Catania, Palermo and Trapani. For this trip, it makes most sense to fly into Catania. Our trip includes a shuttle from Catania (Palace Catania Hotel) at 11 am.


1

Day 1

Vizzini

We start this trip with a shuttle from Catania to the village of Bucchieri, where you’ll enjoy lunch at Osteria Il Locale. Ride a loop day  with time to stop in the village of Vizzini, considered one of the oldest cities in Sicily, ruled in the middle ages by aristocratic families and today a vibrant village with restaurants and cafes to enjoy. On this trip, we stay at a charming agriturismo just outside the village of Buccheri.
Distance: 40 km; 700m gain

2

Day 2

Vizzini loop to Grammichele 

Today, set off for the nearby village of Grammichele, which was heavily damaged in an earthquake in 1693 and redesigned and rebuilt. A longer option reaches Caltagirone, famous for ceramics. On the return route, stop in the village of Mineo for a late afternoon refreshment before reaching your hotel.
Distance: 44 km; 530m or 80 km; 1400m or 100km; 1800m

3

Day 3

Vizzini to Ragusa

Ride from Vizzini south to Licodia Eubea, Lake Dirillo and Villagio Gulfi where you can taste the fine wines of Locanda Gulfi, before continuing to the town of Ragusa. Our hotel is the San Giorgio Palace Hotel which has cafes, shops and restaurants a stroll away. Staying in Ragusa for two nights will give us the opportunity to enjoy one of the most charming towns in the region.
Distance: 70 km; 1170m

4

Day 4

Ragusa loop to Donnalucata and Scili

Leaving Ragusa, cycle towards the coast and the charming village and splendid beaches of Donnalucata. On the return ride, stop for lunch in Scicli, a Unesco-listed Baroque town with abandoned cave settlements. Enjoy a walk in the historic centre of Ragusa Ibla, followed by dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants.
Distance: 61 km; 1000 m gain

5

Day 5

Ragusa to Noto

Start this day riding to Modica, another Unesco-listed site to explore the town and taste the famous chocolate at a favourite artisan shop. Cross the interior of Sicily on roads lined with orchards and farms. Our Luxe trip stays in Noto, at the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, with its beautiful terrace overlooking the historic centre of Noto, described by many as their favourite hill-town in Sicily including Conde Naste Traveler: “In contrast to big European cities during the summer, this region of southern Italy has all the history of Rome along with the small-town breezy seaside charm of the Cinque Terre.” Stop in at Caffe Sicilia, founded in 1892, and now famous since Netflix featured the self-effacing Assenza in its Chef’s Table series. His exquisite granita, ice-cream and pastries all proudly showcase local ingredients and producers – almonds from Avola, lemons from Noto and pistachios from Bronte on the slopes of Etna.
Distance: 70 km; 1250 m gain

6

Day 6

Noto loop to Marzamemi

On today’s loop ride, cycle south towards the coast to some of the most secluded sandy beaches not just in Sicily but in all of Italy. Visit the sea-side village of Marzamemi. Take a swim, enjoy lunch at the atmospheric Traverna La Cialoma, or if you prefer to sun-bathe at an exclusive beach, head to Agua Beach Resort and then ride through the National Park Vindicari. Noto is described by many as their favourite hill-town in Sicily including Conde Naste Traveler who describe Noto: “In contrast to big European cities during the summer, this region of southern Italy has all the history of Rome along with the small-town breezy seaside charm of the Cinque Terre.”
Distance: 48 km; 800 m gain or 79 km; 845 m gain

7

Day 7

We offer transfers to Catania airport by 10 am. Should you wish to transfer earlier or later, you can do so by taxi.

The hotel Terraliva just outside the village of Buccheri. We book it for our travelers cycling Sicily.
Agriturismo Terraliva

This charming property is just outside the village of Buccheri and has been a farm producing organic olive oil. Food is a passion here and you will enjoy wonderful cuisine in the restaurant. There is a wellness centre withTurkish bath and heated swimming pool. There are lounges and a wine bar.


The San Giorgio Palace is a boutique hotel in Ragusa Ibla. We book our travelers there when they pick the classic cycling trip in Sicily.
San Giorgio Palace Hotel

San Giorgio Palace is a lovely boutique hotel in Ragusa Ibla. Its modern design sparkles in the old stones of the original architecture. It is located in really nice part of Ragusa, and from there we can enjoy a panoramic view of Santa Domenica Valley.


Translated as Farmhouse of Olives, this 19th century farmhouse is built around a baglio (courtyard) with an olive tree providing shade. It is perfect for our cycling trip in Sicily.
Masseria degli Ulivi

Translated as Farmhouse of Olives, this 19th century farmhouse is built around a baglio (courtyard) with an olive tree providing shade. The guest rooms are in new buildings and have high beamed ceilings and rustic touches. There is a large infinity swimming pool. 



			

		

				

					

			


			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	



	
	
	



	

		
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