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:
Straight Talk: Sicily is certainly unique; it’s beautiful with a colorful history going back 3,000+ years. The towns boast Baroque architecture and ancient palazzi and superb food and wine. If you have cycled in Tuscany, Umbria or Piemonte with us, southern Italy (and Sicily in particular) doesn’t have the same buttery smooth pavement that you find in the north and litter is sometimes found along roads here. Our itinerary takes these into consideration offering the best routes possible, staying in lovely hotels and visiting charming villages. Sicilians are passionate, proud and welcoming.
Vizzini, Province of Catania, Italy
Day 1-2
Ragusa, Province of Ragusa, Italy
Day 3-4
Noto, Province of Syracuse, Italy
Day 5-7
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 24-30 | Apr 23-29 |
| May 8-14 | May 7-13 |
| May 22-28 | May 21-27 |
| Jun 5-11 | Jun 4-10 |
| Jun 19-25 | Jun 18-24 |
| Sep 4-10 | Sep 3-9 |
| Sep 18-24 | Sep 17-23 |
| Oct 2-8 | Oct 1-7 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom and self-guided trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelIntermediate
Daily average of 55 km (34 miles)
TerrainRelatively hilly with sweeping descents
CostLand Cost:
US $3,150
Single Supplement:
US $800
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Bike Rental:
Hybrid Bike: US $320
Racing Bike: US $420
E-Bike Rental (on request):
US $480
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
| Level | Avid |
|---|
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.
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
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
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
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
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 Condé Nast 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
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 Condé Nast 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
Depart
We offer transfers to Catania airport by 10 am. This transfer is included in your trip. Should you wish to transfer earlier or later, you can do so by taxi.
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 with Turkish bath and heated swimming pool. There are lounges and a wine bar.
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. The guest rooms are in new buildings and have high beamed ceilings and rustic touches. There is a large infinity swimming pool.
Tour Reviews
“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.”
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