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 in or 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:
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.
Straight Talk
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 $3,950
Single Supplement
US $1,000
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-Bikes*: 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, one of the oldest cities in Sicily, ruled in the middle ages by aristocratic families. Back at the hotel enjoy a swim in the large swimming pool and then dinner at the superb restaurant on site.
Distance: 25 km; 320m gain
Vizzini loop to Grammichele & Caltagirone
Today, set off for Palagonia and the village of Grammichele, which was heavily damaged in an earthquake in 1693 and redesigned and rebuilt. There are restaurants and cafes to enjoy in both towns.
Distance: 44 km; 530m gain or 70 km; 900m gain
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 towards the town of Ragusa, as we make our way to a comfortable hotel located peacefully in the country side.
Distance: 70 km; 1170m
Ragusa loop to Donnalucata and Scili to Modica
Leaving Ragusa, cycle towards the coast and the charming village and splendid beaches of Donnalucata. Stop for a gelato at what we believe to be the best on Sicily. On the return ride, stop for lunch in Scicli, a Unesco-listed Baroque town with abandoned cave settlements and boasting beautiful Baroque. Arrive to Modica, another Unesco-listed site and a splendid village to explore and visit. There are lots of great options for dinner here so you can choose to dine where you please – the restaurant at the hotel, Locanda del Colonello is a great option. For desert we do recommend you taste the famous chocolate at a favourite artisan shop for desert. Buon appetito.
Distance: 42 km; 600 m gain. Longer options available.
Modico to Noto
Ride across the interior of Sicily on roads lined with orchards and farms passing through the ancient city of Noto Antica. 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. We will enjoy dinner at Manna, a superb restaurant that designer Gordon Guillaumier converted from the former cellars of the historic Palazzo Nicolaci.
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. Back in Noto, we’ll celebrate with another extraordinary dinner at an acclaimed restaurant.
Distance: 48 km; 800 m gain or 79 km; 845 m gain
Depart
We offer transfers to Catania Airport by 10 am. Should you wish to transfer earlier or later, you can do so by taxi.
This property is a part-crenellated 16th century Masseria with beautiful grounds and views to Mount Etna. Inside are warm stone walls, white sofas, ecru draperies, rustic stone fireplaces. There is a long elegant swimming pool, floodlit for nighttime swims and an excellent restaurant with classic Sicilian menu.
This property is a 15th century convent-turned-inn of the Nifosi family (antique collector, architect and chef among them).This 5-star hotel boasts an elegant restaurant, outdoor pool and spa, as well as an archaeological site and a private airstrip.
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of historic Modica, blending contemporary design with Sicilian charm. Perched above the city with panoramic views of the Baroque skyline, it offers elegantly appointed rooms, a pool, rooftop terrace, and is within walking distance of Modica’s cultural landmarks. This is a classic accommodation.
Housed in an 18th-century palazzo in the heart of exquisite Noto, this boutique hotel is romantic, sophisticated, luxurious and steeped in charm. Boastings a rooftop terrace with views of the Duomo and an attentive, friendly staff, this hotel is a favourite.
Tour Reviews
“The accommodations and restaurant suggestions were excellent. We enjoy small, boutique hotels, which is why we prefer smaller tours with less people. The service and hospitality at all of the places we stayed was great. I think the cycling rides were good and the lengths appropriate. I don’t think we could have done longer routes and I don’t think we would have wanted to do shorter routes. Our trip was unfortunately cut short because of a bike accident, which was nothing that could have been avoided. The four days of riding that we did were good routes.”
“Good weather, good food, nice hotels. Loved Sicily. Loved the biking. Great time to be there. That we were there during Easter actually made it interesting to see traditional Italian ceremonies. Hotels were all well chosen. People were extremely nice and helpful.”
“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.”
“This is very well organized trip. Hotels were very well curated, food was good and scenery was colorful. Both biking and sightseeing afterwards were very interesting. Choice of restaurants was impeccable. Trip is to be recommended full heartedly!”
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