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Sicilian Crossroads: Cycling the Island of Cultures

Rouler à vélo dans la campagne autour de Vizzini 5
Cycling the Vizzini countryside The coastline of Arenella Noto, your destination on Day 6 Springtime flowers in Modica The ceramic tiles steps of Caltagirone
Rouler à vélo dans la campagne autour de Vizzini

Sicilian Crossroads: Cycling the Island of Cultures

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 1,095 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

They say that good things come in small packages, and that is certainly true for the Italian island of Sicily. On this tour, you will experience the cultural, architectural, and culinary heritage of the island’s southeastern region, cycling through the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine empires...in just eight days!

 

The stars of the itinerary are the historic towns of the Val di Noto, rebuilt in the Baroque style following a catastrophic earthquake in 1693. Together, they are recognized as a collective UNESCO World Heritage Site for their architectural and artistic achievements. From the ornate scalinata of Caltagirone to the exquisite churches of Ispica, there is no shortage of wonders to admire.

 

Moderate daily distances along quiet roads will lead you from hilltop town to hilltop town, culminating at the coast and the ancient, noble city of Syracuse. Culinary delights of the region include the chocolate of Modica, traditional cheeses, Nero d’Avola wine, and an array of seafood ranging from anchovies to octopus- all guaranteed to fuel your legs and your spirit.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Piazza Armerina

 

Your meeting with our local representative isn’t until tomorrow, so enjoy Piazza Armerina, a charming historic town nestled in the heart of Sicily. Let the winding streets lead you past sunbaked buildings, including frescoed churches and grand palazzi from the Baroque and Renaissance. Wherever you wander, you’ll be beckoned by views of the majestic Aragonese Castle and 18th century Baroque cathedral that both dominate the town from their hilltop perch.

D2Piazza Armerina — Caltagirone 39 km/24 miles, 670 meters/2,200 ft of climbing

 

After breakfast, a briefing, and a bike fitting with your local representative, it’s time to roll! Even as you cycle out of Piazza Armerina, you will find yourself approaching the incredibly luxurious Villa Romana del Casale, which dates back to the 4th Century. Its collection of rich, astonishingly well-preserved mosaics is truly worth a visit.

Today’s ride is largely downhill, though it is by ascent that you’ll reach your destination of Caltagirone, one of the Baroque towns in the Val di Noto. If you have the energy, we highly recommend climbing the 17th century Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte. Each step shows off the rich ceramic tradition that gives this town its name.

D3 Caltagirone — Palazzolo Acreide 73 km/45 miles, 1,230 meters/4,035 ft of climbing

 

Get ready for some uphills today as you make your way towards Palazzolo Acreide, the oldest town in the Val di Noto. Winding your way through the valley, other historic towns like Vizzini and Grammichele are sure to catch your eye, the latter being laid out in a hexagonal shape! Don’t linger too long though, for there is much to explore at your destination. Between the beautiful Baroque buildings in Palazzolo Acreide and the ancient ruins of nearby Akrai, there is no lack of awe-inspiring (and photo-worthy) sights here.

D4Palazzolo Acreide — Ragusa 41 km/25 miles, 760 meters/2,495 ft of climbing

 

The rewards for biking through Sicily are plenty on today’s ride, as you cycle along the Hyblaean Plateau, an area characterized by its wooded areas intermingled with typical dry stone walls. Enjoy your route along quiet roads, as well as some nice downhill stretches. The fun continues in Ragusa, where you can spend the rest of the day exploring the upper town (Ragusa Superiore), and the lower, older, part of Ragusa Ibla, which has some stunning Baroque churches and palaces. Wind down with a glass of fine Sicilian red wine and local cuisine like cassateddi cakes and caciocavallo ragusano, a cheese with a very long and treasured tradition.

D5Ragusa — Ispica 61 km/38 miles, 720 meters/2,360 ft of climbing

 

In the morning, you will continue to follow the white stone walls of the Hyblaean, saying ciao to Ragusa and riding towards other delights. One of these is in the Baroque town of Modica, about 12 km (7.5 miles) into your ride. Here, park your bikes and indulge on the town’s famous chocolate, which is made using an ancient recipe inspired by the Aztecs! Further on, Scicli provides a perfect place to stop for lunch and perhaps appear in the background of a movie (the town is a popular filming site!)

You’ll end your day in Ispica, where you can enjoy an espresso in the covered market and wander to your heart’s content through this beautiful town. From impressive squares lined with palazzi to elegant churches like the splendidly frescoed Santa Maria Maggiore, it is impossible to resist Ispica’s charms.

D6Ispica — Noto 64 km/40 miles, 480 meters/1,575 ft of climbing

 

Today’s itinerary leads you towards the coast, showcasing Sicily’s rural and natural treasures. You’ll reach the sea around the midpoint of your ride, as you pedal into Marzamemi, one of Sicily’s prettiest seaside villages. Its fishing tradition is visible everywhere, from the typical fishermen’s houses that border the main square to local specialities like bottarga (dried tuna roe) and smoked swordfish.

 

Before you can succumb to the sudden urge to trade in your bike for a fishing boat, you’ll soon be cycling into the unique landscape of lagoons, sand dunes, rocky coastlines, and sandy beaches of the Vendicari Natural Reserve. From here, only 10 km (6 miles) separates you from your destination of Noto...though it is mostly uphill! Overlooking groves of citrus, olive, and almond trees in the Asinaro valley, Noto is home to some of the finest Baroque architecture in Sicily and is known as the “Garden of Stone”.

D7Noto — Syracuse 38 km/24 miles, 190 meters/625 ft of climbing

 

For the final leg of your Sicilian tour, you’ll be cycling seaside to the historic city of Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian). Notable for its mix of Greek, and Roman culture and architecture, it was also the birthplace of famed mathematician Archimedes (Eureka!). After parking your bikes at your hotel, a short walk across the channel will bring you to Ortigia island and the city’s historical centre. Whet your appetite at the outdoor food market or visit the Fountain of Arethusa and make a wish...that your cycling holiday in Sicily doesn’t have to end!

D8Departure

 

After breakfast, you are free to depart Syracuse at your leisure. Your accommodation is conveniently located within a 10 minute walk of the train station. If you’re not quite ready to say arrivederci, extra nights can be arranged upon request.

Booking & Prices

  • Option A
  • 7 nights in guesthouses “of character” and 3-star hotels

  • 1,095 euros per person in January through April; October through December. Single supplement is 325 euros
  • 1,350 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 410 euros
  • 1,595 euros per person in July. Single supplement is 495 euros
  • Option A+
  • 7 nights in 3- and 4-star properties

  • 1,595 euros per person in January through April; October through December. Single supplement is 495 euros
  • 1,775 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 565 euros
  • 2,125 euros per person in July. Single supplement is 635 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation as described above
  • Daily breakfast
  • Meeting with our local representative
  • Luggage transfers
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • Tourist information
  • Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or navigation app
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • Service charges and most taxes

These prices do not include:

  • Nominal city taxes, to be paid in cash directly at each hotel (from 1-4 euros per night depending on the season, the town, and the accommodation types)
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 150 euros. Aluminum racing bikes are available at the rate of 180 euros. E-bikes are available at the rate of 270 euros (these prices include the drop-off fee).

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