Overview
7 days/6 nights
Experience the captivating crossroads of Mediterranean history on a stunning cycling tour across southeastern Sicily. Winding through the sun-drenched landscapes of Val di Noto, you’ll pedal past UNESCO-listed Baroque towns like Syracuse, Noto, and Ragusa. The route bridges sweeping coastal roads along the Ionian Sea with inland rides through ancient olive groves, almond orchards, and dramatic limestone canyons. With views stretching from volcano slopes to pristine beaches, this tour pairs world-class coastal cycling with authentic Sicilian gastronomy, local wines, and warm island hospitality.
If you are interested in this tour or would like to customize these dates for your private group, please use the form below to contact us and our team will assist you. To book this tour, contact us.
Included
- 3 & 4 star accommodation
- All breakfast
- Five full course dinners & one lunch
- Boat ride along canals of papyrus growing region
- Guided Mt. Etna tour
- Wine tasting and tour
- Private city tour of Siracusa and archeological park visits
- Bike Rental (e-bike add-on available)
- Route note, maps and marked routes
- All tour & luggage transfers & van support
- Multi-lingual guide(s)
- All entrance fees
Not Included
- Airfare
- Beverages
- Trip Insurance (recommended)
- Personal Items
- Guide Tips
Route Notes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Expect rolling coastal flats, undulating hill country, and sustained climbs as you head inland toward historic hilltop towns. Roads are mostly quiet, paved backways with occasional rougher asphalt patches characteristic of rural southern Italy. Daily routes offer flexible mileage options for both recreational cyclists and ambitious riders, supported by pre-loaded GPS tracks, continuous van support, and E-bike availability for managing elevation with ease.
D1: Siracusa (12mi) D2: Val di Noto (28mi) D3: Noto to Modica (32mi) D4: Ragusa Ibla (35mi) D5: Caltagirone (30mi) D6: Mount Etna & Taormina (38mi)
Itinerary
Day 1: Coast Ride to Siracusa & Ancient History Get fitted for bikes and enjoy an easy, flat coastal ride into Siracusa, followed by a boat cruise through canal papyrus groves. Founded by Greek settlers in 734 BC and home to Archimedes, Siracusa blends ancient classical ruins with vibrant late-Baroque piazzas and colorful fishing harbors. After checking into our seaside hotel, take a private walking tour through historic cobblestone alleyways, with an optional visit to the grand Greek Theater and Roman archaeological park. Lodging: 2 nights at a charming 3-star seaside inn in ancient Siracusa.
Day 2: Rural Hills, Antica Noto & Famous Gelato Cycle peaceful, nearly car-free country roads above Siracusa toward Antica Noto, a UNESCO-protected ancient ruin. After taking in the rural views, enjoy a thrilling 12-mile downhill ridge ride into the stunning Baroque town of Noto. Celebrate the finish with legendary, world-renowned Sicilian gelato—savoring iconic local creations like jasmine blossom, lemon-cinnamon, and fresh fig granita from master pastry chefs.
Day 3: Hexagonal Towns, Ceramic Craft & Caltagirone Ride through rolling country roads, stopping for a roadside picnic of juicy blood oranges, artisan cheeses, and fresh bread. Pass through a unique 17th-century hexagonal town before ascending to Caltagirone, the “Queen of the Mountains” famous for its 4,000-year pottery heritage. Explore ornate streets lined with tile-adorned palaces, climb the iconic 140 hand-painted ceramic steps of Santa Maria del Monte, and browse local artisan shops. End the day with panoramic sunset views and traditional Arab-inspired pastries like honey-candied cubbaita. Lodging: 4-star hotel overlooking the old town.
Day 4: Rural Landscapes, Roman Mosaics & Mt. Etna Descend through wild countryside, wildflowers, and grazing sheep toward your first panoramic views of Mt. Etna. Ride to Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th-century imperial estate featuring extraordinarily preserved floor mosaics, including the world-famous “bikini girls” and hunting scenes. Continue along scenic ridge roads under the backdrop of Europe’s largest active volcano, taking in dramatic volcanic vistas before a short transfer to Nicolosi. Lodging: Comfortable 3-star hotel in Nicolosi, near the base of Mt. Etna.
Day 5: Summiting Mt. Etna, Wine Tasting & Taormina Ascend Europe’s highest active volcano by cable car and 4×4, taking in otherworldly, moon-like landscapes and sweeping views across Sicily to mainland Calabria. After exploring summit craters with a local guide, hike down a scenic trail into lush pine forests and terraced lemon groves. Stop at a premier Sicilian winery for a cellar tour and tasting before transferring or coasting downhill to coastal Taormina. Lodging: 3-star hotel steps from Taormina’s historic center.
Day 6-7: Taormina, Coastal Vistas & Farewell Toast Begin with a guided tour of Taormina and its spectacular seaside Greek Theater set against Mt. Etna. In the afternoon, choose between relaxing in town, a scenic walk through lemon groves and flower-adorned streets up to the hilltop castle, or an optional ride featuring a mountain climb above Messina with panoramic views of Calabria and the Strait of Messina. Rejoin the group in Taormina for a sunset toast overlooking the sea to celebrate an incredible week.