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Sicily Biking

Overview
Lodging
Reviews
Route Rating
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Trip Highlights:
  • Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna
  • Ascend the 142 tiled stairs of Caltagirone
  • Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica and Ragusa
  • Marvel at archaeological treasures

Call 800-462-2848, Every day 7am–5pm,PST

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Ancient Civilizations & Mediterranean Sensations

An island almost as close to Africa as to Europe. How does it hang on through history? With passion. That's Sicily. Where the people are some of Europe's friendliest hosts. Where artistic and architectural monuments hail from every century. Where you'll ride among orange groves above the Mediterranean Sea as Mount Etna simmers on the horizon. Savor seafood that forever raises the bar. Grilled swordfish. Snapper prepared cipollata in a vinegar and sugar sauce. Sip bold red Nero d'Avola and admire vibrant local ceramics. Ready to surrender to an island's passions? Let it be Sicily.

Day 1 Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano  A feast of traditional Sicilian cuisine awaits at a Slow Food osteria, nestled among Catania's rolling hills  Ride quiet roads through the Late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto to 15th-century Castello Camemi, our country home for two nights.

Days 2-3 Ascend the 142 tiled stairs in Caltagirone, inhabited since the Bronze Age and renowned for intricately painted ceramics The fragrance of orange blossoms wafts by as you pedal a route lined with windmills, orchards and olive groves Taste fresh-pressed olive oil at a centuries-old agriturismo An evening of folkloric music and dancing reveals vibrant Sicilian culture in full swing.

Day 4 Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at the World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica and Ragusa  Dessert lovers rejoice! Indulge in homemade gelato by the sea in Donnalucata.

Days 5-6 Marvel at archaeological treasures Seafood antipasti, sardines and other local favorites melt in your mouth at one of the area's finest restaurants Stroll to historic seaside Siracusa's bustling fish market or soak up stunning Mediterranean views  Enjoy a walking tour of Siracusa's old city, Ortygia.

Guests Reviews About This Trip

Trip of a lifetime for my husband and I. I always dreamed of a trip to Italy, the beauty of Sicily was fabulous. I felt like I was in a movie set every day. The accommodations, additional experiences (ie; the Sicilian singers) were fantastic. The attention to every detail of our comfort, food, water, route advice, etc. was top notch. Can't wait to book another!
Mindy Salzberg-Siegel - Birmingham, MI
Fun group and great leaders. Fabulous rides through beautiful country with interesting side tours and excellent hotels and food.
Michael Lombardo- Westport, CT
We had a fantastic time on the trip. We loved that our group was small so we could navigate easily and get to know each other. Our leaders were extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The riding was challenging yet do-able. The food was absolutely delicious.
Julia Mee- San Mateo, CA

Premiere Inns

Castello Camemi
Castello Camemi

Vizzini Scalo (2 nights) A beautifully restored 15th-century fortified castle that was once home to a noble family. (pool, spa)

Eremo della Giubiliana
Eremo della Giubiliana

Ragusa (2 nights) With expansive ocean vistas and orchards of almonds, figs and olives, this elegant Andrew Harper favorite dates back 900 years when it was a hermitage and fortress. (pool, spa)

Des Etrangers Hotel & Spa
Des Etrangers Hotel & Spa

Siracusa (1 night) With a great location in the center of Ortygia, a Sicilian Neoclassical-style inn with sea views from the guest rooms and rooftop terrace. (pool, spa)

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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options
Day EASYGOING ACTIVE AVID
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain
1 16 500
2 28* 1800 38* 2300 45 2500
3 23* 700 47* 1800 61 2500
76 4100
4 25* 800 39 2600 54 3400
Scicli guided walking tour (1 hour)
5 20* 1200 37* 3000 50* 3000 63 3100
6 Ortygia walking tour (1.5 hours)
 
note:

* Includes a shuttle

Crank it up While this trip is best for guests looking for a level 2-4 cycling experience, on several days additional riding is possible, with plenty of climbs to boot.

For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Sicily tour experts. See our award-winning Europe Italy biking tours, Europe Italy walking and hiking tours and Europe Italy multisport tours.