Sicily Family Biking
Ancient Civilizations & Mediterranean Sensations
There's so much to learn when you're in Sicily - especially when you're a kid. Like how to eat granita before it melts under the Sicilian sun. (Really, really fast!) And how to appreciate Baroque architecture from a new perspective. (Hint: hideous monsters and ferocious animals lurk beneath balconies and above the doors.) That pizza with French fries on top is perfectly okay. Yes, Sicily is full of surprises. Uncovering them has never been more fun!
- Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna
- Ascend the 142 tiled stairs in Caltagirone
- Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica, Donnalucata and Ragusa
- Marvel at archaeological treasures
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano 
A feast of traditional Sicilian cuisine awaits at a centuries-old agriturismo, nestled among Catania's rolling hills Ride quiet roads in the Val di Noto to the 15th-century Castello Camemi, our home for two nights Kids enjoy a fun afternoon of ceramics painting Discover the pleasures of Sicilian wines during a festive dinner.
Days 3-4 Ascend the 142 tiled stairs in Caltagirone, inhabited since the Bronze Age and renowned for intricately painted ceramics Catching the scent of fragrant orange blossoms, pedal a route lined with muri a secci (stone walls), windmills, orchards and olive groves Taste distinctive organic olive oils, produced the old-fashioned way (by hand and in small batches) The younger set heads to our hotel's kitchen to learn to make biscotti Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica, Donnalucata and Ragusa Dessert lovers of all ages rejoice! First it's gelato by the sea, then remarkable chocolate at Sicily's cioccolataio.
Days 5-6 Marvel at archaeological treasures in historic seaside Siracusa Junior spelunkers set out for a morning of cave exploration Travel back in time during a visit to the ancient Greek theater in Akrai, founded in 664 B.C. Dine on seafood antipasti, sardines and other local favorites at a typical Siracusan pescheria Soak up stunning views of the sea in the soft morning light during a final spin.
Adult Route Rating What's this?
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Tuscany Biking Czech Republic Biking Loire Valley BikingOther Italy Trips
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Sicily Family Biking
Premiere Inns
Castello Camemi
Vizzini Scalo (2 nights) An impeccably restored 15th-century fortified castle that was once home to a noble family. (pool, spa)
Eremo della Giubiliana
Ragusa (2 nights) With expansive ocean views and orchards of almonds, figs and olives, this elegant inn dates back 900 years when it was a hermitage and fortress. (pool, spa)
Hotel des Etrangers et Miramare
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. (indoor pool, spa)
Sicily Family Biking
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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Kid-Friendly Routes
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 29, 45, 62 miles
- 425 - 4750 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 50, 67 miles
- 600 - 2800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 39, 50 miles
- 2500 - 3200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 34, 65 miles
- 3100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain