Sicily Family Biking
- 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, Donnalucata and Ragusa
- Marvel at archaeological treasures
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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!
Days 1-2 Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano 
Ride quiet roads in the Val di Noto to 15th-century Castello Camemi, our country home for two nights Kids paint pottery in Caltagirone, inhabited since the Bronze Age and renowned for intricately painted ceramics An evening of folkloric music and dancing reveals vibrant Sicilian culture in full swing.
Days 3-4 Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica, Donnalucata and Ragusa The fragrance of orange blossoms wafts by as you pedal a route lined with stone walls, windmills and orchards Taste fresh-pressed olive oils at a centuries-old agriturismo The younger set ventures into the kitchen for a biscotti baking class Dessert lovers of all ages rejoice! First it's gelato by the sea, then remarkable chocolate at Sicily's oldest cioccolataio.
Days 5-6 Marvel at archaeological treasures Ready for off-road adventure? Youngsters hit the rugged countryside in jeeps 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
I'm very excited to add the Sicily Biking trip to our lineup of fantastic family adventures. There's stellar riding for all, with minimal shuttling to give your gang a rich intro to the region's best. Choose from gentle routes through valleys and along the sea, or there's even some challenging forays into the hills. And there's a host of fun cultural activities designed expressly for the younger crowd, from biscotti baking to chocolate tasting to ceramics making. I'm certain that Sicily - and this trip - will surpass your expectations!- Regional Manager, Italy
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 vistas and orchards of almonds, figs and olives, this elegant Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick 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. (pool, spa)
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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
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
- 15 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 25, 33, 42, 56 miles
- 1840 - 3440 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 33, 55 miles
- 700 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 27, 40, 55 miles
- 800 - 2600 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 17, 21, 37, 50, 64 miles
- 200 - 3100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- WALKING TOUR of ORTYGIA 1.5 hours
More Recommended Trips
For 33 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.
