Sicily Family Multisport
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. Looking for a similar trip? See Dalmatian Coast Multisport and Australia Multisport. Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
Caressed by Mediterranean trade winds and sculpted through the ages by diverse cultural influences, the island of Sicily is a world of its own. The pace of life is slower than on mainland Italy, and everything - from the colorful Sicilian dialect and famously delectable cuisine to the defiant local spirit - is born of deep traditions. On this biking and walking adventure, you and your family will be captivated by Sicily's rough-edged beauty. Walk and pedal past fertile fields and rugged coastlines and explore the tumultuous flanks of Mount Etna. Investigate archaeological relics and step back in time on a guided tour of the second-largest theater in Sicily, set against the backdrop of the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna.
Days 1-2 Ragusa
Meet in Catania 
Pedal through the Ragusan countryside, stopping for a visit at Donnafugata, a restored baronial estate Explore the ancient city of Scicli, a World Heritage site brimming with majestic Baroque façades Indulge your sweet tooth with a taste of Modica's famous Sicilian chocolate 
Take a guided walking tour of Ragusa Ibla, another World Heritage site, before pedaling to the coastal city of Siracusa Kids watch gelato being made - tasting is encouraged.
Day 3 Siracusa
Explore the island of Ortygia, Siracusa's old city and a World Heritage site Founded by Corinthians in the 8th century B.C., Ortygia blends Byzantine, Swabian and Greco-Roman architecture into a visual masterpiece by the sea.
Days 4-6 Taormina
Take in the fiery side of Sicily's history on a hike through volcanic flows on the slopes of mighty Mount Etna Shuttle to the top of Mount Tauro, above two sparkling bays, where the town of Taormina awaits Thanks to its mythical atmosphere and exceedingly pleasant climate, this enchanting resort community has been a getaway destination for countless luminaries - including Oscar Wilde, Gustav Klimt and Guy de Maupassant Embark on a steep climb to Castelmola, a tiny town that harbors the remains of a 16th-century castle Follow paths walked by the ancient Greek Siculians, Taormina's founders, and spend time amid the jumble of pizzerie, trattorie, bars and shops that add to the town's timeless charm Kids explore a special set of Siculians trails.
MEDITERRANEAN ABODES: Premiere Inns
Eremo Della Giubiliana (2 nights): This refined hotel, whose pink marble walls have housed monks, aristocrats and the Knights of Malta in the past, welcomes us with antique furnishings and a renowned restaurant.
Hotel des Etrangers et Miramare (1 night): Fixed in the center of Siracusa's old city on the island of Ortygia, this intimate retreat offers comfortable rooms and a roof terrace with panoramic views.
Grand Hotel Timeo (2 nights): This magnificent 19th-century hotel, set amid a park of tropical flora, features balconies, terraces, elegantly appointed guest rooms and superb views of the Bay of Naxos.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 22 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 23, 36 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 25 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking 1.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Option Available
- Hiking 4 hours
- 2000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3, 6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2 miles
- 2000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with some climbs. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
No Burleys available on this trip.
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities and route
- 9+ difficulty of activities and route
- 6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
- 3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)
Guest Trip Reviews
We have traveled quite extensively with guides as a family and without reservation, Backroads Leaders are the best. What great role models for our kids.- Chattanooga, TN