Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
Biking
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Sicily Bike Tour
Italian Seaside & Ancient Civilizations
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-5
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,199 - $5,799 pp dbl occ
($950 - $1,450 for sgl occ)
An island almost as close to Africa as to Europe. It's historic. Passionate. It's Sicily. The homeland of some of Europe's friendliest hosts. Where art and architecture hail from countless centuries. Where Mount Etna simmers on the horizon and delicious seafood forever raises the bar. Ready to surrender to an island's allure? Let it be Sicily.
Sicily Italy Biking Map
Italy
Start/End Catania
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Bike above the Mediterranean Sea with breathtaking views of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano
- Indulge in the island’s homegrown bounty, from delectable prosciutto and ricotta to world-class wine and olive oil
- Vacation at three unique and decadent hotels, each with an idyllic setting for post-ride leisure and aperitivi
- Revel in incredible Sicilian baroque architecture at the World Heritage sites of Scicli, Modica and Ragusa
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Get ready for fantastic biking with distant vistas of Mount Etna—on a clear day, it can be seen from over half of Sicily | Ride peaceful roads through the late baroque towns of the magnificent Val di Noto | The fragrance of orange blossoms wafts by as you bike past windmills, orchards and olive groves | A dinner of traditional Sicilian cuisine awaits at a local farm in Sicily's enchanting hills, a true farm-to-table experience | Find repose poolside surrounded by country views at our grand hotel.
Accommodations
Castello Camemi
Vizzini Scalo
| Premiere Hotel A beautifully restored 15th-century fortified castle that was once home to a noble family. (pool)
Days 3-4
Description
Taste fresh-pressed olive oil at a centuries-old agriturismo, a working farm in a valley of cherry, almond and citrus trees | Climb winding roads by bicycle to the extraordinary Duomo of San Giorgio | On a walking tour with our local host, discover ancient cave dwellings that were inhabited until the 1960s | Enjoy homemade gelato by the sea in Donnalucata | Settle into your room at our one-of-a-kind hotel, a lovingly restored castle with a fascinating history.
Accommodations
Eremo della Giubiliana
Ragusa
| Premiere Hotel This elegant 900-year-old property, a former hermitage and fortress, sits amid orchards of almonds, figs and olives. (pool)
Days 5-6
Description
Ride into the countryside, along rolling hills, past Greek ruins and small towns | Marvel at archaeological treasures | Explore Ortigia, Siracusa's mesmerizing old city | Bike through a marine nature reserve, visit artists' shops and the lively local fish market or lounge on the rooftop terrace of our hotel.
Accommodations
Minareto
Siracusa
| Premiere Hotel Take in stellar sea views at this welcoming resort, perched on a promontory overlooking the Plemmirio Marine Nature Reserve and featuring two private beaches. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
June 2023
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
Oct 3 - Oct 8
Sold out
Oct 8 - Oct 13
Sold out
Oct 15 - Oct 20
Sold out
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level:
2-5
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Biking in Sicily
Although Sicily is part of Italy, the island can feel worlds away from the mainland, as it remains one of the country's most rural and economically challenged regions. Cycling here is both a physical and cultural experience where a touch of patience and humor go a long way—watch out for that rooster!
Litter
It may come as a surprise that in such a beautiful part of the world, litter is quite evident, especially when approaching small villages. If you can't stand the thought of litter marring the setting, we understand. This may not be the trip for you. We are working behind the scenes to improve this aspect of our Sicily trips.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Biking in Sicily
Although Sicily is part of Italy, the island can feel worlds away from the mainland, as it remains one of the country's most rural and economically challenged regions. Cycling here is both a physical and cultural experience where a touch of patience and humor go a long way—watch out for that rooster!
Litter
It may come as a surprise that in such a beautiful part of the world, litter is quite evident, especially when approaching small villages. If you can't stand the thought of litter marring the setting, we understand. This may not be the trip for you. We are working behind the scenes to improve this aspect of our Sicily trips.
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