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.
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Biking
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Sicily Bike Tour
Italian Seaside & Ancient Civilizations
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.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$4,799 pp dbl occ
($700 for sgl occ)
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
- Climb the tiled stairs of Caltagirone, a town dating back to the Bronze Age, and shop for painted ceramics made by locals
- Revel in incredible Sicilian baroque architecture at the World Heritage sites of Scicli, Modica and Ragusa
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
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 | 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 bike by windmills, orchards and olive groves | A dinner of traditional Sicilian cuisine awaits at a Slow Food osteria atop one of Catania's enchanting hills | Find repose poolside surrounded by country views at our 15th-century hotel.
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
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.
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
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.
Grand Hotel Minareto
Siracusa
| Premiere Hotel Take in stellar sea views at this luxury 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.
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Activity Level: 2-5
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. LEARN MORE.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
Performance Road Bike
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.
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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. For most, these challenges are offset by the beauty of Sicily's countryside and its warm hospitality. But 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.
Ask A Trip Expert
Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our FAQ’s.
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