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.
Multi-Adventure
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Sicily Multi-Adventure Tour
Catania to Mt Etna—Italy's Legendary Isle
It's a land of legends and natural beauty. Of ancient architecture and extraordinary history and cuisine. Bike through the Iblei mountains from one baroque town to the next. Explore Siracusa's rugged Ionian coastline by kayak. Hike on Mount Etna's volcanic slopes and in exquisite hilltop Taormina. Greek theaters, Roman ruins and welcoming Italian hospitality. Sicily is waiting for you.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$5,099 pp dbl occ
Bike
Walk/Hike
Kayak
Italy
Start/End Catania, Sicily
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Ride peaceful roads from the lush Iblei mountain range to late baroque towns in World Heritage Val di Noto
- Kayak alongside egrets, flamingos and cormorants as you make your way by river toward the tiny isle of Syracuse
- Hike rugged trails through a captivating island landscape and around Mount Etna’s legendary volcanic peak
- Delight in the flavors of Sicily’s celebrated wines and cuisine among Catania’s vineyards and by the sea
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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
Kick off your Sicilian adventure with fresh-pressed olive oil at a centuries-old working farm | Be immersed in a valley of cherry, almond and citrus orchards | Ride your bike on quiet winding country roads in the Val di Noto | Discover the baroque towns of Scicli and Ragusa | Unwind 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)
Day 3
Ride into the countryside along rolling hills, passing Greek ruins and small towns on the way to Siracusa | Marvel at archaeological treasures | Explore Ortigia, Siracusa’s mesmerizing historic center, on a walking tour | Lounge on the rooftop terrace of our hotel.
Grand Hotel 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)
Days 4-6
Kayak through a lush nature reserve along the Ciane River, a bird-lover’s paradise | Keep an eye out for egrets, black-winged stilts and coot flamingos nestled among papyrus plants | Exquisite cuisine and luxury accommodations await in hilltop Taormina, known as the Pearl of Sicily | Gaze out onto an unforgettable panorama over the Ionian Sea | Climb up the picturesque northern slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano | Follow wooded trails and trek across black lava on the lower flanks of this dramatic peak | The sense of history is almost palpable on a visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater | Raise a glass to an extraordinary week before a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea
Taormina
| Premiere Hotel Sea-view rooms await at this elegant beachfront property, an early 19th-century villa set among lush gardens by the Mediterranean. (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
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS | An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | Call us to book your Rendezvous.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 2-4
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
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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
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.
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.
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