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.
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 your famiglia.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start/End Catania, Sicily
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Fresh-pressed olive oil at a centuries-old working farm marks the start of your Sicilian family adventure | Be immersed in a valley of cherry, almond and citrus orchards | Ride bikes on quiet winding country roads in the captivating Val di Noto | Discover the baroque towns of Scicli and Ragusa | Unwind with your family at our one-of-a-kind hotel, a lovingly restored castle with a fascinating history.
This elegant 900-year-old property, a former hermitage and fortress, sits amid orchards of almonds, figs and olives. (pool)
Ride into the countryside along rolling hills, passing Greek ruins and small towns as you make your way to Siracusa | Marvel at ancient archaeological treasures | Explore Ortigia, Siracusa’s mesmerizing old city, on a walking tour | Kick back on the rooftop terrace of our 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)
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, often referred to 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 hike 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 with family before a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
Sea-view rooms await at this elegant beachfront property, an early 19th-century villa set among lush gardens by the Mediterranean. (pool, spa)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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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