Cycling in Sicily
Cycling in Sicily
Cycling in Sicily
8 Days Starting in Palazzolo Acreide and ending in Syracuse
Visiting: Italy, Sicily
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MWY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
icily is not only the biggest island in the Mediterranean but also one of the most fascinating. Its incredibly diverse heritage of civilizations including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish have all left their mark. On this exciting cycling tour we explore the south-eastern part of the island, pedalling through the Baroque gems of Ragusa, Modica, Noto, as well as other locations that provided the setting for the well known and long running television series Inspector Montalbano, before ending in Syracuse, the ancient Greek capital. Along the route we enjoy landscapes of farmlands, deep gorges and dramatic coastal scenery. No trip to Sicily is complete without sampling some of the finest regional delights considered amongst the best examples of Italian cuisine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Fly to Catania; transfer to Palazzolo Acreide, a charming maze of narrow
streets and Baroque churches built after the 1693’s earthquake on the site
of the Greek Akrai, which was founded in 664 BC. The town is situated in the
heart of Iblean Mountains, overlooking the upper valleys of Anapo and Tellaro
rivers, which helped the Corinthians control a broad swathe of Sicily. In the
afternoon there may be time to explore the beautiful heritage found here
including some stunning Baroque churches. If the group flight arrives late in
the evening we visit Palazzolo the following day in the morning.
Day 2
We start our exploration with a ride through the beautiful lower valleys of
the Iblean Mountains, passing olive plantations and dry-stone walls that
characterise this area. We then climb into the highlands to the delightful
town of Ragusa Ibla, built over three hills separated by a deep valley, and
home to beautiful Baroque churches and buildings. After visiting Ragusa, we
cycle for another 14km to the town of Modica, another great example of the
Sicilian Baroque style, nestled at the bottom of a deep gorge.
Overnight in Modica.
Day 3
Before leaving Modica, we have the opportunity to taste its famous chocolate
with chilli, which is still prepared using the original Aztec recipe brought
over by the Spaniards in the 1500's. We leave Modica behind and ride south
through the quiet pictureaque Iblean countryside until we reach the lovely
beach of Donnalucata, where we have the chance to swim in the crystal clear
sea (weather and season permitting). Next, we move on to a masterpiece of
Sicilian Baroque architecture, Scicli, where the popular Inspector Montalbano
TV series has been filmed. After enjoying some free time to discover the
town's historic centre, we cycle back to Modica.
Day 4
Today's ride takes first to the town of Ispica, where we stop to admire the
Baroque church dominating the beautiful piazza. Next, we pedal through the
wetlands of Patano Longarini and Patano Cuba, a favourite spot among
migratory birds that are attracted to the unique ecosystem of this area on
their journey between Africa and Europe. Following the coastline, we reach
Sicily’s southernmost point: Isola delle Correnti, where the waters of the
Ionian and the Mediterranean seas merge. We spend the night in the old
fishing village of Portopalo di Capo Passero.
Day 5
A first short coastal ride brings us to Marzamemi, one of Sicily's prettiest
fishing villages offering postcard views, numerous cafés and restaurants.Â
We continue to Vendicari Nature Reserve. This narrow stretch of marshy
coastline provides a rare and now completely protected habitat for migratory
species and for the local flora and fauna. There are some beautiful sandy
beaches, perfect for a swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. As
we leave the reserve behind, we head north to the elegant town of Noto,
another UNESCO World Heritage site. Noto is a planned town in the unique
Sicilian Baroque style, all built in a beautiful honey-coloured stone. A
must-try in Noto is the delicious almond granita (similar to a sorbet) with
brioche, typical of the area.
Overnight in Noto.
Day 6
We start our day with a challenging but rewarding 5km climb to San Corrado
and the ruins of Noto Antica, the original settlement of Noto that was
completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. We continue up reaching the
viewpoint of Cavagrande del Cassibile (505m.), one of the deepest canyons
found in Europe. The scenery here is spectacular and offers sweeping views of
the valley far below. In the afternoon we enjoy a beautiful descent with
hairpin bends towards the coast and then back to Noto.
Day 7
Today's gentle ride follows the coast all the way to Syracuse, passing
beautiful beaches where, weather permitting, we will stop for a refreshing
dip in the sea. The afternoon will be spent in Ortigia, the island where
Syracuse was founded. After a short orientation tour, there is free time to
explore at our own pace, head to the beach, do some shopping or visit the
famous archaeological park. Overnight in Syracuse.
Day 8
Transfer to Catania; fly to London.
**
What's Included
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Local bike hire
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All breakfasts and 1 dinner
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All accommodationÂ
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
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Local city taxes (approx. €15)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request )
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts and 1 dinner is included.
Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the different cultures that have
occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is
incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate which is ideal for the
cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, eggplants,
tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes, and more—not to mention all of the
seafood, tuna and swordfish fished right off the coast. The result is a
cuisine that’s fresh, varied, and absolutely delicious. Sicilian wines are
also superb and known to be strong and syrupy, like Marsala and Moscato. On
this trip there is the chance to sample some unique Sicilian products.
Lunches normally consist of delicious pic-nics, freshly prepared by your
assistant leader each day. Dinners will be taken at the hotels or local
restaurants recommended by your guide.
Accommodation
On this cycling adventure in Sicily, we stay in comfortable hotels and an agriturismo, which were selected for their friendly atmosphere and character. Most are conveniently located near the UNESCO-listed historic centres we visit.
Below are the properties normally used:
Palazzolo Acreide: Feudo Bauly (night 1)
Our adventure begins in this historic hotel run by the Corsino family. The stone-walled restaurant serves traditional Sicilian cuisine made from local, seasonal produce – you might even see black truffles sourced from nearby Bauly Forest on the menu. There’s also a swimming pool when you’d like some downtime.
Modica: Ferro Hotel (night 2)
Within a renovated building once used for railway workers, the Ferro Hotel takes us to modern Sicily. The contemporary décor pays tribute to the locomotive history of the building and there’s a varied spread for breakfast. The hotel itself is within walking distance of the main town.
Marzamemi: Agriturismo Tenuta Arangio (nights 3-4)
Enjoy a rural idyll with a stay at this agriturismo (farm stay). It’s a traditional Sicilian estate, owned by the Arangio family since 1980, and they still grow produce here. There’s also a large swimming pool area in the courtyard, where you can relax under the shade of olive trees.
Noto: Grand Hotel Sofia (night 5-6)
Back to more conventional hotel comforts, the Grand Hotel Sofia has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar (and happy hour). There’s also a restaurant, Limoneto, which serves Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes made from local produce, plus a small bar area.
Syracuse: Hotel Centrale (night 7)
The majority of groups spend their final night at Hotel Centrale, though some stay at Hotel Posta, Grande Albergo Alfeo or Hotel Gargallo, depending on availability. Centrale is one of the oldest hotels in Syracuse and close to local attractions including the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. When you're not out exploring, the hotel has a garden and reading room.
Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 16 years old people can go on this tour
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.