La Bella Sicilia
Ancient Sicily and the Dreamy Aeolian islands
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- What to expect
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A distinct yet indescribable island, beautiful Sicily has withstood centuries of tyranny and upheaval to emerge as a vital and varied cultural region, as you’ll discover on this action-packed bicycle tour. The Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily’s soil and architecture reveal layers of intriguing history left during its rule by Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Saracens, French, Spanish, and Bourbons, and all their influences are still felt today. Focusing on Sicily’s lush green spectacle in springtime and its vast golden stage in autumn, our bike trip itinerary ranges from the southern and northeastern tip of the island to beautiful and historic interior areas never seen by most tourists. Our cycling journey includes a hike up Mt Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and reaches its apex as we explore the dreamy, volcanic Aeolian Islands, each with its own distinct character and charm.
Tour Essence
- Witness views of Europe’s highest volcano, the Mount Etna
- Experience two days on exotic Aeolian islands
- Learn more about the Baroque Ragusa and the Greek monuments of Siracusa
- Visit a Slow Food presidia of capers, olive oil and Malvasia wine in Lipari
- Stay in luxury hotels and enjoy delicious Sicilian feasts including fresh seafood and vegetables
- Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture with the local music and the warm people of the Island
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling and hilly with a 4-6 hour hikeStart Location
Camemi, VizziniEnd Location
LipariMileage
Average Daily: 24-28 miles Total: 189-222 miles
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- 2 wine tastings
- Walking tour of Ragusa and Siracusa, UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Boat ride with locals to remote turquoise coves
- Hike up Mt. Etna
- Shuttles at beginning, during and at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Touring GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 6 dinners
Come with us on this unique tour by bicycle and enjoy Sicily’s rich culture and warm people. Hike, swim, and bike where the movie “Il Postino” was filmed and enjoy traditional Sicilian food, wine, and music, while stopping each night at a luxury hotel. Sicily boasts some of the finest examples of Greek architecture in the world, and we’ll explore its most spectacular sites as we ride through Ragusa, Siracusa, San Giovanni la Punta and more. A ride up into the remote and haunting Altopiano Ibleo area, a visit to the exquisite Villa Donnafugata, and the spectacular views from Taormina are just a few of the many highlights of this Sicilian bike trip. Finally, we’ll board a boat to continue our journey on the Aeolian Islands of Lipari, with its deep caverns, steep cliffs, and splendid views, and Salina, which we’ll explore on a bicycle while learning about its fascinating ancient history.
2023
Start Location
Camemi, VizziniFly Into
RomeEnd Location
LipariFly Out Of
RomeVal Di Noto Loop Warm-up Ride
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
18 milesElevation Gain
1256 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Castello Camemi
Castello Camemi is a boutique five star hotel in one of the most beautiful areas in the heart of Eastern Sicily: the hills of Val di Noto, a long time World Heritage Site. Castello Camemi fills the heart with echoes from the past and modern comfort, where elegance is perfectly combined with the informal and intimate warmness of the well-known Sicilian hospitality.
Castello Camemi to Ragusa
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
34/49 milesElevation Gain
2320 / 3513 ftRiding Terrain
Undulating, three major climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
San Giorgio Palace Hotel
San Giorgio Palace is an ultra-modern, four star superior hotel whose atmosphere is charming, stylish and cosy at the same time. The building was restored in 2010 and brought back to its original beauty respecting the ancient structure and the original materials. The hotel is located in a 19th century building which belonged to the Bertini family and hosted several eminent people such as Don Luigi Sturzo, one of the co-founder of the Popular Italian Party, featuring a private garden overlooking a charming valley along with a the spectacular view.
Ragusa Loop to Modica
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
29 / 40 milesElevation Gain
2729 / 3474 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with 2 main climbsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
San Giorgio Palace Hotel
San Giorgio Palace is an ultra-modern, four star superior hotel whose atmosphere is charming, stylish and cosy at the same time. The building was restored in 2010 and brought back to its original beauty respecting the ancient structure and the original materials. The hotel is located in a 19th century building which belonged to the Bertini family and hosted several eminent people such as Don Luigi Sturzo, one of the co-founder of the Popular Italian Party, featuring a private garden overlooking a charming valley along with a the spectacular view.
Ragusa to Siracusa
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
51 milesElevation Gain
2910 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Ortigia
Offering a rooftop terrace and glass elevator with sea views, the 5-star Grand Hotel Ortigia is located on the natural island of Ortigia. Rooms are spacious and offer free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. The spa is also friendly and welcoming.
Siracusa to Taormina
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
37 milesElevation Gain
2706 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel San Pietro Taormina
A panoramic terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, so close you can hear the swish of the waves breaking on the peaceful coast of Isola Bella. On the horizon, Mount Etna. This is one of the views that greet guests at the 5-star Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina.
Hike Mount Etna
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
4-6 hour hikeRiding Terrain
Gentle climbingMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Grand Hotel San Pietro Taormina
A panoramic terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, so close you can hear the swish of the waves breaking on the peaceful coast of Isola Bella. On the horizon, Mount Etna. This is one of the views that greet guests at the 5-star Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina.
The Aeolian Island Lipari
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
16 milesElevation Gain
2000 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Villa Bougainville
The 4-star Villa Bougainville was designed with the intent of recreating a typical environment of Aeolian dwellings. All rooms are modern, soundproofed and air-conditioned and have a private terrace or balcony.
The Aeolian Island Salina
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
10 milesElevation Gain
1400 ftRiding Terrain
A great climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Villa Bougainville
The 4-star Villa Bougainville was designed with the intent of recreating a typical environment of Aeolian dwellings. All rooms are modern, soundproofed and air-conditioned and have a private terrace or balcony.
