La Bella Sicilia
Ancient Sicily and the Dreamy Aeolian islands
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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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
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Witness breathtaking views of Europe’s highest volcano, Mount Etna
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Experience two days on the exotic Aeolian island
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Discover the Baroque charm of Ragusa and the ancient Greek monuments of Siracusa
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Visit a Slow Food presidium in Lipari, known for its capers, olive oil, and Malvasia wine
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Stay in luxury hotels and indulge in delicious Sicilian feasts, featuring fresh seafood and vegetables
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Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture through local music and the warm hospitality of the island’s people
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling and hilly with a 4-6 hour hikeStart Location
CaltagironeEnd Location
LipariMileage
Average Daily: 30 miles Total: 200/225 milesElevation
Average Daily: 2,200/2,500 ft Total: 15,300/17,300 ft
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
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Live music by local musicians
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Guided walking tours of Siracusa and Ragusa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Hike up Mount Etna (see recommendations on day 6)
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Boat ride with locals to explore remote turquoise coves
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Group shuttles at the beginning and end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore 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.
2025
Start Location
CaltagironeFly Into
Catania (CTA)End Location
LipariFly Out Of
Catania (CTA)Val Di Noto Loop Warm-up Ride
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
20 milesElevation Gain
1,300 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
35/50 milesElevation Gain
2,300/3,500 ftRiding Terrain
Undulating, three major climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, the 4-star A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel blends historic charm with contemporary elegance inside an 18th-century Baroque palazzo. With a privileged location next to the Cathedral and Piazza Duomo, this refined retreat offers guests an immersive stay in one of Sicily’s most picturesque settings.
Ragusa Loop to Modica
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
30/40 milesElevation Gain
2,700/3,500 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with 2 main climbsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, the 4-star A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel blends historic charm with contemporary elegance inside an 18th-century Baroque palazzo. With a privileged location next to the Cathedral and Piazza Duomo, this refined retreat offers guests an immersive stay in one of Sicily’s most picturesque settings.
Ragusa to Siracusa
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
50 milesElevation Gain
2,900 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Ortigia
Ideally situated to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Ortigia Island, the 5-star Grand Hotel Ortigia blends historic elegance with modern luxury. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel has preserved its original charm, architectural lines, and refined Liberty style. Enjoy the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the sea and the elegant and spacious rooms, or relax in the beautiful spa.
Siracusa to Taormina
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesElevation Gain
2,700 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel San Pietro
The Grand Hotel San Pietro is a 5-star Boutique Hotel that boasts a timeless, retro elegance. It was once an early 1900s villa that has been finely restored and now offers 63 refined rooms. It is situated between the sky and sea, offering an enchanting view of the Ionian Sea, the Etna, and Isola Bella. The hotel features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a sun terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. It takes only 15 minutes to walk to Taormina’s historic center.
Hike Mount Etna
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
4-6 hour hikeRiding Terrain
Gentle climbingMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Grand Hotel San Pietro
The Grand Hotel San Pietro is a 5-star Boutique Hotel that boasts a timeless, retro elegance. It was once an early 1900s villa that has been finely restored and now offers 63 refined rooms. It is situated between the sky and sea, offering an enchanting view of the Ionian Sea, the Etna, and Isola Bella. The hotel features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a sun terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. It takes only 15 minutes to walk to Taormina’s historic center.
The Aeolian Island Lipari
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
15 milesElevation Gain
2,000 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Aktea
The Aktea Resort is a modern and prestigious 4-star hotel in a serene location. It is ideal for people who want to be near the island’s main attractions. The harbor, the old town, and the famous castle are just a 5-minute stroll away. You can also explore the archaeological museum, the cathedral of St. Bartholomew, and the stunning archaeological park.
The Aeolian Island Salina
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
10 milesElevation Gain
1,400 ftRiding Terrain
One great climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Aktea
The Aktea Resort is a modern and prestigious 4-star hotel in a serene location. It is ideal for people who want to be near the island’s main attractions. The harbor, the old town, and the famous castle are just a 5-minute stroll away. You can also explore the archaeological museum, the cathedral of St. Bartholomew, and the stunning archaeological park.
