Sicily's Baroque Ring - Biking Tour

Airport city flying in: Catania Fontanarossa
Airport city flying out: Catania Fontanar
Tour name: Sicily's Baroque Ring - Biking Tour
Tour code: BRT - 24
Type: Scheduled
Price guided: 2199
Price self guided: 1199
Price supported: 1799
Difficulty level: Enthusiast
Total distance: 410 km
Total elevation: 5,838 m
Duration days: 8
Departure location: Syracuse
Arrival location: Syracuse
Event date-begins: 2024-04-13
Event date-ends: 2024-04-20
Event date-begins-2: 2024-10-19
Event date-ends-2: 2024-10-26
Event teaser: A cycle tour through the beauties of Sicily's baroque, to enjoy its rich culture, traditions… and great cycling

Date 1

Date 2

Culture, food and architecture, but also the most varied and scenic road rides.

 

Sicily is the southernmost Italian region and the closest portion of Italy to north Africa. It's a unique region, known for its highs as well as for its lows. Exploring the island at the slow pace that cycling can grant is a must do. We'd say it can easily be a once-in-lifetime experience, but we are pretty sure that you'll be among the many repeaters. Sicily as a whole is so much special that people always struggle to decide which area exploring first.

But as lovers of Sicily - and cycling lovers - we suggest an area that we consider special for us who love exploring new places on a road bike: it's the southeast portion of the island, that features not only a great insight of culture, food and architecture, but also the most varied and scenic road rides. We love to share with our guests amazing places, but our very known skill is to connect them via enchanting roads, discovered thanks to passion and commitment.

We propose to you following a theme: connecting the most important towns where the stunning Sicilian baroque architecture (and we'd say lifestyle) knows its best expressions, creating a special ambience in which restaurants, bars and little shops are like notes of the same song. The island, thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, has always been land of conquests. Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Arabs and Normans are just an example of the ancient civilizations that, by adding their unmistakable layers of traditions, architecture, culture made this island so special. Some hints of what we'll see? Syracuse, Ortigia, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Scicli, Modica, Ragusa. But be sure that to enounce all the special places along this trip we would need a separate website. Can you really tell you know a place and its culture if you don't connect places to food or wine? For sure you can't in Italy. So why not connecting Modica and its special chocolate, Noto with the local ricotta or Avola with the amazing red wine Nero d'Avola?

The Journey Begins Here

TOUR STOPS AND TOPS

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  • 36.9411,14.9068

    mapcenter

  • 36.8908,15.0706

    Noto

  • 37.0646,15.2907

    Syracuse

  • 37.1607,14.7483

    Vizzini

  • 36.7935,14.7069

    Scicli

  • 36.9219,14.7213

    Ragusa

  • 37.0619,14.9039

    Palazzolo Acreide

Things You Don't Want to Miss
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  • Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque

  • What's better than a break and taste some Sicilian's food?

  • Not only great food and architecture

Ride Highlights:
Sicilian's Baroque

The Sicilian Baroque style of architecture was introduced following the devastating earthquake of 1693. Whole cities had to be rebuilt. Splendid churches and palaces were erected in what has been termed the Sicilian Baroque style. The churches were often lavishly decorated with coloured marble and mosaic inlay.

“The loveliest region of Italy: a stunning orgy of colors, scents, and lights…a great delight."

Sigmund Freud

TRIP program

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  • DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY

    Arrival at Catania airport, transfer (not included)to accommodation in Syracuse at a three-star hotel.

  • DAY 2: FROM SYRACUSE TO VIZZINI

    70km | 1,285m | 734m | 3,30h

    This stage features a series of up-and-downs from the very beginning and mostly medium-length climbs. Just left Syracuse, we'll face the hardest climb of the day: 8 km with a 6% average incline up to the town of Sortino. From there, we'll ride again on short up-and-down all inside the wild and unspoilt nature of the Anapo valley, on incredibly quiet roads and good asphalt, till we get to Buccheri. That's a good place for a stop. From Buccheri, our journey continues towards Vizzini, riding through a hilly and winding road with - all around - prairie, cultivated fields and pastures. Vizzini - at about 600m ASL in the Sicilian inland, is one of the oldest city in Sicily, with first settlement dating from bronze age. But the Arab influence during the middle age has left a fascinating layout in the buildings of the old town, like in the wonderful Mother Church, dedicated to San Gregorio Magno. We'll have plenty of time to discover this lovely town. Accomodation and dinner at an Agriturismo.

  • DAY 3: FROM VIZZINI TO SCICLI

    64km | 734m | 1,175m | 3,00h

     A hilly stage of medium difficulty that begins with a series of panoramic switchbacks that take us cross a number of tiny villages hidden in the heart of Sicily, such as Monterosso Almo and Giarratana, but also across some of the most famous Baroque towns as Modica and Scicli. Modica, in particular, is an UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002, due to its well preserved historical downtown. But it's also the perfect place to feed both body and soul with the local premium chocolate, produced, following the Aztec original recipe, using manual grinding (rather than conching), which gives the chocolate a peculiar grainy texture and aromatic flavor. From this point, it takes only 10 km to another Baroque jewel built on a rock: Scicli, our destination. This lovely town is known for its several churches and squares and the elegant architecture. But Scicli and its beauty are also very popular in Italy as they are the location of the police station (Commissariato) of Il Commissario Montalbano a popular television series broadcasted in many different Countries and based on the detective novels of Andrea Camilleri. Overnight and dinner in Scicli at a four-star hotel.
  • DAY 4: SCICLI LOOP

    85km | 1,061m | 1,061m | 4,30h

    Scicli is so much an iconic Baroque town that we find a shame not to take another night in there and enjoying a loop that connects either the inland areas and the ancient fishing towns along the southeastern coast. So, left our base in Scicli, we'll ride along the coastline across small fishing villages as Donnalucata, Marina di Ragusa and Punta Secca. We ride inland again up to Donnafugata castle. With its white façade and Venetian Gothic loggia, this is one of the most fascinating buildings of Sicily. From there we'll continue towards one of the most important towns in Sicily: Ragusa. It's a quite big town with about 70 thousand inhabitants and together with seven other cities in the Val di Noto, it's part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The list of the main sights in Ragusa is so long that it would deserve a separated web page to name them all. Some examples? The Cathedral of Ragusa and the church of Santa Maria delle Scale. We ride back to Scicli going again through Modica. For sure it's worth grabbing some more chocolate! Accommodation and dinner at a four-star hotel.

  • DAY 5: FROM SCICLI TO Noto

    85km | 1,161m | 1,190m | 4,30h

    We'll ride again along the quiet and lazy Sicilian countryside, enjoying the ever present up and downs amid the typical Sicilian dry-stone walls. We first reach Giarratana, a tiny village famous in particular for the production of a particular variety of onion. Then we ride again across the lonely countryside: a very panoramic road in the wild Sicily among pastures, cultivations and prairies up to our destination: Palazzolo Acreide, a charming town listed in the UNESCO World Heritage, combining opulent Baroque architecture, several archaeological ruins and a sophisticated gastronomic scene that belies its small-town stature. Overnight and dinner at a four-star hotel.

  • DAY 6: NOTO LOOP

    70km | 1,020m | 1,020m | 3,30h

    From Palazzolo Acreide we'll start with a ring ride inside the park of Anapo valley to enjoy the amazing riding across wild inner Sicily and its little villages like Cassaro and Ferla. As soon as we'll be again close to Palazzolo Acreide, we'll ride towards the coastline to Noto, along a road that doesn't lack of switchbacks. Noto is considered the capital of Baroque in Sicily. It was destroyed by a devastating earthquake of 1693 and completely rebuilt. Thanks to its massive churches and public buildings, with stylish architectural details, it deserved to get in the list of the World Culture Heritage list of UNESCO. Noto, as so many places in the island is not only an open air museum, but also an area where local delicacies are made. And since we want to make a trip become an experience, don't only want to taste the local products, but also discover the way they make it. You'll find very interesting discover how our friend Corrado produces the local ricotta in his small farm! Overnight at a four-star hotel.
  • DAY 7:FROM NOTO TO SYRACUSE

    81km | 1,061m | 1,140m | 4,30h

    Last stage, but still full of great sights. From Noto we will ride up the Natural Park of Cavagrande del Cassibile, a huge nature reserve that surrounds the canyons formed by the Cassibile river, and then down through a winding descent to Avola, a noted town for the production of a wine you will drink quite often in Sicily: the red and robust Nero d'Avola. From there, we will ride along the coastline to Ortigia, heart of Syracuse, one of the most beautiful and famous towns of Sicily. After an amazing week of rides, it's time to discover Syracuse, with its stunning Greek ruins, the Baroque buildings all around and its market that reminds us we're not too far from north Africa. Overnight at a three-star hotel.
  • DAY 8: FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Transfer to Catania airport (not included) and end of services.

Tour price

And support levels

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Guided group tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    4 nights at 4-star; 2 nights at 3-star; 1 night at agriturismo.

  • Meals

    Five dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Guiding; van assistance; mobile workshop; bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Catania airport to Syracuse € 60 p.p. (min. 2 pax); Individual departure transfer from Syracuse to Catania Airport € 60 p.p. (min 2 pax); Supplement for single accomodation € 280 p.p.; Bike rental

Self Guided tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    4 nights at 4-star; 2 nights at 3-star; 1 night at agriturismo.

  • Meals

    Five dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Detailed briefing and interactive Road-Book; telephone assistance during your stay; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; luggage transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Catania airport to Syracuse € 60 p.p. (min. 2 pax); Individual departure transfer from Syracuse to Catania Airport € 60 p.p. (min 2 pax); Supplement for single accomodation € 280 p.p.;Luggage transfer € 350 p.p (min 2 pax); Bike rental

Supported tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    4 nights at 4-star; 2 nights at 3-star; 1 night at agriturismo.

  • Meals

    Five dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Van assistance; Detailed briefing; mobile workshop; bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; luggage transfer; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Catania airport to Syracuse € 60 p.p. (min. 2 pax); Individual departure transfer from Syracuse to Catania Airport € 60 p.p. (min 2 pax); Supplement for single accomodation € 280 p.p.; Bike rental
Useful Information

Tips & Resources

[arrow-up]

Travel arrangements

The best airport for arrivals is Catania Fontanarossa (CTA): from there we arrange the group transfer. Other options are possible and we can help you select the best one.

Food & Drinks during stages

During the rides we plan at least one longer food stop in the middle of the stage plus one or more coffee stops. In the support vehicle we have bars, gels and water.

Necessary Gear

Our guests will get a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on how to enjoy our trips in full. Here is a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a Canyon bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • The hotels have in some occasion a bike room, bikes are anyway always stored in a safe way. We have a mobile workshop with tools and spare parts.

  • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers: there are a lot of hilly areas where the weather is never completely predictable.

More Journeys

Similar Trips

[arrow-up]

Sicily, enthusiast

West coast Sicily by bike: In search of the 'real' island

Tour name: West coast Sicily: In search of the 'real' island
Tour code: WCS-23
Type: on request
Price guided: 1899
Price self guided: 1299
Price supported: 1599
Difficulty level: Enthusiast
Total distance: 407
Total elevation: 5,612
Duration days: 8
Departure location: Castellammare del Golfo
Arrival location: Palermo
Event date-begins: 2024-04-06
Event date-ends: 2024-04-13
Event date-begins-2: 2024-09-21
Event date-ends-2: 2024-09-28
Event teaser: A biking tour in the west of Sicily, away from mass tourism, in search of the 'real island'

Date 1

Discover the real Sicily!

Ancient fishing villages, hilltop vineyards and coastal saltpans. Western Sicily is simply a different world. But different from what? Definitely from the rest of Italy, but surprisingly, it is also distinct from the eastern more touristy, part of the island. The west shares the same astonishing beauty, history, and culture as the rest of the island but with fewer tourists and less bustle. One of the things that makes western Sicily such a unique destination is its proximity to Africa.

The connection is much stronger here than in the more developed areas on the east side, with strong Moorish influences in the architecture (exemplified by the tight passages of the old quarters) and in the local cuisine. Sicily's location in the Mediterranean has been strategically important since ancient times. Practically every major Mediterranean civilization laid claim to part or all of the island. Each has left its imprint, whether on the culture, architecture, language, cuisine, or wines. Naming all the highlights of this tour through the heart of western Sicily would require pages and pages. Starting and ending in Palermo, the tour passes through Monreale, Erice, and Mazara del Vallo. While each of these towns deserve a longer visit (look at the resources below to get a better insight), that would leave little time for cycling.

Biking is a great way to explore this portion of the island, as cycling provides the slow approach that allows travelers to appreciate every sight. The tour is designed in the shape of a ring that embraces Sicily's western end, proposing relatively low elevation gains on gentle gradients as well as distances that leave us plenty of time for not only exploring what the geography and architecture have to show us, but also to taste - stage after stage - the world-class cooking and wine that is a recognized asset of this region. This tour is offered either as guided on a private basis or self guided. But we suggest to take a chance to discover 'real' Sicily supported by our local team. You'll see it makes a big difference!

The Journey Begins Here

TOUR STOPS AND TOPS

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  • 37.7116,12.9598

    mapcenter

  • 38.1112,13.3524

    Palermo

  • 38.0188,12.8858

    Castellammare del Golfo

  • 38.0174,12.5159

    Trapani

  • 37.7979,12.4342

    Marsala

  • 37.6828,12.7955

    Castelvetrano

  • 37.6477,13.111

    Sambuca di Sicilia

  • 37.7647,13.2904

    Corleone

  • 37.996,13.2802

    Piana degli Albanesi

Things You Don't Want to Miss
[arrow-up]
  • Palermo is an outstanding evidence of the multi-cultural soul of Sicily

  • Saltpans in Trapani

  • Western Sicily inland

Ride Highlights:
Western Sicily

The West coast of Sicily saw invaders for millenia. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Normans coveted its rich fishing grounds, hilltop vineyards and coastal salt pans, which all influenced the landscape and culture of the area. Even the British have left their mark, with 18th-century entrepreneurs attracted here and made their fortune with Marsala, one of the most famous sweet wines in the world.

“Sicily has suffered thirteen foreign dominations from which it has taken both the best and the worst. The sequence of different cultures has made Sicily a fascinating place, quite unlike any other."

Andrea Camilleri

Trip program

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  • DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY

    Arrival at Palermo airport, transfer to accommodation in Castellammare del Golfo.

    Accommodation: 4-star

    Meals: Breakfast

  • DAY 2: FROM CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO TO TRAPANI

    67km | 1,271m | 1290m | 3,30h

    Stage with medium difficulty level. Left Castellammare del Golfo, our route features a continuous up and down for about 30km. Then a long and spectacular hairpin climb will take us to the small village of Erice, considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A cappuccino break in Erice is mandatory, especially when accompanied by a local specialty like the Genovesi cookies. Tasty, right? After this sweet break, we'll descend to Trapani, one of the most important towns in Sicily, and famous for the centuries-old marine salt production. Our hotel is not far from there, and in the last 6km of our ride, we can take a chance to admire the stunning salt pans of the natural reserve of Trapani and Paceco, visit the Museum of Salt and learn about the "white gold" that drove the local economy for hundred years. Overnight in Saline di Nubia (Trapani).


    Accommodation: 4-star

    Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

  • DAY 3: FROM TRAPANI TO CASTELVETRANO

    87km | 400m | 323m | 3,30h

     On this day we leave the coastline and explore the inner regions of western Sicily. Left Trapani, after 25 km, we'll reach Marsala, sea town known for the homonym Marsala wine, a fortified wine famous all over the world, but also for being the landing town of the "Expedition of thousand": the campaign undertaken in 1860 by Giuseppe Garibaldi that overthrew the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Naples) and reunited southern Italy and Sicily with the central and northern part. Overnight in Castelvetrano

    Accommodation: Agriturismo

    Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

  • DAY 4: FROM CASTELVETRANO TO SAMBUCA DI SICILIA

    70km | 1,035m | 887m | 4,00h

    Out of Castelvetrano we'll keep exploring the wildest areas of western Sicily, through the hilly countryside of the Belice Valley, for us cyclists a region where scenic roads go through vineyards, but historically an area of great interest, as it was totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. We'll see around us the indelible signs of that disaster either in the landscapes and in the memories of the local population: from the small village of Partanna, and for the next 30 km we'll mostly encounter ghost villages, aside the ever present vineyards and pastures. Noteworthy, the suggestive Cretto di Burri (or Cretto di Ghibellina): a huge land artwork, built as a form of memorial on the ruins of the town of Gibellina and conceived by the artist Alberto Burri, that has followed the former street plan covering the village with a white concrete maze.

    ...it is a sort of concrete labyrinth, which, seen from above, is similar to the maze of lies in which the judges had to orient themselves to find the thread of the investigation" - Alberto Burri

    Past this artwork, our ride will continue through the vineyards of Belice, crossing the important wine towns of Poggioreale, Salaparuta, Santa Margherita del Belice up to Sambuca di Sicilia, our destination. A day rich in culture ends in a comfortable accommodation at Sambuca di Sicilia.

    Accommodation: 4-star

    Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

  • DAY 5: FROM SAMBUCA DI SICILIA TO CORLEONE

    77km | 1,350m | 995m | 4,30h

    Today we'll face a demanding stage in one of the wildest area of the island, very poor in settlements. And during our ride, we will encounter only two villages. Left Sambuca di Sicilia we'll ride on a continuous up and down across the Sicani Mountains up to Chiusa Sclafani, a small village active in the cherries production (capable of 3800 quintals/year), but also rich in more typically Mediterranean products like olives and peaches. Up and down again to Palazzo Adriano, a village founded in the XV century by Albanian emigrants and known for being film set of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, the masterpiece of Giuseppe Tornatore which won an Oscar in 1990. Nothing more fascinating than having a break right there! Maybe with cappuccino and "cuddureddi" - a sweet pastry characterized by a filling of cooked wine and almonds. So much tasty! Past Palazzo Adriano, nature becomes the unique protagonist, and riding through pastures, cultivated fields and eventually forests we'll reach Corleone, If you're a fan of the Godfather trilogy, this name will remind you for sure the movies directed by Francis Ford Coppola.The movies were inspired right by this place - Corleone - which has gained notoriety because of the mafia. However, if you speak to the residents of the town, they'll tell you they don't know anyone belonging to that criminal organization. And that the mafia itself doesn't actually exist. And of course the big business of mafia doesn't take place in the small center, where there's a lack of possible business opportunities, but in the big towns, like Palermo. Actually Corleone was the town where the main mafia's families used to live. We don't agree to much with that local way to analyze this very complex organization and have our opinions, which we'll be of course happy to share with you. The hotel, a comfy four-star, is 5 km out of village.

    Accommodation: 4-star

    Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

  • DAY 6: FROM CORLEONE TO MASSERIA ROSSELLA

    60km | 1,256m | 952m | 4,00h

    Another hilly stage. Past Corleone, we'll ride onto the rolling hills through the countryside up to our hotel, situated under the limestone massif of Rocca Busambra, and covered by the biggest forest in western Sicily: the Ficuzza forest. A peaceful place to recover.

    Accommodation: 4-star

    Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

  • DAY 7:FROM MASSERIA ROSSELLA TO PALERMO

    50km | 671m | 1,353m | 3,00h

    Short stage on our last day: this would give you some more time to visit Palermo, a really stunning place, you'll agree with us. Left our hotel we'll reach Piana degli Albanesi, considered one of the most important Arbëreshe colonies (decedents of Albanian refugees) in Sicily. Locals maintain the typical traits of Albanian culture, preserving their language, traditions and religion. Piana degli Albanesi is also known for being the best cannoli place, and after tasting this delicacy you will agree with the famous sentence of Peter Clemenza - right-hand man of Vito Corleone in the Godfather - when he said: "leave the gun, take the cannoli". Past Piana degli Albanesi, we'll approach the Palermo area. The hilly landscapes step aside to show us the sea and the coastline. Before reaching Palermo, we'll pass through the village of Monreale, famous for its magnificent Cathedral, a Sicilian masterpiece built during the Middle Age, perfect example of coexistence between Islamic, Byzantine and Romanesque cultures. We are 7 km far from Palermo. Our hotel is situated in the heart of the town. A perfect position to experience a bit of the Sicilian lifestyle, walking through the picturesque markets of Ballarò and Vucciria, tasting the amazing Sicilian street-food and feeling the warmth of this friendly population. A note for those either on the guided or self guided tour: we offer the opportunity to get an extra night at Palermo (check in the 'ON REQUEST' items). And we warmly suggest to take it!

    Accommodation: 4-star

    Meals: Breakfast

  • DAY 8: FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Transfer from Palermo to Palermo airport or Trapani airport (not included in the package price) and end of services.

Tour price

And support levels

[arrow-up]

Guided group tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    4 nights at 4-star | 2 nights at 3-star

  • Meals

    Four dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Guiding; van assistance; mobile workshop; group transfers from Palermo airport; bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Trapani or Palermo airport to Castellammare del Golfo (EUR 55,00 p.p.) and from Palermo to Palermo airport (EUR 20,00 p.p.) or Trapani airport (EUR 55,00 p.p.); supplement for single accommodation € 190 p.p.; bike rental.

Self Guided tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    4 nights at 4-star | 2 nights at 3-star

  • Meals

    Four dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Detailed briefing and interactive Road-Book; telephone assistance during your stay; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Trapani or Palermo airport to Castellammare del Golfo (EUR 55,00 p.p.) and from Palermo to Palermo airport (EUR 20,00 p.p.) or Trapani airport (EUR 55,00 p.p.); supplement for single accommodation € 190 p.p.; bike rental.

Supported tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-star | 1 nights at agriturismo

  • Meals

    Five dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Van assistance; Detailed briefing; mobile workshop; group transfers from Palermo airport; bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; luggage transfer; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from Trapani or Palermo airport to Castellammare del Golfo (EUR 55,00 p.p.) and from Palermo to Palermo airport (EUR 20,00 p.p.) or Trapani airport (EUR 55,00 p.p.); supplement for single accommodation € 190 p.p.; bike rental.

Useful Information

Tips & Resources

[arrow-up]

Travel arrangements

The best airport for arrivals is Palermo (PMO): from there we can arrange the group transfer. Other options are possible, and we can help you select the best one.

Food & Drinks during stages

During the rides we plan at least one longer food stop in the middle of the stage plus one or more coffee stops. In the assistence van we have bars, gels and water.

Necessary Gear

Our guests will get a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on how to enjoy our trips in full. Here is a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a Canyon bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • The hotels have a room for the bikes, and we will have a selection of tools to perform basic maintenance.

  • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers: there are a lot of hilly areas where the weather is never completely predictable.

More Journeys

Similar Trips

[arrow-up]

Sicily, enthusiast

On the roads of Giro d'Italia in Sicily

Tour name: On the roads of Giro d'Italia in Sicily
Tour code: GDS-23
Type: Scheduled
Price guided: 1899
Price self guided: 1299
Price supported: 1599
Difficulty level: Challenge
Total distance: 540
Total elevation: 10350
Duration days: 7
Departure location: Taormina
Arrival location: Taormina
Event date-begins: 2024-06-01
Event date-ends: 2024-06-08
Event teaser: Giro d'Italia and Sicily: an old love story. Let's bike on the best of giro roads.

Date 1

GIRO D'ITALIA AND SICILY: AN OLD LOVE STORY. LET'S BIKE ON THE BEST OF GIRO ROADS.

 

The island has hosted - in 100+ years history - many great stages of Giro d'Italia, the most beautiful race on the World Tour. Sicily's offered Giro a perfect location, featuring all the specifications that cycling enthusiasts hope for when it comes to stage racing in Italy – varied racing conditions, incredible settings among the ever-changing Italian landscape, but also riding through stunning historical towns and sites. Varied landscapes and cycling conditions are what makes Giro special and so incredibly unpredictable from the very beginning and till its end.

But if the Sicilian roads are perfect for Giro, they're for sure perfect for us cycling lovers who wish to enjoy great cycling in a typically Mediterranean setting. We’ve designed a training week based on a fixed location, and selected as base one of the most beautiful towns on the eastern Sicilian coast: Taormina. Because we’re riders but don’t dislike beautiful historical towns, great food traditions and neither the easy logistics provided by our bike center close at hand. Our rides reproduce the same varied cycling conditions of the professional race, with unpredictably different riding days, featuring coastline, rolling hills inland, medium distance to super long climbs.

And, yes, we'll go up to the 1910m of Etna volcano (a 3000m tall mountain), where the paved road surrenders to black lava rock! During this week we will face the volcano many times: we will ride till the 1800m of Piano Provenzana, on the Northern Etna’s side like Alberto Contador did in the 9th stage of Giro d'Italia won in 2011; ride up the southern side up to the 2000m of Rifugio Sapienza, as Esteban Chaves did (we’ll be maybe slower, who knows?) in his stage victory in 2018. But that's not all: we'll ride up to the 1125m of Portella Mandrazzi's pass which every year is included as GPM or at Giro d'Italia or at Giro di Sicilia sta and ride back to Taormina among the Etna's vineyards and along the famous Taormina coastline. The focus of this trip is enjoy riding challenging stages that include the best roads selection from the Giro d'Italia race course along the years, making us bring back home only the best cycling rides the Etna's area can offer.

The Journey Begins Here

TOUR STOPS AND TOPS

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  • 37.8516366,15.2853127

    mapcenter

  • 37.8516366,15.2853127

    Taormina

  • 37.9557579,15.3396302

    Savoca

  • 37.6974,14.9888

    Rifugio Sapienza

  • 37.7968,15.0379

    Piano Provenzana

  • 37.9757,15.1378

    Portella Mandrazzi's Pass

Things You Don't Want to Miss
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  • At the volcano's court

  • The hairpin turns of Savoca's climb

  • As a pro rider...

Ride Highlights:
Etna's volcano

Etna is a constant presence for those who visit the eastern part of Sicily: wherever you go, Etna is in the background, being nearly 3000 m tall. It's huge. Daunting and attracting at the same time. Do you really think you can win the temptation to climbing up its nearly 2000 m altitude? Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, another reason to put our flag on it, isn't t? Don't risk missing it, you know you will regret!

TRIP program

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  • DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY

    Arrival at Catania airport, transfer (not included)to accommodation in Taormina at a four-star hotel.

  • DAY 2: THE GODFATHER LOOP

    100KM | 2,100M | 2,100M | 5,00H

    It’s a mix of coastline and hills inland on this first cycling day in Sicily: our week begins with a demanding and beautiful stage with medium distance climbs, the longest being 12 km long. Deep into the Alcantara canyon, we climb up the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Aiuto at 1000m ASL, nearly the top of Mount Kalfa. From there, the stage explores - across narrow and quiet countryside roads - a very spectacular and lush area. Is there a place where we can stop to grab a cappuccino? Of course there is, and it’s the famous and lovely Bar Vitelli in Savoca, straight from Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’ movie. From there, a thrilling and winding descent will take us again to the coastline, on the way back to hotel.

  • DAY 3: NORTHERN ETNA

    107KM | 2,300M | 2,300M | 5,00H

    After an early start, we ride up the 1800m ASL of Piano Provenzana, stage finish of Giro d'Italia 2020.

    The main climb up there is 18 km long and alternates consistent sections around 5% and steeper stretches, with the last 3 km climb to Piano Provenzana being the hardest part of the ride: slopes are above 10%. We'll wait to see who'll cross victorious the line, and also wait for the bunch to finish the stage, then we will ride down to Fornazzo and then back to our hotel.

  • DAY 4:PORTELLA MANDRAZZI'S PASS

    108KM | 1,900M | 1,900M | 4,30H

    Today we'll ride up to the 1125m ASL of Portella Mandrazzi’s pass, KOM of of 6th Giro stage 2020, through the Etna’s vineyards easy slopes. After Passopisciaro we'll start the 14 km of climb up to Portella Mandrazzi pass. Amazing landscapes all around, with the majestic volcano in the background. Giro d’Italia faced Portella Mandrazzi pass twice: in 1999 in the stage Catania-Messina, won by the Dutch sprint specialist Jeroen Blijlevens and in 2003 in the Messina - Catania, won by Italian sprinter Alessandro Petacchi. Reached the top, we will descend to Francavilla di Sicilia and then back in Taormina. And who knows, maybe will do a sprint finish too!

  • DAY 5: SOUTHERN ETNA

    118KM | 2,550M | 2,550M | 5,30H

    We'll face the southern side of Etna through the villages spread across the Etna belt such as Pedara, Nicolosi and Ragalna. Between Nicolosi and Ragalna we'll take a stop in one of the awesome local pastry shops to refuel before the challenging second part of the stage, up to the Sapienza refuge, at 1910m above sea level. To get there, we’ll climb for 14km, with some very steep walls up to 20% at about 8 km from top.

    THAT'S WHERE THE MITCHELTON-SCOTT RIDERS, ESTEBAN CHAVES AND SIMON YATES, BUILT UP THE VICTORY IN 2018 ETNA STAGE. AND WE WERE THERE WATCHING ON OUR FIRST GIRO CAMP IN SICILY!

    The climb is demanding, but the unbelievable views are worth the effort. After a stop for a quick lunch at the Sapienza refuge, we’ll start our way back to the hotel descending from Zafferana Etnea. Up and down till Vena and then all the way down to Fiumefreddo di Sicilia.

  • DAY 6: ETNA’S VINEYARDS

    107KM | 1,500M | 1,500M | 3,30H

    From Linguaglossa we’ll ride along the Quota Mille road, on the northern Etna slopes. From there we’ll head to Maletto, the tallest town in Etna circle at 1000 ASL, and then down to Randazzo, a small village built with black lava stone and consequently known as “black city”. All around many vineyards tell us about the noted wine production from this fertile area. And right through the vineyards we’ll reach the Alcantara valley, famous for the noted gorges, a basalt canyon created by watercourses and lava flow. A continuous up and down will bring us back to the hotel.

  • DAY 7: FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Transfer to Catania airport (not included) and end of services.

Tour price

And support levels

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Guided group tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-star

  • Meals

    six dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Guiding; van assistance; mobile workshop; bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; group transfers from Catania airport; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from/to Catania airport from/to Taormina € 80 p.p.; supplement for single accommodation € 295 p.p.; bike rental.

Self Guided tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-star

  • Meals

    Six dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Detailed briefing and interactive Road-Book; telephone assistance during your stay; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from/to Catania airport from/to Taormina € 80 p.p.; supplement for single accommodation € 295 p.p.; bike rental.

Supported tour

What's included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 4-star

  • Meals

    Six dinners; all breakfasts.
  • Support level

    Van assistance; Detailed briefing; mobile workshop; bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; 10% discount on bike rentals.
  • Not included

    Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
  • On request

    Individual arrival transfer from/to Catania airport from/to Taormina € 80 p.p.; supplement for single accommodation € 295 p.p.; bike rental
Useful Information

Tips & Resources

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Travel arrangements

Best airport to land is Catania (CTA): from there we arrange the group transfer. Other options are possible and we can help selecting the best one.

Food & Drinks during stages

During the rides we plan at least one longer food stops in the middle of the stage plus one or more coffee stops. In the assistance van we use to bring along bars, gels and water.

Necessary Gear

Our guests are getting a pre tour info kit that gives useful suggestions on all the the arrangements to enjoy our trips in full. Here a quick selection that might be useful at this stage.

  • We suggest renting a Canyon bike with us. But feel free to bring your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts (ie. derailleur hangers). 

  • The hotels have in some occasion a bike room, bikes are anyway always stored in a safe way. We have a mobile workshop with tools and spare parts.

  • • Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers: there are a lot of mountains where the weather is never completely predictable..

More Journeys

Similar Trips

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Sicily, challenge

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