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- Sardinia
- Epic Sardinia
- The North Sardinia Circle Tour
- Sicily
- Sicily's Baroque Ring Biking Tour
- On the Roads of Giro d'Italia in Sicily
- West coast Sicily by bike: In search of the 'real' island
- Sicily Circle Tour
- Epic Sicily
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- On the roads of Tour de France
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- A luxury journey along bootleggers' paths of Como lake
- On the roads of Giro d'Italia in the Alps
- Legendary climbs of the Alps
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- Spectacular Climbs of the Dolomites
- Taste of Dolomites, an E-bike tour
- How to Book a tour
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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 designed around 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. We discover it all on a Recreational level biking tour, that can be also done on one of our e-bikes.
The island, thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, has always been the 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?
ITINERARY
Arrival at Catania airport (CTA) and transfer to Noto. Accommodation, bike-fitting at four-star hotel. Dinner not included.
77 km | 1,182m | 1,182m | 3,30h
The first stage is a loop to discover the stunning Val di Noto. Leaving the city behind us, we head towards the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve. After 6 kilometers of ascent through the scenic hairpin bends of Avola Antica, destroyed in the earthquake of 1600, we arrive at the heart of the nature reserve. This place hides Europe's largest natural canyon and over eight thousand rock-cut tombs dating back to the 10th and 9th centuries BC.
A long but easy ascent leads us to Palazzolo Acreide, a Baroque town that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. From here, our return journey to Noto begins, right in the heart of Val di Noto. A long descent, characterized by typical Sicilian dry stone walls, will take us to another abandoned area after the terrible earthquake of 1963: Noto Antica.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
74 km | 1,301m | 923m | 4h
We bid farewell to Noto by traversing the Val di Noto via the Testa dell'Acqua road. An 18-kilometer-long ascent leads up to Palazzolo Acreide. Surrounded by abundant nature: crops, pastures, farms, and a few small inhabited centers.
Upon reaching the Palazzolo Acreide junction, we head towards Giarratana, a small Baroque village famous for some of its Baroque churches and for producing a variety of very sweet and large-sized onions (sometimes reaching up to 3 kilograms in weight). We've now entered the heart of the Iblei Mountains, and a climb of about 10 kilometers will take us to an altitude of 800 meters.
After the summit, a long descent will bring us to the heart of Ragusa, where we'll spend the night.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
70 km | 1,100m | 1,100m | 3,30h
Today's stage will alternate between vast fields and Baroque beauties. We start by heading uphill towards Balata di Modica: at the seventh kilometer, a somewhat challenging ascent begins in the first part and becomes much easier in the second.
Amongst woods, cultivated lands, and pastures, we'll once again relish the peace of this area in the Iblei Mountains. After 23 kilometers, our descent towards the beautiful town of Modica begins.
Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates with its stunning Baroque architecture and rich history. Famous for its chocolate and picturesque landscapes, this Sicilian town offers a delightful blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
After Modica, our journey leads us to Scicli, another gem in the Sicilian landscape and rich of Baroque architecture and charming streets.
After Scicli, our ascent towards Ragusa marks our departure from civilization back into the enchanting countryside. As we journey back towards Ragusa, we embrace the serene landscapes, leaving behind the urban bustle for the tranquil charm of rural Sicily.
Meals: Breakfast
68.8 km | 1,039m | 962m | 3h
Today's stage takes us back into the heart of the Iblei Mountains. After around ten kilometers of warm-up, reaching Lake Santa Rosalia, a long but manageable climb begins towards the 1000 meters of Monte Lauro. The road from the lake to Giarratana is lined with typical Sicilian dry stone walls and vast green expanses. As we approach, the pastures give way to winding turns leading up to the mountain, amidst wind turbines and forests.
After reaching the town of Buccheri, we'll continue our day, pedaling through the surrounding hills towards Vizzini. A delightful dinner awaits us within an ancient natural cave, promising a memorable culinary experience.
Accommodation: Agritourism
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
72.3 km | 787m | 1,317m | 3,30h
The final leg of the Baroque Ring Tour will lead us to Syracuse. Leaving Vizzini, we'll retrace our path back to Buccheri, following the same route as the previous day but in reverse. Beyond Buccheri, we'll cycle along peaceful roads within the Pantalica Nature Reserve and the Anapo Valley. Our journey will culminate in a long descent towards the sea, till our final destination: Syracuse.
Syracuse, a city steeped in history, boasts a blend of ancient marvels and stunning coastal beauty. Ortigia, the historical center, is a charming island showcasing picturesque lanes, historic architecture, and a vibrant local atmosphere. Both Syracuse and Ortigia captivate visitors with their rich cultural heritage, offering a captivating glimpse into Sicily's past and present. Our hotel is located in Ortigia.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Since missing out on exploring the beauty of Syracuse would be a shame, we're sure you'll appreciate this extra day dedicated to delving deeper into the history of this city.
We recommend a morning visit to the archaeological area of Syracuse, followed by an exploration of the spice market and the center of Ortigia.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Catania airport and end of services.
Start: Noto
End: Syracuse
Accommodation
Handpicked hotels
Enjoy our personally selected range of authentic Sicilian accommodation. From staying in architecturally restored masserie with a ‘window’ overlooking ancient sites, beautiful seaside villas with views over turquoise seas, historic locanda’s in the quiet countryside where family run farms are still producing wine and olive oil, this diverse experience brings together the beauty of ancient, historic Sicily with the rustic, modern and sometimes edgy Sicily.
Food
Eat like locals
In the Syracuse region of Sicily, traditional cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of fresh seafood and local harvests. Swordfish dishes and sea urchins showcase the sea's bounty, while pasta with “muddica” a traditional Sicilian dish consisting of pasta dressed with toasted breadcrumbs.
Additionally, dishes like stuffed squid and Scacciate, a Sicilian stuffed flatbread, often filled with various ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, vegetables, or cured meats. They're typically baked until golden brown, creating a flavorful and crispy dish reminiscent of a savory pie or calzone.
These gastronomic delights reflect the region's rich history and cultural fusion, blending fresh ingredients and Mediterranean traditions into every flavorful bite.
Our best picks for this tour
As we have one of the largest and best bike fleets in Italy, we are proud to give our guests the freedom to choose the bike that suits them best.
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."
Travel arrangements
The best airport to land is Catania (CTA).
For those participating in a guided or in a supported tour, a group transfer is scheduled to depart from Catania airport at 2 p.m. Similarly, for the return journey, a group transfer is arranged to depart from Syracuse at 10 a.m.
For alternative requirements, we can assist in arranging private transfers (that will be quoted separately) or suggest the most cost-effective transport solution.
Travelers on self-guided trips have to independently reach Noto.
The Catania airport and Syracuse are well-connected by both railway and bus services. From Syracuse train station, there are railway connections to Noto.
However, if you prefer a most comfortable and faster solution, we can assist in arranging a transfer that suits your needs best (the transfer will be quoted separately).
Please contact us for more information.
Food & Drinks during stages
For those participating in a guided or in a supported tour, 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 assistance van we have bars, gels and water.
Those riding for the self-guided tour can rely on our road book and maps that show the suggested bars or restaurants.
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.
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We suggest renting a 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).
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The hotels have in some occasion a bike room, bikes are anyway always stored safely. We have a mobile workshop with tools and spare parts. -
Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, raincoat, leg, and arm warmers: there are a lot of hilly areas where the weather is never completely predictable.
