Sicily - Syracuse, Noto Valley, & Baroque Villages
Italy Bike Tours
A journey on bike through southeast Sicily
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1225 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Rich in culture, history, and beautiful landscapes, Sicily, though part of Italy, seems a world apart. Conquered and influenced by one invader after another, it has emerged with a unique and distinct blended culture.
Your week-long bike tour leads through eastern Sicily, an area of outstanding natural beauty with its nature reserves, crystal clear sea, and lush vegetation. Completely destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, the towns and cities were reconstructed in the understated elegance of the late Baroque style, characterized by soft ochre-colored houses and golden buildings, in contrast with the typical flamboyance of earlier Baroque.
The interaction between the changing light of the day and the soft hues of the buildings and monuments is both magical and mesmerizing.
At the end of your cycling days, reward yourself with the tastes of the ancients, the renowned Sicilian cuisine, and wine!
Highlights
- The dramatic landscape of the Monti Iblei
- Unesco listed Noto Valley
- Inspiring Baroque villages such as Palazzolo Acreide, Modica, Noto, where time stands still
- Pristine Vendicari Natural Oasis
- Syracuse, an ancient Greek colony
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Itinerary
Day 1: Palazzolo Acreide
Day 2: Palazzolo Acreide - Modica, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 3: Modica - Pozzallo, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 4: Pozzallo - Portopalo di Capopassero, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Portopalo - Marzamemi - Noto, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 6: Noto - Syracuse, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Syracuse
Day 8: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally. Route graphs are available on request.
Day 1: Palazzolo Acreide
Arrival transfer from the airport to your first hotel. You will have a tour introduction and briefing.Preferred hotel(s): Hotel Colleacre or Feudo Bauly
Day 2: Palazzolo Acreide - Modica, 30 mi. (48 km)
Before setting off on your bike, be sure to admire the historical monuments and picturesque lanes in the medieval part of the town. The day's destination is Modica, one of the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns. You will cycle a dramatic landscape of the Monti Iblei, or Hyblaean Mountains, characterized by gentle slopes and sharp valleys. In the central area, you will find forests laced with dry stone walls typical of south-eastern Sicily. The coastal area is characterized by terraced hills with Mediterranean vegetation, such as olives, citrus, and almonds. Accommodation in Modica, situated around a junction of steep valleys, with the oldest part of town, Modica Alta, on a ridge in between.
Difference in elevation: 407 mPreferred hotel(s): Hotel Ferro Modica or Hotel San Giorgio Modica
Day 3: Modica - Pozzallo, 26 mi. (42 km)
Before leaving the town of Modica, an amazing aristocratic village that rises on a cliff, you must taste the delicious spicy chocolate and visit the magnificent 18th-century Church of San Giorgio. You will cycle downhill along a typical quarry of the Iblei, reaching the town of Scicli, another of the Unesco-listed towns. The town sits in a gorge just a few miles from the long sandy beaches of Sampieri and Donnalucata and is overlooked by a towering rocky mass on which the Church of San Matteo sits. You will visit the center with the ample Piazza Italia, the monuments, and other impressive buildings. The day's destination is the port city of Pozzallo, historically important because of its proximity to Malta. Pozzallo was central to one of the war’s defining moments: in 1943 Allied forces landed on the beaches around Pozzallo as part of Operation Huskey, the first step in the liberation of Europe.
Difference in elevation: 147 mPreferred hotel(s): B&B Mare Nostrum or Hotel Danieli
Day 4: Pozzallo - Portopalo di Capopassero, 27 mi. (44 km)
Cycling on flat terrain, first on the agenda is Isola delle Correnti, the most remote point of the continent, between the Ionian sea and the Mediterranean, on the same latitude as Tunisi. This is a pleasant old fishing village, with pleasant beaches, coves, and spectacular seascapes. On the way, you will have the chance to taste the wonderful “Vino D’Avola” in one of the many cellars. Accommodation in the area.Difference in elevation: 121 m
Preferred hotel(s): Hotel Vittorio or Hotel Scirocco
Day 5: Portopalo - Marzamemi - Noto, 20 mi. (32 km)
You will cycle first on flat terrain, and then begin to climb as you head north, passing through the untouched and pristine Vendicari Natural Oasis, an area of great scientific interest, with an abundance and diversity of flora and fauna. A highlight will be the beautiful seaside village of Marzamemi, with its picturesque Piazza Regina Margherita. This town is a colorful picture postcard. Multi-colored wooden boats, charming buildings, and fishermen's houses with sky blue doors, and windows with red potted geraniums, add splashes of colors throughout the meandering alleys and harbor! The route continues northward ending the day at the city of Noto, the capital of Baroque. Accommodation in Noto.Difference in elevation: 151 m
Preferred hotel(s): Hotel Flora or Trigona Garden
Day 6: Noto - Syracuse, 34 mi. (55 km)
After having tasted the almond “granite” with the brioches, pride of the capital of the Baroque, as well as visited the many churches and palaces, you will cycle along the coast towards Siracusa, the capital of the Magna Grecia. Syracuse was once the largest city in the ancient world, larger even than Athens and Corinth, and according to Cicero, “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all”. It is true. Few cities rival the timeless beauty of Syracuse.Difference in elevation: 91 m
Preferred hotel(s): Hotel Alla Giudecca or Hotel Gutkowski
Day 7: Syracuse
Today you will have all day to soak in all that is Syracuse. The Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites, where the Greek Theatre rises is a must-see. The islet of Ortigia is the historical heart of the city of Syracuse. Within its area of one square kilometer, it is possible to admire the architectural beauties of different historical periods: from the first prehistoric settlements, through the numerous remains of ancient Greek Byzantine and Norman. Highlights: Temple of Apollo, the Dome that is the outcome of successive transformations made to the grandiose temple of Athena, and the Fountain of Arethusa.Preferred hotel(s): Hotel Alla Giudecca or Hotel Gutkowski
Day 8: Syracuse
End of tour.We have other tours to offer. View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of tours in Europe & beyond.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Based on availability, you will be accommodated in an eclectic mix of establishments, including one hotel restructured from an old dormitory for railway workers, and a modern beachfront hotel. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotels. The final hotel list will be based on availability.
Bicycles
Trekking bike
All bicycles are equipped with mudguards, a rear baggage carrier, bottle-carrier, anti-slip pedals, a bell, front and post lights, and a rear bag. During the briefing, the seat can be easily adjusted thanks to the adjustable stem and quick release seat post.
Bike features include:
- Aluminium-frame with a shock-absorbing front fork
- 21 speed, Shimano TX50 gears
- Aluminum rims double wall 32 holes
- Bravo Soft seats
- V-Brake aluminum brake and alloy levers
- The trekking tires of 28” are safe in all weather conditions
- A repair kit, two inner tubes, and a pump for every couple of bicycles
- A number combination lock for each bike
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Arrival airport transfer
- Hybrid bike rental with aluminum frame & shock absorbing front fork, mudguards, rear rack, bottle cage, handlebar bell & one pannier
- Repair kit, two tubes, & one pump per booking
- Combination lock
- Hotline
- Roadbook & map
- Luggage transfer
- GPS tracks
What’s Not Included
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Departure airport transfer
- Electric bike (Telaio frame with brushless Boasch 36 V, 250 W motor with four levels of assistance)
- Local taxes
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals are possible in 2023.
August only on request & subject to price increase. The best months to bike in Sicily are April, May, June, September, & October.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Double/twin $ 2066 £ 1087 $ 1,795 € 1225 kr 181559 ₪ 5067 ¥ 197409 Mex$ 24500 NZ$ 2231 NOK 14313 kr 14800 $ 1,331 Single supplement $ 304 £ 160 $ 264 € 180 kr 26678 ₪ 745 ¥ 29007 Mex$ 3600 NZ$ 328 NOK 2103 kr 2175 $ 196 High season (June 15 through July 31) $ 219 £ 115 $ 190 € 130 kr 19267 ₪ 538 ¥ 20949 Mex$ 2600 NZ$ 237 NOK 1519 kr 1571 $ 141 Extra Options
Bike options
Electric bike rental $ 408 £ 215 $ 355 € 242 kr 35867 ₪ 1001 ¥ 38998 Mex$ 4840 NZ$ 441 NOK 2828 kr 2924 $ 263 Extra day bike rental $ 29 £ 15 $ 25 € 17 kr 2520 ₪ 70 ¥ 2740 Mex$ 340 NZ$ 31 NOK 199 kr 205 $ 18 Extra day e bike rental $ 56 £ 29 $ 48 € 33 kr 4891 ₪ 137 ¥ 5318 Mex$ 660 NZ$ 60 NOK 386 kr 399 $ 36 Extra nights
Palazzolo Acreide Twin/double, price from $ 98 £ 51 $ 85 € 58 kr 8596 ₪ 240 ¥ 9347 Mex$ 1160 NZ$ 106 NOK 678 kr 701 $ 63 Single, from $ 135 £ 71 $ 117 € 80 kr 11857 ₪ 331 ¥ 12892 Mex$ 1600 NZ$ 146 NOK 935 kr 967 $ 87 Syracuse Twin/double, price from $ 120 £ 63 $ 104 € 71 kr 10523 ₪ 294 ¥ 11442 Mex$ 1420 NZ$ 129 NOK 830 kr 858 $ 77 Single, from $ 157 £ 83 $ 136 € 93 kr 13784 ₪ 385 ¥ 14987 Mex$ 1860 NZ$ 169 NOK 1087 kr 1124 $ 101 Other cities during the tour Twin/double, price from $ 93 £ 49 $ 81 € 55 kr 8152 ₪ 228 ¥ 8863 Mex$ 1100 NZ$ 100 NOK 643 kr 664 $ 60 Single, price from $ 130 £ 68 $ 113 € 77 kr 11412 ₪ 319 ¥ 12409 Mex$ 1540 NZ$ 140 NOK 900 kr 930 $ 84 Airport transfers
From Palermo to Scopello, per person, min. of 2 people $ 93 £ 49 $ 81 € 55 kr 8152 ₪ 228 ¥ 8863 Mex$ 1100 NZ$ 100 NOK 643 kr 664 $ 60 Monreale to Palermo airport, per person, min. of 2 people $ 59 £ 31 $ 51 € 35 kr 5187 ₪ 145 ¥ 5640 Mex$ 700 NZ$ 64 NOK 409 kr 423 $ 38 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour takes place predominantly on secondary tarmac or paved roads, with little traffic. Sometimes, it may be necessary – but only for short distances – to cycle on main roads with traffic in order to reach quieter lanes or when cycling into our out of towns.
Airport Info
Closest international airport to your tour start is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located 66 km from the center of Siracusa.
Local Travel
Arrival transfer is included in your tour price. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your first hotel. At the end of your tour if you are utilzing public transportation, you have several options.
By bus:
From Siracusa to Catania airport there is direct bus connections (company Interbus), there are departures every 2 hours between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (transfer time approx. 75 minutes, price about €6.50).
By train + bus:
From Siracusa to Catania train station there are direct train connections. There are about 5 trains per day (transfer time is approx. 70 minutes, price between €7-10) - from Catania train station to the airport, shuttle bus Alibus runs every 25 minutes from 5.00 AM to 12:00 AM (transfer 20 minutes, price about 4 €).Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The climate in Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, is described as Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild, wet, winters. Therefore, the island can be considered a year-round cycling destination.
Remarks
It is possible to add an extra night before, after, or within your itinerary.
Important to know
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad, or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Geotravel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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