Cycle the Backroads of Sicily
Pedal through Sicily's Val di Noto, from the foothills of Monti Iblei to the coast, pausing at vineyards, Baroque towns and wild swim spots
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanicAccommodation
6 nights in hotelsMeals
All breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinnersTransfers & Support Vehicle
Airport transfers and everything in between, including a support vehicle to carry your kit or hop into if your legs need a restEquipment
Fuji Absolute hybrid bikeSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Cycle along Sicily’s pristine coastline, wild swim in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and unwind on the beaches of Portopalo di Capo Passero and Avola
Explore the Baroque, UNESCO-listed towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto, immersing yourself in Sicily’s rich cultural heritage
Descend alongside the stunning Cavagrande del Cassibile canyon, one of Europe’s deepest, for thrilling hairpin turns backed by panoramic views
Savour local Sicilian delights, from traditional meals at trattorias and chocolate indulgence in Modica, to wine tasting at Terre di Noto
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Sicily!
Driving
Arrive at Catania Airport, where you’ll be transferred to the hillside town of Palazzolo Acreide. In the afternoon, meet your guide and get fitted for your bike ahead of the adventure. If there’s time, take a stroll through the winding streets of this UNESCO-listed town and look up to spot the ‘teste di moro’, colourful Moor’s head ceramic vases perched on balconies. Come evening, you’ll head to a local trattoria and enjoy a delicious menu of fresh seasonal ingredients.
Day 2
Baroque towns and chocolate delights
Cycling
Your first ride kicks off with a descent through the rolling hills, followed by a challenging but rewarding climb through the rugged and wild landscape of the Monti Iblei. Stop for lunch in Ragusa Ibla, a hilltop town known for its striking Baroque architecture, then continue on to Modica, another jewel of the Val di Noto region, famed for its ancient chocolate-making tradition. Here, you’ll tuck into a delicious chocolate tasting, prepared using the ancient Aztec method that has been passed down through generations. You'll be guideed through the entire process, from bean to bar, inside the chocolate-making laboratory. Round off the day with a selection of Sicilian antipasti at a traditional Modican restaurant.
Day 3
Sicilian countryside and wine tasting
Cycling
Leaving Modica, you’ll enjoy a panoramic descent through the Sicilian countryside. En route, you'll pass through Scicli, another beautiful Baroque town with its stunning architecture and charming streets - an ideal spot for a quick explore before continuing your journey. From Scicli, cycle to Pozzallo, a lively coastal town where you can take a refreshing swim at the beach and enjoy a well-earned gelato. As you continue cycling, you’ll pass the vast, flat expanses of the Longarini and Cuba marshes, a protected sanctuary for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Europe. After a scenic ride, you'll stop at Terre di Noto winery for a guided tour and tuck into a delicious lunch paired with some of Sicily’s best wines. Today’s ride concludes in Portopalo di Capo Passero, where you can watch the sunset from the rocky shore of the southernmost point of Sicily.
Day 4
Explore the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari
Cycling
This morning, head north along the scenic coastline until you reach your first stop in the quaint fishing town of Marzamemi. From there, cycle to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, an area of natural beauty, rich in diverse flora and fauna, and renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, including flamingos. A 45-minute hike takes you through the reserve, surrounded by unique coastal wetlands and ancient ruins. Cool off with a swim in the reserve’s crystal-clear waters before continuing on to Noto, the capital of Baroque Sicily. End the day with a tasty dinner at a traditional restaurant, featuring classic Sicilian dishes and local wine.
Day 5
Climb to Cavagrande del Cassibile
Cycling
Today’s all about a challenging but rewarding day in the saddle. You'll begin by cycling towards Noto Antica, an ancient town devastated by an earthquake in 1693. A steady 5km climb brings you to the breathtaking viewpoint of Cavagrande del Cassibile, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, with sweeping views across the valley below. Take a well-earned break and enjoy a scenic picnic surrounded by nature, overlooking the canyon. Then it’s time for an exhilarating descent, winding through a series of hairpin bends as you head back towards the coast. You'll return to Noto for the evening.
Day 6
Pedal the coastline to Siracusa
Cycling
A leisurely ride today follows the picturesque coastline all the way to Siracusa. Pedal past pristine beaches and hop off for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean at Avola’s sandy shores. Continue along the coast to the rocky Plemmirio Peninsula, where you'll get a contrasting coastal view. On arrival in Siracusa, spend the afternoon exploring Ortigia, the island where the ancient city was founded. With its narrow streets, ancient ruins and welcoming squares, Ortigia is a fantastic place to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 7
Arrivederci, Sicily!
It’s time to say goodbye to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Catania Airport to catch your flight home. If you’re not ready to head straight to the airport, it’s well worth extending your stay to explore more of this beautiful corner of Italy.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Ends
Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport
9:00 on Day 8
Transfers
On Day 1, a group transfer will be provided from Catania Airport to Palazzolo Acreide. The transfer is typically scheduled for the early afternoon but will depend on the group's arrival times. Once the majority of the group has arrived, you'll depart together to your hotel in Palazzolo Acreide.
For those arriving early or if your flight does not align with the scheduled transfer, you can reach Palazzolo Acreide by bus from the airport (company name: AST). The bus departs at 12:15 or 14:15, with a travel time is approx 2hrs, tickets can be purchased on board or from the ATS ticket counter near arrivals at the airport (€9 to €12 EUR per person). Alternatively, you can book a private transfer through the host (see costs in optional extras) or independently.
On Day 7, there will be a group transfer back to Catania Airport departing at around 08:00 in the morning. We recommend booking a flight departing no earlier than 11:30.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Catania Airport from airports across the UK and Europe. Alternatively, you may also consider indirect flights via Milan or Rome.
For those flying from North America, there are no direct flights to Catania. However, it’s easy to reach via one-stop connections through cities like Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Munich, or Paris.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Expect to indulge in the rich flavours of Sicilian cuisine, with each region offering its own unique specialities shaped by its geography and culture. Start your day with a breakfast of local pastries and fresh fruit. For lunch, enjoy a picnic or visit a local bistro, savouring regional dishes like caponata, a Sicilian aubergine dish, or other Mediterranean delights. Don’t forget to try a sweet cannoli for a mid-ride sugar hit! Dinner offers a variety of traditional Sicilian dishes such as handmade pasta, roasted meats, and fresh seafood. On the coast, feast on seafood delicacies like swordfish, anchovies, and pasta with sea urchin. Accompany your meal with a glass of fine Sicilian wine, like a crisp white from Lipari or a bold red from Etna Nord. Some meals are left free to taste a wider variety of local dishes or restaurants according to your budget and taste.
Vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary requirements and intolerances can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. For higher levels of allergies, Italian law states that only specially equipped kitchens can provide food with absolutely no cross-contamination; local restaurants usually don't have these kinds of facilities.
What is the accommodation like?
Palazzolo Acreide
You’ll spend the first night of the trip in comfortable, centrally located accommodation in Palazzolo Acreide, typically at the RTA Palazzo Judica (or similar). The hotel offers twin-share ensuite rooms with air conditioning and WiFi, providing a convenient base to start your cycling adventure.
Modica
In Modica, you'll stay at the B&B Tetti di Siciliando, a cosy and welcoming bed and breakfast. The well-appointed twin-share ensuite rooms feature Sicilian décor, with free WiFi throughout the property. After a day of cycling, unwind on the terrace to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Portopalo di Capo Passero
Your stay in Portopalo di Capo Passero will be at Hotel Vittorio, well-positioned on the seafront. The twin-share rooms are spacious and equipped with air conditioning, and private bathrooms.This family-run hotel offers a comfortable setting with quick access to the beach.
Noto
In Noto, you’ll stay at the B&B Giardino Barocco, a beautifully restored property that combines historic charm with modern comfort. You’ll be accommodated in twin-share ensuite rooms, furnished with traditional touches. Enjoy the lovely garden and wander into Noto to access the town’s baroque architecture and restaurants.
Siracusa
Your final night is spent at Hotel Gran Bretagna, located in the Ortigia district of Siracusa. This elegant hotel combines Sicilian style touches with modern amenities. The air-conditioned, ensuite rooms will be allocated on a twin-share basis.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You should feel comfortable cycling 60km or more on consecutive days. The route takes you through a stunning region that is hilly and surrounded by the sea, offering a mix of rolling terrain, valleys, and hilltop towns. Expect mostly quiet, paved, and undulating roads, with occasional short stretches on busier roads as you approach towns.
Day 5 features a more challenging ascent and descent to the viewpoint of Cavagrande del Cassibile, which includes a steep 5km climb and thrilling hairpin turns on the descent. This section will test your climbing and descending skills, but the spectacular views make it worthwhile. If needed, there’s always the option to hop in the support vehicle. The following day offers a flatter ride along the coastline, providing a more leisurely pace to end the trip.
For more guidance, check out our article on how to choose the right level of cycling trip for you.
Style of Riding: Backroads This trip is backroad cycling, following quiet mostly smooth roads, may have occasional bumps, such as potholes, cracks, or rough patches – you'll be riding on a hybrid bike.
What if i need to skip an activity?
A support vehicle accompanies the group to transport luggage daily and assist with bike-related issues. If needed, arrangements can be made for a group member to hop in if you’re struggling with the terrain or become unwell. However, it should not be used simply to skip a day's ride.
What will I need to carry?
All your accommodation is pre-booked, and your luggage will be transferred from one point to the next. As everything will be transported by the support vehicle, which is accessible throughout the day, you can cycle completely unburdened. We suggest bringing a small bum bag or bag that can be attached to your handlebars to carry essential items like money, phone, sunscreen, and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike parts if needed.
Sicily offers excellent weather for cycling, particularly in spring, late summer, and early autumn, when temperatures are warm and pleasant. The Mediterranean climate generally provides a low chance of rain, but conditions can be changeable, with occasional storms. Daytime temperatures typically range from 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 83°F), offering comfortable riding conditions. However, evenings can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to 10°C to 19°C (50°F to 66°F). It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater for the cooler nights.
Weather, particularly high temperatures, can affect the difficulty level of this trip. The heat can make climbing and long-distance cycling more challenging. For departures in June and early September, be prepared for sun exposure and temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided ride through the Sicilian countryside to Modica
- Guided ride to Portopalo di Capo Passero, the southernmost point of Sicily
- Guided tour of traditional winery
- Guided ride to Noto
- Guided hike & birdwatching in Vendicari Nature Reserve
- Guided ride to the viewpoint of Cavagrande del Cassibile
- Guided coastal ride to Siracusa
Guides
- Local, expert, English-speaking cycle guides and a bike mechanic
Accommodation
- 6 nights in comfortable locally run hotels and B&Bs
Meals
- 7 breakfasts to fuel you up each day
- 1 lunch and wine tasting
- 1 picnic lunch at Cavagrande del Cassibile viewpoint
- 2 traditional Sicilian dinners
- Snacks while cycling
- Modica chocolate tasting
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Catania Airport on the morning of Day 1
- Departure transfer to Catania Airport at any time on Day 7
Equipment
- Fuji Absolute hybrid bike
Support Vehicle
- To transfer your luggage, and for you to hop in to if your legs need a rest
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
- 4 lunches and dinners have not been included, to allow you to eat at bistros in the small towns you pass by and sample some local restaurants in the locations you stay at. We recommend you budget about £10/€15 for lunch and £20/€25 for dinner to cover these.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
€30 for the main guide €10 for the support driver
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
CYCLE KIT
- Helmet (required)
- Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
- Saddle, if you would rather use your own
- Gel saddle cover (optional if preferred)
- Bumbag or small handlebar bag for riding (optional)
- Reusable water bottle: it is recommended that you bring cycling water bottles that fit into standard bottle cages on bikes (500ml, 600ml or 750ml).
CLOTHES
- Padded cycling shorts
- Sports top or cycling jersey
- Waterproof jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Buff or neck scarf
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sandals
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
- Trousers/leggings for the evenings
- Trainers / Sandals
- Swimwear
OTHER
- Duffel bag, rucksack or soft suitcase (max. 80L)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or small torch
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks
Additional night pre trip in Palazzolo Acreide (single)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night pre trip in Palazzolo Acreide (single)
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Additional night pre trip in Palazzolo Acreide (twin)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night pre trip in Palazzolo Acreide (twin)
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Additional night post trip in Siracusa (single)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night post trip in Siracusa (single)
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Additional night post trip in Siracusa (twin)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night post trip in Siracusa (twin)
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Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
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Private departure transfer to Catania airport from Siracusa (1-3 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private departure transfer to Catania airport from Siracusa (1-3 pax)
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Private arrival transfer from Catania Airport to Palazzolo Acreide (1-3 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private arrival transfer from Catania Airport to Palazzolo Acreide (1-3 pax)
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 220kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we’ve found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We also send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated!
All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the amazing landscape with your fellow tourers. You will cycle at your own pace, with regular stops to regroup so that no one gets left behind.
Have a read of our article on cycling difficulty levels for further information on selecting the right level of bike adventure for you.
You'll be riding a Fuji Absolute hybrid bike. Your height is required to ensure the correct frame size is supplied.
The bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage and all come with standard flat pedals and male/standard saddles. If you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPD's), please do and these will be fitted for you.
Yes, you will cycle point to point during the trip. Each day, you'll travel from one location to the next, cycling through rural and coastal landscapes, from Palazzolo Acreide to Siracusa.
The cycle guide ratio on the trip is one guide per eight customers. This means that for groups of nine or more people, there will be two cycle guides. Throughout, you will be accompanied by a support vehicle driven by a bike mechanic.
In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an alternative route or activity will be offered.
The support vehicle will have large containers of water that you are able to top your water bottles up with.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 25th October 2025
to Friday 31st October 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
