Cycle Sicily's South

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.8 Read 8 reviews

Cycle the UNESCO protected ’Val di Noto’ of south eastern Sicily
Explore the Baroque cities of Noto, Syracuse and Modica
Relax waterside in the ancient Arabic fishing port of Marzamemi
Ride along the coast from the Mediterranean to the Ionian sea
Dine on the Sicilian speciality of freshly grilled swordfish

Discover the UNESCO listed Baroque towns and charming fishing villages of south east Sicily on this cycling tour of the ‘Val di Noto’. From the energetic capital of Catania, you will be transferred to the hilltop town of Palazzolo Acreide. Rolling southwards cycle through rural Sicily to the honey-coloured stacked houses and chocolate shops of Modica. Ride to the delightful piazza of Scicli and onto the Mediterranean waters of Pozzallo where you can dine on Sicily’s signature dish of grilled swordfish. Pedal to the ancient Arabic fishing village of Marzamemi and spend the afternoon relaxing on sandy beaches. On reaching Noto, stroll along the elegant ‘Corso Vittorio Emanuele’ with a cone of gelato in hand. Finish by cycling to Syracuse, the ancient Greek city and birthplace of Archimedes, where waterside restaurants invite you to sample the catch of the day.

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What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

The tour is graded moderate. Daily rides are between 35-60km, through the rolling countryside and coastal roads of south east Sicily. Each day explore Baroque towns and charming fishing villages, fuelling rides on fresh pasta and seafood dishes. Spend the nights in historic, comfortable, centrally located hotels, where you can dine in the buzz of lively piazzas or unwind at the beach with a local glass of Moscato wine.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Cycling, E-Biking | A classic point to point cycling holiday, staying in a different location each night, E-Bikes with electronic motors to assist available to hire on this holiday (subject to availability), to make things easier

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie Adventures
Historical Journeys
Coastal & Island

Inspiration:

Classic

Navigation

This cycling route follows a combination of quiet country roads, stretches of rolling terrain and busier routes when approaching and departing towns and cities. Please always be mindful of other roads users at all times, especially when cycling on routes shared with traffic. The tried and tested detailed routes notes and maps are easy to follow during your self-guided adventure.

Should you require assistance, local 24/7 telephone support will also be available throughout your trip.

Accommodation Information

During this trip you will spend 5 nights in 3* and 4* hotels and 1 night in an agriturismo. We regularly use the following properties but will accommodate you in a hotel of equal standard should any of the following hotels be unavailable. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.

Meals

Included are 6 breakfasts. Breakfast usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. Italian breakfasts also include a selection of fresh cakes too. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking.

Lunches and dinners are not included. Your route notes will suggest a number of local places to dine and of course, being in Italy means you're never too far from a bowl of freshly folded pasta.

Single Rooms

If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists.

Included

1 night 4* hotel, 4 night 3* hotels, 1 night Agriturismo
6 Breakfasts
Transfer from Catania to Palazzolo Acreide on day 1
Baggage transfer
Detailed information pack, and route notes with maps
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Catania / from Syracuse
Bike hire (optional upgrade to e-bike hire)
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire
E-bike hire
Departure transfers

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day from March to October. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May-June and September.

Getting to the Start

For general travel planning, we recommend the helpful site www.rome2rio.com

By Air

Catania Airport has excellent connections across Europe. On arrival at Catania Airport, a private transfer is included in your tour and will take you to your first nights accommodation in Palazzolo Acreide. If you would prefer to have an extra night in Catania and/or be transferred from Catania city centre to Palazzolo Acreide, please let us know at the time of booking.

Getting from the End

Syracuse does not have an airport. There is a regular train service from Syracuse Central to Catania Central with a journey time of just over an hour. If you would prefer a private transfer from Syracuse to Catania, this can be easily arranged and can be added to your booking at any time.

For train times and information, please check Tren Italia

Baggage Transfer

Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20 kg). If you require excess baggage allowance do contact us prior to travel.

General Information

All bike tours are unescorted. The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications etc.

Equipment

21 speed touring bikes are available for hire. Rental bikes come equipped with a basic repair kit, pump and a helmet (though we recommend using your own). Male and female frames are available. If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride.

EBikes are also available for hire if you would like a power assisted ride. For more information on EBikes please click here.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip such as a Scott Sub, Trek 7200 or similar.

If you do intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time book as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride, along with any other specific requests you may have. We’re always happy to answer any questions regarding hire bikes.

If you would to bring your own road bike please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Catania and transfer to Palazzolo Acreide