FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE SAT 2 SEP | ARRIVAL & WELCOME
Arrive and check-in to our meet-point hotel in Catania. We'll set up the bikes, in preparation for the start of our tour the following day. If you arrive early in the day, take time to explore Catania. In the evening there will be a delicious dinner with pre-tour briefing and introduction to Sicilia!
DAY TWO SUN 3 SEP | TRANSFER TO RAGUSA & WARM-UP RIDE
Morning transfer to our start hotel in beautiful Ragusa. We'll settle in, have a bite to eat and then enjoy a short, scenic warm-up ride. Aperitivi and time to savour the adventure ahead, followed by a sumptuous Sicilian dinner by famous chef Ciccio Sultano.
DAY THREE MON 4 SEP | RAGUSA, SCICLI AND MODICA LOOP
These three wonderful, Baroque cities have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. An undulating route as we wind our way through this scenic landscape, discovering the delights of ice cream in Scicli, and in Modica, one of the oldest chocolate makers in Italy.
DISTANCE | 58KM | 36MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT
DAY FOUR TUE 5 SEP | RAGUSA TO NOTO
Today we head east over the pleasantly undulating Ibleo plateau. We ride tiny roads to Castellucci Necropolis, with over 200 tombs carved into the steep walls of a quarry. From there it is a long, gradual descent to the perfumed citrus orchards of Noto Valley. Here lies the town of Noto, also included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and boasting one of the best examples of Baroque cathedral architecture. After visiting the historic centre, and a good ice cream break, we ride the final few kilometres to our country resort by the beach, and a dive into the Sicilian sea.
DISTANCE | 65KM | 40MI
ELEVATION | 850M | 2800FT
DAY FIVE WED 6 SEP | NOTO CAPO PASSERO LOOP
Fantastic ride today, through the hills of olive groves, almond orchards, vineyards and fertile fields of the renowned Pachino tomato. The route continues along the southern coastline to the southern most island of Isola delle Correnti. This tiny dot marks the border of the Ioanian and Mediterranean Seas. From here, we'll loop back to Portopalo di Capo Passero and the pristine, wildlife reserve of Vendicari.
DISTANCE | 80KM | 50MI
ELEVATION | 500M | 1650FT
DAY SIX THU 7 SEP | NOTO TO SIRACUSA
A little of almost everything today. After a short stretch in the countryside between Noto and Avola, we climb the stunning Riserva Orientata di Cava Grande Park, overlooking the sparkling coastline below. The Cava Grande is a deep valley famous for waterfalls and small lakes only accessible by foot. We're again treated to a long, gradual descent arriving at our hotel and the promise of a delicious seafood dinner, on the magical island of Ortigia.
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY SEVEN FRI 8 SEP | SIRACUSA TO ETNA TO NAXOS
Oh what a day! We'll have a shuttle from the coast to the slopes of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe for an incredible ride. The lunar landscape of blackened rock is starkly impressive, a reminder of how nature can wield her might. Breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina and Calabria as we descend to the village of Zafferana Etnea, miraculously surviving centuries of eruptions. Lovely finish that winds through woods and vineyards, with the option of another ascent for the brave - the west side of the mountain. Our glorious day ends by the sea at Giardini Naxos, just down the hill from charming Taormina.
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5250FT
DAY EIGHT SAT 9 SEP | NAXOS ALCANTARA VALLEY LOOP
How could you leave without riding the north side of Etna? Here you can discover the ancient winemaking tradition of this unusual but amazing corner of the Mediterranean and the beautiful, truly medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia - OR - we could stay by the sea, riding along the coast and climb the tight hairpin bends to Sicily's hillside jewel, Taormina. Taormina has some of the most famous views in the world. To end a brilliant week, our final celebrations will be in an elegant beachside restaurant, with moonlit Taormina in the background. Salute!
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31MI
ELEVATION | 750M | 2450FT
DAY NINE SUN 10 SEP | GOODBYE
Sadly it’s time to say farewell. Morning group transfer for the one hour shuttle to Catania.
Until next time!