Operated by Headwater

Self-Guided Cycling through Baroque Sicily

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Activity

Cycling

Overview

This 8-night, self-guided cycling holiday provides a wonderful introduction to Sicily’s south-east, a part of the island renowned for its beautiful, unspoilt coastline, spectacular Baroque architecture and sumptuous regional cuisine.

Your journey takes you along a mix of inland and coastal routes, starting amidst the Baroque splendour of Ragusa and Modica and ending in stunning Siracusa on the east coast. You’ll cycle through lush valleys filled with olive trees, almond groves, vineyards and citrus orchards and patchwork puzzles of dry-stone-wall farms, as you cycle between UNESCO World Heritage Sites rebuilt in the typical late Baroque style after the famous 1693 earthquake.

You’ll take in plenty of Inspector Montalbano country – a treat for fans of the fictional detective series – including Scicli with its atmospheric streets and hilltop mausoleum as well as the charming fishing villages of Punta Secca and Sampieri. Following the scenic Mediterranean Route cycleway you’ll head towards the sea, taking in sublime coastline, punctuated by golden sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages such as Portopalo di Capo Passero and pretty Marzamemi with its Arab history. After passing through Nero D’Avola wine country your holiday finishes in beautiful Siracusa, an ancient Greek city whose ‘historical heart’ is the island of Ortigia, accessed by a bridge from the mainland. Ortigia’s grand squares, narrow medieval streets and romantic palaces and castles are a delight to behold.

You’ll stay in a wonderful mix of accommodation including a charming villa hotel boasting fabulous views over Noto from its outdoor pool terrace and a beautifully restored country residence near the traditional fishing village of Marzamemi. Given the wonderful local cuisine on offer, including such Sicilian specialities as Pasta alla Norma and Pasta con le Sarde, we’ve included three evening meals on this holiday, leaving you free to dine out on the remaining nights.

Key Information

Trip Code: C08BS
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: Routes are predominately on asphalt, using quieter secondary roads, with limited, small sections on main roads on cycling day 1.

What's Included

8 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
Bike hire included, plus bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Luggage transfers between hotels
Headwater navigation app

Don't Forget To

Request a single room or e-bike if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. A compulsory solo traveller supplement applies to this holiday. Please be aware that the price excludes estimated local taxes/fees of 27 EUR.

Highlights

Beautiful, unspoilt, coastlines; charming fishing villages; rich fertile valleys
Inspector Montalbano country - visit the haunts of the famous TV detective
Authentic Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Superb regional food and excellent Nero D'Avola wines

Itinerary

First Destination: Ragusa
Next Destination: Siracusa

Accommodation:Hotel Di Stefano
Meals included:None

Distance:41 km / 25.5 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Principe d'Aragona
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Principe d'Aragona
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Danieli
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:56 km / 34.8 miles
Accommodation:Villa Giulia
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:34 km / 21.1 miles
Accommodation:Villa Favorita
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:14 km / 8.7 miles
Accommodation:Villa Favorita
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:53 km / 32.9 miles
Accommodation:Gran Hotel Bretagna
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Ragusa
Next Destination: Siracusa

Arrive at your luxury 4 star hotel in Ragusa.

Accommodation:Hotel Di Stefano

We strongly recommend spending some time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla before setting off this morning. The simply stunning old town of Ragusa, rebuilt in 1693 after a huge earthquake, is full of enchanting Baroque architecture, along with a number of tempting cafes and restaurants for lunch. Follow your visit with a climb above Modica, skirting Modica Alta (the upper part of the city), before passing quaint, dry-stone-wall farms through a rich, fertile valley of cacti and pomegranate orchards as you weave your way to Cava d’Ispica – a verdant gorge full of thousands of caves and grottoes, stretching for 13 kilometres between Modica and Ispica!

Distance:41 km / 25.5 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Principe d'Aragona
Meals included:Breakfast

Often referred to as the Baroque capital of Sicily, the atmospheric city of Modica sits in a dramatic setting, perched between limestone cliffs. This UNESCO-listed city is home to an impressive 29 churches including two grand Baroque cathedrals, along with charming narrow streets peppered with cafes, restaurants and a number of tempting chocolate shops! Modica’s chocolate is one of the Ragusa area’s most famous products and to this day it’s still made to ancient Aztec methods. Make sure you sample some at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily!

Accommodation:Hotel Principe d'Aragona
Meals included:Breakfast

Start today with a feel-good freewheel through a valley rich in pomegranates, cacti and quaint little farmsteads, on your way to the unmissable little town of Scicli. Overlooked by an imposing rock on which sits the magnificent Church of San Matteo, Scicli, like the other towns in the area, has been totally rebuilt in a pure Sicilian Baroque style following the 1693 earthquake. Wander its atmospheric streets and you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Inspector Montalbano – Via Mormino Penna is where you’ll find the fictional police station from the TV show! Be sure to check out the impressive, hilltop cemetery, just out of town, full of mausoleums and surrounded by magnificent pines and tall cypress trees.

You reach the coast and continue to Cava d’Aliga and Sampieri, a picturesque fishing village with a lovely sandy beach and another of Montalbano’s favoured locations. Continue along the coastline to Pozzallo, home to no less than four Blue Flag beaches.

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Danieli
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Cutting inland you’ll cycle through pantani, a series of saltwater lagoons rich in birdlife such as mallards, flamingos, herons and storks, on your way to today’s highlight – the Isola delle Correnti (the ‘Island of Currents’). The southernmost point of Sicily’s mainland, this isolated, seemingly adrift island is also the point at which the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. It’s quite a sight to behold! Continue to the beautiful old fishing village of Marzamemi – one of Sicily’s prettiest – with its colourful wooden boats, fishermen’s houses and charming buildings such as the Baroque church of San Francesco di Paola. Marzamemi became the centre of Sicily’s tuna fishing industry under its Arab influence and it keeps the tradition alive today, using artisanal fishing methods to produce a number of delicacies including canned tuna, smoked swordfish and marinated anchovies!

Distance:56 km / 34.8 miles
Accommodation:Villa Giulia
Meals included:Breakfast

Making your way to Noto you’ll head inland on a virtually traffic-free road that winds its way through olive groves, vineyards, almond trees, sugar cane and beautifully perfumed citrus orchards – idyllic surroundings for a picnic lunch.

Distance:34 km / 21.1 miles
Accommodation:Villa Favorita
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Your hotel is located in a lovely courtyard setting with an outdoor pool and superb views over Noto. If you can tear yourself away from the 4 star luxury, you could cycle to the nearby seaside resort of Lido di Noto for a lazy day on the beach, or opt for our recommended cycle ride into atmospheric Noto itself. Perhaps the most beautiful of all the cities you visit on this holiday, Noto’s current centre was rebuilt after the 17th century earthquake and is considered a Baroque masterpiece as well as being an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander down the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele, overlooked by Noto’s elegant cathedral, and explore the side streets filled with an array of fine architecture and cafes serving delicious local treats such as the savoury arancini and sweet cannoli.

Distance:14 km / 8.7 miles
Accommodation:Villa Favorita
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

What a final day! You’ll follow the coast to the stunning city of Siracusa, built on an ancient Greek settlement and boasting a treasure trove of temples, amphitheatres and an ancient castle. On the way you’ll cycle through Avola – home of the famous Nero D’Avola red wine grape. You’ll also enjoy views of the majestic Mount Etna, and discover Plemmirio, an important area for flora and fauna and whose waters are home to a number of species including tuna, sea urchins, dolphins and sperm whales. After passing the Murro di Porco Cape, a striking landmark in the 1943 Conquest of Sicily, a final stretch takes you along the Bay of Siracusa and into the city itself.

Distance:53 km / 32.9 miles
Accommodation:Gran Hotel Bretagna
Meals included:Breakfast

Leave Siracusa or maybe spend extra nights in Sicily’s second city, Catania

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Self-Guided Cycling through Baroque Sicily

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Accommodation

Hotels

You’ll stay in a wonderful mix of accommodation including a charming villa hotel boasting fabulous views over Noto from its outdoor pool terrace and a minimalist design hotel in the centre of bustling Portopalo. Given the wonderful local cuisine on offer, including such Sicilian specialities as Pasta alla Norma and Pasta con le Sarde, we’ve included three evening meals on this holiday, leaving you free to dine out on the remaining nights.

Hotel de Stefano Palace, Ragusa (4*)

The Hotel de Stefano Palace, located in Ragusa’s historic town centre and just a short walk from the path up to Ragusa Ibla, is a wonderful example of Baroque, neo classical and art nouveau architecture, housed within a 19th century nobleman’s house. Rooms here are beautifully decorated in a modern style but with the original stunning tiled floors, and many still retain some features from the building’s illustrious past including stone vaults and frescoed ceilings. The hotel also comes with a wellness centre with indoor pool and hammam as well as a bar. Guests staying at the Hotel de Stefano are able to use the outdoor pool at the sister hotel, Villa del Lauro.
Facilities: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Tea/coffee, Shops, Market, Bank, Cash machine, Mastercard, Visa, AmEx

Hotel Principe d’Aragona, Modica (4*)

Situated just outside the historic centre of Modica, the contemporary Hotel Principe d’Aragona is a short walk away from the wonderful Cathedral of San Giorgio. Modica’s superb architecture, as well as a selection of restaurants, are within easy walking distance, although the hotel does have its own bar and restaurant. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a guests’ lounge.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Tea/coffee, Bank, Cash machine, Mastercard, Visa, AmEx

Hotel Danieli, Pozzallo (4*)

The Hotel Danieli is a modern and elegant 4 star hotel located just outside Pozzallo, a lively coastal town of about 19,000 inhabitants, just 8km from Marina di Modica. The rooms and suites are tastefully furnished, with a blend of Sicilian artistic handicraft and modern design, using woodwork, iron, fabrics and finishes to create an elegant atmosphere with a Mediterranean flavour. There is a veranda, a lovely garden and a swimming pool area where you can relax after your cycling day.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Shops, Cash machine, Mastercard, Visa

Villa Giulia, Near Marzamemi (4*)

Located approx 3km from Marzamemi in the heart of the Val di Noto countyside, Villa Giulia is a former hamlet come country residence, which has been lovingly converted into hotel accommodation. It retains many of its original historic features, including an atmospheric dining room where you can see barrels and tools that were once used to cultivate the land. Rooms here are charming and traditional in style and come with outdoor terrace. The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Tea/coffee, Mastercard, Visa, AmEx

Villa Favorita, Noto (4*)

Villa Favorita is an old grand villa on a hill looking over to the magnificent Baroque town of Noto. Once the grand house of an olive oil producer, it is now a grand hotel with its own pretty courtyard and lovely outdoor pool. The rooms retain an old elegance to them but have the right modern amenities to make your stay a comfortable one.
Facilities: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Shops, Mastercard, AmEx

Gran Hotel Bretagna, Siracusa (3*)

The 3* Gran Hotel Bretagna is just a short stroll from the tree lined Porto Grande and the Temple of Apollo in Siracusa’s Ortigia district. Housed in a historic building, it is traditional yet comfortable with Headwater customers being allocated the spacious deluxe rooms here. Please note that there is no lift at the Gran Hotel Bretagna.
Facilities: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Tea/coffee, Market, Bank, Cash Machine, Shops, Mastercard, Visa

Essential Information

Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self–Guided
Average daily distance: 44.4km (28miles)
No. of days cycling: 5
Terrain and route: Routes are predominately on asphalt, using quieter secondary roads, with limited, small sections on main roads on cycling day 1. You should expect more traffic in and approaching the towns. There are ascents and descents but routes become more gentle along the coastline.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

When your bike is delivered you will be asked to sign a disclaimer form for the hire of the bike. The agent will also require your credit card details as a guarantee in the event of damage/loss of the bike (caused by deliberate, negligent or reckless acts.)

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Sicily’s typically southern Italian cuisine is interspersed with many more exotic dishes reflecting the island’s jumbled cultural past. Italian dishes like pasta alla norma (made with tomatoes, aubergine and grated ricotta) are often found on menus along with couscous (a north African speciality), or even pasta con le sarde (a pasta dish dating back to Phoenician times made from sardines, raisins, pine nuts, fennel, saffron, parsley and capers).

The Arabs introduced citrus groves to the island and a popular drink today is granita made with crushed ice and lemon. This was traditionally drunk with sweet bread dipped in it as a lunchtime snack by Sicilian peasants.
Fish is of course also abundant. Local specialities include pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish cooked with tomatoes, capers, onion, celery and potatoes) or tonno fresco alla brace (grilled fresh tuna).

Sicily is famed for its desserts. Why not try cannolo, a crunchy pastry tube filled with ricotta cheese and studded with candied fruits, pistachio and chocolate? Or cassata, the Arab influenced cake made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit and chocolate pieces.

Sicily is not traditionally famous for its wines, so it is surprising to learn that the island boasts one of the largest wine producing areas in the whole of Italy. Look out for the Etna DOC label and Corvo di Salaparuta. One of Sicily’s most popular wines is Alcamo Bianco – a soft white which goes well with fish dishes. Let’s not forget the Marsala wine, a fortified wine made in Sicily which takes its name after the town where it is mostly produced. Marsala is most commonly used in cooking to create nutty, rich caramelised sauces.

Sicily has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 30 to 35 degrees Celcius. The earlier and later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.