At a Glance
Embark on an inspiring journey to the vast and breathtaking nature of the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily. Discover its mesmerizing beaches, majestic mountains, active towering volcanoes as you hike, bike, kayak and explore the very best this magnificent island has to offer and venture beyond the off beaten paths on this 6-day active adventure tour.
A soulful journey, delight into the breathtaking scenery of Sicily as you delight into its Mediterranean flavours from its most celebrated wine and cuisine. Your adventure begins in Catania after which you bike to the baroque town of Modica in the Val di Noto, a World Heritage site. Stop at Sicily's oldest chocolate shop and enjoy the tastes of some of its best treats. Kayak along the Ciane River to where it meets the sea. Explore ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation on a twin share basis in 5 star hotels
- All breakfast, 4 x lunch and 4 x dinner
- Luggage, shuttle and hotel transfers as specified
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees.
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information.
- Fully equipped titanium bike including helmet and accessories
- Brief orientation in Catania on Day 1
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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Day 1 Day 2 On the first day, meet your trip leaders at 10.30 am at the UNA Hotel Palace. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your daypack with your rain gear and anything you may want for the day’s adventures (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodation). Our adventure begins with lunch near the sea, after which your tour guides will give a brief lecture on various biking techniques and safety. Ride from the coast to inland countryside through classic Mediterranean landscapes, bike to the baroque town of Modica in the Val di Noto, a World Heritage site. We will be stopping at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily's oldest chocolate shop for a bite of chocolatier Pierpaolo Ruta’s tempting creations. |
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Il San Corrado di Noto will be our base for these two days. A luxury wellness retreat that perfectly blends traditional Sicilian charm and modern comforts. Unwind at the exquisite spa or outdoor pool, or choose to learn the secret behind the region’s exceptional cuisine in a cooking class taught by local chefs. Day 2, lunch is at own expense. |
Il San Corrado di Noto, Contrada Belludia Noto (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 4 Day 5 Begin the day kayaking through a lush nature reserve along the Ciane River to where it meets the sea. Going back to land, enjoy an amazing lunch of local specialties before taking a tour of Ortigia while exploring the city history with friends and a high-spirited local guide. Explore around mythical Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano and one of the world's most active. Walk and marvel through Etna's magnificent lower landscape, follow wooded trails and walk across black lava on the lower flanks of this dramatic peak. Climb up to medieval Castelmola and gaze out across the Ionian Sea to Calabria, hike trails among marbled cliffs and lush Mediterranean vegetation on Monte Venere. Uncover Taormina's ancient Greek theater, an ancient landmark that has hosted not only dramatic theatrical performances but also gladiatorial battles. Cap off an inspiring experience with a stroll in the shadow of Sicily's legendary Mount Etna before heading back to the UNA Hotel Palace or the airport. |
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You’ll stay the last three nights at an elegant and eco-friendly 19th century villa. Set on a 62-acre property and on an altitude of 500m above sea level, on the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna and surrounding green vineyards. Retreat each day absorbing its tranquility and relax in its infinity edge pool overlooking the Sicilian countryside, stroll the quaint terraced gardens or explore the farm and vineyards. Please note Day 4, dinner is at own expense. Day 6 no lunch included. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Monaci Delle Terre Nere, Via Monaci (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Catania, Sicily
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Catania. The nearest international airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport which is 2.5 km away followed by Comiso Airport, 69.1 km.
Sicily has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers with very changeable intermediate seasons. On the coasts, especially in the south-west, the climate is affected by the African currents and summers can be scorching. Snow falls above 900–1000 metres, but it can fall in the hills. During late spring and early autumn, Sicily generally enjoys sunny skies and warm temperatures during the day and comfortably cool evenings. In early spring, Sicily can be quite chilly—extra layers are essential that time of year, as we may even encounter some snow on Etna. Rain showers are possible year-round.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
