At a Glance
Surrender to the seductive appeal of the gorgeous island of Sicily on this 6-day biking adventure, a place where wonders from around the globe form an ostentatious display. Ride and encounter historic sites, witness stupendous vistas, unmatched baroque architecture and artistry, and savour delectable cuisines and world-class wines.
Your incredible adventure begins in Catania, after which we shuttle to the quiet town of Buccheri. Prepare for exciting biking with distant views of Mount Etna. Pedal along quiet roads through the late baroque towns of the impressive Val di Noto. Catch wafts of orange blossom fragrance as you bike past windmills, orchards, and olive groves. Enjoy a dinner of traditional Sicilian cuisine at a local farm. Savour fresh-pressed olive oil at a centuries-old agriturismo, a working farm in a valley of cherry, ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals as specified
- 5 nights of accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin-share basis
- Private guided tours; an average of 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio.
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. at UNA Hotel Palace, located at Vla Etnea 218 in Catania, Sicily. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's ride. (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Welcome to Sicilia! After meeting in Catania, we shuttle to the peaceful and picturesque Buccheri, a small town in the hills. After a sumptuous lunch of Sicilian specialties, your tour leaders fit your bike and educate you briefly on biking techniques and safety. Then, we head out on a warm-up ride along country roads through the grass-covered hills of the Val di Noto, a World Heritage site, with gorgeous views of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, in the distance. The valley's eight towns (Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli) were restored after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. They represent innovations in urban planning and are in both their architecture and artistry. |
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Our home for the next two nights is a former nobleman's residence, Castello Camemi. This 16th-century castle is located in the countryside near the ancient city of Vizzini—you'll realise we're close when you see the striking Mount Etna in the distance. Spend time relaxing in the lounges by the lush gardens or take a refreshing dip by the pool. On arrival, take your time to settle into your room before we convene this evening for a welcome reception and aperitivo (cocktail), followed by dinner at the hotel's restaurant. |
Castello Camemi, Vizzini (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: The day's ride is quintessential Sicily: winding hills, citrus trees, agricultural fields, and hill towns. Pedal lightly travelled roads from the hotel toward Mount Etna's flanks. Relish a gusty descent through the Sicilian countryside before climbing to Mineo, a former Arab stronghold. Then, it's a quick downhill to an area covered with sweet-scented lemon and orange orchards. We take a break at a local agriturismo (working farm) for a fresh lunch of regional specialties prepared with seasonal produce grown on-site. After lunch, hop on your bike and cycle toward Grammichele, navigating the ridgeline between two valleys. After the 1693 earthquake, Grammichele was rebuilt and divided into six sections by streets emerging from the main piazza. Make your way through the square and stop for a refreshing granita. Then, follow a scenic path that takes you back to our hotel for some downtime before dinner. We're in for a spectacular dining experience tonight as we pass through the countryside to a traditional nearby farm that produces organic goods. |
Castillo Camemi, Vizzini(5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: After a delicious breakfast, hop on your bike and set out for the southern province of Siracusa. Our ride highlights the diverse Sicilian landscape, from the rocky volcanic zone to the Mediterranean seaside—Coast down from Monterosso along peaceful roads toward Giarratana. Stunning olive trees act as shades as we approach our lunch spot at a picturesque agriturismo on the outskirts of town. Here, we break for a picnic that features samples of delicious local food. In the afternoon, you can choose the challenging activity of pedaling through the spectacular Val di Noto passing near Castelluccio, an early example of an organised Paleolithic Society. From here, head out on a rolling route with a few challenging hills through a landscape of olive trees and farmland. |
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We arrive at San Corrado di Noto, our home for the next two nights. Formerly a traditional farmhouse, once home to Prince Nicolaci, this magnificent property in Noto now exudes Mediterranean elegance and environmental consciousness. Relax by the pool, unwind at the spa, or get on the hotel's shuttle to a private beach club and let it all go by sea. (Spa treatments are at own expense). Come evening, we savour a sumptuous Mediterranean meal at our hotel. |
San Corrado di Noto, Noto (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before meeting up with your bike for a scenic ride to the legendary baroque town of Modica, Val di Noto. Upon arrival, check out Sicily's oldest chocolate shop, Antics Dolceria Bonajuto, for a sample of chocolatier Pierpaolo Ruta's tempting creations. Modica houses unique chiafura, ancient cave dwellings that were inhabited until the 1960s, as well as a striking baroque cathedral and a vibrant central piazza. After some time touring town and a delicious lunch, we get on the shuttle for a lift back to the hotel for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Lounge by the pool with a book, or visit the spa for a little extra TLC. At night, we head into Noto for a festive lesson in pasta-making and a memorable dinner in the lovely baroque town. |
San Corrado di Noto, Noto (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Saying goodbye to San Corrado, we navigate a westward route through a less populated part of Ragusa and into the Sicilian countryside. Bike along rolling hills, past Greek ruins and tiny hamlets. Then cycle to an agriturismo for a picnic lunch, including the property's cheese and produce. |
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Following that, pedal through rolling hills to the town of Solarino to meet up with the shuttle or stay on your bike to coast your way to our last hotel, Minareto. Seated on a bluff in the Piemmirio Marine Nature Reserve, the hotel looks out over the sea to Siracusa's old city on the island of Ortigia. Settle in and take your time to soak up the Sicilian sun, swim in the hotel's refreshing waters of the Mediterranean at the hotel's private beach, or visit the spa. We celebrate our week in Sicily this evening with a farewell brindisi (toast) on the hotel's terrace. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the old city, then head into Ortigia for our last dinner. As we stroll through town to tonight's restaurant, soak in many Greek-influenced and baroque sites before sitting down to an exceptional fine-dining experience. |
Minareto, Siracusa (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Level 1, Approx 21 km (13 miles), Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft) This morning you can choose a leisurely ride through the Piemmirio Marine Nature Reserve, which protects various species from dolphins in the sea to saw palmettos onshore. Or if you prefer a slow start to your day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or laze by the pool. Another option is a morning trip to Ortigia to explore the city's history on a walking tour with Salvatore, our friend and exuberant local guide, or perusing the beautiful streets and shops. After you finish your early morning adventure, say goodbye to your tour leaders, friends, and acquaintances. Then, take a shuttle to Catania. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & 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.
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, so don't forget to come prepared with quality rain gear that is waterproof and breathable.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-5
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. |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
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.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
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.
