Southeast Sicily Tour
A quite enjoyable bike tour through the southeast of Sicily, tailored to your own rhythm and your interests. You will pass through the Val di Noto, where most of the towns, after destruction during the earthquake of 1693, have been completely rebuilt in unique Sicilian Baroque style, and which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Along the trip you will discover beautiful towns like Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli and Noto, the latter considered the most important baroque town in Sicily, as well as Syracuse, one of the most important ancient Greek settlements. Along the coast you will see further highlights like the bird and wildlife sanctuary "Oasi di Vendicari", the fishing village of Marzamemi, and the small islands of Capo Passero and Isola delle Correnti. This self-guided bike tour leaves enough freedom to organize your trip as you would like but still offers the convenience of an organized tour to let you enjoy your bike vacation to the fullest.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Sicily
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Palazzolo Acreide
Individual arrival at Palazzolo Acreide, handover of the bikes and the roadbook and maps with all the information you will need.
Accommodation : Hotel Colle Acre - "Palazzolo Acreide"
Day 2 : Palazzolo Acreide – Modica
Distance 1 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 531 Meters
Before you start cycling today, we suggest visiting the historical Old Town of Palazzolo Acreide, with its many baroque building and the churches San Sebastiano and San Paolo, two wonderful examples of Sicilian Baroque. Then you will cycle through the beautiful territory of the Monti Iblei, a unique landscape, where rugged and wild areas alternate with pleasant green scenery, characterized by the typical stonewalls. On your way to Modica there is a climb of 3 km. The stage ends in Modica, the second baroque jewel of our tour. Do not miss to visit the church of San Giorgio.
Accommodation : Ferro Hotel - "Modica"
Day 3 : Modica – Pozzallo
Distance 1 : 26 Miles - 42 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 343 Meters
Before you leave Modica you should taste the famous chocolate, e.g. spiced with hot chili peppers. The recipe has been brought from the Aztecs by the Spaniards to Sicily. Cruising downhill through a beautifulI blei canyon, you will arrive at Scicli, another city of the “Val di Noto” and well worth a stroll through the small alleys, before you continue down to the coast to Pozzallo with its long sandy beaches. The perfect opportunity to finish the stage with a refreshing bath in the sea.
Accommodation : Sikania Suite - "Pozzallo"
Day 4 : Pozzallo – Marzamemi
Distance 1 : 35 Miles - 57 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 277 Meters
This day the road will be completely flat. You will pass through some typical wetlands, the "Patano Longarini" and "Patano Cuba", a popular stopover amongst the migratory birds on their trips between Africa and Europe. Cycling along the shore you will reach the southernmost point of Sicily, the island "Isola delle Correnti", which lies on the same latitude as Tunis and marks the watershed between the Ionian and the Mediterranean Sea. Continuing through Portopalo di Capo Passero and Marzamemi, an ancient fishing village, you will finish your ride in San Lorenzo.
Accommodation : Tenuta Arangio - "Marzamemi"
Day 5 : Marzamemi – Noto
Distance 1 : 22 Miles - 35 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 368 Meters
On a flat road heading north along the coast, you will reach the entrance to the natural preserve and wildlife sanctuary "Oasi di Vendicari", a wonderful and uncontaminated coast full of interesting plants and rare birds like pink flamingos and kingfisher. You will then continue to the inland, through vineyards to Noto. Noto is the capital of Sicilian Baroque with numerous magnificent Palazzi and Churches
Accommodation : Hotel Flora - "Noto"
Day 6 : Noto – Siracusa
Option 1 : 24 Miles - 38 Km
Option 2 : 34 Miles - 55 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 157 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 600 Meters
Today you have two options. Either following the coast further up north. Or a detour through the inland to the vista point of the Cavagrande del Cassible gorge and then a spectacular downhill with hairpins to the coast. Along the coast, you continue to Siracusa, the metropolis of ancient Greece, where you certainly will want to visit the stunning archaeological park with one of the biggest Greek theatres of the Magna Graecia. You should finish the day with a stroll through the picturesque historical centre, the Island Ortigia.
Accommodation : Hotel Gargallo - "Siracusa"
Day 7 : Siracusa
End of tour and individual departure or extension with additional days. We recommend visiting the fascinating Ortigia island, the historical and cultural centre of the city. The Old Town of Siracusa captivates immediately with more than 3000 years of history and archeological evidence of practically all great civilizations of the Mediterranean. Also in Ortigia is the lively Fishmarket of Syracuse.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Colle Acre Hotel is located within an area of tranquillity, in Palazzolo, a city included in the prestigious World Heritage List UNESCO. This place of serenity and contemplation welcomes you to a relaxing and memorable stay. During your stay you can sip the finest wines from our well-stocked wine cellar.
Day : 2
Ferro Hotel is a newly built situated in the picturesque and charming town of Modica, exclusive of Sicilian Baroque, today proclaimed heritage of 'UNESCO. The structure created by the renovation of an old dormitory for railway workers, has an exclusive and innovative design, designed to combine the hospitality and comfort of an urban and modern environment with the needs of customers linked to tradition and the past. The train is the dominant element, as in a real journey will take you to iscover the colors and ancient and modern tastes of our land. Particular attention has been paid to detail within the hotel inspired by ancient Modica railway adjacent to the property. The hotel is 700 mt far from the main square of the city of Modica and from all the restaurants of the area. With a short walk or a bike ride that offers for free you can get to the center passing the narrow streets that characterize the baroque city of Modica. The property has two private parking and video surveillance.
Day : 3
Sikania Suite in Pozzallo was founded in 2007 with a structure that enhances the Sicilian characteristics, dry stone walls, well-finished furniture, with aromatic and succulent Mediterranean plants, even in the choice of room names. Entirely inspired by the Sicilian, Sikania Suite is a small and sophisticated new building located in the historic center just steps from the sea within a lovely tourist course, ideal for the most demanding visitors who love the atmosphere and privacy. Sikania Suite is designed to be small, so it will retain the intimacy and individual.
Day : 4
Agriturismo has been restored from a typical Sicilian estate, belonging to the Arangio family since 1890, standing in front of the Oriented Nature Reserve of Vendicari. The typical structure of the “baglio Ibleo”, the winery and wine-making tanks, the warehouses once used for stocking oil and wheat, have all been maintained in their original features and simply restored according to their original configuration, using local materials (blocks of tufa stone of Noto and Modica, solid wood). Tenuta Arangio includes about 10 hectares of land cultivated with olive trees and crops, as well as other local agricultural products from Pachino. In the courtyard stands a large swimming pool, immersed in the greenery of olive trees, ideal for moments of relaxation in absolute privacy.
Day : 5
Noto is the birthplace of Hotel Flora, immersed in the historical centre and in the evocative frame of the old Baroque town, declared by UNESCO a common Heritage of Humanity. The Hotel consists of 11 beautiful rooms in a modern and recently rebuilt structure, and of 5 elegant rooms located in the Outbulding, that is an ancient building overlooking the so-called “Porta Reale”: the entrance of the “stone garden”. The Hotel offers all the comforts of a finely furnished building, perfectly embedded in the general architectural style of the town. The modern and elegant interior design is willing to convey a cozy and luxurious atmosphere. The hall overlooks the Communal Garden of Noto, which through its rich flora and its tree-lined avenue leads to the historical centre. This town strikes every visitor thanks to its enchanting and aristocratic atmosphere, painted with the warm tones given by the honey-colored stone. Bar Flora, perfect meeting point for tasting the delicious typical products made in Sicily, which you can enjoy sitting in panoramic terrace in the warmest days of summer, looking from above the “stone garden” in all its beauty.
Day : 6
Hotel Gargallo is located in the heart of the historic centre of Syracuse, on the beautiful island of Ortygia. Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, it features a Sicilian restaurant and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access. The elegant rooms come with air conditioning, a minibar, and a balcony. They are decorated in light colours and some have frescoed ceilings. You will enjoy satellite TV and a fully equipped en suite bathroom.
Bikes available for your tour |
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You want a bike for fitness. You want a bike for commuting. You want a bike for your first charity ride. And you want it to be fun, and fast. The one that does it all: FUJI or DRÖSSIGER. FUJI
DRÖSSIGER
Hybrid bike - Standard
FUJI OR DROESSIGER FITNESS - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The CTA models are the border crossers among everyday bikes. Fully equipped with mudguards, luggage rack and lights, they are ideal for city riding. But they don't stop there; the suspension fork and puncture-proof tyres are an invitation to go on a bike tour. So the Shimano drive helps you to discover new paths and constantly expand your bike radius.
Electric assist bike - Standard
DROESSIGER CTA SPORT 2 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (60€) 
Light, agile and above all fast, our racing bikes are tuned for speed. The simple and minimalist frame design is as relevant as the equipment.
Road bike - Standard
DROESSIGER ALU - ( or equivalent) with supplement (20€) 
You're looking for a bike that's aerodynamic, responsive and lightweight. With a geometry that allows a more relaxed position and a stable ride. The Quartz Disc racing bike incorporates a monocoque frame made entirely of carbon fiber using the frame's inner emptying technique.
Road bike - Performance
BH QUARTZ - ( or equivalent) with supplement (45€) 
Tandems are more popular than ever, because touring together on a bike is twice the fun. As usual, our tandems are available in two different versions. The Street Version combines roadworthy equipment with clever detail solutions for the luggage - so nothing stands in the way of extended tours.
Tandem bike - Standard
DROESSIGER TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
FUJI OR DROESSIGER FITNESS - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
You want a bike for fitness. You want a bike for commuting. You want a bike for your first charity ride. And you want it to be fun, and fast. The one that does it all: FUJI or DRÖSSIGER.
FUJI
- Frame : Aluminium
- Saddle : Oval Concepts
- Central motion : Shimano Acera 48-36-26
- Cog Set : 11-32, 9 speed
- Speed changer : Shimano Altus
- Brakes : Shimano, disc or V-brake
DRÖSSIGER
- Frame : Aluminium
- Saddle : Selle Italia ZOO
- Central motion : Shimano Deore 48-36-26
- Cog Set : 11-34, 10 speed
- Speed changer : Shimano Deore
- Brakes : Shimano, disc-brake
- Pannier rack
- Spare inner tube
- Bike lock
- Bike pump
- Km counter
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 31 Miles - 50 Km Elevation gain 1 : 531 Meters
Option 1: 26 Miles - 42 Km Elevation gain 1 : 343 Meters
Option 1: 35 Miles - 57 Km Elevation gain 1 : 277 Meters
Option 1: 22 Miles - 35 Km Elevation gain 1 : 368 Meters
Option 1: 24 Miles - 38 Km Elevation gain 1 : 157 Meters
Option 2: 34 Miles - 55 Km Elevation gain 2 : 600 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel,
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare and local transfers to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks with dinners
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own.
- You will find all information needed with our team support in your Roadbook.
- Wine tastings, entrance fees, tips
- City tax
- Anything not mentioned above, under "Rate includes".
Informations & Recommendations
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) |
| Standard | 1070 € | 235 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 20 € |
| Performance | 45 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 60 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
| Transfers | |
| From Catania airport to Palazzolo Acreide | 45 € |
| From Siracusa to Catania Airport | 35 € |
Rates per person, min 2 persons, for 1 person contact us.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions