Cycling Eastern Sicily

A New Sicilian Journey Through Time, Culture, and Coastal Beauty

Tourissimo has re-envisioned its Eastern Sicily cycling tour in a 5-night Magnifica Mini format to improve the rides and deliver the best possible bike experience while avoiding the more crowded areas affected by overtourism.

Discover one of the best cycling tours in Sicily with Tourissimo. This unforgettable Sicily bike tour combines scenic coastal rides, historic villages, world-class food and wine, and authentic Italian culture. Designed for travelers seeking an immersive cycling vacation in Sicily, this guided bike tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Mediterranean charm.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily, is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also steeped in history and vibrant culture. This enchanting destination boasts diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and valleys adorned with grapevines to miles of pristine aquamarine coastline.

On this journey, we will pedal back in time to uncover the colorful and enigmatic past that continues to shape the island. Whether you are looking for a Sicily cycling holiday, a guided cycling tour of Italy, or a premium Mediterranean bike vacation, this experience showcases the very best of southern Italy on two wheels.

With Tourissimo, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the real Sicily, a seductive Mediterranean island that has captivated conquerors and visitors for centuries.

Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans have all left their mark, creating a rich tapestry of culture. Our tour focuses on Sicily’s more authentic and less touristy regions, allowing you to connect more deeply with the island’s landscapes, traditions, and people. Here, you’ll:

Swim in crystal-clear waters.
Taste the finest local dishes and specialties.
Explore the UNESCO Architectural gems of Modica, Ragusa-Ibla, and Scicli.

A Feast for the Senses

Sicily is renowned for its Baroque and Norman architecture, its artistic contributions, and its culinary uniqueness. The island’s cuisine stands out, shaped by the many cultures that have influenced its history. You’ll savor dishes featuring fresh vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and artichokes, complemented by an abundance of seafood, pasta, and olive oil. Sicily’s citrus fruits, including lemons and oranges, alongside figs, almonds, and apricots, are celebrated as some of the finest in the world.

Not sure if you can do it? Contact us to schedule a call about how demanding the rides and hikes are or about reserving and E-bike.

Relevant Blog: Why Sicily is "Italy" without Being Italian

Dates:

Prices:

2027

USD 4,195

Private room (single supplement) USD 495

Flexible payment options are available.

Pay in your local currency!

Duration:

6 days (5 nights)

Level:

Active

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AMAZING! Loved the riding, hotels, experiences etc. etc.
Cannot thank you enough!

Kathy Burges Sicily East Private

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Day by Day

[fa icon="plus"] Day 1 - Arrival and Warmup Ride

Warmup ride 15 - Rolling

This morning, we will pick you up in Catania and drive to the rugged Iblei mountains between Syracuse and Buccheri.

Our first ride will take place among olive groves and orchards and around the hills surrounding our farm stay. Enjoy the relaxed pace of the Sicilian countryside, pace yourself, and take your time when climbing a ridge road with expansive views of Etna in the backdrop.

Back at the hotel, a welcome aperitivo will be served while we have a tour overview. Our first dinner will showcase some traditional dishes paired with the fine wines of Etna (volcanic soil).

[fa icon="plus"] Day 2 - Buccheri to Noto (the Hyblaean Mountains)

Buccheri - Noto - 37 or 45 mls - Rolling

Today, we embark on our bike journey, departing from Buccheri and venturing into rural Sicily. Our route promises breathtaking views as we traverse beautiful valleys, verdant hills, and quaint canyons. We are venturing into the Monti Iblei (Hyblaean Mountains), a high plateau in southeastern Sicily.

The landscape undergoes a gradual transformation, integrating gentle hills adorned with Mediterranean vegetation into spare woods intricately woven with traditional dry stone walls. The local scenery features olive trees, vines, citrus fruit, almonds, and scattered sheep.

For lunch, we stop at an organic farm spanning 100 acres, predominantly cultivated with olive trees, carob trees, and almond trees. Additionally, the farm is home to free-range chickens and more than one hundred sheep.

Concetto, the owner, and his family have been running the business for more than three generations. Our youthful hosts are knowledgeable and hospitable, and their passion for their work is truly infectious. We'll join the family in their daily activities, like cheesemaking and sharing a simple local family lunch.

Our accommodation for the night is the enchanting Villa Favorita, a rustic villa boasting a pool and commanding a stunning view of Noto.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 3 - Noto to Ragusa via Modica

Noto - Ragusa - 35 or 45 mls - Rolling

We leave Noto behind and climb until we reach Modica, one of the most picturesque towns in Sicily. The approach to Modica becomes increasingly dramatic as we descend into the center filled with baroque architecture. During our stop in Modica, we visit the Bonaiuto chocolate shop, one of the oldest on the island. Modica's chocolate is distinguished by an ancient and original recipe involving manual grinding (rather than conching), imparting a unique grainy texture and aromatic flavor. It stands out as one of the island's specialties.

In just a few miles, we arrive in Ragusa-Ibla, a highlight of the tour. Free time in the afternoon for exploration. Ibla, an ancient town, stands as an architectural treasure where every building showcases typical Sicilian Baroque style (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Take a moment to appreciate the palaces, their distinctive doorways, and balconies.

The setting of our hotel in the Iblei Garden is stunning. It is a former convent (Capuchin friars). No doubt, we are in the right place for another magic Sicilian night.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 4 - Ragusa to the Countryside of Scicli

Ragusa - Scicli - 21 or 30 mls ride - Rolling

We say goodbye to Ragusa Ibla and, after just a few miles, arrive in Scicli, another remarkable example of Sicilian Baroque architecture rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake. Slightly more under the radar than Modica or Ragusa, Scicli remains one of our favorite corners of the island for its authentic atmosphere and effortless beauty. We pause in the lively Piazza Municipio for a cappuccino or gelato before continuing our ride.

A gentle two-mile climb brings us back into the countryside, where the landscape becomes again unmistakably Mediterranean: agave plants lining the roads, eucalyptus swaying in the breeze, carob trees, dry-stone walls, and centuries-old olive groves stretching across the hills.

Today’s beautiful ride ends at Relais Chiaramonte, perched in a panoramic position between the Hyblaean hills and the Mediterranean coast. From the terraces and infinity pool, the views sweep across the Irminio Valley and the sunlit Sicilian countryside, with the sea shimmering in the distance on clear days. As evening falls, golden light settles over the rolling hills, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the land.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 5 - Scicli - Punta Secca loop

Scicli - Punta Secca loop - 30 or 40 mls - Rolling

We start today’s ride with a pleasant downhill toward the coast. The landscape consists of tiny farms, pastures, and greenhouses. The economy here is all about agriculture and tourism - in the Summer months - on the coast. We reach Punta Secca and its lighthouse.

If you are familiar with the literary phenomenon that is Commissario Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano) by Camilleri (also a TV series), take note of Montalbano's home facing the water. His meditative swims were made legendary by the author's pen. Did you bring your swimming gear?

We climb back up the valley with great views of the Irminio River Canyon until we reach our lunch spot: a farm that is all about herbs and aromas. For sure, a visionary concept but, trust us, well worth the visit. A stop in the village of Scicli will top off the day.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 6 - Departure

Today we say goodbye to Sicily (unless you are extending your stay) and join our group transfer to Catania Airport.

Optional trip extension: Explore Mount Etna
Hike dramatic volcanic terrain on Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Overnight stay at a wine resort featuring the famed Etna wines.

INFINITO CV

Bianchi Via Nirone S

• Two professional tour guides throughout the program

• All accommodations with breakfast

• All lunches and 4 dinners

• Wine and beer with meals, coffee, cappuccino, and gelato stops

• Visit and lunch at a family farm

• Logistical support during the tour and luggage transfer

• Walking tour of Ragusa Ibla

• Shuttle at the beginning and at the end of the tour

• All activities mentioned in the day-by-day description

• Bianchi bike rental and GPS navigation

• Airfare

• Pre-tour hotel stays and post-tour hotel stays
• E-bike upgrade
• Guide gratuity

More Info

Food and Wine

Sicilian cuisine shows traces of all of the cultures which established themselves on the island over the last two millennia. Although its cuisine has a lot in common with mainland Italian cuisine, Sicilian food also has Greek, Spanish, French and Arab influences. The use of apricots, sugar, citrus, sweet melons, rice, saffron, raisins, nutmeg, clove, pepper, pine nuts, cinnamon (along with fried preparations) is a sign of Arab influences from the Arab domination of Sicily in the 10th and 11th centuries. Norman influences are also found, such as in the fondness for meat dishes. Later, the Spanish introduced numerous items from the New World, including cocoa, corn, peppers, and tomatoes. In Catania, on the east coast, initially settled by Greek colonists, fish, olives, broad beans, pistachio and fresh vegetables are preferred instead. Much of the island's cuisine encourages the use of fresh vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, and fish such as tuna, cuttlefish, and swordfish. In Trapani, in the extreme western corner of the island, North African influences are clear in the use of couscous. Sicily is a wine-lover's paradise; such is the variety, complexity and abundance of Bacchus' unique gift! There are 23 DOC zones in Sicily: Alcamo,Contea di Sclafani, Contessa Entellina, Delia Nivolelli, Eloro, Erice, Etna, Faro, Malvasia delle Lipari, Mamertino di Milazzo, Marsala, Menfi, Monreale, Moscato di Noto, Moscato di Pantelleria, Passito di Pantelleria, Moscato di Siracusa, Riesi, Salaparuta, Sambuca di Sicilia, Santa Margherita di Belice, Sciacca and Vittoria. Many grape types are grown, used either in purezza (single grape variety wines), or blended. Some have been around for centuries while others are more recent imports. The following are some of the main varieties: red grapes - Nero D’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Mantellato, Perricone, Frappato, Calabrese and the more recently introduced Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz (Syrah); white grapes - Cataratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, Zibibbo, Damaschino, Trebbiano, Ausonica, Moscato Bianco, Carricante, Corinto Nero and the more recently introduced Chardonnay, Viognier and Fiano. Sicily has the most Slow Food Presidia (local projects) of all of the Italian regions. That means that the island has lots to offer in terms of gastronomical discoveries ranging from greens and vegetables to cheese and artisanal bread.