Day 1: Welcome to Sicily | Palazzolo Acreide
Your journey begins at an agriturismo in the area of Palazzolo Acreide, a beautiful Baroque town nestled in the hills of southeastern Sicily and surrounded by a landscape of olive groves, dry-stone walls and quiet country roads. After arriving and settling into your accommodation, we’ll meet for a bike fitting and tour briefing. Depending on arrival times, there may be an opportunity for a short warm-up ride through the countryside surrounding Palazzolo, the perfect way to become familiar with your bike and get your first taste of riding in Sicily. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Sicilian dishes and local products. It’s the perfect introduction to the flavors, landscapes and relaxed rhythm that will accompany us throughout the week.
Day 2: Palazzolo Acreide to Ragusa Ibla | Into the Heart of Baroque Sicily – Distance 45 km, Elevation gain: 650 meters
Today we leave Palazzolo Acreide and ride deep into the Monti Iblei, one of Sicily’s most rewarding areas for cycling. Our route follows small country roads through a timeless rural landscape dotted with stone farmhouses, ancient olive trees, carob trees and the characteristic dry-stone walls of southeastern Sicily. The terrain is wonderfully varied, with rolling hills, quiet valleys and a succession of climbs and descents that make this a beautiful day on the bike. Our destination today is Ragusa Ibla, dramatically built along the slopes of a limestone gorge. Along the way, we’ll stop at a family-run farm producing goat cheese, ancient grains, and olive oil, an opportunity to learn more about these traditional local products and the people behind them. After a guided visit to the farm, we’ll enjoy lunch featuring their own products before getting back on our bikes and continuing our ride to the beautiful Baroque town of Ragusa Ibla. Approaching the town by bike offers one of the most memorable views of the trip. After checking in, there will be time to explore Ibla’s maze of narrow streets, elegant palaces and small piazzas before dinner.
Day 3: Cycling the Iblean Countryside | Ragusa Ibla Loop Distance 56 km, Elevation gain: 920 meters
Today we stay in Ragusa for a second night, giving us the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful loop ride without packing our bags. We’ll head into the countryside surrounding Ragusa, where cycling is defined by quiet roads, rolling farmland and extraordinary limestone scenery. This is the land of Ragusano cheese, carob trees and traditional masserie, where agriculture has shaped both the landscape and local culture for centuries. Our ride includes another Baroque gem of this corner of Sicily: Modica, a beautiful town famous not only for its architecture but also for its distinctive chocolate tradition. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to taste the renowned Modica chocolate, still made using an ancient cold-processing method introduced during the period of Spanish rule and inspired by techniques originally used by the Aztecs. The ride combines flowing sections with some rewarding climbs, offering constantly changing views across the Hyblaean plateau. Back in Ragusa Ibla, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy one of Sicily’s most atmospheric historic centers, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of late Baroque architecture.
Day 4: Ragusa Ibla to Scicli | From the Hills toward the Mediterranean Distance 69 km Elevation gain: 725 meters
Leaving Ragusa behind, we continue south through the countryside toward Scicli, another jewel of the Val di Noto. The landscape gradually changes as we descend from the interior toward the Mediterranean. Along the way, we ride through small villages and open countryside where traditional farms, olive groves and stone walls accompany us almost continuously. Scicli appears almost unexpectedly, nestled at the meeting point of several limestone valleys. Its historic center is one of the most beautiful in southeastern Sicily, with elegant churches and palaces lining Via Francesco Mormina Penna. After the ride, there will be time to wander through its atmospheric streets before to enjoy dinner together.
Day 5 – Scicli to Noto | Cycling between the Countryside and the Sea Distance: 52 km, Elevation Gain: 600 meters
Today’s ride takes us east toward Noto, combining the rural character of the Iblean countryside. Leaving Scicli, we pedal through a landscape of farms, olive and almond trees before reaching stretches closer to the sea. Our destination is perhaps the most celebrated Baroque town in Sicily. Rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1693, Noto was conceived almost as a theatrical stage, with honey-colored limestone buildings glowing in the afternoon sun. After checking in, take time to walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admire the cathedral and elegant palazzi, and experience the lively atmosphere of the town as evening approaches.
Day 6: Noto to Ortigia | The Grand Finale by the Sea Distance: 55 km, Elevation gain: 700 meters
Our final ride brings together many of the elements that make southeastern Sicily so special: Baroque towns, Mediterranean landscapes, quiet back roads and the sea. We leave Noto and head north toward Syracuse, with opportunities to enjoy the coastal landscape along the way. As we approach the city, our destination is Ortigia, the ancient island at the historical heart of Syracuse. Arriving in Ortigia by bike is a fitting finale to the journey. More than 2,500 years of history are layered into its streets, from Greek civilization to Baroque Sicily, while the Mediterranean surrounds the old town on almost every side. After completing our ride and checking into the hotel, we’ll have time to explore Ortigia on foot, perhaps visiting Piazza Duomo, wandering through the old Jewish quarter or enjoying an aperitivo overlooking the sea. Tonight, we celebrate our Sicilian cycling adventure together with a farewell dinner and a toast to six days of riding, discovery, food and friendship.
Day 7 – Departure
We will organize a group transfer to the Catania airport after breakfast. If you would like us to arrange an extra night for you in Ortigia, just let us know and this can be arranged.
