Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Anapo Valley

Arrival to Catania airport and private transfer to your first of 2 night's accommodation in the Anapo Valley where you can enjoy the peace and the quietness of the countryside. An evening meal is included on this first night of your Sicilian adventure.

If you arrive too late for an evening meal, don't worry, as you will be entitled to enjoy a meal on the following evening.

Day 2:
Circular route around Anapo Valley, 39 miles (62km)

Your first bike ride will introduce you to the amazing landscape of the Iblei mountains and the picturesque little towns and villages of the area. You’ll visit Ferla, a small, pretty and unknown baroque town. This is a relaxing place to stop in one of the little bars and enjoy a cappuccino with a slice of typical almond cake. 

Alternatively, you could put on your walking shoes and spend the day hiking in the Anapo Valley. You will discover some famous old ruins and an amazing archaeological site where more than 5000 caves were dug in the stone by the Siculi. A guide to visit the area is available, if required. 

If you would like, it is also possible to arrange a Cooking class in traditional Sicilian cuisine in the late afternoon at approximately 6 p.m. Learn how to prepare an organic, Sicilian meal - from the garden to the dishes! If you choose this option it will include the evening meal.

As you are deep in the Sicilian countryside you will need to take your evening meal at the hotel where you can choose from an extensive menu. However, you may need to pay the hotel in cash for your meal so be prepared and have some Euros with you.

Day 3:
Anapo Valley to Palazzolo Acreide, 40 miles (64km)

Todays bike ride takes you through the Anapo Valley (you need the authorization of the Park rangers) to Palazzolo Acreide. In Palazzolo Acreide there is another interesting archaeological site to visit: Akrai. In Palazzolo you must stop to taste the amazing Cannoli in a small bar in the centre of the town and enjoy the slow pace of the Sicilian lifestyle.

Your accommodation is another amazing agriturismo 4 star hotel/farm where an evening meal will be provided for you. You can even indulge in a little winetasting to round off the day.

Day 4:
Palazzolo Acreide to Ragusa-Ibla, 22 miles (35km)

Another relaxing day of pedalling in the Iblei countryside will lead you to one of the baroque icons of this part of Sicily: Ibla. The sight of the jumble of houses, churches and civic palazzi piled on top of each other, clinging to the walls of the gorge, is really quite breathtaking. 

You’ll be astonished as you gaze at the imposing San Giorgio Duomo. Ibla is the real jewel you will discover once you’ve crossed the other side of Ragusa and having ridden along the winding road that leads to the Repubblica Square with the beautiful Purgatorio Church.

Accommodation for the night is in a 3 star hotel in town from where you can stroll around this historic town and decide where to eat.

Day 5:
Ragusa-Ibla to Noto, 21 miles (35km)

Today you ride by bike to Scicli (mostly downhill) and then take a train transfer to Noto, one of the pearls of baroque architecture in Sicily. You can also visit the Vendicari Nature Reserve, very famous for bird watching, or visit the Roman Villa of Tellaro, which is another interesting archaeological site.

Accommodation for the next 2 nights is in an amazing 4 star agriturismo hotel set in the countryside about 4 miles outside Noto. As you relax by the pool sipping some delicious Sicilian wine, you will notice that the only things you can hear are the birds and the waiter asking if you need a refill!

Your evening meal for the next 2 nights will need to be at the hotel. You will not be disappointed by the extensive menu - the difficulty will be the choice.

Day 6:
Rest Day in Noto

Today is a rest day. You can either just relax by the pool or you might prefer another bike ride. One option to consider is a bike loop to the ruins of Noto Antica. This is a hillyish route of approximately 30 km but very rewarding. 

Little is known about the origins of Noto Antica. The Siculs, Greeks, Arabs turned it into one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily, until the earthquake of 1693 reduced it to rubble. You can reach the ancient ruins via the Porta Reale gateway along a dirt road that overlooks the surrounding area of “cave” (canyons). 

Another option might be a visit to the Vendicari Nature Reserve where there are many varieties of birds to spot.

Day 7:
Noto to Syracuse, 22 miles (36km)

The final bike ride is an easy stage from Noto to Syracuse passing through Avola. Once in Syracuse, don’t miss the Greek theatre and the old area of Ortigia, the little Island close to the coast, linked by a short bridge to the town. This is the ancient heart of the city and you will want time to wander through the small streets and alleys inside the ancient city centre. 

Your final night is in Syracuse where you leave your bike at the hotel. You can take a walk into the ancient Ortigia in the evening and decide where you prefer to eat your last evening meal.

If you would prefer to spend your final night in a hotel in the ancient Ortigia, please let us know when you book as we may be able to arrange this for a supplement.

Day 8:
Departure from Syracuse

Departure from Syracuse.