Tour of Sicily

Scheduled

5 nights

Intermediate

282 km

5560 m

Palermo - Sicily
ItalyTour of Sicily

Summary

Join us on on the beautiful island of Sicily and discover the beautiful cycling, landscapes, history & architecture. Our journey begins in the incredible gold town of Noto, a UNESCO heritage site full of Baroque architecture. After a day trip to the coastal town of Marzamemi ride inland to Buccheri, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. For our grand finale we transfer east to climb the slopes of the iconic Mount Etna and enjoy the riding in the north of the island.

This is a tour for people who enjoy great riding, fabulous food and local hospitalty. Stay in historic buildings, see archeological wonders from the bronze age, Romans & Greeks and indulge the delicious local cuisine of Sicily.

DURATION

6 days / 5 nights

DISTANCE

282 km

HOTELS
★★★★★
REGION

Italy

Terrain

Road

LEVEL

Intermediate

Average Distance X DAY

57 km

Average Time X DAY

2 h 50 min

PRICE PER PERSON FROM€ 3.899
Book now with a 30% DEPOSITfrom € 1170

TOUR highlights

Visit Noto and Cafe Sicilia

Stay in Buccheri, one of Italy's most beautiful villages

Taste Siclian wines, made from vines grown in the fertile volcanic soil around Etna

Stay on an organic farm and enjoy farm to table dining

Climb the active volcano of Mount Etna

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Intermediate

Rated 2 out of 4 our Intermediate tours are designed for sporty people who are looking to enjoy some more challenging rides. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Welcome to Sicily!

Be ready to meet at 11:00 am at Catania Central Station for a transfer to Noto. After a light bite to eat we'll get set up and ready to ride!

EAT

Welcome lunch | Evening meal

SLEEP

Gagliardi Boutique Hotel

CYCLE

Warm-up ride, 50 km, 760 m

Day 1

Marzamemi coastal ride

Ride south from Noto to explore the coast and head to picturesque town of Marzamemi for lunch. On our return to Noto we'll make a beeline for Café Sicilia to celebrate our arrival with traditional Sicilian pastries.

EAT

Breakfast | Picnic lunch | Free night in Noto

SLEEP

Gagliardi Boutique Hotel

CYCLE

Marzamemi, 70 km, 600 m

Day 1

Noto to Buccheri

Today ride through the Vall de Noto to the historic town of Buccheri, a member of 'Italy's most beautiful villages' association and located in the Hyblaean Mountains. Climb out of Noto and enjoy views unflold, ride along the top & descend past the Necropoli di Castelluccio, an ancient archeological site from the bronze age. Located on the slopes of Mount Lauro Buccheri has a rich and ancient past, with archaeological evidence of Sicilians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Destroyed during the earthquake of 1693, Buccheri was rebuilt on the same site. Our hosts tonight are Irene & Alessandro at the Masseria Zafferaneto farm stay, a farm which has cultivated Saffron for more than 20 years. Immerse in rural Sicily and enjoy farm to table dining.

EAT

Breakfast | Picnic lunch | Evening meal

SLEEP

Masseria Zafferaneto

CYCLE

Noto to Buccheri, 56 km, 1,100 m

Day 1

The Queen Stage - Mount Etna

After breakfast we transfer north back towards Catania and the foothills of Mount Etna. For our grand finale we climb Mount Etna to the Rifugio Sapienza. Etna is a climb used by the Giro d'Italia. It's the largest of 3 active volcano's in Italy - erruptions in 2021 caused the volcano to grown 30 m in height! The fertile volcanic soils produced from the nearly constant eruptions have led to extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. In June 2013, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

EAT

Breakfast | Picnic lunch | Evening meal

SLEEP

Tenuta de Edone

CYCLE

Mount Etna, 42 km, 1,800 m

Day 1

The Mediterranean Coast

For our grand final enjoy a stunning ride in the hills above the mediterranean coast. Enjoy a final evening together at our wine hotel and share memories of an amazing week together in Sicily!

EAT

Breakfast | Picnic lunch | Evening meal

SLEEP

Tenuta de Edone

CYCLE

Coastal Loop Ride, 64 km, 1,300 m

Day 1

Departures

Sadly, it's time to say goodbye! There is a group transfer to Catania Central Station at 10:00 am.

EAT

Breakfast

SLEEP

-

CYCLE

-

THE TOUR
IN DETAIL

RIDE SUPPORT

Full Support

Enjoy small group sizes and professional, personal support all week from your guides & support vehicle.

We work with an industry leading guide to guest ratio – expect up to 4 guests per guide on the trip with guides leading the way on the road and a support vehicle close by at all times. Note that for groups of 4 riders or less this tour is run as a guided trip without the support vehicle.

The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.

Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.

All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.

HOTELS

Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change

BIKE HIRE

Not included
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €40 per day

Basso Astra

The best all-rounder for long-distance comfort, the Basso Astra as a Campagnolo 12spd Wireless Groupset (48-32 || 10-29) and a Microtech RE38 Wheelset

Basso Diamante

The ulitmate Italian climbing bike from Basso. Equipped with Campagnolo 12spd Wireless Groupset (48-32 || 10-29) and Campagnolo WTO Wheelset

Premium Upgrade

THE GUIDES

Emanuela

Emanuela is Italian and after many years living in Barcelona relocated to Mallorca. She started triathlon 10 years ago and has made it her life! Alongside guiding Emanuela hosts guests from all over the world in her Airbnb.

Emanuela-Eat-Sleep-Cycle-Guide-Mallorca
Mario

During the past 10 years, Mario has lived in different countries, but now he's back home in Conegliano to ride every steep hill in the area! Despite his focus on road cycling, he's had some amazing moments with his beloved steel gravel bike! Mario has been a member of the ESC Team since 2019 and couldn't be happier! He looks forward to seeing you on the road soon!

Details

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION

HOW TO GET HERE

Arrive to Catania Airport

MEETING POINT

Catania Centrale Train Station

TIME

11:00 am

DEPARTURE

10:00 am - group shuttle to Catania Centrale Train Station

WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES

CYCLING

Full Support

ACCOMMODATION

4* Hotels

FOOD

Full board

TRANSFERS

Group arrival & departure transfers from Catania centre

BIKE RENTAL

Bike hire is available on request

EAT SLEEP CYCLE LOCATION

ESC Italy

Italia! Pizza! Pasta! The Giro! Italy is a classic cycling destination with a huge variety of landscapes to explore & a history steeped in cycling culture. Italy is best enjoyed from April through to June and in the Autumn months.

View our Italy YouTube video

Ready
to ride?

RESERVATION
& PAYMENT

If you have any questions about our tours, dates, or anything else, contact us here
/1
DEPOSIT

A 30% deposit will secure your place on the tour

/2
FINAL BALANCE

The final balance is due 90 days before the tour departs

Single Occupancy:  PLUS €799
Monday

12 May 2025

Saturday

17 May 2025

€3.899Book now
Monday

2 June 2025

Saturday

7 June 2025

€3.899Book now
Monday

20 October 2025

Saturday

25 October 2025

€3.899Book now
Monday

3 November 2025

Saturday

8 November 2025

€3.899Book now
Start

Custom

Finish

Custom

€ Custom
MORE INFO

Any Questions?CONTACT US

FAQs

1

What happens if I need to cancel the trip?

We have a flexible cancelation policy – please take a look at our cancellation policy at the time of booking. If you have any doubts please reach out and we’re happy to help.

1

Is the tour the right level for me?

We rate our tours from Level 1 (Leisure) to Level 4 (Epic). Each tour contains a description of the level, expected daily ride time, distance and elevation. If you have any doubts we’re more that happy to speak to you on the phone and help to find you the perfect trip!

1

What about bikes? Can I hire one or should I bring my own?

We recommend that you hire a bike for your tour and will work with you after you book to help you to choose the best size and model for your ride style. If you prefer to bring your bike, it’s no problem. Please be aware that on some of our epic trips we charge a supplement to transport your bike box to our finishing location. If you have any doubts, please ask!

1

Is insurance included?

Insurance is not included in our tour packages. We highly recommend contracting travel insurance at the time of reservation with a company from where you are from.

Health insurance which covers you for illness or injury whilst cycling in your chosen destination is mandatory, we’ll ask you for details of your insurance providor before you travel.

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