Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is separated from the Italian peninsula by a narrow strait. Cycling in Sicily Baroque, you’ll feel how different cultures, like Greek, Italian, Arab, and Normand, can merge, creating a mosaic of history, architecture, and traditions that is uniquely Sicilian.
During this self-guided bike tour, we’ll explore the beautiful Baroque cities of Scicli, Modica, Ragusa, and Noto. The Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina and the luxurious Ortigia island in Siracusa bring us back to time during the Greek and Roman empires.
Optionally, you can end your bike holiday in Sicily by riding up Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, and an iconic climb of the Giro d’Italia.
This tour has also a guided version, check here.
Sicily Baroque Self-Guided
From Piazza Armerina to Siracusa
A Self-Guided Bike Tour is a type of cycling adventure where you have the freedom to plan and navigate at your pace. Our dedicated tour guide and support team will handle hotel bookings, logistics, and baggage transport, ensuring you enjoy a hassle-free and carefree experience.
Stages up to 50 km per day with a maximum of 600 meters of climbing. They are conceived for guests that ride their bikes twice per week on roads without major climbs. Usually, you are back at the hotel in the early afternoon.
30 – 65 km / day
In: Catania (Google Map)
Out: Catania (Google Map)
Piazza Armerina is the first stop on your self-guided bike tour in Sicily. It’s a small town in the Sicilian countryside, about an hour’s transfer from Catania airport. Your warm and welcoming hotel, surrounded by lush greenery, will immediately give you a taste of the aristocratic traditions and culture of Sicily.
After the check-in and the briefing, where we’ll discuss the day-to-day itinerary, we’ll proceed with the bike fitting, followed by a warm-up ride to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. This monument is the area’s most significant attraction, boasting some of the best-preserved mosaics from Roman times.
For dinner, a family-run restaurant will introduce you to authentic Sicilian cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients. A red wine from nearby vineyards perfectly complements the meal.
Overnight: Caltagirone
Included: Breakfast
The countryside between Caltagiorone and Ragusa is home of three of the main Sicilian products: olive oil, wine, and citrus fruits. Cycling through the first level terrain, you’ll gradually climb towards the Hyblean plateau, with its white limestone walls overlooking the valley below.
The last climb leads you to Ragusa, one of the most stunning baroque cities in Sicily. Its world-renowned historic center, Ibla, is a part of UNESCO’s heritage. The new city, where you’ll be spending the night, was entirely reconstructed in a modern style after the devastating earthquake of 1693.
Overnight: Ragusa
Included: Breakfast/dinner
Overnight: Ragusa
Included: Breakfast
Three baroque cities today: Ragusa, Palazzolo Acreide, and Noto.
As you leave Ragusa, ride through the serene countryside roads dotted by olive trees and the traditional dry-stone walls, a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Your ride takes a delightful turn as you approach Palazzolo Acreide, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This extraordinary place rich in history brings to life all the charm of an ancient site well integrated with the most recent architecture.
From Palazzolo Acreide, a downhill ride leads you straight to the heart of Noto. As you enter the town, the majestic Baroque cathedral stands as a beacon, its intricate stonework and grand spires a sight. Reward yourself with a scoop (or two!) of the region’s finest ice cream, a sweet end to a memorable ride.
Overnight: Noto
Included: Breakfast
Uphill as a start stint of today, but the strenuous effort, however, will be worth it as the magnificent view from the plateau of the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve stretches to the sea.
As we cycle alongside it, adventurous ones may venture inside and explore the reserve’s river and lakes, where swimming is also possible.
Our destination lies on the sea, and upon reaching the end of the plateau, a beautiful downhill will lead you to Syracuse and the island of Ortigia, the historic center and birthplace of Archimedes, a renowned mathematician and philosopher.
Ortigia remains a testament to its Hellenic past, with the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Apollo still visible in the Cathedral’s distinct Doric columns.
Before exclaiming “Eureka! Eureka!”, enjoy an aperitif while taking in the breathtaking sights, as your Sicilian Baroque bike tour culminates in one of the most historically evocative locations in the entire Mediterranean.
Overnight: Siracusa
Included: Breakfast
Why not consider extending your holiday?
Today marks the day of departure. Following breakfast, a transfer lasting approximately 1 hour will transport you to Catania Airport for your final goodbyes.
Alternatively, you may choose to extend your holiday with two unforgettable experiences: cycling on Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, where one of the epic climbs of the Giro d’Italia is located, or diving into the glamor of Taormina, with its ancient Greek theater and picturesque beaches. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not both? Inform our booking team of your intention to extend your stay or add it during the booking process, and you won’t regret it!
Included: Breakfast
You can bring your own bike or rent one from us, we offer great bikes from selected Italian and international brands: road bikes, leisure cycling, mountain bikes, e-bikes, all in perfect working conditions. You can book your rental bike at the end of the reservation process.
Atop the Rock of Taormina, the Splendid Hotel captures center stage for its impressive panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, just minutes from the city’s charming old town and the famous Greek Theatre.
Nestled within the heart of the authentic Sicilian countryside at just one km from Baroque Noto, Villa Landolina is an unforgettable gateway for discovering an incredibly unspoiled and typical landscape, more and more rare to find in our modern world.
The villa is an historic residence with elegant and romantic rooms. Few steps from the historic centre, and with a beautiful garden.
In a strategic position, in front of the Archaeological Park, the Greek Theater, and a walking distance from Ortigia. Contemporary design, with panoramic swimming pool and solarium, SPA, fitness area.
Villa Trigona is an excellent base for cycle tourists. An old Villa with a garden and pool close to the famous UNESCO site Villa Romana del Casale.
Just few steps away from Noto cathedral, with wellness area, an excellent restaurant and a splendid swimming pool.
Located in a strategic position for your bike rides, the hotel overlooks the southern side of Etna. A lovely SPA is waiting you for an after bicycle relax.
We are humans, we are locals, we are bike guides.
We take care to provide a tour customized for you.
Let’s do a chat and book a free call with us today!
In our private bike tours, you can:
