Sublime Sicily

Unique in every detail, Sicily means magical landscapes, stunning architecture and delicious food, with enchanting villages beneath majestic Mount Etna.

Make no mistake about it - Sicily moves to its own rhythm, distinct from the rest of Italy. From its bold flavours and unique dialect to its deep-rooted traditions, the island offers a one-of-a-kind experience - and there's no better way to discover its charm than on two wheels.

Our tour begins in Catania, a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, breathtaking beaches, and proximity to the iconic Mount Etna. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, cycling Sicily offers something for every rider, with diverse terrain and scenic routes that showcase the island’s natural beauty. Our Sicily bike tours also include plenty of off-the-bike experiences, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s rich art, history, and culture. If you’ve ever wondered when is the best time to visit Sicily, spring and autumn offer ideal weather for an unforgettable holiday.

So, when to visit Sicily? The answer is now. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and explore Sicily by bike - you've never deserved a getaway more.

  • START LINE: Catania
  • FINISH LINE: Catania
  • TOTAL DISTANCE: 281 km
  • TOTAL ASCENT: 5530 m
Wine Tasting
Mount Etna
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Guided Rides
Transfers
Home of the Godfather

 

The Perfect Cycling Holiday

Is this what I’m looking for?  

  • Riding with some challenge.
  • Beautiful and historical towns.
  • Amazing food, weather and views.
  • Stopping for a coffee on my rides to take it all in.
  • Meeting new people and sharing my cycling experiences with them.

Magical & Unforgettable

What to look forward to…

  • Amazing riding through UNESCO heritage towns and villages.
  • Riding up the world famous Mount Etna.
  • Wine tasting and vineyard tour at our favourite Sicilian maker.
  • Enjoying amazing food and drink with new friends.
  • The famous Sicily weather gently warming you as you ride.
  • Visit the Piazza where some of "The Godfather" was filmed.


Stages of your Tour

  1. Welcome ride marzamemi

    45 km | 280 m elevation

    After meeting at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, we head south along the Ionian Sea, once ploughed by merchant ships from the Byzantine Empire. On the way we pass the town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the magic of its architecture. Our destination is the gorgeous Zahir Country House Hotel, with its spa, pool and nearby beach. After the bike build and fitting session, we stretch our legs with a coffee ride to the tiny fishing port of Marzamemi, built in the years when the Spanish ruled the island.

    Zahir Country House | Noto

  2. south coast loop

    66 km | 740 m elevation

    Today’s flat ride takes us to Modica, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site of the trip (and it’s only day two)! Set on a vast plateau furrowed by fast-flowing rivers into deep canyons, Modica is celebrated for its Baroque architecture but also for a performance-enhancing substance dear to everyone who has ever ridden a bike: chocolate! It has been prepared here the way the Aztecs taught the Spanish in the 16th century, when the Spanish ruled Sicily. The locals show it off in an annual international chocolate trade show, Choco Barocco.


    Zahir Country House | Noto

  3. barocco medieval ride

    39 km | 950 m elevation

    Today’s rolling ride sends us tumbling through space-time the way only Sicily can. The walled town of Noto Antica was built by the Greeks, fortified by the Romans and elaborated by the Arabs before the 1693 earthquake paradoxically preserved it for future generations. From Noto Antica we ride over to the town of Palazzolo Acreide, mentioned in Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War”, written 400 years BC. Surrounded by breath-taking archaeology, Palazzolo’s 18th century Basilicas are inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. We dine as the sun sets over magical Siracusa.


    Zahir Country House | Noto

  4. taormina discovery ride

    40 km | 750 m elevation

    We change hotels to the Capotaormina in Taormina, then enjoy a relaxing day exploring this magical corner of Sicily. Today’s ride will be an easy and scenic one, following the coastline and taking in the beauty of the Ionian Sea. The day is dedicated to relaxation — pedaling along the shore, savoring local flavors, and discovering the charm of Taormina, a timeless city that has inspired artists and travelers for centuries, with the sea to the east and majestic Mount Etna to the west.


    UNAHOTELS | Capotaormina

  5. The GODFATHER RIDE

    57 km | 1110 m elevation

    If you have seen Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, you already know some of today’s 50 km hilly ride. The fictional village of Corleone was actually a composite of several of today’s destinations, Forza d’Agro and astonishing Savoca, which is listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages but is really a collection of about 100 tiny hamlets, set on rocky hillside. The bar where Michael Corleone first spoke to Mr Vitelli, Apollonia's father, is really Savoca’s 18th-century Palazzo Trimarchi. You can’t come to Sicily and not pay it a visit!


    UNAHOTELS | Capotaormina

  6. Castelmola Sunshine ride

    15 km | 350 m elevation

    Start your day early to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as you pedal through the scenic coastal roads. The morning ride leads you to Castelmola, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, where you can pause for a coffee and take in breathtaking views of Taormina and the Ionian Sea. Afterward, return to the hotel in time for check-out and prepare for your transfer to Catania Airport, bringing this unforgettable Sicilian cycling experience to a close. There’s every chance you’ll still be working it out on your next Italy Bike Tours holiday!


BIKE HIRE

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire us an email and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!


Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. Lightweight, aerodynamic and above and great handling.

FROM €50 PER DAY

3T Ultra - one of the finest gravel bikes in the world from one of the most popular brands in Italy. A dream to ride on the gravel and the road!

FROM €50 PER DAY

Specialized Vado Turbo SL - Our fantastic E-City bike with the quality, range and handling you’d expect from Specialized. A great option for those seeking a little assistance.

FROM €65 PER DAY

Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assistant road bikeS are a real ‘game changer’.

FROM €65 PER DAY

 
V3 Specs
X

COLNAGO V3

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
  • Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
  • Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
  • (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
3T ULTRA Specs
X

3T ULTRA

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano GRX 822 1x - 40T 1x Chainset, 12 Speed 10-51T Cassette
  • Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
  • Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Selle Italia Model X Superflow
  • Sizes: 48 - 61
VADO TURBO SPECS
X

SPECIALIZED TURBO VADO SL EBIKE

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM NX 11-SPEED DRIVETRAIN (44T 1X CHAINRING AND 11-42T CASSETTE)
  • TEKTRO HD-R290 HYDRAULIC BRAKES
  • 320wh battery with 180 km range in assist mode
  • (Sizes: S,M, L) STEP THROUGH OPTION AVAILABLE
NAVIR ION SPECS

DATES AND AVAILABILITY 2026

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Dates Price Availability
Sun 05 Apr - Fri 10 Apr From €3149
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Sun 19 Apr - Fri 24 Apr From €3449
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Sun 03 May - Fri 08 May From €3699
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Sun 17 May - Fri 22 May From €3999
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Sun 14 Jun - Fri 19 Jun From €3999
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Sun 05 JuL - Fri 10 Jul From €3999
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Sun 06 Sep - Fri 11 Sep From €3999
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Sun 20 Sep - Fri 25 Sep From €3999
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Sun 04 Oct - Fri 09 Oct From €3699
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Sun 18 Oct - Fri 23 Oct From €3499
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Sun 01 Nov - Fri 06 Nov From €3149
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What’s included?

  • 5 nights' 4* accommodation
  • Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
  • All breakfasts
  • 4 dinners
  • Water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package
  • Experienced guide for the entire trip
  • Mechanical and van support for the entire trip with snacks and water
  • Visit magical places including the ancient city of Noto, Syracuse (Ortigia Island) and the Pearl of Sicily, Taormina
  • 6 beautiful rides on the rolling hills of the stunning Sicilian coast
  • Wine tasting and vineyard tour
  • Bike cleaning service
  • IBT cycling jersey
  • IBT water bottle
  • City taxes

What’s not included?

  • Travel Insurance (must be purchased before tour)
  • Flights
  • Bike hire
  • Beverages
  • Lunches
  • Nutrition
  • Tips and gratuities
 
 

The nuts and Bolts

Useful information about your holiday

Still Undecided?

Here is what our clients say about this tour…

One of best trips of all time,! Clive and team at IBT have put together an amazing trip.great rides superb food ,top acomadation. Christian and Alberto absolute top guides. Very caring,helpful and lots fun. As an older rider have been on lots of guided tours with other operators and I have never experienced such a group like these guys. I’ll be back next year.

Rob and Lynn | sublime sicily | october 2024

Where to Meet

Please arrange to meet us at Catania Airport (CTA) around 12:00 lunchtime (Day 1). 24 hours before meeting we will contact you via WhatsApp to confirm the name of staff meeting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur a cost.

Drop off Location

Following the conclusion of the tour we will assist you with planning and booking of onward travel. We will run one transfer to Catania Airport (CTA) leaving in the late morning.

Transfer Time

Please consider eating something before we collect you from Catania Airport. The transfer time to the first hotel is around 50 minutes. On day four there will be a transfer from Noto to Taormina which is approximatley 1 hour.

Riding in Sicily

The general road conditions in Sicily are very good. One must consider that the roads are shared with car owners and bikers. For this reason some of our rides start earlier and later to enjoy the quietest times if necessary.

Cuisine

The food is excellent Sicily. The typical dishes include sea food, pasta with fish and cannolo. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. The local wine is red and typically with a strong aromatic flavor.

Hotel Facilities

The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. The hotels also have laundry service, good WiFi and bar service. The hotels may charge extra for the use of these facilities.

Private Tours & Groups

We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you a private tour should you be in a group of more than six people. The private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements.

Weather

The weather in Sicily is very good most of the summer, with it getting very warm and sunny in July and August. Our highly experienced guides and tour managers will ensure that you have the best experience, tailoring ride start times and breaks to suit the conditions

What happens next?

Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page.

 

Hotels

Zahir Country House

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

 

Similar Tours


 

Get In Touch

If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.

ITA: +39 320 638 4713

Or you can chat to us online also by clicking the button at bottom right of page.

Drop us a direct email to info@italybiketours.com