Cycling in Sicily

• Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
• Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
• Group normally 6 to 16. Minimum age: 16
• 95 percent paved; generally quiet, rural and rolling roads
• Local bike hire included
• E-bikes available for an additional cost

All breakfasts and one dinner are included. Sicilian cuisine is a mix of the different cultures that have called this island home over the millennia: from the Greek and Arabs to the Normans and Spaniards. Soil here is incredibly fertile, with a perfect climate for the cultivation of fresh produce, such as olives, oranges, lemons, aubergines (eggplant), tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more. Additionally, mussels, clams, tuna, swordfish and anchovies are fished right off the coast. This wide range of high-quality ingredients serves as a base for myriad dishes, resulting in a cuisine that’s fresh, varied and delicious. Sicilian wines are also superb: grillo and inzolia are excellent white wines, Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Nero d’Avola are both fabulous reds, and marsala, moscato and zibibbo are wonderful dessert wines. As nearly 90 percent of Italian lemons grow in Sicily, sampling the local limoncello is a must. On this trip there is the chance to join an optional picnic lunch, prepared by the support driver and your leader. Dinners are taken at the hotels or local restaurants recommended by your guide, according to your budget and preferences.

Sicily has a good year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm-to-hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 30C-35C (86F-95F). The earlier and later departures will be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain – make sure you pack some warm clothing if you travel in low season. In late summer, there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified as Road. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Six days of cycling

Partial vehicle support (due to limited seats) and a cycling guide.

The route is 95 percent paved

Cycling profile: All the rides are door-to-door, meaning there are no transfers to or from hotels. Most of the cycling is along flat to hilly paved roads (mainly traffic-free); days 2 and 6 include more demanding ascents and rolling routes, so a reasonably good level of fitness is required. As we approach the main towns and cities, such as Syracuse, and around popular beach areas, there are busier sections with traffic at peak hours.

Support vehicle: A support vehicle, with limited spare seats and driven by a bicycle mechanic, is available throughout the trip, following at all times (pedestrian areas excluded). The driver will help you at junctions by giving route directions and allowing you to access any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.

E-bikes: E-bikes are available on request for a fee payable prior departure.

Weather: The region normally has a relatively mild and sunny climate, but heatwaves and heavy rains are possible. This, along with consecutive cycling days, may increase the difficulty of the trip.

Considering all of this, we recommend you arrive physically prepared to tackle slightly more challenging routes by exercising regularly before the trip. You should also bring suitable equipment with you and always stay hydrated.