Nature reserves and Baroque e-bike tour

Level of difficulty:
Duration:
7 days
Starting from
€1750
Guided
‐
€1370
Self-guided
Information and bookings

This tour will take you on an unforgettable ride through the scenic nature reserves and most beautiful baroque towns of southern Sicily. Along the way you can admire architectural beauties which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have breath-taking views of unspoilt, natural environments, see the ruins of ancient history and taste authentic traditional Sicilian cuisine.

Guided
Bike tour with our qualified ITA/ENG guides, to get the best of your mountain bike experience. Costs are per person based on a minimum of 4 people per group, in two double rooms when included.
Self-guided
Independent, free to take your time and enjoy the bike experience at a pace that suits you. Follow an accurate GPS track to discover the delights of your bike ride. Costs are per person based on a minimum of 4 people per group, in two double rooms when included.
Gallery
Description

First day  •  Arrival

Arrival at the airport and transfer to farmhouse accommodation near Pantalica – Val D’Anapo. Briefing and welcome cocktail, bike set-up. Dinner and overnight stay.

Second day  •  The Necropolis of Pantalica and Val d’Anapo
51 km with 1.250 metres of uphill ascent

Highlights: Necropolis of Pantalica, Val d’Anapo nature reserve, the Giarranauti forest and the baroque architecture of Ferla

We cycle along the old Val d’Anapo railway in the nature reserve of the same name. We cross the Giarranauti woods before a brief stop in Ferla to see its baroque churches in the historic centre. We continue in the direction of Cassaro and then cycle back into the Val d’Anapo towards Palazzolo Acreide. We stop outside the village for dinner and an overnight stay in a local agriturismo (farmhouse).

Third day  •  Palazzolo Acreide and Noto Antica
62 km with 1.200 metres of uphill ascent

Highlights: Archaeological park and baroque town of Palazzolo Acreide, Noto Antica

We set off by bike from the farmhouse in the direction of Palazzolo Acreide, A UNESCO World Heritage site, for a visit to the archaeological park and a ride through the town centre to admire the beautiful baroque buildings and churches. After that we head towards Noto Antica, for a ride through history, among the ruins of the ancient town destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1693. We then return to the farmhouse through the beautiful Iblei hills for dinner and an overnight stay.

Fourth day  •  Ragusa Ibla – Modica
46 km with 900 metres of uphill ascent

Highlights: Bambuseto and natural quarries – Ragusa Ibla – Modica

As soon as we leave the farmhouse we will be immersed in unspoilt nature as bamboo plantations and natural quarries are the main attractions of the first part of the route. After visiting the Cava dei Servi quarry, we head towards Ragusa Ibla, where we stop to admire the splendid historic centre with its 14 Baroque monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We then cycle onwards to Modica where we stop for dinner and an overnight stay.

Fifth day  •  Modica – Portopalo
58 km with 500 metres of uphill ascent

Highlights: The baroque town of Modica and the southern beaches

We start the day by visiting the beautiful historic centre of Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then head for the sea. We cycle along the golden beaches of Sicily’s southern coast to Porto Palo, the tip of Sicily and of Europe. Dinner and an overnight stay in Portopalo.

Sixth day  •  Marzamemi – Noto
45 km with 400 metres of uphill ascent

Highlights: Marzamemi – Vendicari nature reserve – the baroque town of Noto

We set off cycling northwards up the coast, past sandy cove beaches towards the delightful fishing village of Marzamemi where we can also stop for a delicious granite (flavoured ice) on the promenade. We then head on to the Vendicari nature reserve to admire the pink flamingos, before arriving in Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque architecture, for dinner and an overnight stay.

Seventh day  •  Departure

Transfer to Catania airport.

Extra Info

Season: from September to June

Included:

  • 5 e-bike excursions (gravel or MTB)
  • Qualified bike guide (Italian and English)*
  • GPS device with GPS tracks to follow **
  • 6 nights in 2/3 star Hotel/Agriturismo. Half board accommodation, including water and house wine. Other beverages not included
  • Luggage transfer from one accommodation to another
  • Van support
  • E-bike rental (professional bikes with disk brakes, tubeless wheelset, suspension fork, Shimano groupset, Yamaha central motor etc.)
  • Transfer from/to Catania airport and hotels in the surrounding area

 

Not included:

  • Flights and public transportation
  • Travel insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Any items that have not been mentioned in the price inclusions above

 

What to wear and bring with you:

  • A small backpack/rucksack for your personal items (you can leave this in the van if you don’t want to take it with you during the excursion)
  • Comfortable clothes suitable for biking
  • A change of clothes in case it rains
  • Closed shoes e.g. trainers or biking shoes (no flip-flops or sandals!)
  • Sunglasses & sun cream
  • A camera or smartphone if you want to take pictures
  • A spirit of fun and adventure!

 

* For guided tours

** For self-guided tours

Map
Pantalica
Palazzolo Acreide
Modica
Portopalo di Capo Passero
Noto