The Ride Across Sicily Road Bike Tour

Discover the hidden beauty of Sicily with an exciting bike tour from Trapani to Catania. A complete journey that will take you pedalling through breathtaking landscapes, passing through enchanting historic villages like Palazzo Adriano, Enna, Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Palazzolo Acreide, the temples of Selinunte and Agrigento, the Baroque city of Noto, and the lush nature of Sicily. Each stage offers unique views, ancient traditions, an incredible historical and architectural heritage, and authentic Sicilian culture. All this is enriched with delicious Sicilian cuisine and its famous wines. An ideal adventure for cycling enthusiasts and those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the island by cycling along panoramic and evocative roads.

12 days – 11 nights

9 Stages

700 km total distance

11,000 meters total elevation gain

Day 1: Arrival at Palermo (or Catania) airport and transfer to Trapani city center.

Welcome cocktail and short tour of the historic center
Overnight at Hotel Punta Tipa (Trapani)

Day 2

Stage 1: Trapani – Salemi – Santa Ninfa

Distance: 74 km
Elevation gain: 1,200 m

The tour starts from the beautiful city of Trapani, with its historic centre overlooking the sea. After a few kilometres, you enter the Sicilian hinterland, crossing rolling hills and villages such as Salemi, rich in history and culture. The day ends in Santa Ninfa, a small town in the heart of the Belice Valley.

Dinner and overnight at Il Feudo del Biviere (Santa Ninfa).

Day 3

Stage 2: Santa Ninfa – Cave di Cusa – Selinunte

Distance: 75 km
Elevation gain: 800 m

A day dedicated to exploring Sicily’s archaeological charm. From Santa Ninfa, you ride to the Cave di Cusa, an ancient quarry that provided materials for the temples of Selinunte. From here, you reach the magnificent Selinunte Archaeological Park, overlooking the sea. After a visit, you return to Santa Ninfa for the night.

Visit to Cave di Cusa and Selinunte sites (entrance fee not included).

Dinner and overnight at Il Feudo del Biviere (Santa Ninfa).

Day 4

Stage 3: Santa Ninfa – Poggioreale – Palazzo Adriano

Distance: 70 km
Elevation gain: 1,400 m

Leaving Santa Ninfa, you enter the mountainous heart of Sicily. The route passes through rural and wooded landscapes before reaching Palazzo Adriano, famous as the filming location of “Cinema Paradiso.” Here, you can experience a unique atmosphere influenced by the Albanian communities residing in the area.

Dinner and overnight in Palazzo Adriano

Day 5

Stage 4: Palazzo Adriano – Cammarata

Distance: 62 km
Elevation gain: 1,000 m

A day dedicated to the mountains. Several climbs and descents lead through forests and stunning landscapes towards Cammarata, located at the foot of the mountain of the same name. The village, with its perched historic center, offers an incredible panoramic view.

Dinner and overnight at Casale Margherita (Cammarata).

Day 6 – Rest Day

Transfer by van to Agrigento for a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples (included in the price). Free afternoon to explore the historic centre of Agrigento. Pizza evening. Return by van to Casale Margherita for the overnight stay.

Day 7

Stage 5: Cammarata – Enna (Queen Stage)

Distance: 90 km
Elevation gain: 1,950 m
(Alternative: 67 km with 1,400 m elevation gain)

The journey continues towards Enna, the “navel of Sicily” and one of the highest cities on the island. This stage provides breathtaking views of the Sicilian countryside and leads to the Castle of Lombardia, offering an unparalleled panorama.

Evening transfer by van for a visit to the historic centre of Enna and dinner (dinner not included).

Overnight at Palace Hotel Federico II (Enna).

Day 8

Stage 6: Enna – Piazza Armerina – Caltagirone

Distance: 79 km
Elevation gain: 1,250 m

This stage takes you to Piazza Armerina, famous for the mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. After a visit, the route continues to Caltagirone, renowned for its ceramic tradition and the splendid Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte.

Guided tour of Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina (90 minutes, included in the price).

Evening transfer by van for a visit to the historic centre of Caltagirone and dinner (dinner not included).

Overnight at NH Hotel Villa San Mauro (Caltagirone).

Day 9

Stage 7: Caltagirone – Vizzini – Palazzolo Acreide

Distance: 68 km
Elevation gain: 1,150 m

Leaving Caltagirone, you ride through hills and wheat fields towards Palazzolo Acreide, one of Sicily’s most beautiful villages. Here, you can visit the Greek Theater and the Baroque churches that are part of the UNESCO heritage.

Dinner and overnight at Agriturismo Feudo Bauly (Palazzolo Acreide).

Day 10

Stage 8: Palazzolo Acreide – Noto

Distance: 75 km
Elevation gain: 1,100 m

A spectacular loop leading to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque. After exploring the city with its golden palaces and magnificently decorated churches, you return to Palazzolo Acreide along a scenic route through valleys and hills.

Evening transfer by van for a visit to the historic centre of Palazzolo Acreide and dinner (dinner not included).

Overnight at Agriturismo Feudo Bauly (Palazzolo Acreide).

Day 11

Stage 9: Palazzolo Acreide – Catania

Distance: 92 km
Elevation gain: 850 m

The final stage leads to the vibrant city of Catania, located at the foot of Mount Etna. The route passes through hilly landscapes and small villages before reaching the Baroque city, famous for its history, gastronomy, and characteristic historic centre dominated by the majestic volcano.

Overnight stay in Catania city centre. (dinner not included).

Day 12 – Departure

 Transfer to Catania airport.

12 days – 11 nights

9 Stages

700 km total distance

11,000 meters total elevation gain

Season: from September to June

Included:

• 9 road bike stages
• Qualified guide (Italian and English)*
• GPS device with GPS tracks to follow **
• 5 nights in 3/4 star hotel/farmhouse. Double room, half board accommodation, including water. Other beverages not included
• 6 nights at 3/4 star hotel/farmhouse. Double room with B&B
• Guided tours with ITA/ENG tourist guides at Villa del Casale (Piazza Armerina) and Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
• Luggage transfer from one accommodation to another
• Van support
• Transfer from Palermo/Catania airport and to Catania airport at the end of the tour

Extras:

• Single room supplement: €390 per person
• Road bike (or e-bike) rental, Giant TCR carbon: starting from €250 for the entire tour

What to wear and bring with you:

• Comfortable clothes suitable for biking, at least 2 complete sets and gloves
• Bike shoes or closed shoes e.g. trainers (no flip-flops or sandals!)
• A rain/wind jacket
• 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