Day 1: Arrival in Anapo Valley

Arrival to Catania airport and private transfer to the beginning of the trip in the Anapo Valley.

Day 2: Circular route around Anapo Valley, 39 miles (62km)

Your first bike ride will introduce you to the amazing landscape of the Iblei mountains and the picturesque little towns and villages of the area. You’ll visit Ferla, a small, pretty and unknown baroque town. This is a relaxing place to stop in one of the little bars and enjoy a cappuccino with a slice of typical almond cake. 

Alternatively, you could put on your walking shoes and spend the day hiking in the Anapo Valley. You will discover some famous old ruins and an amazing archaeological site where more than 5000 caves were dug in the stone by the Siculi. A guide to visit the area is available, if required. 

If you would like, it is also possible to arrange a Cooking class in traditional Sicilian cuisine in the late afternoon at approximately 6 p.m. Learn how to prepare an organic, Sicilian meal - from the garden to the dishes!

Day 3: Anapo Valley to Palazzolo Acreide, 40 miles (64km)

Todays bike ride takes you through the Anapo Valley (you need the authorization of the Park rangers) to Palazzolo Acreide. In Palazzolo Acreide there is another interesting archaeological site to visit: Akrai. In Palazzolo you must stop to taste the amazing Cannoli in a small bar in the centre of the town and enjoy the slow pace of the Sicilian lifestyle.

Day 4: Palazzolo Acreide to Ragusa-Ibla, 22 miles (35km)

Another relaxing day of pedalling in the Iblei countryside will lead you to one of the baroque icons of this part of Sicily: Ibla. The sight of the jumble of houses, churches and civic palazzi piled on top of each other, clinging to the walls of the gorge, is really quite breathtaking. You’ll be astonished as you gaze at the imposing San Giorgio Duomo. Ibla is the real jewel you will discover once you’ve crossed the other side of Ragusa and having ridden along the winding road that leads to the Repubblica Square with the beautiful Purgatorio Church.

Day 5: Ragusa-Ibla to Noto, 21 miles (35km)

Today you ride by bike to Scicli (mostly downhill) and then take a train transfer to Noto, one of the pearls of baroque architecture in Sicily. You can also visit the Vendicari Nature Reserve, very famous for bird watching, or visit the Roman Villa of Tellaro, which is another interesting archaeological site.

Day 6: Rest Day in Noto

Today is a rest day. You can either just relax in this beautiful town or you might prefer another bike ride. One option to consider is a bike loop to the ruins of Noto Antica. This is a hillyish route of approximately 30 km but very rewarding. Little is known about the origins of Noto Antica. The Siculs, Greeks, Arabs turned it into one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily, until the earthquake of 1693 reduced it to rubble. You can reach the ancient ruins via the Porta Reale gateway along a dirt road that overlooks the surrounding area of “cave” (canyons). 

Another option might be a visit to the Vendicari Nature Reserve.

Day 7: Noto to Syracuse, 22 miles (36km)

Heading north, the route continues towards Siracusa, the capital of Ancient Greece and home to Archimedes. The island of Ortigia joined to the mainland of Siracusa by two bridges, is a fascinating web of ancient buildings and narrow streets with two main piazzas buzzing with an assortment of bars and cafes.

Day 8: Departure from Syracuse

Departure from Syracuse. By train back to Catania airport or a transfer can be arranged.