Independent arrival in Catania, which is easily reached by air from Italian and other European hubs. We stay the night at the elegant Katana Palace Hotel (or similar) a short walk to the bustling old town. You are free to dine where you like tonight as some people may arrive late or want to retire early. Hotel included.

We have a morning shuttle to Siracusa this morning for a guided visit of this beautiful historical city. Founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth, the city of “Syrakousai” soon grew to become one of the most important cities in the western Mediterranean, rivalling Athens itself in power and population by the middle of the 5th century BC. Visit the vibrant morning market, where locals flock to buy fresh fish, produce, flowers, and much more. We break for lunch and then have an afternoon walking tour of old Ortigia, whose winding streets reveal centuries of villas, churches, battlements and fountains. If we have time we can also visit the Greek theater, one of the largest ever built. Enjoy dinner together tonight in the heart of the old town. Our hotel is in the beautifully restored Hotel Gutkowski (or similar) in the heart of the old town. Overnight Siracusa-Ortigia. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Transfer ride along the coast via Avola (55 kms)
Get on your bikes this morning and head south on quiet roads along the coast, through protected natural reserves and quiet fishing villages. We’ll stop for lunch in Marina di Avola and then attack a dramatic climb to our hotel for the next two nights, the Masseria degli Ulivi (or similar), a renovated 17th century Sicilian manor house with swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi. Optional one hour hike amongst the ruins of Noto Antica, which was destroyed in 1693 by a devastating earthquake. Dinner on the hotel terrace overlooking the surrounding olive groves. Overnight near Noto Antica. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

The Anapo valley and Baroque Noto (70 kms)
Our destination is the Anapo valley, home to the ancient settlement of Pantalica which flourished between the 13th and 6th centuries B.C. We stop for coffee and pastries in the authentic village of Canecattini before a dramatic descent into the Anapo canyon. Return to the hotel for some pool time before a short transfer to Noto, one of the most beautiful of the famous Baroque towns that were built following the disaster of 1693. Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its majestic churches and elegant palazzi made from golden limestone. Dinner in Noto. Overnight near Noto Antica. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Bike west to the Locanda Gulfi via Palazzolo Acreide (73 kms)
We have a spectacular ride today along the Iblean plateau, which provides sweeping views over rolling hills of olive groves and almond orchards and onto the western flanks of Mount Etna which looms in the distance. We stop for lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage town of Palazzolo Acreide. At the end of the ride relax at our wonderfrul country hotel, the Locanda Gulfi, which is also an award-winning producer of organic wines. The swimming pool is perched above a small valley lined with vineyards and fruit groves, the perfect setting for a relaxing dip after your ride. Dinner tonight is in the hotel dining room, where you can sample their excellent Nero d'Avola wines.  Overnight Locanda Gulfi. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Hilltop towns and countryside lunch (70 kms)
Today we ride to two charming hilltop towns, Licodia Eubia and Vizzini, stopping for lunch and a cooking demonstration at an agriturismo that was formerly a Byzantine olive oil mill carved from the rock along a dramatic gorge. We’ll see how they make fresh ricotta and perhaps try our hand at some local specialties. We have a wonderful afternoon ride through the wild interior of the island, passing through the perched town of Monterosso Almo to get back to our hotel where we have an optional tour of the winery and a tasting before dinner. Overnight Locanda Gulfi. Hotel, lunch, breakfast and dinner included.

Bike to the coast via Donnafugata (72 kms)
Today we return to the coast with a marvellous (mostly downhill!) ride to our hotel by the sea. We stop for lunch by the elegant 14th century castle of Donnafugata. Our ride continues down to the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean and the village of Donnalucata, which was the site of an epic battle in 1091 between the Normans and Arab invaders. More recently, American troops landed here in July of 1943 as part of Patton's army that famously raced Montgomery's Commonwealth troops to Messina.  Our hotel is located right on the beach so you can enjoy the warm water and white-sand beach before enjoying the sunset from the terrace. Tonight is a "free night" so you're free to eat where you like. Overnight Donnalucata at the Zafran Boutique Hotel (or similar) Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.

The Baroque towns of Scicli and Modica (50 kms)
We head inland today to visit two of the lesser-known Baroque towns, Scicli and Modica. The latter is famous for its chocolate production, which still uses the original recipe that the Spanish brought back from the Aztecs in Latin America. We’ll have a visit at one of the city’s traditional producers, followed by a tasting (of course!). Time permitting this afternoon we can also visit the ‘Cava d'Ispica,’ a narrow gorge filled with caves which were inhabited during Neolithic times. This area is also famous for being the setting of the very popular Italian TV series “Inspector Montalbano,” a crime drama set in Sicily. We dine at the hotel tonight. Overnight Donnalucata. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Shuttle back to Catania airport
We offer ONE shuttle to the Catania airport that best suits the group's needs. Earlier (or later) shuttles are available at your expense. Breakfast included.   

The dramatic (and continuously active!) volcano of Mount Etna is less than an hour drive from Catania and it's fun to do a short hike with a vulcanologist to see lava tubes and learn about the history. We do this on our walking tours so would be happy to set up a day-trip for you. Contact us for details.