The first stage of our tour takes us immediately to the Sicilian inland, and we start immediately climbing. A gentle and continuous ascent, which for short sections, however, also has double-digit slopes, follows a valley up to an altitude of about 750 meters above sea level. From here we descend to Isnello then, after another short part of ascent, the road continues descending to reach Castelbuono, among olive trees and prickly pears. From here we begin to climb again up to Pollina, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the sea and an excellent coffee. A long descent to be tackled with due caution takes us back to the sea, and the last kilometers of the coastal road take us to Castel di Tusa.

Overnight stay at Relais Atelier Mare.

In the world of professional cycling, today’s stage would be defined as “nervous”: in fact, the route fully run along the coast, remaining quite close to the sea, without heavy climbs but with continuous ups and downs, which however we face at the right pace to do not tire our legs to arrive at the final ascent in the right conditions. In fact, after covering 85 of the 92 kilometers scheduled, and passing dozens of characteristic seaside villages one after the other, we reach Capo d’Orlando. Where a stop is mandatory, also to admire the Aeolian Islands on the horizon, before tackling the climb that will take us to the finish of our stage.

Overnight stay at Hotel Terre di Eolo.

An energy breakfast to fill the tank of calorie is essential. In fact, today we face the first slope of Etna, the mythical mountain that dominates eastern Sicily, which almost intimidates us with its 3357 metres. Leaving Tindari behind, a few kilometers later the road immediately begins to climb, but we know these areas well and our pace will be the right one to take us to the 1200m Portella Mandrazzi. After a well-deserved break, we prepare for a long descent which, in the greenery of this valley, takes us to Francavilla di Sicilia. Shortly after you reach the Alcantara waterfalls, and there are many reasons to visit this enchanting place. There is still a short climb to do before reaching our hotel where you deserve to relax in a beautiful SPA.

Overnight at the Picciolo Golf Club.

If that of Tindari was the “nervous” stage, today’s is the so-called “tappone”. Today our tour takes us right to the summit of Etna, climbing from one of the sides often chosen for the arrivals of the Giro d’Italia. But first, we pedal for about 40 kilometers in the Sicilian countryside without altitude difficulties. In Randazzo we can make a brief stop for our usual espresso, to then start over the route that takes us back to the Mare-Neve Regional Road, the crossroads from which our challenge to Etna begins. 15 kilometers of real climbing, sometimes light, sometimes hard; 1000 meters difference in altitude, which each of us will do with own favorite average speed. At the top we all meet at the bar.

Overnight at Picciolo Golf Club.

With a quick transfer we reach Melilli, the starting point of today’s stage, which will take us to Scicli, one of the most beautiful villages on this island, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today’s route is quite challenging and in the first kilometers yet we have the opportunity to check the conditions of our legs. The Fusco climb, 5 kilometers full of bends and a fantastic panorama, takes us to Sortino. An undulating stretch that we face at the right pace, then the road continues to climb without great difficulties, crossing the Anapo National Park, among woods, farmhouses and flocks of sheep. Here car traffic does not seem to exist…. We go down to Giarratana for a break. We then ride along the reservoir of the Santa Rosalia dam, and after passing Ragusa we arrive in Modica, an historic town, Baroque-style buildings and famous for its chocolate. There is still a little way to go to get to Scicli, but it’s all downhill.

Overnight at the San Bartolomeo b&b.

Today’s tour takes us close to the southernmost point of Sicily with a (finally…) non-demanding route, which in the first part, gently climbing up back to Modica and then descending towards Ispica, remains in the hinterland for two tens of kilometres, to then reserve the last 30 with the sea constantly close to us. After Pachino, we find the characteristic village of Marzamemi, whose square is a destination for tourists from all over the globe. The stop here, which can be longer if we want to enjoy this amazing place, is practically obliged. We ride on the edge of the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis and shortly after we are in the beautiful city of Noto.

Overnight stay at Relais Terre di Romanello.

Today’s is the last “stage” of our Sicilian tour, so we return to the north approaching Siracusa and Catania. We initially ride in the inland, among extensive cultivations of vegetables and citrus trees, which from here reach most of the Italian and even foreign markets. With no hurry we reach the town of Palazzolo Acreide then, a flat road and at times downhill, on which we will hardly meet motorized vehicles, runs alongside the Cavagrande Nature Reserve until we reach Chiusa Cavalli. Here a magnificent panorama opens up, and a winding descent takes us back to the seashore. We pass Avola and Fontane Bianche, where it will be wonderful to stop for one last stop. A look at the characteristic port of Ognina. We are now at the end of our Tour… but the city of Archimedes is deserving a visit, and an excellent dinner awaits us tonight.

Overnight at Hotel Borgo Pantano Syracuse.

It’s our last day and after breakfast we say goodbye, hoping to see you soon to ride togheter again. If you have requested it, our staff will take care of the transfer to the airport.