Sicily E-Bike Tour - 6 Days
E-Bike Hire - €250
Single Room Charge - €800
Overview
Join us on this true lifestyle tour of the beautiful Island of Sicily - Italy’s most southern region.
Our accommodation is a unique 17th century castle situated between the majestic volcano, Etna and splendid Taormina where Sicily reveals itself in all its splendour, culture, history and identity.
Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, Sicily has always been a land of conquests. Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Arabs and Normans are just some of the ancient civilizations that have influenced the history, buildings, culture and traditions of this special island. On this five day tour we'll discover Etna's volcano, the stunning and historical city of Taormina as well as indulge in the delicious food and wine this island is famous for.
You can choose to ride, join a cooking class, explore the town or just relax by the pool or the beach - your holiday, your way.
If you are looking for a longer trip - check out our 13-day Sicily lifestyle e-bike tour.
Highlights
Culture: The largest island in the Mediterranean, among the most beautiful, rich in history and ancient cultures
Nature: Dramatic beauty ,glamorous seaside haunts and black, volcanic landscapes.
Activity: Visit the famous Bar Vitelli in Savoca
Culinary: Arancini Balls and for those with a sweet tooth - Genovesi
Souvenir: Ceramics & the local limoncello
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Calatabiano
Welcome to Sicily. Please make your own way to the hotel in Calatabiano. Tonight we will have a short tour briefing.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Calatabiano
Godfather's Loop Ride To Savoca
Today we’ll cycle along the coastline that connects Giardini Naxos to Taormina. It’s a beautiful ride, passing numerous caves, coves and bays until we head inland on a mostly quiet country road. After 22km we’ll stop for coffee and ice-cream in Mongiuffi. There will be a few more climbs and some nice descents before we arrive in the beautiful village of Savoca. Here we’ll visit the famous and quaint Bar Vitelli, straight out of Francis Ford Coppola’s movie “The Godfather”. After lunch we’ll transfer back to our hotel for an afternoon at the pool, beach or in one of the tranquil spots waiting to be experienced.
Cycling Distance: 49 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Calatabiano
Free Day (Transfer to Taormina included)
Have a relaxing morning before we drop you off in Taormina around midday, either at the famous beach of Isola Bella or at the cable car which connects the upper part of Taormina with the coast.
Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Greco-Roman Theatre from where you have great views towards the Calabrian Coast, the Ionian Sea and the spectacular cone of Etna. Stroll through the historic centre with its many shops, cafes and restaurants. An optional cooking class will also be on offer in Taormina.
Cycling Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Calatabiano
Northern Etna Loop
Today we’ll take on the highest active volcano in Europe.
You have three activity options:
1. After a short drive to the charming town of Linguaglossa, founded on a lava stream in 1566, we start our bike ride. It’s a gradual climb through beautiful forest which you can easily manage on your e-bike. We’ll notice how the landscape changes from a tree forest to one best described as lunar, with volcanic rocks and black sand.
2. Transfer to the top in the van and experience a 2.5 hour crater excursion by 4 wheel drive. Then regroup with the other cyclists for an amazing descent back to the hotel.
3. Later this afternoon you may like to participate in an optional traditional cooking class making fresh pasta (extra cost).
Cycling Distance: 34 to 54km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Calatabiano
Etna's Vineyards
We’ll transfer again to Linguaglossa before riding along Quota Mille Road on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. There will be evidence of the volcano's last major eruption in 2002, indicating how powerful nature can be.
Then we’ll head to Maletto, the highest town in the Etna circle at 1,000m above sea level, before descending to Randazzo, a small village built with black lava stone and consequently known as “black city”. Our final cycling destination is the Tornatore Winery surrounded by the beautiful Etna landscape. Francesco Tornatore founded this winery in 2012 on the original family farm where he’d previously built a state-of-the-art winemaking facility. The estate is one of the largest and works exclusively with the native varieties of the region. A guided tour with wine tasting and lunch is included before we drive back to our hotel.
Cycling Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Calatabiano
Departure from Calatabiano
Today we say "arrivederci". The tour ends after breakfast.
We hope you have enjoyed this wonderful glimpse of Sicily.
Come back again soon.
Ciao
Cycling Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (cooking class)
Accommodation: None
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- 5 nights in St Marco Castle
- Meals: all breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- One wine tasting
- Fresh fruit and drinking water on riding days
- local cycling guide(s)
- support van(s) & driver(s)
- Local city taxes
- GPS routes provided
- Flights, airport taxes, passport & visa expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Bike hire (extra cost)
- Single room surcharge
- Arrival & departure transfers (days 1 & 6)
- Optional cooking class
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Optional sightseeing & entrance fees
- Pre and post tour nights
- Personal expenses & drinks
- Tips for guides and drivers
On this true lifestyle tour, you control how much cycling you want to do. Choose to cycle a shorter distance or indulge in a cooking class or simply relax by the pool (or beach) instead. The longest ride is approximately 55km - if you choose to do it. Your holiday - your way.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum number of participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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