Italy: Sicily, the Noto Valley & Syracuse

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the Catania Airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel in Taormina. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast, meet your VBT representative and the rest of the group in the lobby of our Taormina hotel at 8:30 a.m. The VBT representative will be easily recognizable, holding a VBT sign.

From Taormina, you’ll travel to Scicli by private motorcoach (approximately three hours, including a short stop along the way). Upon arrival, meet your trip leaders and take a short walk through the picturesque alleyways near your hotel. They will also provide recommendations for lunch, giving you the perfect opportunity to begin exploring Sicilian specialties.

Early this afternoon, settle into your luxurious hotel, a 19th-century noble palace built by a knight—an extraordinary setting to uncover the history of Sicilian nobility.

After a safety talk and bike fitting, follow your trip leaders on a warm-up ride through the stunning Noto Valley. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail beneath the frescoed vaults of our hotel, followed by an authentic Sicilian dinner at a local restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 16 km (10 miles)

What to Expect:

The warm-up ride takes you through Altopiano Ibleo, a peaceful rural region just outside Scicli. As you leave your hotel, you’ll cycle out of town, passing farms and groves of olive and carob trees, all framed by historic stone walls. In the distance, enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the sea. On your return, take in a breathtaking panoramic view of this beautiful Baroque town.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 km (10 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, cycle through the rolling countryside of the Province of Ragusa, heading toward the sea. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by miles of stone walls, cattle grazing beneath the shade of majestic carob and olive trees, and vegetable greenhouses that supply markets both locally and across Europe.

You will reach Sampieri via a scenic bike path along the sea. This charming summer resort town boasts beautiful beaches, perfect for a refreshing swim. Your morning ride ends at a peaceful pine forest, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. Take some time to stroll the shoreline or go for a swim while lunch is being prepared. Be sure to treat yourself to a delicious gelato before continuing your journey. From here, you can either keep riding or shuttle back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

This evening, join our local guide for a 40-minute walking tour of Scicli, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary late-Baroque architecture, built following a devastating earthquake in 1693. Admire the magnificent buildings illuminated at night, providing a stunning backdrop for dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Scicli to Sampieri — 27 km (17 miles)

Afternoon: Sampieri to Scicli — 17 km (10 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle through quiet countryside, passing stone walls and greenhouses that contribute to Sicily’s role in supplying 10% of Europe’s fruits and vegetables. The paved, low-traffic roads lead gradually downhill before joining a scenic, flat bike path through a park by the sea, where a sandy beach offers a chance to swim. In the afternoon, enjoy easy coastal riding through Sampieri, a seaside village, before tackling a long but manageable uphill ride back to Scicli. If preferred, take the support vehicle to skip the climb and spend the afternoon exploring this Baroque city. For experienced cyclists, an additional independent ride may be available—ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 — 44 km (10 — 27 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, pedal through the peaceful, rolling countryside of Modica and Val di Noto, passing rural landscapes and small hamlets on your way to San Giacomo, where you’ll stop for lunch.

At lunchtime, you’ll be welcomed by Mama Nella, the farm’s owner, who expertly oversees its 20-acre estate while crafting breads, focaccia, jams, sherbets, and more for her guests. Enjoy a typical Sicilian meal, featuring Pasta alla Norma, garden-fresh vegetables, local cheese, and olives, followed by a delicious tasting of Modica chocolate.

In the afternoon, your ride takes a mostly downhill route toward the sea and your hotel. Settle in at Villa Favorita, built in 1753 in the Renaissance style on what was once the feud of the Marquis of Avola. Relax by the swimming pool or on the terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the blue sea on one side and the orange rooftops of Baroque Noto at sunset on the other.

This evening, meet Corrada, a descendant of the Marquis of Castelluccio, for a tour of the villa’s elegant common rooms and its orange garden with giant cacti, before enjoying dinner at the villa’s restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Modica to Farm — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Farm to Villa Favorita — 39 km (24 miles)

What to Expect:

The morning ride begins in Modica and follows one of the most scenic routes of the tour, winding through the rolling countryside of Modica and Val di Noto and passing rural landscapes on the way to your lunch stop. In the afternoon, the ride from lunch to Villa Favorita is mostly downhill. If you prefer a shorter ride, VBT offers a van shuttle to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 — 65 km (16 — 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, pedal along quiet, mostly easy country roads toward the sea. Along the way, take a moment to admire the fourth-century mosaics of Roman Villa del Tellaro.

Your destination is the recently restored, ancient fishing village of Marzamemi, nestled on a small promontory south of Syracuse. Developed in the 17th century around a tuna fishery, Marzamemi is home to Sicily’s second-largest fishery, now recognized as a national monument. The Princes of Villadorata still visit their 17th-century palace, a stunning summer residence. Marzamemi offers plenty of relaxing cafés and local seafood restaurants, making it an ideal spot for lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, continue riding toward Porto Palo, the southernmost tip of Sicily, considered one of the most scenic cycling routes in Italy. From here, take in breathtaking views of Isola di Capo Passero. If the weather is favorable, enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing before shuttling to Noto for a leisurely stroll, admiring the stunning Baroque architecture of this historic city.

Dinner is on your own in Noto.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Villa Favorita to Marzamemi — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Marzamemi to Porto Palo — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s loop ride follows remote country roads, far from traffic, leading to Marzamemi and the coast. Marzamemi is entirely car-free, making it a delightful place to explore on foot. In the afternoon, the route follows the coastline, featuring gently rolling terrain and stunning sea views. From Porto Palo, you will shuttle back to the hotel by private coach. For experienced cyclists, an additional independent ride may be available—ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 — 38 km (5 — 24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a short shuttle up to the Belvedere di Noto plateau, where you’ll begin a scenic ride leading to your lunch stop at Feudo Bauly.

Acquired in the late 18th century for the noble Judica family, this 150-acre country estate remained in the same family for generations. The property includes several historic buildings and a vast holm oak forest, where ancient rock-carved dwellings once served as homes. The entire setting is steeped in history and atmosphere.

Here, you’ll join a local truffle hunter and his dog on a search for the precious black truffle. At lunch, savor the fruits of your labor with risotto al tartufo, along with other specialties crafted by the estate’s chef using fresh garden ingredients.

In the afternoon, a scenic ride leads to your final destination: Borgo del Carato, an ancient fortified masseria surrounded by acres of carob and olive trees. This elegant country inn will be your home for the next two nights, offering tranquil surroundings, breathtaking views, a luxurious spa, and a panoramic pool set in a manicured garden of fragrant flowers.

This evening, meet your gracious hosts and learn how the carat (carob seed) became the unit of weight for diamonds, inspiring the name of the Borgo. Tonight’s dinner will feature local Sicilian specialties, providing the perfect conclusion to a day of discovery.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Belvedere di Noto to Feudo Bauly — 21 km (13 miles)

Afternoon: Feudo Bauly to Borgo del Carato — 20 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

A 15-minute shuttle takes you to Belvedere di Noto, away from the city traffic of Noto. From there, enjoy a scenic ride along rolling country roads with minimal traffic, leading to your lunch stop at the Bauly country resort. After lunch, the ride continues across a picturesque plateau on a quiet road with almost no traffic. For experienced cyclists, an additional independent ride may be available—ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 — 41 km (12 — 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your ride departs from the hotel, crossing a scenic region once inhabited in prehistoric times, where archaeologists have discovered cave tombs carved into steep limestone cliffs. As you cycle along quiet roads and through a vast canyon, you’ll take in the countryside dotted with farms and traditional masserias, with the sea stretching as far as Syracuse in the distance.

A highlight of today’s ride is a stop to explore the Sant’Alfano Bridge, a semi-circular arched stone bridge adorned with mysterious statues, just before reaching Canicattini Bagni. This area is known for its local honey, a specialty of the region.

After riding through the village and continuing down the canyon on a long, gradual route, you’ll stop for lunch at an organic farm run by Rosa. Inspired by her husband’s passion for beekeeping, Rosa turned his hobby into a family-run business specializing in raw, high-quality honey and bee products. She is also dedicated to preserving a rare and endangered Sicilian thyme, which she uses in her award-winning honey. Rosa’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her reputation among former VBT guests is legendary. During your visit, she will treat you to a honey tasting, which will extend to other local specialties as part of your included lunch.

After lunch, continue your ride and cross the Baroque town of Floridia. You might choose to park your bike near the impressive Chiesa Madre church for a short stroll and a pasta di mandorle pastry.

Back at the hotel, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Sicilian cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare arancini di riso with a local chef. End the day by sharing the fruits of your labor with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Carato to Honey Farm — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Honey Farm to Floridia and Carato — 17 km (11 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, the ride begins with a long, gradual climb, which can be skipped with a short van shuttle. The route follows a quiet, scenic region, winding along a paved road that cuts through a long canyon. It passes through the village of Canicattini Bagni before descending the canyon on a long, gradual stretch into the small city of Floridia, your lunch stop. In the afternoon, enjoy a slightly rolling, panoramic ride leading to the large estate of your hotel. This quiet, fully paved route offers stunning views, with the sea at your back as you approach your destination.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 — 47 km (11 — 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation by private minibus (approximately 30 minutes) will take you to your centrally located hotel in Ortigia, Syracuse, arriving at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Join a VBT local guide for a two-hour private walking tour of Ortigia, then enjoy the rest of the day exploring this captivating town. You may choose to visit the Archaeological Park, a must-see for visitors, or continue wandering through Ortigia’s historic streets, where medieval and Baroque treasures await around every corner.

Browse craft and souvenir shops, explore fashion designer boutiques, or relax at cafés offering pastries and local specialties to tempt your palate. The entire city of Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its extraordinary beauty and historical significance.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to Catania Airport will be provided. The drive takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic, for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning, meet your VBT representative and the rest of the group in the lobby of our Taormina pre-tour hotel at 8:30 a.m. The VBT representative will be easily recognizable, holding a VBT sign.

From Taormina, you’ll travel to Scicli by private motorcoach (approximately three hours, including a short stop along the way). Upon arrival, meet your trip leaders and take a short walk through the picturesque alleyways near your hotel. They will also provide recommendations for lunch, giving you the perfect opportunity to begin exploring Sicilian specialties.

Early this afternoon, settle into your luxurious hotel, a 19th-century noble palace built by a knight—an extraordinary setting to uncover the history of Sicilian nobility.

After a safety talk and bike fitting, follow your trip leaders on a warm-up ride through the stunning Noto Valley. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail beneath the frescoed vaults of our hotel, followed by an authentic Sicilian dinner at a local restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 14 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

The warm-up ride takes you through Altopiano Ibleo, a peaceful rural region just outside Scicli. As you leave your hotel, you’ll cycle out of town, passing farms and groves of olive and carob trees, all framed by historic stone walls. In the distance, enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the sea. On your return, take in a breathtaking panoramic view of this beautiful Baroque town.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14 km (8 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, cycle through the rolling countryside of the Province of Ragusa, heading toward the sea. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by miles of stone walls, cattle grazing beneath the shade of majestic carob and olive trees, and vegetable greenhouses that supply markets both locally and across Europe.

You will reach Sampieri via a scenic bike path along the sea. This charming summer resort town boasts beautiful beaches, perfect for a refreshing swim. Your morning ride ends at a peaceful pine forest, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. Take some time to stroll the shoreline or go for a swim while lunch is being prepared. Be sure to treat yourself to a delicious gelato before continuing your journey. From here, you can either keep riding or shuttle back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

This evening, join our local guide for a 40-minute walking tour of Scicli, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary late-Baroque architecture, built following a devastating earthquake in 1693. Admire the magnificent buildings illuminated at night, providing a stunning backdrop for dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Scicli to Sampieri — 27 km (17 miles)

Afternoon: Sampieri to Scicli — 17 km (10 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle through quiet countryside, passing stone walls and greenhouses that contribute to Sicily’s role in supplying 10% of Europe’s fruits and vegetables. The paved, low-traffic roads lead gradually downhill before joining a scenic, flat bike path through a park by the sea, where a sandy beach offers a chance to swim. In the afternoon, enjoy easy coastal riding through Sampieri, a seaside village, before tackling a long but manageable uphill ride back to Scicli. If preferred, take the support vehicle to skip the climb and spend the afternoon exploring this Baroque city. For experienced cyclists, an additional independent ride may be available—ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 — 44 km (10 — 27 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, pedal through the peaceful, rolling countryside of Modica and Val di Noto, passing rural landscapes and small hamlets on your way to San Giacomo, where you’ll stop for lunch.

At lunchtime, you’ll be welcomed by Mama Nella, the farm’s owner, who expertly oversees its 20-acre estate while crafting breads, focaccia, jams, sherbets, and more for her guests. Enjoy a typical Sicilian meal, featuring Pasta alla Norma, garden-fresh vegetables, local cheese, and olives, followed by a delicious tasting of Modica chocolate.

In the afternoon, your ride takes a mostly downhill route toward the sea and your hotel. Settle in at Villa Favorita, built in 1753 in the Renaissance style on what was once the feud of the Marquis of Avola. Relax by the swimming pool or on the terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the blue sea on one side and the orange rooftops of Baroque Noto at sunset on the other.

This evening, meet Corrada, a descendant of the Marquis of Castelluccio, for a tour of the villa’s elegant common rooms and its orange garden with giant cacti, before enjoying dinner at the villa’s restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Modica to Farm — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Farm to Villa Favorita — 39 km (24 miles)

What to Expect:

The morning ride begins in Modica and follows one of the most scenic routes of the tour, winding through the rolling countryside of Modica and Val di Noto and passing rural landscapes on the way to your lunch stop. In the afternoon, the ride from lunch to Villa Favorita is mostly downhill. If you prefer a shorter ride, VBT offers a van shuttle to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 — 65 km (16 — 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, pedal along quiet, mostly easy country roads toward the sea. Along the way, take a moment to admire the fourth-century mosaics of Roman Villa del Tellaro.

Your destination is the recently restored, ancient fishing village of Marzamemi, nestled on a small promontory south of Syracuse. Developed in the 17th century around a tuna fishery, Marzamemi is home to Sicily’s second-largest fishery, now recognized as a national monument. The Princes of Villadorata still visit their 17th-century palace, a stunning summer residence. Marzamemi offers plenty of relaxing cafés and local seafood restaurants, making it an ideal spot for lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, continue riding toward Porto Palo, the southernmost tip of Sicily, considered one of the most scenic cycling routes in Italy. From here, take in breathtaking views of Isola di Capo Passero. If the weather is favorable, enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing before shuttling to Noto for a leisurely stroll, admiring the stunning Baroque architecture of this historic city.

Dinner is on your own in Noto.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Villa Favorita to Marzamemi — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Marzamemi to Porto Palo — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s loop ride follows remote country roads, far from traffic, leading to Marzamemi and the coast. Marzamemi is entirely car-free, making it a delightful place to explore on foot. In the afternoon, the route follows the coastline, featuring gently rolling terrain and stunning sea views. From Porto Palo, you will shuttle back to the hotel by private coach. For experienced cyclists, an additional independent ride may be available—ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 — 38 km (5 — 24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a short shuttle up to the Belvedere di Noto plateau, where you’ll begin a scenic ride leading to your lunch stop at Feudo Bauly.

Acquired in the late 18th century for the noble Judica family, this 150-acre country estate remained in the same family for generations. The property includes several historic buildings and a vast holm oak forest, where ancient rock-carved dwellings once served as homes. The entire setting is steeped in history and atmosphere.

Here, you’ll join a local truffle hunter and his dog on a search for the precious black truffle. At lunch, savor the fruits of your labor with risotto al tartufo, along with other specialties crafted by the estate’s chef using fresh garden ingredients.

In the afternoon, a scenic ride leads to your final destination: Borgo del Carato, an ancient fortified masseria surrounded by acres of carob and olive trees. This elegant country inn will be your home for the next two nights, offering tranquil surroundings, breathtaking views, a luxurious spa, and a panoramic pool set in a manicured garden of fragrant flowers.

This evening, meet your gracious hosts and learn how the carat (carob seed) became the unit of weight for diamonds, inspiring the name of the Borgo. Tonight’s dinner will feature local Sicilian specialties, providing the perfect conclusion to a day of discovery.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Belvedere di Noto to Feudo Bauly — 21 km (13 miles)

Afternoon: Feudo Bauly to Borgo del Carato — 20 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

A 15-minute shuttle takes you to Belvedere di Noto, away from the city traffic of Noto. From there, enjoy a scenic ride along rolling country roads with minimal traffic, leading to your lunch stop at the Bauly country resort. After lunch, the ride continues across a picturesque plateau on a quiet road with almost no traffic. For experienced cyclists, an additional independent ride may be available—ask your trip leader for details.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 — 41 km (12 — 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your ride departs from the hotel, crossing a scenic region once inhabited in prehistoric times, where archaeologists have discovered cave tombs carved into steep limestone cliffs. As you cycle along quiet roads and through a vast canyon, you’ll take in the countryside dotted with farms and traditional masserias, with the sea stretching as far as Syracuse in the distance.

A highlight of today’s ride is a stop to explore the Sant’Alfano Bridge, a semi-circular arched stone bridge adorned with mysterious statues, just before reaching Canicattini Bagni. This area is known for its local honey, a specialty of the region.

After riding through the village and continuing down the canyon on a long, gradual route, you’ll stop for lunch at an organic farm run by Rosa. Inspired by her husband’s passion for beekeeping, Rosa turned his hobby into a family-run business specializing in raw, high-quality honey and bee products. She is also dedicated to preserving a rare and endangered Sicilian thyme, which she uses in her award-winning honey. Rosa’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her reputation among former VBT guests is legendary. During your visit, she will treat you to a honey tasting, which will extend to other local specialties as part of your included lunch.

After lunch, continue your ride and cross the Baroque town of Floridia. You might choose to park your bike near the impressive Chiesa Madre church for a short stroll and a pasta di mandorle pastry.

Back at the hotel, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Sicilian cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare arancini di riso with a local chef. End the day by sharing the fruits of your labor with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Carato to Honey Farm — 30 km (19 miles)

Afternoon: Honey Farm to Floridia and Carato — 17 km (11 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, the ride begins with a long, gradual climb, which can be skipped with a short van shuttle. The route follows a quiet, scenic region, winding along a paved road that cuts through a long canyon. It passes through the village of Canicattini Bagni before descending the canyon on a long, gradual stretch into the small city of Floridia, your lunch stop. In the afternoon, enjoy a slightly rolling, panoramic ride leading to the large estate of your hotel. This quiet, fully paved route offers stunning views, with the sea at your back as you approach your destination.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 — 47 km (11 — 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation will be provided to our Syracuse hotel in Ortigia, arriving at approximately 10:15 a.m., where your tour concludes.

If you depart earlier, you will need to arrange your own transportation from the last hotel at your own expense.

Included Meals: Breakfast