Sicily: The Baroque Divide
Coast-to-Coast Traverse from Siracusa to Cefalù

Day 1 - Tuesday, May 4th, 2027   Siracusa, cycling 10mi/94’ 

Pickup at Catania airport (CTA) and coach transfer to Siracusa, one of the most storied cities of the ancient world, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Jewish, Arab, and Norman history converge in its streets and monuments. Founded by Greek settlers in the 8th century B.C., the city is rich in archaeological treasures, including the magnificent 3rd‑century B.C. Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the ancient limestone quarries that house the famed “Ear of Dionysius” cave.​ Our hotel is on the magical island of Ortigia, often described as one of the most beautiful historical centers in the world, where ancient Greek remains stand alongside splendid Baroque architecture. Stroll a maze of piazzas, honey‑colored palazzi, seaside promenades, and atmospheric lanes lined with cafés and artisan shops, pausing in the Piazza Duomo to admire the stunning Cathedral of Siracusa and legendary Fountain of Arethusa. After a bike fitting, we’ll pedal the Rossana Maiorca cyclepath for a shakeout ride. In the evening, gather for a pre‑tour briefing and welcome banquet at an authentic Sicilian restaurant, savoring the region’s exquisite seafood specialties. (D) 

DAY 2- May 5th   Siracusa - Solarino, cycling 39mi/2750’ 

From the ancient heart of Ortigia, you’ll cross the harbor with panoramic views of the Maniace Castle fortress and the luminous limestone cliffs along the coast. As the route climbs into “canyon country,” the landscape shifts quickly from coastal scrub to towering carob trees and centuries-old olive groves, with deep limestone gorges carved into the plateau. In Canicattini Bagni, known as the “City of Liberty,” admire its Art Nouveau/Deco architecture with intricate floral stone carvings and wrought iron. Descending off the plateau, enjoy sweeping views over the Anapo Valley below, with Mount Etna rising on the horizon. The ride concludes near Solarino at a restored luxurious country estate nestled among citrus groves. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 - May 6th  Solarino - Ferla - Sortino loop, cycling 36mi/3678’
Departing Solarino, the road clings to the valley wall, offering ever-deepening views of the Anapo River below. As you climb, the scent of citrus groves on the valley floor gives way to wild fennel, thyme, and rugged limestone scrub, framing spectacular drop-offs into the gorge. Cresting the ridge, we reach Ferla, officially recognized as one of Italy’s 'most beautiful villages.' It is a serene Baroque gem of golden stone, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, featuring the Basilica of San Sebastiano and ornate balconies that feel cinematic in their beauty. From Ferla, the route traces the ridge of the Pantalica Reserve, facing the UNESCO-listed Necropolis of Pantalica. Here, you gaze across the canyon at thousands of prehistoric tombs carved into sheer limestone cliffs, dating back to the 13th century B.C. In Sortino, we pause for a traditional Pizzolo lunch, followed by a tour and tasting at a local farm famed for its olive oil and lemons. The return journey takes us down the opposite side of the Anapo Gorge—a long, winding descent through sweeping switchbacks that opens up wide views of the valley and the distant Mediterranean coast. (B,L,D) 

Day 4 - May 7th  Solarino - Palazzolo - Noto, cycling 34mi/2024’
Our ride today links two UNESCO World Heritage towns, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, via the dramatic Cavagrande del Cassibile, known as the “Grand Canyon of Sicily.” Departing Solarino, we begin a steady ascent through olive groves and orchards into the Hyblaean Mountains. The day’s high point is the Baroque town of Palazzolo Acreide, where we visit the stunning Church of St. Sebastian and enjoy a pastry tasting at the famed Corsino’s Bakery. From Palazzolo, the route rolls across a high plateau to the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve. Here, we pause for a picnic overlooking the canyon, where 300‑meter‑deep limestone walls frame emerald pools and waterfalls far below. Near the ruins of Avola Antica (destroyed in the 1693 earthquake), the road plunges toward the sea in a spectacular series of switchbacks, offering sweeping views of the Ionian coastline. We arrive in Noto, the undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque, just as its honey‑colored palaces begin to glow in the afternoon light. We end with a walking tour of the town’s jewels: the grand Cathedral on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the  Palazzo Ducezio or Palazzo Nicolaci. Finally, indulge your sweet tooth and judge for yourself why Noto is known as the gelato capital of the world. (B,L) 

Day 5 - May 8th  Noto – Ragusa, cycling 33mi/3624’
Leaving the golden limestone streets of Noto, the route turns inland and climbs onto the “roof” of the southeastern limestone plateau. The manicured vineyards around Noto give way to wilder pastureland with iconic Carob trees and dry stone walls that grid the countryside. Cycling over gently undulating hills, you cross several river valleys before reaching the ancient town of Ragusa Ibla via a winding road with  panoramic views of the blue-tiled dome of the Cathedral of San Giorgio. Ragusa Ibla itself is the lower and older part of Ragusa, a UNESCO-listed Baroque gem renowned for its maze of narrow lanes, ornate palazzi, and iconic cathedral crowning the hilltop. You will stay for three nights in the historic center at the Antico Convento dei Cappuccini, a restored convent set within the serene Giardino Ibleo, the public gardens at the edge of the old town. (B) 

Day 6 - May 9th  Ragusa, rest day: morning walking tour, afternoon cooking class

Enjoy a walking tour that opens a window onto the private world of Sicilian aristocracy and artisan traditions in Ragusa Ibla. Begin at the Circolo di Conversazione, a 19th‑century gentlemen’s club where red velvet sofas, silk‑covered walls, gilt mirrors, and a grand chandelier evoke a bygone era. Just  across the square lies the Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti, one of the few noble palaces still lived in by its original family. From high society, we turn to high craftsmanship at the workshop of Damiano Rotella and Biagio Castilletti. As some of the last masters of Sicilian cart restoration, they will demonstrate how they hand-paint intricate historic scenes onto cart wheels and panels. You will also have time to explore the ancient, labyrinthine streets, discovering boutiques filled with exquisite Sicilian crafts, clothing, jewelry, and books. In the afternoon, you’re enrolled in a hands‑on culinary school experience at the renowned Nosco Scuola di Cucina Mediterranea, housed within the restored Antico Convento. Specializing in 'cucina conventuale' and Hyblaean classics, you will learn to craft fresh ricotta‑filled ravioli or traditional scacce ragusane. The day concludes as you dine on your own creations at the convent’s restaurant, Cenobio, or amidst the quiet magic of the Giardino Ibleo. (B,D)

Day 7 - May 10th  Ragusa - Modica - Scicli loop, cycling 29mi/2464’
Cycling out of Ragusa Ibla, a brief descent leads into a steady climb up the ridge that separates Ragusa from Modica. From the summit, the view is dramatic: Modica appears 'stacked' against the canyon walls like a split-open pomegranate, with houses climbing vertically up the steep slopes. We descend into the city to visit the spectacular Cathedral of San Giorgio, which sits at the top of a grand 250-step staircase and is considered the most magnificent Baroque cathedral in Sicily. Afterwards, indulge in famed "Modica chocolate" at the culinary workshop and dolceria Don Puglisi to taste the unique, grainy, cold-processed chocolate derived from ancient Aztec recipes. Sated, we cycle down the valley to Scicli’s Chiafura district to view the abandoned cave dwellings carved directly into the sheer cliffside. Our return journey follows the scenic rim of the Canyon Via Fiumara. (B)

Day 8 - May 11th  Ragusa - Vizzini, cycling 25mi/2510’
Climbing out of the valley, the landscape changes from pure limestone to volcanic soil making the vegetation greener and denser than the dry south. You are cycling along the spine of the mountains, offering vast views back towards the coast and forward towards the massive silhouette of Etna. We stop to visit the abandoned Tanner’s District (Conceria) of Vizzini, a ghost village of stone buildings tucked into a cactus-filled canyon just outside the town. Vizzini feels like a step back in time; gritty, authentic, and steeped in history. It is the hometown of Giovanni Verga, the father of Italian "Verismo" (Realism). (B,L,D)

Day 9 - May 12th  Vizzini - Caltagirone - Piazza Armerina, cycling 21mi/1400’ or 38mi/3370’
We descend from the rocky canyons of the high ridge into rolling hills blanketed in wheat fields, artichokes, and vineyards - the true 'breadbasket' of Sicily. As you ride this scenic, undulating route, the dome of the Caltagirone cathedral and the city skyline, perched dramatically across three hills, will be visible from miles away. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Caltagirone is famous for its millenary tradition of ceramics. We will visit the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, a monumental 142-step staircase built in 1608. Each riser is decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles featuring designs that span centuries of Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Baroque history. Leaving Caltagirone, we reach a small agricultural town where you have a choice: tackle the upcoming ascent or jump in our passenger van to skip the climb and shuttle to Piazza Armerino. The route winds through the dense woodlands of the Bosco di San Pietro nature reserve and up into the Erei Mountains. We finish in Piazza Armerina, a medieval town with a baroque skyline rising from the hill. Our accommodation is the Villa Trigona, an aristocratic country estate surrounded by 50 acres of private parkland. (B,D)

Day 10 - May 13th  Piazza Armerina - Enna, cycling 18mi/1400’ or 31mi/3360’
We cycle down the valley to the Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its 3,000 square meters of impeccably preserved Roman mosaics, including the iconic 'Bikini Girls.' Leaving the villa, the route rolls through the golden wheat fields of Enna province, passing Lake Pergusa. This is central Sicily’s only natural lake and the legendary setting where Hades abducted Persephone to the underworld. From the agricultural plains, the route turns upward for a challenging climb on a series of scenic switchbacks. Here you can choose to tackle the upcoming ascent or jump in our passenger van to skip the climb and shuttle to Enna. Gaining elevation, we cross the legendary Sicily Divide - recognized by The New York Times as one of its “52 Places to Go. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the island. Our destination is Enna, a city perched on a massive, isolated limestone plateau 3,050’ above sea level. The historic upper town, Enna Alta, possesses an austere, medieval charm. From the Castello di Lombardia at the tip of the rock, you are treated to Sicily’s greatest view: Mount Etna towering to the east and the Madonie mountains shimmering to the north. (B)

Day 11 - May 14th  Enna - Petralia, cycling 32mi/3700’
Descending from the high plateau of Enna Alta, you drop down the switchbacks with views of the jagged peaks of the Madonie Mountains. Our route passes the Caves of Via Carcere in Calascibetta and Leonforte where you can view the Granfonte, a monumental 17th-century Baroque fountain with 24 spouts, built to water the town's herds. An optional detour takes you up to Sperlinga, a famed medieval castle carved entirely out of the rock. We then climb into  Madonie Regional Park, a landscape of grey limestone peaks, green alpine pastures, and cooler air. Enjoy quiet roads winding through silent valleys where the only traffic is often sheep or cattle. The ride ends in Petralia Soprana, voted one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The medieval walled town is made entirely of stone and feels centuries removed from the modern world. From the town's belvedere, you can look back south to see Enna as well as the snowy cone of Etna to the east. (B,L)

Day 12 - May 15th  Petralia - Cefalu, cycling 40mi/2838’
This stage is the reward for all the climbing of previous days. Begin among the high peaks of the Madonie – a landscape that feels more like Switzerland than Sicily – with alpine meadows, dense beech woods, and cool mountain air. A long, forested descent brings you to Castelbuono, a town dominated by the 14th‑century Castello dei Ventimiglia. Here we pause at the renowned Fiasconaro bakery for coffee and a slice of their famous panettone. Leaving Castelbuono, the road drops toward the coast, and the scenery shifts back to Mediterranean scrub, olive groves, and citrus trees. As you lose elevation, you’ll gain your first sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea: blue water stretches to the horizon, a stark contrast to the mountains behind you. The ride concludes in Cefalù, a stunning seaside town crowned by the sheer limestone mass of La Rocca. Its narrow medieval streets, paved in river pebbles, open dramatically onto the ocean. Highlights here include the Lavatoio Medievale, a cool, vaulted washhouse fed by a natural spring, and the UNESCO listed Cathedral of Cefalù, featuring a colossal Christ Pantocrator mosaic. We celebrate the end of our journey with a farewell banquet on a terrace perched over the rocks, enjoying local specialties like pasta con le sarde and grilled swordfish rolls. (B,D)

Day 13 - Sunday, May 16th, 2027  Departure: Group transfer to Palermo airport (PMO). (B)

Joining the ride
“Request to participate" or make further inquiries by contacting the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid. Upon acceptance you will be asked to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling registration fee, The deposit will be paid directly to Maremonti Tours (MT) after ride confirmation. 

Payments 

The total thirteen (13) day tour cost per person is  $4,490  based on two persons sharing a room, calculated at a current currency exchange rate of $1.14 USD equals 1 Euro (€3,950). As exchange rates fluctuate, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. MT requires a minimum of twelve participants for the ride. Singles are welcome at a surcharge of approximately $1,065 per room (limited to 2 singles). If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to connect participants as roommates.  A deposit of $900 is required on booking with the balance due 90 days prior to the tour.  
Cancellations
Refunds of deposits and payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recovered. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made when the replacement has paid their fees. If the canceling participant can't be replaced there will be no refund. Refund calculations are based on the principle that a canceling participant will not increase the cost for others. All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $175, which MT will deduct from the deposit. If a participant that is sharing a room cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the supplement for a private room of the roommate remaining on the tour. The People Cycling ride registration and membership fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. You are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation, medical and travel insurance. The itinerary and menus are subject to change depending on availability and size of group. 

Tour includes: 

• 12  nights accommodation with city tax in 3-4 * hotels and country villas

• 7  dinners (including water and ½ bottle wine pp) 

• 5  picnic lunches with water

• 12  breakfasts

• light snacks, fruit, energy bars, water and electrolyte powder in the van for the rides

• Entrance fee to museums, archaeological site of Roman Villa del Casale per itinerary

• Tour of  (our driver/mechanic’s) working farm with olive oil and lemon grove tastings 

• Hands on cooking class at Nosco Scuola di Cucina Mediterranea in Ragusa Ibla 

• Walking tours of Noto and Ragusa  

• Chocolate tasting in Modica

• English speaking cycling guide

• group transfer from Catania airport to Siracusa

• group transfer from Cefalu to Palermo airport

• Basic spare parts and inner tubes 

• Emergency vehicle support and luggage transfer 

• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

• MT bidon water bottle

• Bike box transfer (very limited)

• RWGPS experience TCX or GPX files for each day’s route

• Not included: flights, bike hire, medical/travel insurance, taxis, tips/gratuities, drinks except as listed above, pre/post tour accommodations, transfers and activities outside of tour itinerary, anything not mentioned in the included list above

Bike Rentals
Gravel bikes aluminum   € 300    alu frames, Shimano GRX 600 components, 

Gravel bikes carbon          € 340    carbon frames, Shimano GRX 600 1 x12 or Campagnolo Ekar 1x13

Hybrid bikes € 230    hybrid/sport bike with 27 gears 

E-bikes (S,M, L, XL) € 465    E-touring bikes with Bosch Motor and 500Wh battery 

Cycling helmet € 15      for those bringing own bikes; included with bike rental on request

                All rentals include a saddle bag repair kit with extra tubes and levers

Weather
With an average range from 64-70°, Sicily weather in May is mild and perfect for cycling. Occasional rain in the mountains is always a possibility; participants should be prepared to ride regardless of weather. Anticipate eight hours of sunshine daily with moderate UV levels. 

Arrivals, pre and post tour options:
The tour starts with a morning transfer from Catania (CTA) to Siracusa. It is recommended that you arrive in Siracusa a day or more in advance to allow time to explore the city. There are frequent public buses and taxis available from the airport to Siracusa. The tour ends with a morning transfer from Cefalu to Palermo. It is recommended that you spend an extra day in Cefalu exploring or relaxing on the beach

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