Mount Etna Bike Tour in Sicily

Arrive in Nicolosi at your own pace, ready to begin your Sicilian adventure. You'll be handed the keys to your bike, along with your roadbook and maps, packed with everything you need to explore the island your way.

Hop on a public bus up to Rifugio Sapienza (1,900m), your launchpad for exploring Mount Etna. Once your excursion up the volcano is complete, swap the bus for your bike and freewheel back down to Nicolosi along a scenic road that drops 1,200m in altitude. If the weather doesn't play ball, no problem, take the public bus into Catania instead and spend the day exploring its historic old town.

Leave Nicolosi behind on mostly downhill secondary roads that lead you to the Forre Laviche del Simeto nature reserve, a striking canyon carved out by the Simeto river through ancient lava flows. Look out for Ponte dei Saraceni, a bridge dating back to Roman times, before riding on through sprawling pistachio groves that signal you're nearing Bronte, famous the island over for its "green gold." Tonight, you'll stay in a beautiful old manor set amongst the pistachio trees.

Head north on a scenic secondary road towards the Parco dei Nebrodi, arriving in Maniace where you can explore Nelson Castle and the former Norman abbey of Santa Maria di Maniace. From here, retrace your route back to the main road and continue on into Randazzo, a village steeped in medieval history.

Today's ride is easier going, taking you along Mount Etna's wine road, with the chance to stop in at local wine cellars along the way. Don't miss the old town of Castiglione, from where you'll catch your first glimpse of the Alcantara Valley, the divide between the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountain ranges, and your next destination. You'll finish the day in Giardini Naxos, Sicily's first Greek colony, where a swim in the crystal clear Ionian Sea is the perfect way to unwind.

Just a few kilometres from Giardini Naxos lies Taormina, "the pearl of the Ionian sea", a hilltop town of real charm that's drawn travellers, poets and writers for centuries. Keep climbing for another 5km and you'll reach Castelmola, a picture perfect medieval hamlet with sweeping views over the gulf below, smouldering Mount Etna, and the Italian coastline beyond. From here, it's back down to Giardini Naxos.

A tranquil, relaxing ride along the aptly named Riviera dei Limoni. At the foot of Mount Etna, you'll ride through the scent of orange blossom and lemon trees, mingling with the salt air of the sea. A 2km climb up Timpa signals you're nearing Acireale, a charming town with a beautiful baroque old centre. The ride ends in the seaside village of Acitrezza.

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Depart at your own pace, ask us about transfers to the airport, or ask us about extending your Sicilian adventure with a few extra days.