About this trip.
The Val di Noto
Sicily's southeastern corner was flattened by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt, town by town, in a coordinated burst of late Baroque. Eight towns — Noto, Modica, Ragusa, Scicli and their neighbours — are listed by UNESCO together as a single cultural site. Honey-coloured limestone, theatrical staircases, churches arranged like stage backdrops. It is one of the most architecturally coherent regions in Italy, and much of it sits on quiet roads that work well on a bike.
This is also the less-visited Sicily. Most of the island's tourism gathers around Taormina and the north coast; the south stays comparatively unvarnished, with working agricultural country between the set-piece towns rather than a continuous tourist ribbon.
Cycling between the Baroque towns
The trip runs for seven days and six nights, with the UNESCO towns forming the spine of the route. Arriving into a place like Modica or Ragusa on a bike — dusty, sun-warmed, coming up the back way — gives the architecture a different weight than stepping off a coach in the main piazza. The riding between towns takes you through the sort of Sicilian interior most visitors never see: carob and olive country, open ridges, a coastal stretch here and there.
The practical side
Macs Adventure runs this as a self-guided holiday. The format means a fixed route, pre-booked hotels and luggage transferred between them, but no guide setting the pace — which suits riders who'd rather potter, take the detour and stop when the pastry shop looks interesting. Reviews and online booking sit on the Macs Adventure site.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
