Cycle Touring Italy's Islands - Sicily

A great ride through the outskirts of the region. Accommodation was very good and the farmhouse stay and food excellent. Loved the pasta cooking lesson.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Pasta cooking and watching the olive picking
What did you think of your group leader?
She was excellent, fun, with us all the way and rapidly found a great alternative when it was too windy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Sicily is much easier than the Amalfi coast and probably don't need an E bike if you can cycle 50km. Really enjoyed Sicily.

This trip was so good for the soul: amazing guide (Iris), superman (Giuseppe), towns, laughs, food, beer, wine, sun, storms, swims and group - all in equal measures.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Inspirational no, but as a fan of Montalbano, I was beside myself with giddiness when we got a quick look inside his 'police station and office' in Scicli. Lifetime firsts: I ate a prickly pear, cycled past fields of aubergines and pomegranates and found a fizzy water vending machine where you can fill your own bottle - why don't we have these at home?! I appreciated having 2 hotels where we stayed 2 nights each, particularly the agriturismo, with lovely pool and great staff. I loved all the places we visited, but Siracusa had a particular hold on me.
What did you think of your group leader?
Iris was wonderful. She made us all feel very safe, was super organised and attentive and good fun. A gem. Her side-kick Giuseppe was brilliant too.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A bit of training beforehand would be good to help you up those hills, particularly if you haven't been on your bike for a while! Although, with e-bikes an option now, it's maybe not required. One point on the e-bikes, some people found them heavy and clunky on the descents. Bring a raincoat for any short, but heavy downpours. Be prepared for a lot of eating.

An excellent holiday all round. Beautiful scenery and architecture, great bikes, lovely company and a fantastic guide in Iris, supported brilliantly by the two Guiseppes!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling into Noto for a fab lunch after a challenging morning!
What did you think of your group leader?
Iris is knowledgeable, a great leader and good fun to be on holiday with.

Everything about this ride was great. The scenery, the towns we visited, the food, the accommodation, our fellow cyclists and most certainly our guide Iris and her backup team.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The ascent to the canyon of Cavagrande del Cassibile and the views from the top, followed by the exhilarating descent to Avola.
What did you think of your group leader?
Iris was absolutely great in every way.

We enjoyed a wonderful cycling holiday in Sicily. We now have such an appreciation of Sicily's rich cultural past, the delicious Sicilian cuisine and the beautiful countryside we cycled through.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The thrill at having cycled up the 10km climb and then the joy of riding down the other side on day 6.
What did you think of your group leader?
Iris is an inspiration! She is so capable, friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. Exodus are very fortunate to have her on their team. A really lovely person in every way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Come and do the cycling tour in Sicily, you won't be disappointed !
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The back up team on this tour did an excellent job also. They were very responsive to both Iris and the group and did everything to keep us safe, to have the bikes working well and to transport the luggage each day.

This trip opened my eyes; I had thought of Sicily as a hard, arid kind of place, but six days of enjoying the lovely people, wonderful food and interesting sights along the way changed all that. It started well, and then got better and better.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The lunch on the day we biked to Noto. Can't remember where it was but we'd had a good ride, hot and tired, and then we arrived at a quiet oasis of dappled shade. We were presented with a range of tasty Sicilian dishes. Lovely atmosphere - I didn't want to leave.
What did you think of your group leader?
Others have commented on how good a leader Iris has been. She was very, very good, in a quiet and considerate way. She handled a large group of 17 easily but still had time for individual's issues. In particular, she was well organised and always gave just the right amount of useful information at the right moment. Thanks Iris!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I was concerned when I saw that the group would be large, 17 people, in fact. However, it was a great bunch of people who gelled well, better than some smaller groups. No cliques, no delays, no grumbles so thanks to one and all for a great trip! This was a 'point to point' trip; each day we cycled from one hotel to the next which adds to the sense of making a journey by bike. Much better than having piling into a bus for some sections. Sometimes it is unavoidable, of course, such as in India, but it confirms to me that when looking for a trip remember that the 'point to point' is an important factor.

We enjoyed a lovely week’s cycling in Montalbano country along quiet roads surrounded by red and yellow flowers and smelling oleander and citrus blossom. Iris was an excellent guide who never flapped , always ensuring our safety on the roads . The bikes were the best I have hired on an Exodus trip .
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Looking down on beautiful Modica from above after a glorious cycle on the first day . Also the delicious picnics provided , at an extra cost , along the way .
What did you think of your group leader?
Iris was very organised and supported the group well . She will be a hard act to follow!

This was my first trip with Exodus and I was looking forward to exploring the island. The whole holiday was first class from start to finish. Iris and Giuseppe looked after us throughout and we felt that they were friends not just guides by the end. The group got on very well and although I was the youngest at 28 this was not an issue. Food was superb throughout especially the picnic lunches and food at the agriturismo. Always lots to eat at breakfast and plenty of stops for coffee. Scenery is beautiful and is unspoilt compared to mainland Italy. Bikes are great and well maintained I did not miss my own bike at all. Overall an immersive experience with an excellent group. Just go ahead and book it.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The descent into Syracuse was out of this world.
What did you think of your group leader?
Iris was exceptional she was available at all times for questions but also let us relax and enjoy the trip in our own way. Her restaurant tips were spot on and we enjoyed learning from her.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Leave your own bike at home and make sure to pack a snack if you arrive late on the first day.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
10/10- Excellent.

A great 6 days cycling and eating in a very picturesque and quiet region of Sicily, First day was full on but days did get easier although some long climbs. Some fantastic views and towns visited.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Descending through countless hairpins on last but one day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Paolo was a character and kept us safe throughout the week but could have been more informative if his English was to improve.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We stayed a couple of days before in Taormina to see Etna and a couple of days after in Syracuse as there are many sights to see there.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thoroughly enjoyable and once again a mixed bag of people that all got on really well.

Sicily is an intriguing place full of history that is very much alive all around you. The highlands, with empty roads and big views, were lovely. In April there were very few tourists and there were amazing wildflowers everywhere. The weather was rather 'English' though! The food was amazing.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
In Syracuse, walking down a little alley, an operatic aria was playing on a sound system somewhere, and all the street traders suddenly started singing along, joining in one by one, with beautiful voices. It was magical! Everywhere we went there were beautiful wildflowers like I've never seen before. Definitely recommend going in April for that reason, as well as the fact that the tourist draws and beaches are very quiet.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leaders were excellent, really worked hard to look after us and passionate about their homeland. The picnic lunches were outstanding.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you practice riding up hills! Overall level 3 is fair, but there are some really hilly sections, with sustained climbs. Also, in April, bring clothing for a range of weather.

It takes a lot to come together to make to make a perfect trip but this one succeeded. The group gelled perfectly although there was big range of cycling abilities. The leader was excellent, the accommodation good and last but not least he hire bikes were very good, which is not always the case.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The best moment was the exciting descent down a series of hairpins on the penultimate day of the trip
What did you think of your group leader?
Daniela and Guiseppe took very good care of everyone. Daniela's knowledge of the places we visited also enhanced the quality of the trip

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The time of year was perfect in that the scenery was green and the verges full of flowers. The people in Sicily were extremely friendly and the food we had was delicious (local knowledge of the tour leader and local operator obviously need to be thanked for this). I wouldn't call this "moderate" as there are many hills so a good level of fitness is required. We'd expected temperatures to be mid-late 20s but instead we had mid 30s!! Beautiful weather but tougher for cycling up the long hills. I'd definitely recommend this tour.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
n/a - can't imagine what you want to know with this question....did I have a vision!?
What did you think of your group leader?
Lovely tour leader with a great, dry sense of humour. Then again, I'm half Bavarian so I would say that! He was very keen to please his very big group of 16 and I believe everyone really liked Thomas.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you're fit for this one! There are long stretches with no breaks as people seem to race along. I took my time and stopped for photos and drinks but it meant I was constantly at the back. Take your own gel saddle and think about protection for your poor behind.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The bicycles gears could have been better! They were clonking all over the place but I got used to how they worked and dealt with it.

This was one of my best Exodus Holidays. This was my first cycling one with Exodus and I can highly recommend this trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The cycling was fantastic. Not too difficult climbs although you had to be quite fit. The acommodation and food was excellent.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had three leaders to which everyone was fantastic in looking after us. They made sure the bikes were safe and were very attentive to all the group. Also gave a lot of history about the Island.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I will certainly be going again next year on a cycling trip with Exodus.