We will inaugurate the riding season with one of the warmest and most original regions of Italy, the iconic Sicily. This island hardly needs an introduction, its people and heritage being the marvellous result of millennia of different civilizations who’ve been through it, and who have left artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value. We will experience it all, from seaside towns seemingly emerging from the rocks, to beautifully curated farmhouses up in the mountains, while passing old ruins, national parks and of course Mount Etna too, the highest live volcano of Europe. The accommodations will be unique traditional Masseria and old historical buildings often sporting pools or SPAs, and our meals will be feasts of the most delicious locally produced food and wines.
The route
Beginning in Palermo, this grand tour of Sicily will see us ride between coast and mountains all the way around the island, visiting some truly unique destinations.
DAY 1 (09/03) 60 km: ‘WELCOME TO PALERMO + WARM UP RIDE’
Airport pickup (Palermo) - hotel check-in - tour briefing - motorcycle induction - panoramic warm up ride - dinner and rest.
DAY 2 (10/03) 210 km: ‘THE WEST COAST’
To start the tour in true spring/summer vibe, we will take off along the coast and soon enough reach the marvellous San Vito Lo Capo, where we’ll stop for an optional swim and lunch. After a visit of the cute town, we will ride up via some serious twisties with breath-taking views to reach the incredible Erice for a visit and coffee stop. From there, we’ll ride by the Temple of Segesta before reaching our beautiful country hotel near Sambuca di Sicilia.
DAY 3 (11/03) 210 km: 'TO THE MADONIE MOUNTAINS’
Heading north east, today we’ll cross the island on scenic roads free of traffic all the way to reach Cefalu on the northern coast. Beginning with hilly roads, we’ll ride by Palazzo Adriano town, where Torantore’s iconic Cinema Paradiso film was shot, and then climbing higher roads we’ll first reach the old remote town of Polizzi Generosa up on a mountain top, and then continue on incredibly panoramic mountain roads on one of the most picturesque roads of the island, before setting down our helmets in the splendid Cefalù.
DAY 4 (12/03) 200 km: ‘PIERCING THE HEART OF SICILY’
Back onto the highest roads of the Madonie mountains, we’ll ride part of the Targa Florio route, one of the oldest car races in the world (est. 1906 and still running today). Descending onto flowy and mellow roads, we will then reach Sperlinga. With its 4000 years old caves dug into the rocks, this is one of the most picturesque villages of Italy. From there we’ll cross the suggestive Gullies of Cannizzola, a real desert in the middle of Sicily used by many international directors for their films, adverts and music videos. Finally, we will reach Catania, where we will remain for 2 days.
DAY 5 (13/03) 170 km: ‘RIDING ETNA’
This will be a day of riding and exploring the majestic Etna volcano and everything it has on offer. We’ll hit the twists and turns all the way up to a beautiful viewing spot at 1900mt (6200ft) where, if in luck, we could marvel at the volcano smoking or even erupting in front of us. Riding all morning through forest areas, panoramic roads, old and recent lava formations, we will then reach a unique eco retreat for a truly delicious lunch. There, we’ll have the opportunity to walk in the national park or chill with a drink in the magnificent settings, while the most adventurous and energetic will have the option to reach the actual crater via cable car or quad. After a full day on and around the crater we will return to our hotel in Catania.
DAY 6 (14/03) 200 km: ‘THE BAROQUE ROUTE’
Heading south from Catania we’ll cross the Hyblaean Mountains to enter Val di Noto, famous for its many picturesque Baroque towns (and UNESCO World Heritage sites) like Palazzolo Acreide and Noto. After a coffee stop, we’ll continue towards the coast to indulge in a sea swim, before heading for a fresh seafood lunch in the old fishing town of Marzamemi. Some chill time after lunch to stroll around the old town, and we’ll take off for the beautiful Scicli and then Modica (also UNESCO) where we’ll stay for the night.
DAY 7 (15/03) 230: ‘TO THE TEMPLE’
Leaving Modica through its famous hills, we’ll head north via Ragusa to reach the spectacular ‘ceramic town’ of Caltagirone. This beautiful town is famous for its artist and craftsmen and it’ll be a great opportunity to buy gorgeous ceramics or art pieces if you so wish. After coffee and a stroll, we’ll head west toward Agrigento where we’ll have the opportunity to visit the spectacular ancient site Valle Dei Templi. Riding by the coast, we’ll encounter the beautiful Scala Dei Turchi, white rock formations overlooking the sea, before ending the day at our agriturismo.
DAY 8 (16/03) 170: ‘FROM SOUTH TO NORTH’
On our last day on the road, we will cross and discover more of this wonderful island to reach again Palermo on the north coast. After a quick stop to marvel at the ancient Cathedral of Caltabellotta, we will continue for Corleone and then Ficuzza, home to a beautiful Bourbonic kingdom summer residence. In the afternoon, after a Cannoli pitstop in the lovely Piana degli Albanesi, we’ll ride by the orange, olive and almond orchards of the ‘Conca d’Oro’ (golden valley), and finally arrive in Palermo to celebrate an awesome tour with our final dinner party.
DAY 9 (17/03): ‘DEPARTURE DAY’
Transfer to the airport (Palermo) and return home, or stay some extra days.
7 days trip / 6 days riding
900 km / 3-4 hrs daily riding
Easy-medium riding difficulty
-
• Use of a RIDE 70s motorcycle
• Motorcycle induction and training where needed
• 6 nights hotel & breakfast (shared double room)
• 6 dinners (alcohol not included)
• End of tour dinner party (alcohol included)
• PALERMO airport transfers (tbc/shared with other participants)
• Experienced Italian tour leaders
• English/Spanish/Italian speaking tour leader
• Journey info and maps
• Roadside assistance
• Support vehicle (1 bag per person)
• Third party motorcycle insurance
• Motorcycle replacement in case of irreparable break-down
• Possibility to try a different RIDE 70s motorcycle (TBC)
• Helmet, gloves, vintage boots and leather jacket (while stock lasts)
• Complimentary RIDE 70s T-shirt
-
• 6 nights hotel & breakfast (shared double room)
• 6 dinners (alcohol not included)
• End of tour dinner party (alcohol included)
• Palermo airport transfers (tbc/shared with other participants)
• Experienced Italian tour leaders
• English/Spanish/Italian speaking tour leader
• Journey info and maps
• Roadside assistance
• Support vehicle (1 bag per person)
• Helmet, gloves, vintage boots and leather jacket (while stock lasts)
• Complimentary RIDE 70s T-shirt
-
• 6 nights hotel & breakfast (shared double room)
• 6 dinners (alcohol not included)
• End of tour dinner party (alcohol included)
• Catania airport transfers (tbc/shared with other participants)
• Experienced Italian tour leaders
• English/Spanish/Italian speaking tour leader
• Journey info and maps
• Support vehicle (1 bag per person)
• Helmet, gloves, vintage boots and leather jacket (while stock lasts)
• Complimentary RIDE 70s T-shirt
-
What is NOT included:
• Fuel
• Lunches
• Entrance fees to optional experiences and sites
• Alcohol (except for the final dinner party)
• Personal accident insurance
• Any unlikely tolls and parking
• Tips
• Flights
Additional details:
• Pickup point: Palermo airport or train station.
• Minimum number of participants: 6 (RIDE 70s reserves the right to confirm or cancel the event if the minimum attendance is not reached)
• Minor itinerary changes possible due to road conditions, weather and hotels availability. If so we will let you know in advance.
• A private room is available at €70 p/d
• A 30% refundable deposit secures your place/bike, the balance is due 6 weeks before the starting date
• Although you are covered under our insurance for third party collision, we advise you to arrange your own comprehensive travel insurance.