THIS TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. We are now taking pre bookings for a second run in June/August/September.
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
Starting in Catania, we will discover the baroque town of the south-east before heading north into the wild heart of this beautiful island, to then finish on the eastern coast with an amazing journey of the volcano Etna.
DAY 1 (28/04) 80 km: ‘WELCOME TO CATANIA’
Airport pickup (Catania) - hotel check-in - tour briefing - motorcycle induction - panoramic warm up ride - overnight in traditional Masseria.
DAY 2 (29/04) 180 km: ‘THE BAROQUE ROUTE’
Beginning in the Catania countryside we’ll cross the Hyblaean Mountains to enter Val di Noto and ride by some of its most picturesque (and UNESCO World Heritage) Baroque towns like Palazzolo Acreide and Noto. Descending towards the coast we’ll enjoy one of the freshest seafood lunches at the sleepy fishing town of Marzamemi, before heading to the beautiful Scicli (also UNESCO) to spend the night at an historical residence.
DAY 3 (30/04) 200 km: 'PIERCING THE ISLAND’S HEART’
Crossing the centre of the island from south to north we’ll ride by the enchanting Modica and Ragusa, to then reach Caltagirone, one of the world capitals for ceramic production. Continuing north toward the ‘Parco Naturale delle Madonie’ we’ll reach Gangi, also officially nominated as one of the most beautiful towns of Italy, where we will stay for two nights to soak in its magical atmosphere.
DAY 4 (01/05) 120 km: ‘THE OLD RACING ROUTE’ (loop day)
This will be a day of rest and sightseeing, or ride into the Madonie mountains to track part of the Targa Florio route, one of the world oldest car races, established in 1906 and still running today. There won’t be tonnes of kilometres, but they’ll be fun and twisty through beautiful landscapes and villages.
DAY 5 (02/05) 150 km: ‘FROM MOUNTAINS TO SEA’
We’ll leave the altitude of the Madonie park and head towards the eastern coast via the SS120. After a must visit of Sperlinga, another of the most beautiful villages of Italy with its 4000 years old caves dug into the rocks, we’ll reach the perfectly preserved medieval town of Randazzo, also called ‘black city’ for its buildings erected with volcanic rock. Finally, via one of the most beautiful gorges of Sicily we’ll reach the fascinating Taormina for sunset, and time allowing we’ll visit the Teatro Antico of Taormina, the second oldest and largest Greek theatre outside Greece.
DAY 6 (03/05) 120 km: ‘RIDING ETNA’
We’ll leave the beautiful Taormina to spend a day of riding and exploring the majestic Volcano Etna. After a coffee stop in the antique pretty town Linguaglossa, we’ll hit the twists and turns all the way up to a beautiful viewing spot at 1900mt (6200ft). If in luck we could marvel at the volcano smoking or even erupting from this location. We’ll then continue to our next point on the volcano where for the most adventurous there will be the opportunity to reach the actual crater via cable car or quad. After lunch on the volcano, via more twisty roads we will descend back to Catania for our end of tour dinner party.
DAY 7 (04/05): DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast - transfer to the airport (Catania) and return home.
7 days trip / 6 days riding
900 km / 3-4 hrs daily ride
Easy-medium riding difficulty
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• 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)
• Catania 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)
• Catania 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: Catania 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.