101.7 km | 1,681m | 1,578m | 5,30h

After spending the night in the beautiful Syracuse, the first day of this tour begins… EPIC. The initial 10 kilometers will involve passing through Syracuse and the surrounding towns. After passing Belvedere, we'll commence our day amidst nature. An initial ascent of about 7 kilometers will take us into the Pantalica Nature Reserve and the Anapo Valley.

Pantalica, known for its extraordinary network of rock-cut tombs (some dating back 3000 years), is an ancient archaeological site nestled in the Anapo Valley. The valley itself is a natural wonder, adorned with lush vegetation and rugged cliffs touched by the Anapo River.

The road continues to ascend amidst wild meadows and occasional pastures, and at kilometer 46, we begin a winding descent towards the small towns of Cassaro and Ferla, much like the spectacular stage of the 2018 Giro d'Italia (Catania-Caltagirone, won by Tim Wellens), before continuing with a series of ups and downs towards our hotel in Noto, renowned for its splendid Baroque architecture, which granted it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

107.9 km | 1,874m | 1,515m | 5,30h

Left Noto behind us, We'll immediately face the long ascent through the ancient Valley of Noto. The typical dry stone walls of the area, lush green pastures, and intense meadows will accompany us for 25 kilometers. Upon reaching Palazzolo Acreide, we'll continue along SS 124, passing through the charming medieval village of Vizzini. 

Our cycling journey through the Iblei Mountains continues towards Monterosso Almo, an ancient rural village nestled among the mountains. At the Chiaramonte Gulfi junction, we'll face the last challenge of the day—a climb of about 8 kilometers amidst vast meadows and pastures. After reaching the summit, our descent towards Ragusa, where we'll spend the night, begin.

Ragusa captures a captivating fusion of history and modernity. Divided between Ragusa Ibla, known for its Baroque architecture, and Ragusa Superiore, the contemporary area, it boasts a rich cultural and architectural legacy. Surrounding the city, thanks to its position offering a unique view, are picturesque rolling hills and vineyards.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

118.6 km | 2,004m | 1,754m | 6h

Today's stage will be, in terms of distance and elevation, the toughest of the entire tour. Our adventure begins with a climb from Balata di Modica, an agricultural area that offers unforgettable colors during certain times of the year. The vast natural landscape alternates between vineyards, olive groves, farms, and wild fields.

Upon reaching the village of Giarratana, we'll embark on a 10-kilometer ascent that will lead us, via a panoramic road, to Buccheri, a village visited the previous day. From there, we'll traverse a series of ups and downs through natural parks and towns like Grammichele and Caltagirone (renowned for its ceramics and the Santa Maria del Monte staircase).

When we are at 18 km left, we'll face the final challenge of the day: a climb that will take us to Piazza Armerina. The ascent isn't overly difficult, with slopes rarely exceeding 5%.

Piazza Armerina boasts a rich historic center with Baroque architecture, narrow winding streets, and picturesque squares steeped in history. Our hotel is located right in front of the Cathedral, overlooking the city.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

89.5 km | 1,354m | 1,557m | 4,20h

After yesterday's challenge, today brings the easiest stage of the week. Our journey through the Sicilian hinterland continues, gradually leading us towards the northern part of the island.

As we set off, we head towards Aidone and from there, via a scenic road, begin our descent towards the Valley of Dittaino. The initial sixty kilometers of the route will be quite fast, and amid fields and pastures, we'll easily reach the town of Catenanuova.

After a cappuccino break, the challenge of the day begins: a 12-kilometer climb, albeit with moderate slopes, up to the village of Centuripe, a charming hamlet overlooking the Etna. 

We're still in the province of Enna, but the majesty of the volcano is starting to reveal itself. Our hotel isn't far from here: its pool and its Michelin-starred restaurant awaits us.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

71.7 km | 2,037m | 1,039m | 4,50h

Today's stage isn't long, but it involves significant elevation gain. After the initial twenty kilometers across the plains around Lake Pozzillo, we begin ascending towards Gagliano Castelferrato, a small village nestled among vineyards, olive groves, and pastures.

We'll ride all the way along the SP 34 to the ancient village of Troina, a historic town boasting remnants of Greek, Roman, and medieval influences. Here, we stand at the entrance to the Nebrodi Natural Park.

Our day continues with a long but gentle ascent of thirty kilometers towards the heart of the Nebrodi. The surrounding landscape begins to shift as vast meadows give way to wooded areas, and Mount Etna reemerges as a prominent backdrop.

Cesarò marks the final village before our hotel, which is 15 kilometers away. We recommend stopping at one of the welcoming bars in town to replenish your energy before the final climb towards the Pass of Portella Femmina Morta, where our stage will conclude.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

115.4 km | 1,520m | 2,466m | 6h

The first part of the stage is quite easy, and We'll descend towards the Tyrrhenian coast for about thirty kilometers. After a stretch along the coast, we reach the small village of Rocca di Capri Leone. From here, the long ascent through the Nebrodi mountains begins—a 35-kilometer climb with an average slope of 4%.

The initial part of the ascent alternates between woodland and small villages characterized by narrow streets and scenic balconies. As we ascend, the landscape changes. After passing through Floresta, the highest municipality in Sicily, the woodland gives way to green hills, wind turbines, and rocky formations. We are at over 1200 meters above sea level, and thanks to the brisk temperature, it might feel like we're in a valley in northern Italy.

However, this sensation won't last long because as soon as we start the long descent, Mount Etna, her majesty, will reappear on the horizon as we head down towards Randazzo, a charming medieval village nestled at the foot of the volcano.

The surrounding area is highly renowned for its wines, and it's precisely from here that our journey along the Etna wine route will commence, leading us to our hotel owned by a renowned Sicilian winery where we'll have the pleasure of tasting their products.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner | Wine tasting

86 km | 1,776m | 2,321m | 5h

The last stage of our Epic tour couldn't end in any other way than with an epic challenge!

It's time to face the Europe's tallest active volcano by its Northern slope towards the 1850 meters of Piano Provenzana.

Shortly after starting, we begin the ascent towards one of Italy's most beautiful villages, Castiglione di Sicilia. Upon reaching the mountain village of Linguaglossa at the fifteenth kilometer, the official climb of Mount Etna starts: 18 kilometers with an average incline of 6%, which might seem manageable, but the real challenge awaits towards the end.

The first part of the ascent will be inside the Ragabo Pine Forest, a larch pine forest that will make us feel like we're in the Alps. While climbing, the forested terrain transitions to volcanic rocks, and at the 15th kilometer of the ascent, the most arduous stretch begins. The final three kilometers towards Piano Provenzana feature steep inclines reaching up to 18%; however, reaching the peak will reward us with breathtaking beauty.

As our week draws to an end, the remaining 40 kilometers along the Ionian coast present no significant challenges. Ending such a splendid tour couldn't be more fitting than concluding in one of Sicily's most beautiful cities: Taormina.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast