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Cycling through Baroque Sicily

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    C08BS
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided cycling
  • Duration
    8 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
    , and
  • Activity level
  • From $3200per person, tour only
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 8 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
  • All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Electric bikes available
  • Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels
  • Transfers available at a supplement for tour only packages
  • City break add-ons in Catania and Palermo
  • Suitable for
  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Food lovers, wine lovers, bird spotting opportunities, art & history, swimming opportunities, vegetarian meals, coastal routes, island exploring
      from 18 reviews

Michael Williams says...
Our second ebike holiday with Headwater: again a most enjoyable experience. The routes chosen were on good roads with little traffic and provided lots of ...
Read reviews »

Italy: Sicily

Cycling through Baroque Sicily

  • Beautiful, unspoilt, coastlines; charming fishing villages; rich fertile valleys
  • Inspector Montalbano country - visit the haunts of the famous TV detective
  • Authentic Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Superb regional food and excellent Nero D'Avola wines

This 8-night, self-guided cycling holiday provides a wonderful introduction to Sicily's south-east, a part of the island renowned for its beautiful, unspoilt coastline, spectacular Baroque architecture and sumptuous regional cuisine. Your journey takes you along a mix of inland and coastal routes, starting amidst the Baroque splendour of Ragusa and Modica and ending in stunning Siracusa on the east coast. You'll cycle through lush valleys filled with olive trees, almond groves, vineyards and citrus orchards and patchwork puzzles of dry-stone-wall farms, as you cycle between UNESCO World Heritage Sites rebuilt in the typical late Baroque style after the famous 1693 earthquake.

You'll take in plenty of Inspector Montalbano country - a treat for fans of the fictional detective series - including Scicli with its atmospheric streets and hilltop mausoleum as well as the charming fishing villages of Punta Secca and Sampieri. Following the scenic Mediterranean Route cycleway you'll head towards the sea, taking in sublime coastline, punctuated by golden sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages such as Portopalo di Capo Passero and pretty Marzamemi with its Arab history. After passing through Nero D'Avola wine country your holiday finishes in beautiful Siracusa, an ancient Greek city whose 'historical heart' is the island of Ortigia, accessed by a bridge from the mainland. Ortigia's grand squares, narrow medieval streets and romantic palaces and castles are a delight to behold.

You'll stay in a wonderful mix of accommodation including a charming villa hotel boasting fabulous views over Noto from its outdoor pool terrace and a minimalist design hotel in the centre of bustling Portopalo. Given the wonderful local cuisine on offer, including such Sicilian specialities as Pasta alla Norma and Pasta con le Sarde, we've included three evening meals on this holiday, leaving you free to dine out on the remaining nights.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Cycling information

Routes are predominately on asphalt, using quieter secondary roads, with limited, small sections on main roads on cycling day 1. You should expect more traffic in and approaching the towns. There are ascents and descents but routes become more gentle along the coastline.




We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Arrive in Ragusa

Arrive at your luxury 4 star hotel in Ragusa.
You stay at the De Stefano Palace Hotel

Day 2: Ragusa to Modica 41km/26mi

We strongly recommend spending some time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla before setting off this morning. The simply stunning old town of Ragusa, rebuilt in 1693 after a huge earthquake, is full of enchanting Baroque architecture, along with a number of tempting cafes and restaurants for lunch. Follow your visit with a climb above Modica, skirting Modica Alta (the upper part of the city), before passing quaint, dry-stone-wall farms through a rich, fertile valley of cacti and pomegranate orchards as you weave your way to Cava d'Ispica - a verdant gorge full of thousands of caves and grottoes, stretching for 13 kilometres between Modica and Ispica!
You stay at the Hotel San Giorgio (breakfast included)

Day 3: At Modica

Often referred to as the Baroque capital of Sicily, the atmospheric city of Modica sits in a dramatic setting, perched between limestone cliffs. This UNESCO-listed city is home to an impressive 29 churches including two grand Baroque cathedrals, along with charming narrow streets peppered with cafes, restaurants and a number of tempting chocolate shops! Modica's chocolate is one of the Ragusa area's most famous products and to this day it's still made to ancient Aztec methods. Make sure you sample some at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily!
You stay at the Hotel San Giorgio (breakfast included)

Day 4: Modica to Pozzallo 50km/31mi

Start today with a feel-good freewheel through a valley rich in pomegranates, cacti and quaint little farmsteads, on your way to the unmissable little town of Scicli. Overlooked by an imposing rock on which sits the magnificent Church of San Matteo, Scicli, like the other towns in the area, has been totally rebuilt in a pure Sicilian Baroque style following the 1693 earthquake. Wander its atmospheric streets and you'll feel like you're on the set of Inspector Montalbano - Via Mormino Penna is where you'll find the fictional police station from the TV show! Be sure to check out the impressive, hilltop cemetery, just out of town, full of mausoleums and surrounded by magnificent pines and tall cypress trees. You reach the coast and continue to Cava d'Aliga and Sampieri, a picturesque fishing village with a lovely sandy beach and another of Montalbano's favoured locations. Continue along the coastline to Pozzallo, home to no less than four Blue Flag beaches.
You stay at the Hotel Danieli (breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 5: Pozzallo to Portopalo di Capo Passero 43km/27mi

Cutting inland you'll cycle through pantani, a series of saltwater lagoons rich in birdlife such as mallards, flamingos, herons and storks, on your way to today's highlight - the Isola delle Correnti (the 'Island of Currents'). The southernmost point of Sicily's mainland, this isolated, seemingly adrift island is also the point at which the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. It's quite a sight to behold!
You stay at the Portopalo Suite (breakfast included)

Day 6: Portopalo di Capo Passero to Noto 44km/27.50mi

Today's cycle takes you to the beautiful old fishing village of Marzamemi - one of Sicily's prettiest - with its colourful wooden boats, fishermen's houses and charming buildings such as the Baroque church of San Francesco di Paola. Marzamemi became the centre of Sicily's tuna fishing industry under its Arab influence and it keeps the tradition alive today, using artisanal fishing methods to produce a number of delicacies including canned tuna, smoked swordfish and marinated anchovies! Making your way to Noto you'll head inland on a virtually traffic-free road that winds its way through olive groves, vineyards, almond trees, sugar cane and beautifully perfumed citrus orchards - idyllic surroundings for a picnic lunch.
You stay at the Villa Favorita (breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 7: At Noto (10km return)

Your hotel is located in a lovely courtyard setting with an outdoor pool and superb views over Noto. If you can tear yourself away from the 4 star luxury, you could cycle to the nearby seaside resort of Lido di Noto for a lazy day on the beach, or opt for our recommended cycle ride into atmospheric Noto itself. Perhaps the most beautiful of all the cities you visit on this holiday, Noto's current centre was rebuilt after the 17th century earthquake and is considered a Baroque masterpiece as well as being an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander down the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele, overlooked by Noto's elegant cathedral and explore the side streets filled with an array of fine architecture and cafes serving delicious local treats such as the savoury arancini and sweet cannoli.
You stay at the Villa Favorita (breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 8: Noto to Siracusa 49km/31mi

What a final day! You'll follow the coast to the stunning city of Siracusa, built on an ancient Greek settlement and boasting a treasure trove of temples, amphitheatres and an ancient castle. On the way you'll cycle through Avola - home of the famous Nero D'Avola red wine grape. You'll also enjoy views of the majestic Mount Etna, and discover Plemmirio, an important area for flora and fauna and whose waters are home to a number of species including tuna, sea urchins, dolphins and sperm whales. After passing the Murro di Porco Cape, a striking landmark in the 1943 Conquest of Sicily, a final stretch takes you along the Bay of Siracusa and into the city itself.
You stay at the Hotel Gran Bretagna (breakfast included)

Day 9: Leave Siracusa

Leave Siracusa or maybe spend extra nights in Sicily's second city, Catania

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel de Stefano Palace, Ragusa

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The Hotel de Stefano Palace, located in Ragusa's historic town centre and just a short walk from the path up to Ragusa Ibla, is a wonderful example of Baroque, neo classical and art nouveau architecture, housed within a 19th century nobleman's house. Rooms here are beautifully decorated in a modern style but with the original stunning tiled floors, and many still retain some features from the building's illustrious past including stone vaults and frescoed ceilings. The hotel also comes with a wellness centre with indoor pool and hammam as well as a bar. Guests staying at the Hotel de Stefano are able to use the outdoor pool at the sister hotel, Villa del Lauro.


Room upgrades: Superior, prestige and suite
Superior rooms are larger than classic rooms. Prestige rooms are larger again with balcony and come either with vaulted ceiling or with frescoes on the ceiling. The suites are the same size as the prestige rooms and have 2 separate bedrooms

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel San Giorgio, Modica

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Situated in the historic centre of Modica, the Hotel San Giorgio is only a few steps away from the wonderful Cathedral of San Giorgio and from Corso Umberto I, the main street of the city from where you can observe the other historical beauties of Modica and enjoy a walk among shops and restaurants. The unique rooms are all different with a boutique style.


Room upgrades: Cathedral view room


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Danieli, Pozzallo

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The Hotel Danieli is a modern and elegant 4 star hotel located just outside Pozzallo, a lively coastal town of about 19,000 inhabitants, just 8km from Marina di Modica. The rooms and suites are tastefully furnished, with a blend of Sicilian artistic handicraft and modern design, using woodwork, iron, fabrics and finishes to create an elegant atmosphere with a Mediterranean flavour. There is a veranda, a lovely garden and a swimming pool area where you can relax after your cycling day.


Room upgrades: Superior
Superior rooms are larger than standard rooms


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Portopalo Suite, Portopalo di Capo Passero

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This charming 10-room boutique hotel is located in the centre of Portopalo di Capo Passero. The rooms have been created to a high standard and have a modern quirky design. The hotel has used many environmental materials in the renovation of the old apartment block, and it has philosophy of mixing nature, culture and activity.


Room upgrades: Deluxe Room and Suite
Deluxe rooms are larger and come with jacuzzi bath The suite is much larger with a lounge area


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Villa Favorita, Noto

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Villa Favorita is an old grand villa on a hill looking over to the magnificent Baroque town of Noto. Once the grand house of an olive oil producer, it is now a grand hotel with its own pretty courtyard and lovely outdoor pool. The rooms retain an old elegance to them but have the right modern amenities to make your stay a comfortable one.


Room upgrades: Standard Plus, Superior, Marchesa and Suite
Standard Plus are larger with a different design Superior rooms are larger still and furnished with antique furniture. Marchesa room comes with a private terrace. The suite is larger than the marchesa room and also comes with private terrace overlooking the citrus groves and the sea.


Find out more on the hotel website.

Gran Hotel Bretagna, Siracusa

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The 3* Gran Hotel Bretagna is just a short stroll from the tree lined Porto Grande and the Temple of Apollo in Siracusa's Ortigia district. Housed in a historic building, it is traditional yet comfortable with Headwater customers being allocated the spacious deluxe rooms here. Please note that there is no lift at the Gran Hotel Bretagna.


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Extending your stay

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Il Principe, Catania

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Located in the heart of historic Catania, Sicily's second biggest city which lies at the foot of Mt Etna. Catania's old town boasts one of the largest collections of baroque architecture in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Food is another forte here, don't miss the opportunity to try Sicily's iconic pasta alla Norma.

The Il Principe Hotel has elegantly furnished and comfortable rooms, all with air conditioning, satellite tv, wifi, minibar and safe.

Travel

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


Michael Williams, 07/10/2023

Our second ebike holiday with Headwater: again a most enjoyable experience. The routes chosen were on good roads with little traffic and provided lots of time for exploring towns /beaches etc. Small problem with one of bikes dealt with well, excellent battery so no range anxiety! Headwater app worked very well. With one exception (where we were marooned in a comfortable but soulless hotel in residential area outside Pozzallo) the hotels were excellent with Baglio Siciliamo a country house with excellent restaurant and pool, very close to Lido di Noto and within easy reach of Noto was absolutely delightful in every way.


FURNESS, 19/06/2023

We had an excellent trip that met our needs to explore baroque architecture and the Sicilian coastlines. The initial organisation by Lauren and Stephanie was excellent and flexible in terms of us adding days. The transfers and bags movement were very good. The hotels were of good/excellent quality with the Baglio country house our favourite for location/style and food. The routes were good but not as interesting as our trips in Spain and Portugal and included many busy roads near the coast. We felt we had a real flavour of the country in terms of the people/food/scenery and architecture.


Mr Clarke, 29/04/2023

A good mix of beautiful countryside, fascinating towns and scenic coast.


Mrs Dempster, 01/04/2023

A wonderful introduction to Sicily that leaves you wanting to come back for more.


Dr Petter, 01/10/2022

Excellent holiday. Villa Favourita at Noto a real highlight


Mr Baston, 01/10/2022

The route takes you through beautiful cities, where you eat delicious local food and sample local drinks. Cycling through the beautiful agricultural land and coast lines is throughly enjoyable on quiet roads. The routes each day are enjoyable but not too challenging. All the accommodation is delightful.


Mrs Watson, 21/06/2022

We've holidayed with Headwater for many years in many countries and loved their GPS routes and journeying through a variety of different, characterful hotels they have provided with careful thought. This summer's route across the SE tomato growing region of Sicily was contracted out to a local agency & too busy with too heavy road traffic for our liking in June 2022 and breath-taking views were spoilt by significant roadside rubbish all along the route which had been fly-tipped (discarded loos, fridges, building material, endless bags of rubbish). Our local taxi driver explained that the Mafia wait for rubbish emergencies to be declared and then they pick up the contracts. Make sure 1. You challenge the hotel rooms you are given when busy as we had unacceptably poor rooms offered for the price we paid. (clearly some were struggling post pandemic) 2. You know how to change tyres (bring plastic gloves and wipes). 3. It can be very hot so ask hotels to freeze your water bottles overnight.

Headwater response:
Thank you for taking the time to post your review and for the additional comments made. We are truly sorry that certain elements of your holiday were disappointing. Fly tipping unfortunately does appear to be commonplace in this region, and I feel that the taxi driver explained the situation well. I’m glad that we were able to discuss your holiday with you directly.


Mrs Dedrick, 02/10/2021

We loved Sicily and the routes we biked through. The countryside was varied and the town’s spectacular. My bike was perfect but my partner’s had both technical difficulties and two flat tires on the last day. We were very quickly rescued though and that made all the difference. The GPS worked beautifully and we felt guided the whole way. Most of the hotels were lovely and beautifully located but a couple were disappointing so we would suggest you research the choices and make sure you like where you are going to be. Generally it was a very fun and interesting trip and with a few tweaks would have been perfect.


Mrs RAYNES, 18/09/2021

Very enjoyable. The first day's cycling is the hardest - make sure you have plenty of water. We also managed to view Ragusa on our arrival day so were able to set off and do the major climb before the main heat of the day. There is a beach bar at the Isola delle Correnti which we really enjoyed - it may not be open all the time but if fun if it's open.


Mrs Evans, 14/09/2019

A great way to see beautiful countries, keep fit and enjoy good food & wine


Mr Houston, 31/08/2019

Great holiday cycling through beautiful countryside with wonderful historical UNESCO cities to explore.


Mr Heath, 28/08/2019

You need to be an experienced cyclist as there are some pretty busy roads. Scenery spoiled somewhat by the amount of litter. All,hotels excellent. Electric bikes superb. Baroque landscape superb.


Mrs Fletcher, 09/06/2019

In general the holiday was good. Some of the hotels (eg Portopalo Suite, Ferro Hotel) were not of the usual Headwater standard in particular with regard to location. Some outdoor space and perhaps a pool would have been nice. Torre Dantona and Villa Favorita were far more what we expected. We loved both of these places.


Mr Hall, 02/06/2019

Good cycling with some climbing in a fascinating part of Italy. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, but this is a poor part of the country and prepare to be alarmed by the amount of dumped rubbish by the roadside.


Mr May, 02/06/2019

An excellent holiday and itinerary, embracing 5 fascinating baroque towns and 2 pleasant coastal resorts. The cycling is not particularly demanding and passes through some lovely countryside. Usually, there are a fair number of cafes/refreshment places on the route. Most of the roads are reasonably quiet although there is the occasional fairly busy road for short periods. The hotels chosen are very good, especially The Stephano Palace and Villa Favorita. Claudio, our representative, was charming, informative and very helpful. He came out to rectify a mechanical problem within an hour of being called. The whole trip worked seamlessly including the audio app and transport to and from the airport.


Dr Galpine, 06/09/2018

Pleasant rides, but a fair amount on relatively busy roads. Good and varied styles of hotels.


Ms Ward, 05/09/2018

In all good holiday if you enjoy cycling.


Mr Palsson, 17/05/2018

Headwater came through as a very ambitious counterparty. The planning and execution of our tour was professional, excellent route notes and good accommodation.



Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 8 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels

All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals

Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday

Headwater navigation app for your smartphone

Bike hire

Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)

Luggage transfers between hotels


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Apr 2024
  • May 2024
  • Jun 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Apr 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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13th Apr 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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20th Apr 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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27th Apr 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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29th Apr 2024 US$3240 US$576 Tour only: US$3240
Single supp: US$576
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
4th May 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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11th May 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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18th May 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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25th May 2024 US$3200 US$576 Tour only: US$3200
Single supp: US$576
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
1st Jun 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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8th Jun 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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15th Jun 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Sep 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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14th Sep 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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21st Sep 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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28th Sep 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Oct 2024 US$3485 US$576 Tour only: US$3485
Single supp: US$576
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12th Oct 2024 US$3620 US$576 Tour only: US$3620
Single supp: US$576
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19th Oct 2024 US$3620 US$576 Tour only: US$3620
Single supp: US$576
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Holiday details

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.

Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed by Headwater rep.

Departures
Selected Saturdays from 6th Apr 2024 to 19th Oct 2024, for 8 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.

Meals
All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals

Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £192 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

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