Current as of: November 24, 2019 - 17:21 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 Cycling in Sicily Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Italy Min age: 16 MWY Moderate Programmes: Cycling Trip Overview Sicily is not only the biggest island in the Mediterranean but also one of the most fascinating, thanks to the incredibly diverse heritage left here by past civilizations including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On this exciting cycling tour we explore the south-eastern part of the island, pedalling through the Baroque gems of Ragusa, Modica, Noto and other lming locations of the famous TV series Inspector Montalbano up to Syracuse, the ancient Greek capital. Along the route we enjoy picturesque landscapes made of farmlands, deep gorges and dramatic coastal scenery which showcase the great natural diversity of the region. No trip to Sicily is complete without sampling some of the nest regional delights considered amongst the best of the whole Italian gastronomy. At a Glance 7 nights standard and comfortable hotels, all en suite 8 days land only 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats) Group normally 6 to 16. Min age 16 yrs 90% tarmac and some short sections of gravel; quiet rural undulating roads Local bike hire included E-bike hire available on request Trip Highlights Ride the stunning UNESCO Noto Valley Visit the charming Baroque towns of Modica and Noto Point-to-point rides through picturesque countryside and quaint villages Sample superb regional cuisine Is This Trip for You? This trip is classied Road. 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (due to limited seats) and a cycling guide; 90% tarmac and some easy sections of gravel. There are no transfers to or from hotels on this trip: all the rides are designed to be door-to-door. Most of the cycling is along at to hilly tarmac roads (mainly trafc-free), with a couple of days (Day 2 and 6) of more demanding ascents and undulating routes, so a reasonable level of tness is required. As we approach the main towns and cities such as Syracuse there are busier sections with trafc at peak hours. A support vehicle (with limited seats) is available throughout the trip. It will not be able to follow the group at all times but it will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give route directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike. E-bikes are available on request for a fee payable prior depature. If you have any queries about the difculty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us. Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition. Group There will be a cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle. Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 8 Max group size: 16 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Palazzolo Acreide End City: Syracuse Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start Palazzolo Acreide. Start Palazzolo Acreide, a charming maze of narrow streets and Baroque churches built after the 1693’s earthquake on the site of the Greek Akrai, which was founded in 664 BC. The town is situated in the heart of the Iblean Mountains, overlooking the upper valleys of the Anapo and Tellaro rivers, which helped the Corinthians control a broad swathe of Sicily. Day 2 Ride south to the hilltop Baroque town of Ragusa Ibla; cycle scenic roads to Modica. We start our exploration with a ride through the beautiful lower valleys of the Iblean Mountains, passing olive plantations and dry-stone walls that characterise this area. We then climb into the highlands to the delightful town of Ragusa Ibla, built over three hills separated by a deep valley, and home to beautiful Baroque churches and buildings. After visiting Ragusa, we cycle for another 14km to the town of Modica, another gem of the Sicilian Baroque, nestled at the bottom of a deep gorge. Overnight in Modica. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 54 km / 33 miles Altitude gain (m): 700 Day 3 Cycle to the lovely beach of Donnalucata and the quaint ancient town of Scicli, famous lm set of Inspector Montalbano; ride back to Modica. Before leaving Modica, we have the opportunity to taste its famous chocolate with chilly, which is still prepared using the original Aztec recipe brought over by the Spaniards in the 1500's. We leave Modica behind and ride south through the quiet pictureaque Iblean countryside until we reach the lovely beach of Donnalucata, where we have the chance to swim in the crystal clear sea (weather and season permitting). Next, we move on to a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture, Scicli, where the popular Inspector Montalbano TV series has been lmed. After enjoying some free time to discover the town's historic centre, we cycle back to Modica. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 52 km / 32 miles Altitude gain (m): 700 Day 4 Ride through coastal wetlands to Isola delle Correnti, the southernmost point in Sicily. Today's ride takes rst to the town of Ispica, where we stop to admire the Baroque church dominating the beautiful piazza. Next, we pedal through the wetlands of Patano Longarini and Patano Cuba, a favourite spot among migratory birds that are attracted to the unique ecosystem of this area on their journey between Africa and Europe. Following the coastline, we reach Sicily’s southernmost point: Isola delle Correnti, where the waters of the Ionian and the Mediterranean seas merge. We spend the night in the pleasant old shing village of Portopalo di Capo Passero. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 54 km / 33 miles Altitude gain (m): 400 Day 5 Coastal ride to Marzamemi and Vendicari Nature Reserve; continue to the UNESCO-listed Baroque town of Noto. A rst short coastal ride brings us to Marzamemi, one of Sicily's prettiest shing villages offering postcard views, numerous cafés and restaurants. We continue to Vendicari Nature Reserve. This narrow stretch of marshy coastline provides a rare and now completely protected habitat for migratory species and for the local ora and fauna. There are some beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for a swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. As we leave the reserve behind, we head north to the elegant town of Noto, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Noto is an absolute gem, a planned town in the unique Sicilian Baroque style, all built in a beautiful honey-coloured stone. A must try in Noto is the delicious almond granita (similar to a sorbet) with brioche, typical of the area! Overnight in Noto. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 48 km / 29 miles Altitude gain (m): 500 Day 6 Circular ride to Cavagrande National Reserve and the deep Cassibile Canyon. We start our day with a challenging but rewarding 5km climb to San Corrado and the ruins of Noto Antica, the original settlement of Noto completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. We continue up until reaching the viewpoint of Cavagrande del Cassibile (505 mt.), one of the deepest canyons found in Europe. The scenery here is spectacular and offers dramatic views of the valley far below. In the afternoon we enjoy a beautiful descent with hairpin bends towards the coast and then back to Noto. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 46 km / 28 miles Altitude gain (m): 800 Day 7 Final coastal ride to Syracuse; free time to discover the historic town. Today's gentle ride follows the coast all the way to Syracuse, passing beautiful beaches where, weather permitting, we will stop for a refreshing dip in the sea. The afternoon will be spent in Ortigia, the island where Syracuse was founded. After a short orientation tour, there is free time to explore at our own pace, head to the beach, do some shopping or visit the famous archaeological park. Overnight in Syracuse. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 49 km / 30 miles Altitude gain (m): 250 Day 8 End Syracuse. The trip ends in Syracuse in the morning of day 8. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation Comfortable hotels We use comfortable hotels, which have been carefully selected for their friendly atmosphere and character. All rooms have en suite facilities and most of them are conveniently located in proximity of the charming UNESCO historic centres we visit. List of hotels normally used: Palazzolo Acreide: Hotel Colle Acre Modica: Ferrohotel Portopalo: Hotel Vittorio Noto: Grand Hotel Soa or Hotel Netum or Hotel Flora Siracusa: Piccolo Hotel Casa Mia or similar hotel nearby Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room. Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively. Single supplement from $465.00 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking All breakfasts and 1 dinner is included. Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the different cultures that have occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate which is ideal for the cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, eggplants, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes, and more—not to mention all of the seafood, tuna and sword sh shed right off the coast.