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Home , Caltagirone, Mount Etna

LA BELLA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

La Bella Sicilia ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2

Ancient and the dreamy Aeolian Daily Itinerary / Page 3-5 islands Arrival & Departure / Page 6

Focusing on the lush green spectacle in springtime and on the vast golden Bike Information / Page 6 stage in autumn, this itinerary pedals the southern and northeastern tips of the island to beautiful and historic areas overlooked by the masses. We Terms & Conditions / Page 7 begin in the ceramic town of , then—via groves and tiny mountain villages—we reach Ragusa Ibla and follow the route to Siracusa, Reserve Your Space! / Page 7 a Greek town filled with archaeological treasures. Our journey includes a hike up , the highest in , and reaches its apex on the dreamy, volcanic , each with its own distinct character and charm. We hike, swim, and bike where the movie Il Postino was filmed. Along the way we enjoy traditional food, wine and music. Come with us on this unique trip and enjoy Sicily’s rich culture!

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 1 LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

TRIP ESSENCE TRIP DETAILS • Witness views of Europe’s highest volcano, Mount Etna Ability Level • Intermediate • Experience two days on exotic Aeolian islands Summary of Daily Distances • Day 1: 10 miles • Learn more about the Baroque Ragusa and the Greek monuments of • Day 2: 50/53 miles Siracusa • Day 3: 46 miles • Day 4: 52 miles • Visit a Slow Food presidia of capers, olive oil and Malvasia wine in • Day 5: 38 miles • Day 6: 4-6 hr hike • Stay in luxury hotels and enjoy delicious Sicilian feasts, including fresh • Day 7: 16 miles seafood and vegetables • Day 8: Boat ride and 9 miles • Day 9: Arrivederci • Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture with the local music and warm people Optional extra loops available of the island

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Use of a carbon road bike (see page 6 for details)

• Service of local, professional guides throughout the program

• Ciclismo jersey and water bottle

• All accommodations

• All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 6 dinners

• 2 wine tastings

• Cycling clinics Have something else in mind? • Music by local musicians • Itinerary available as a private tour or... • Shuttles at beginning, during and at the end of the tour • Create a custom itinerary with help from our experienced • Visit to Siracusa and guided walking tour of Ragusa, a UNESCO World travel consultants! Heritage Site Contact Us • Hike up Mount Etna (see recommendations on Day 6) 1-800-866-7314 [email protected] • Boat ride with locals to remote turquoise coves

RECOMMENDED PRE-NIGHT: HOTEL IL PRINCIPE “The tour was better than I could have ever imagined. • To start the tour well rested, we recommend you spend a pre-night in It felt like I was stepping into at the 4-star Hotel Il Principe. The pre-tour shuttle will pick you movie scenes.” up on Day 1 at around 10:00 am. - Lorraine N. Leechburg, PA To book your pre-night, please call us at 800-866-7314.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 2 LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION DAY 1 Highlights Today, take our group shuttle at 11:30 a.m. at Catania Airport and meet us CALTAGIRONE at the hotel around 1 p.m. for a light lunch and introductions, followed by a Daily Mileage - 10 miles warm-up ride. Caltagirone is located on three hillocks and was completely rebuilt in 1693 after a terrible earthquake. Nowadays it possesses all the th Riding Terrain - Rolling characteristics of a 17 -century Baroque Sicilian town. It’s famous for azulejos (Spanish-style glazed tiles) used to embellish the fronts of local Hotel - Villa S. Mauro houses, and for its pottery. In fact, the name Caltagirone comes from the • Location: Caltagirone language and means “Castle of (ceramic) jars.” It’s also the birthplace • Duration: 1 Night of the Christian Democratic party, as it was here that its founder, Don Luigi • www.nh-hotels.it/hotel/nh- Sturzo, was born. caltagirone-villa-san-mauro The 4-star Villa S. Mauro is a quiet, modern hotel on the outskirts of town. Meals - L, D Its large lovely rooms offer all the great amenities and features a classic foyer, great bar and a private pool. DAY 2 Highlights After an easy start, the traffic-less road begins to undulate and has three CALTAGIRONE TO RAGUSA major climbs; the last part is almost completely downhill before entering Ragusa, a city in which urban expansion, fortunately, has not ruined the Daily Mileage - 50/53 miles character of its 18th-century neighborhoods. In the afternoon, we reach the

fascinating Ragusa Ibla (the lower and older part of town), a vestige of the Riding Terrain - Three major climbs Baroque period. Hotel - San Giorgio Palace Hotel • Location: Ragusa San Giorgio Palace is an ultra-modern, four star superior hotel whose • Duration: 2 Nights atmosphere is charming, stylish and cosy at the same time. The building • www.sangiorgiopalacehotel.it was restored in 2010 and brought back to its original beauty respecting the ancient structure and the original materials. The hotel is located in a 19th century building which belonged to the Bertini family and hosted several Meals - B, D eminent people such as Don , one of the co-founder of the Popular Italian Party, featuring a private garden overlooking a charming valley along with a the spectacular entrance tunnel, 33 meters long, where the cool air and the echo will fill you with astonishment, until you get to the elevator “monospace” that drops you 42 meters directly to the reception desk.

DAY 3 Highlights We start today’s ride with a pleasant downhill descent toward the coast. We RAGUSA LOOP TO stop at the beautiful Villa Donnafugata, the rural summer vacation house DONNAFUGATA AND of the Arezzo family, featured in many movies by the most important italian directors. Then we continue among carob trees and greenhouses to reach the seaside village of Marina di Ragusa, perfect spot for a swim and lunch. Daily Mileage - 46 miles After lunch we climb back through the valley with great views of the Irminio river canyon. In the evening we enjoy a walking tour of ancient Ragusa Ibla. Riding Terrain - Hilly Dinner is on your own tonight. Hotel - See Day 2

Meals - B

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 3 LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION DAY 4 Highlights

RAGUSA TO SIRACUSA Today’s ride takes us up into the Altopiano Ibleo, a remote and beautiful area where shepherds are the only inhabitants. We continue on to Siracusa: th Daily Mileage - 52 miles founded by Greek settlers in the 8 -century BC, Siracusa grew into an economic and political center in the Mediterranean and as such, engaged in Riding Terrain - Gently rolling frequent struggles. With sufficient historical background, the archaeological sites come alive. Siracusa’s famous 3rd-century BC Greek theater—the Hotel - Grand Hotel Ortigia largest in —offers a breathtaking view. In the evening, we dine at an • Location: Siracusa authentic Sicilian restaurant where we get our first taste of some local • Duration: 1 Night specialties. • www.grandhotelortigia.it Offering a rooftop terrace and glass elevator with sea views, the 5-star Meals - B, D Grand Hotel Ortigia is located on the natural island of Ortigia. Rooms are spacious and offer free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. The spa is also friendly and welcoming. DAY 5 Highlights Bike in one of Sicily’s most fascinating archaeological reserves and nature SIRACUSA TO SAN sites. Today’s highlight is a pleasant ride on quiet roads with the impressive GIOVANNI LA PUNTA Mount Etna right in front of us. The area of our ride was involved in WW II; military memorials, cemeteries and bunkers dot our tiny road en route to the 38 miles Daily Mileage - former Italian navy base of Brucoli. We’ll be shuttled to our hotel at the base of Mt. Etna with a private bus. Riding Terrain - Rolling Tonight, a musical surprise will showcase the genuine Sicilian spirit and way Villa Paradiso Dell’Etna Hotel - of life that make the inhabitants of this island so warm and welcoming! • Location: S.G. La Punta

• Duration: 1 Night Set in a little village at the foot of Mount Etna, the 4-star Villa Paradiso • www.paradisoetna.it dell’Etna allows you to stay in a real Sicilian villa. Opened in 1929 and once frequented by renowned artists and writers, Villa Paradiso has been B, D Meals - elegantly restored and decorated. All rooms have panoramic views of the gardens or Mount Etna. The villa boasts a cordial and helpful staff, piano bar, panoramic roof garden, wine cellar, outdoor pool, and much more!

DAY 6 Highlights

HIKE ETNA Today we take an early van ascent up Mount Etna to hike and absorb the magnificent views of the volcanic area. On a clear day, you can see all of Daily Mileage - 4-6 hr hike Sicily. In the afternoon, we go to and remain free all afternoon to enjoy the town or shop. Gentle Riding Terrain - : You are invited to bring your own Climbing Important information for the hike gear, otherwise the local guides will provide you with a rental jacket, back- pack and hiking boots (included in the price of the tour). You are required Hotel Villa Diodoro Hotel - to bring your own hiking socks and long pants are recommended. Sneakers • Location: Taormina are not permitted while on the hike. • Duration: 1 Night

• www.hotelvilladiodoro.com Hotel Villa Diodoro provides spacious, stylishly finished rooms with interiors and colours that take their inspiration from the natural habitat with stunning Meals - B views over the Jonian sea and the imposing but magnificent Mount Etna: from the balcony you can enjoy a calm horizon, a dramatic sunset, or watch evolution in the making, in the form of Etna’s flow.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 4 LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION DAY 7 Highlights

THE AEOLIAN ISLAND Geologically, the island of Lipari is quite rugged with deep caverns, steep cliffs, and splendid views. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery, volcanoes, LIPARI castles, thermal resorts, water sports and, of course, magnificent beaches. If you love coastal views, the entire ride is one highlight after another. Daily Mileage - 16 miles Because the island is so compact and quaint, it should be pedaled at a

leisurely pace so as to take in all of the small villages and to observe the Riding Terrain - Rolling landscape with its fascinating geology. One of the highlights today will be a visit to a local Slow Food presidia famous for the production of capers, olive Hotel - Villa Meligunis • Location: Lipari oil and Malvasia wine. • Duration: 2 Nights th • www.villameligunis.it The 4-star Villa Meligunis is a historic 18 -century villa set in the fishermen’s area of Lipari. The terrace offers unique views of Lipari Castle and the . Each room is air conditioned and the restaurant serves Meals - B, D specialties of the Aeolian Islands for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 8 Highlights Today we take a private boat to Salina. Interspersed with a stop to take a THE AEOLIAN ISLAND dip or two, we have a relaxing boat ride with our native seamen through SALINA calm, turquoise-blue Mediterranean waters. On our bikes, we explore Salina’s beauty as well as its fascinating ancient history. Salina’s ancient 9 miles Daily Mileage - Greek name, Didyme (‘twin’), derives from the shape of the island: two reliefs separated by a saddle. Its present name, Salina, originates from a A great climb Riding Terrain - coastal lake that was once utilized as a ‘salt pan.’ Situated along the Lingua point, it has a depth of a few feet and an extent of almost two hectares. Hotel - See Day 7 The coastal cordons encircling it are formed by the strong marine currents that cross the channel between Salina. After our small bike ride, we are off Meals - B, L, D to the cove of “Il Postino.” In Salina, we have an Aeolian lunch and the best granita! DAY 9 Highlights Around 8:30 am. after breakfast, we leave from the island of Lipari and offer ARRIVEDERCI! a group hydrofoil (1 hour) to Milazzo, followed by a group shuttle (2 hours) to Catania Airport for international connections or to continue your travels Meals - B to Italy and beyond.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 5 LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations GETTING TO CALTAGIRONE Valerie Wilson Travel Call: 1-855-780-2022 or Fly to Da Vinci Airport (FCO), then book a round-trip regional flight to E-mail: [email protected] Catania Airport (CTA). Meet at 11:30 a.m. on day 1 at Catania Airport in the arrival area at the ground floor inside in front of the bar. A group shuttle* on Travel Insurance day 1 will take you to the first hotel. World Nomads * Please inform the office if you plan on taking this scheduled group shuttle at least one month in Call: 1-816-905-3963 (Direct/ advance via this form: www.ciclismoclassico.com/travel-plans Collect 1-844-207-1930 (Toll-Free within USA) DEPARTING FROM LIPARI https://www.worldnomads.com/ We offer one early group hydrofoil in the morning after breakfast, around travel-insurance/ 8:30 a.m. (1 hour), to Milazzo, followed by a group shuttle (2 hours) to Catania Airport for international connections. Transportation Rome2rio http://www.rome2rio.com BIKE INFORMATION ON THE BIKE Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo Included: • The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with • Ciclismo Classico water bottle minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi’s special C2C • Two water bottle holders (Coast to Coast) frame design/geometry and different material • Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank and GPS 11/32 cassette. • Handlebar bag • Bianchi Vertigo included free on all Easy and Athletic Beginner • Tire pump tours. • Combination bike lock • Bianchi Intenso included on all Intermediate and Advanced tours. • Gel-padded saddle • Choice of pedals Bianchi C-Sport 2.5 • Card with your tour leaders’ mobile phone • More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is a high- numbers performance aluminum hybrid bicycle with straight handlebars. It has a sloping design for superior comfort and bigger tires and Pedal Options: hydraulic disc brakes. Included on all tours. • Flat pedals • Half-toe pedals (without straps) Tandems • Toe cage pedals • Cannondale RT 2: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available for $400, limited availability. Things to Bring: • Honey bicycles: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available for • Helmet $400, limited availability. • Optional: clipless pedals with shoes • Co-motion Periscope: Racing position with 700 c wheels. • Optional: your own saddle Accommodates smaller team or even children. Available for $400. • Cannondale Hybrid MT800: Upright position with 26 c wheels and straight handlebars. Available for $400.

E-Bike: Bianchi Manhattan • Available on all Easy and Athletic Beginner tours, and some Intermediate and Advanced tours. Please contact us for more information. Available for $400.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 6 LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS

Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via email once trip deposit is received. We recommend World Nomads, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice.

Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as follows:

Days before departure – Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* 91-120 days - 100% of the deposit* 61-90 days - 30% of the trip price 31-60 days - 60% of the trip price 0-30 days - 100% of the trip price

*You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied.

Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group.

To review our policies, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/plan-your-trip/policies/

RESERVE YOUR SPACE!

To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at 800-866-7314. Or, mail your deposit and contact information to:

Ciclismo Classico 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA 02474

At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and email address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 7