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Europe / / Sicily Bike Tour Warmth, Personality, and the Essence of the Old World

© 2021 DuVine Adventure + Cycling Co. Ride along the coast to a just-caught seafood lunch in the village of Marzamemi Join our friend Giuseppe and his family for dinner at their organic farm Visit the picturesque town of , birthplace of Giovanni Verga—one of Italy’s most beloved realist writers, famous for his depictions of rural life Spend an evening in the Baroque city of Ragusa, home to a booming foodie scene and one of the most iconic skylines on the island Taste Sicily’s famous granita at one of the best spots in the main square of Noto Arrival Details Departure Details Airport City: Airport City: , Italy Catania, Italy Pick-Up Location: Drop-Off Location: Siracusa Algila Ortigia Hotel Catania Fontanarossa Airport Pick-Up Time: Drop-Off Time: 10:00 am 10:30 am

NOTE: DuVine provides group transfers to and from the tour, within reason and in accordance with the pick-up and drop-off recommendations. In the event your train, flight, or other travel falls outside the recommended departure or arrival time or location, you may be responsible for extra costs incurred in arranging a separate transfer.

Emergency Assistance For urgent assistance on your way to tour or while on tour, please always contact your guides first. You may also contact the Boston office during business hours at +1 617 776 4441 or [email protected]. Tour By Day

DAY 1 Welcome to Sicily

Your guides will meet you in Siracusa, and then we’re off to explore the Sicilian countryside. Our ride begins at a seaside castle on the island’s southeast corner and warms up along a coastal road. In the postcard-perfect fishing village of Marzamemi, we’ll stop for a lunch of fresh seafood pasta at a local trattoria. Continue through the booming wine region of Nero d’ to our chic first hotel, then bask in the Sicilian sun at the pool or retreat to the spa before our first dinner together on the hotel terrace.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Portopalo, Marzamemi Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 1,069 feet / 326 meters Accommodations: Masseria della Volpe

DAY 2 Noto Loop

Today we ride into the verdant Val di Noto with its flourishing olive and almond groves and prehistoric caves carved into rock. Climb past Castelluccio and up to the coastal plateau to take in hypnotic views of the Mediterranean, then descend into the Baroque city of Noto. In town, we’ll enjoy lunch at our friend Marco’s restaurant, soak up the architectural perfection of the main piazza—built in the aftermath of the 1693 earthquake—and taste-test some refreshing local granita. Choose to bike or transfer back to the hotel and get ready for this evening's private tasting dinner at the nearby Planeta winery.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Castelluccio, Testa dell’Acqua, Noto Accomplished: 26 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 2,221 feet / 677 meters Longer Option: 40 miles / 65 km, elevation gain: 3,228 feet / 984 meters Accommodations: Masseria della Volpe

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications. DAY 3 The Baroque City of Ragusa

This morning we return to the terraced hills of the Val di Noto to visit our friend Nella at her farmhouse. She’ll guide us through a cooking class, followed by a lunch featuring products grown right on her property. After our meal, perk up with a thrilling descent into the Irminio Valley and the fairytale cityscape of Ragusa. The view upon arrival is incomparable—Baroque palaces and churches flow down the steep hillside as if fixed in an urban waterfall. We’ll spend the night in a converted palace in the heart of the new town. The evening is yours to explore Ragusa’s many charms and take advantage of the robust local dining scene.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Destinations: Val di Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Ragusa Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,982 feet / 909 meters Shorter Option: 17 miles / 28 km, elevation gain: 1,929 feet / 588 meters Accommodations: Don Serafino or a.d. 1768 Boutique Hotel

DAY 4 Journey Into the Iblei

Today’s ride up the Irminio Valley takes us into Sicily’s wild interior. We’ll pass the man-made Santa Rosalia lake en route to the sleepy town of , nestled deep in the heart of the Iblei Mountains. Our destination is an inimitable restaurant hidden in the village of —the proprietors are a pair of brothers devoted to preserving local cooking, foraging for wild ingredients, and generally providing one of the best meals around. After lunch, it’s a beautiful downhill ride to Vizzini, a best-kept secret of Sicily, and a pleasant spin to our luxurious hotel for the next two nights. Tonight, head to our friend Giuseppe’s farm for an unforgettable evening featuring a farm-fresh dinner and true Sicilian hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Giarratana, Buccheri, Vizzini Accomplished: 37 miles / 60 km, elevation gain: 3,323 feet / 1,013 meters Shorter Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 2,572 feet / 784 meters Accommodations: Castello Camemi or Eremo della Giubiliana

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications. DAY 5 Gulfi Winery Loop

This morning, ride to the sleepy village of and toward Lake , passing citrus orchards, olive trees, and thriving vineyards. At the sun-drenched Gulfi winery, hop off the bike for a tasting and wine-paired lunch. Afterwards, finish the loop back to the hotel or return via a van transfer. Those who cycle will be treated to a picturesque ride framed by vineyards and undulating fields of wheat. Tonight, a Sicilian-style farewell meal awaits us.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Licodia Eubea, Gulfi Winery Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 1,555 feet / 474 meters Longer Option: 46 miles / 74 km, elevation gain: 3,769 feet / 1,149 meters Accommodations: Castello Camemi

DAY 6 Goodbye to Sicily

If you’re up for a final challenge, wake early for a loop ride through the windmill-covered ridgelines around Vizzini. In the late morning, your guides will transfer everyone to the Catania airport.

Meals: Breakfast

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.