sign in sign up
<<
Home , Caltagirone, Mount Etna, Scicli

LA BELLA MINI CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 6 days / 5 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

La Bella Sicilia Mini ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2

Ancient and the dreamy Aeolian Daily Itinerary / Page 3-4 islands Arrival & Departure / Page 5

A distinct yet indescribable island, Sicily has withstood centuries of tyranny Bike Information / Page 5 and upheaval to emerge as a vital and varied cultural region. Contained by the Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily’s soil and architecture reveal Terms & Conditions / Page 6 layer after layer of intriguing history and rule by , Greeks, Romans, Saracens, French, Spanish, and Bourbons. Home to some of the finest Reserve Your Space! / Page 6 examples of Greek architecture in the world, Sicily is an archaeologist’s . Focusing on the lush green spectacle in springtime and on the vast golden stage in autumn, this itinerary pedals the southern and northeastern tips of the island to areas overlooked by the masses. We begin in the ceramic town of , then, via groves and tiny mountain villages, we reach Ibla and follow the route to Siracusa, a Greek town filled with archaeological treasures.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 1 LA BELLA SICILIA MINI CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 6 days / 5 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION

TRIP ESSENCE TRIP DETAILS • Witness views of ’s highest , Ability Level • Intermediate (with lots of • Learn more about the Baroque Ragusa and the Greek monuments of climbing) Siracusa Summary of Daily Distances • Day 1: 10 miles • Stay in luxury hotels and enjoy delicious Sicilian feasts, including fresh • Day 2: 50/53 miles seafood and vegetables • Day 3: 46 miles • Day 4: 52 miles • Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture with the local music and the warm • Day 5: 38 miles people of the island • Day 6: 4-6 hour hike — arrivederci!

WHAT’S INCLUDED Optional extra loops available

• Use of a carbon road bike (see page 5 for details)

• Service of local, professional guides throughout the program

• Ciclismo jersey and water bottle

• All accommodations

• All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners

• 1 wine tasting

• Cycling clinics

• Music by local musicians

• Shuttles at the beginning, during and end of the tour

• Visit to Siracusa and guided walking tour of Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage site Have something else in mind? • Hike up Mount Etna (see recommendations on day 6) • Itinerary available as a private tour or... • Create a custom itinerary with help from our experienced RECOMMENDED PRE-NIGHT: HOTEL IL PRINCIPE travel consultants!

• To start the tour well rested, we recommend you spend a pre-night Contact Us 1-800-866-7314 in at the 4-star Hotel Il Principe. The pre-tour shuttle will pick [email protected] you up on Day 1 at around 10:00 am.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 2 LA BELLA SICILIA MINI CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 6 days / 5 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.com/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 major climbs; the last part is almost completely downhill before entering RAGUSA Ragusa, a city in which urban expansion, fortunately, has not ruined the character of its 18th-century neighborhoods. In the afternoon, we reach the 50/53 miles Daily Mileage - fascinating Ragusa Ibla (the lower and older part of town), a vestige of the Baroque period. Three major Riding Terrain - climbs From the restoration of the Ancient Capuchin Covent, in the core of the Gardens of Ragusa Ibla, this concept-hotel has seen the light, offering the Hotel - Antico Convento dei Cappuccini travellers the exclusive experience of lodging in a convent, of relax and • Location: Ragusa natural wellness. When you stay here, you get the chance to plunge into a • Duration: 2 Nights unique atmosphere in an authentic dimension. • www.anticoconventoibla.it/ en/antico-convento-hotel

Meals - B, D

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 , 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 MINI CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 6 days / 5 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 The 6-day tour concludes in the afternoon after a hike up Mount Etna to absorb the magnificent views of the volcanic area. On a clear day, you can Daily Mileage - 4-6 hour hike see all of Sicily. At around 3:30 pm, we provide a 1.5-hour group shuttle to Catania Airport, where you may make connections to other destinations in Riding Terrain - Gentle Italy and abroad. If you plan to do the hike, please schedule your flight from climbing Catania no earlier than 6:30 pm.

Meals - B Important information for the hike: you are invited to bring your own 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 to bring your own hiking socks and long pants are recommended. Sneakers are not permitted while on the hike.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 4 LA BELLA SICILIA MINI CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 6 days / 5 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 am on day 1 at Catania Airport in the arrival area on the ground floor inside in front of the bar. A group shuttle* Travel Insurance on 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 Call: 1-816-905-3963 (Direct/ month in advance via this form: www.ciclismoclassico.com/travel-plans Collect 1-844-207-1930 (Toll-Free within USA) DEPARTING FROM https://www.worldnomads.com/ At around 3:30 pm, we provide one 1.5-hour group shuttle to Catania travel-insurance/ Airport. If you plan to participate in the hike, please schedule your flight Transportation from Catania no earlier than 6:30 pm. Rome2rio http://www.rome2rio.com BIKE INFORMATION ON THE BIKE Included: Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo • Ciclismo Classico water bottle • The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with • Two water bottle holders minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi’s special C2C • Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge (Coast to Coast) frame design/geometry and different material GPS combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank • Handlebar bag and 11/32 cassette. • Tire pump • Bianchi Vertigo included ( new for 2018) on all Easy and free • Combination bike lock Athletic Beginner tours. • Gel-padded saddle • Bianchi Intenso included on all Intermediate and Advanced • Choice of pedals tours. • Card with your tour leaders’ mobile phone numbers Bianchi C-Sport 2.5 • More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is a high- Pedal Options: performance aluminum hybrid bicycle with straight handlebars. • Flat pedals It has a sloping design for superior comfort and bigger tires • Half-toe pedals (without straps) and hydraulic disc brakes. Included on all tours. • Toe cage pedals

Tandems Things to Bring: • Cannondale RT 2: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available • Helmet for $400, limited availability. • Optional: clipless pedals with shoes • Honey bicycles: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available • Optional: your own saddle for $400, limited availability. • Co-motion Periscope: Racing position with 700 c wheels. 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.

Bike type outside of Europe may vary, please contact us at 800-866-7314 for more information.

Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 | [email protected] | www.ciclismoclassico.com 5 LA BELLA SICILIA MINI CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 6 days / 5 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 MH Ross, 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 6