LA BELLA SICILIA CLASSICO Ability Level: Intermediate / Duration: 9 days / 8 nights PEDAL YOUR PASSION La Bella Sicilia ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2 Ancient Sicily 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 Caltagirone, then—via olive 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 Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and reaches its apex on the dreamy, volcanic Aeolian Islands, 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 Lipari • 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 Catania 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 Arabic 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 Luigi Sturzo, 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 SCICLI 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 Italy—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 Taormina 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).