Sicily: Baroque Towns and Rolling Hills

Day 1 – Welcome to Sicily!

From Catania Airport, we will transfer you to a nicely restored railway station close to Chiaramonte Gulfi.

Day 2 – Cycling through the orange groves (27 miles/45 km)

Today you will begin the tour with a bike loop ride. You’ll bike through citrus plantations and to the small and lovely baroque towns of Buccheri, Ferla and Cassaro. Stop in one of the little bars and enjoy your cappuccino with a piece of almond cake known to the region. At the end of the ride, a relaxing walk in Anapo Valley, which is a protected area in the Iblei mountains. It includes the Necropolis of Pantalica, a fascinating archaeological site dating back to 2300 years ago, an extraordinary place.

Day 3 – Ride to Palazzolo Acreide (56km. – 34 miles)

Today a bike ride to another comfortable farm. Cycle to Ragusa and Ibla, the heart of baroque. Then you’ll climb to Balata di Modica. Finally, you’ll get to Palazzolo Acreide where you will stay for two nights. This town is another UNESCO World Heritage site in the Noto Valley.

Day 4 – Tellaro Valley and dry stone walls (38 miles/63 km)

Enjoy a circular bike route. First you’ll get to the small town of Canicattini Bagni. You’ll cycle downhill through the hidden treasures of Tellaro Valley with picturesque views passing olive plantations and dry stone walls. Bello!

Day 5 Ride to Noto (36 miles/60 km)

Today you’ll leave the quiet countryside to reach Noto, which is considered the capital city of Baroque style. You’ll ride through the towns of Solarino, Floridia and the small hamlet of Testa dell’Acqua. You’ll also bike to the archaeological site of Noto Antica where it’s possible to reach the ancient ruins via the Porta Reale gateway. This route also provides a nice overlook of the surrounding area of “cave” (canyons). A few more kilometers, almost downhill, to Noto.

Day 6 – Vendicari sandy beach and Natural Reserve (14 miles/24 km)

A short ride to Vendicari’s sandy beach and Nature Reserve for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear waters. This peaceful area is perfect for a picnic. In this little paradise you can enjoy bird-watching, as there are several migratory species coming from Africa.

Day 7 – Biking to the ancient Syracuse (23 miles/38 km)

Today you’ll cycle an easy leg from Noto to Syracuse following the coastline. You will be rewarded with wonderful views of the sea. After that you’ll have time in the afternoon to discover the historical importance of Syracuse which was built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by the Corinthians in 734 BC.

Day 8 Departure Day

Breakfast together and end of the tour. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

You know… Sicily is an hilly island! The tour is developed into an ancient volcano, totally covered by vegetation and towns. The roads, continously up and down give the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view in the most ancient area of Sicily. Sometimes is rolling, sometimes you cycle on a demanding uphill with, in the mind, the next downhill! The altitude or the gradient of the road aren’t too bad and it could be a good training for everybody.

Travel notes

The reference airport for the tour is Catania. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals to Catania.

Books

• Salvatore Quasimodo, poet and writer: Ed è subito sera, Giorno dopo giorno, Dare e avere. Modica
• Gesualdo Bufalino, novelist Diceria dell’untore (the plague sower), Le menzogne della notte (Night’s lies). Comiso
• Jacopo da Lentini (sec XIII), poet. Lentini
• Vitaliano Brancati, novelist: Don Giovanni in Sicilia, Il Bell’Antonio, Paolo il caldo. Pachino

Movies

• Divorce, italian style 1961, film director: Pietro Germi. This movie It won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.
• Anni difficili 1948, film director Luigi Zampa, from the novel of Vitaliano Brancati, “II vecchio con gli stivali”
• Gente di rispetto 1975, film director Luigi Zampa, from the homonymous novel of Giuseppe Fava
• Kaos 1984, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, from several novels of Luigi Pirandello
• The star maker or best known as L’Uomo delle stelle 1995, Giuseppe Tornatore

Group tour price

€ 1250 (minimum 8 people) – currency converter

Additional options and fees

• High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1– August 31)
• Private room – € 270
• Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
• Cooking class – € 80 per person
• GPS rental – € 35 (Garmin E-Trex Venture HC)
• Guided tour of Necropoli di Pantalica – € 30
• Transfers per person (minimum two people)
  • Catania airport to Syracuse – € 35
  • Syracuse to Catania airport – € 35
  • Other transfers – € 30

Included

• One English-speaking trip leader
• Seven nights accommodation on double occupancy basis on 3-star hotels and 3 star farm-house
• Eight breakfasts and two dinners
• Transfers – Anapo Valley to Chiaramonte Gulfi and Catania ARP to Chiaramonte Gulfi
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Van support

Not included

• Admission to museums and archaeological sites
• Tickets for trains or any public transportation
• Wine or beverages
• Airfare
• Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
• Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
• Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
• Gratuity

Self-guided option

This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1065 per person. This option includes:

• Private transfer from Anapo Valley to Chiaramonte Gulfi on Day 2
• Seven nights accommodation on double occupancy basis on 3-star hotels and 3 star farm-house
• Seven breakfasts and two dinners
• Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
• Baggage transportation between hotels
• Detailed route information and maps
• Telephone assistance

Tour code

SM