8 day Independent Tour
The land of lemons
and oranges.......
A tour in the south-eastern area of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean.
You will cycle through the Val di Noto, since 2003 a UNESCO
World Heritage site, and discover the most fascinating cities of the region.
You will visit Noto, the most important baroque city of Sicily and
Siracusa, an ancient Greek colony. You will also pass through the coastal
oasis of Vendicari, the sea village of Marzamemi, the islands of
Capo Passero and Correnti.
You bike along the sea shore, enjoy the sun and the splendid air, pass orange and lemon groves, and ride through wide fields that are filled with cacti, eucalyptus or agave. For anybody interested in history the silent monuments of the past offer a chance to reflect at every step: be it antique theatre, temple or fortress.
Day to Day Itinerary
1st DAY Caltagirone.
Arrival.
2nd DAY Caltagirone –Piazza Armerina–Caltagirone (40 km).
Organised transfer (bikes + pax) to Piazza Armerina with its Villa Romana del Casale, 5 km southwest of town. First excavated in 1950, it was probably a hunting lodge and summer home and is decorated with multicoloured mosaic floors that are unique throughout the Roman world in their quality and extend. After the visit cycle back to Caltagirone.
3rd DAY Caltagirone–Modica (47 km + 40 km by train).
From Caltagirone you cycle southward until you reach Vittoria where you take a train to Modica. The upper town is watched over by the magnificent 18th century façade of the church of San Giorgio.
4th DAY Modica–Pozzallo (45 km).
Before leaving Modica, one should at least try the famous spicy chocolate. From Modica you will gradually descend alongside the caves characteristic of the Iblei mountains to Scicli, totally rebuilt in the Baroque style after the earthquake of 1693. Continue onwards through the marine centre of Pozzallo.
5th DAY Pozzallo–Marzamemi (48 km).
This day of cycling on an almost completely flat course will bring you through Portopalo di Capo Passero, continental Europe’s southernmost point. Before arriving to Marzamemi, the beautiful island of Correnti marks where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet.
6th DAY Marzamemi–Noto (35 km).
The route takes a turn to the north passing through the relatively untouched and pristine natural preserve of Vendicari, where you can relish the beauty of the countryside. The trip continues north, ending the day at the city of Noto, considered to be the finest baroque town in Sicily. Completely devastated in the earthquake of 1693 the city was rebuilt in the style of the day with beautiful honey-coloured stone buildings with ornate churches and monuments surrounding attractive piazzas.
7th DAY Noto–Siracusa (35 km).
Heading north, the route continues towards Siracusa, the capital of Ancient Greece and home to Archimedes. With the Island of Ortigia in the background, the centre of Siracusa is a wonderful display of an ancient city.
8th DAY Siracusa.
Departure. |
church of San Giorgio, Modica
SIRACUSA |
RATING: Moderate
A mix of level routes and some hilly terrain. You cycle only on asphalted paths and almost car-free side roads, but with some heavy traffic on entering or leaving a city. A good level of fitness and cycling experience is required.
Transfers
The nearest major airport is Catania. There are regular public buses from the airport to the city centre, where your tour begins. A taxi will cost approx. Euro 35,00.
We can also arrange a private transfer from Catania to Caltagirone or from Siracusa to Catania (min. 2 pax, reservation required) for $100 per person, each way.
Schedule & Price
| DATES 2012 |
Every Saturday from
April 7th to June 16th, and from
September 1st to October 20th.
Special departure dates can be organised
for at least 6 persons in a group!
|
| Price per person, double occ. |
CAD |
$1045 |
| Single room surcharge |
|
$300 |
| Optional Electro Bike |
|
$140 |
This tour includes: |
• accommodation in nice family run inns and hotels rated 2 & 3 star, all rooms with private facilities
• buffet breakfasts
• luggage transport
• tour information at your first hotel by our representative
• hybrid bicycle with 21 gears and pannier
• maps & road guide book
• transfer from Caltagirone to Piazza Armerina
• 7 day service helpline
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BACK TO CYCLE ITALY |
