Day 1| Palazzolo Acreide

Highlights [top]

• Unique paths through an historical route characterized by a huge cultural heritage: Syracuse, Ragusa and its surrounding province
• UNESCO world heritage sites
• Fantastic savage areas, such as Vendicari Natural Reserves
• Accommodation in selected hotel and B&B, meeting local culture and eating typical dishes.

Description [top]

A varied bike tour, according to your own rhythms and interests through Eastern Sicily.

You will cross Noto’s Valley, from 2003 included in Unesco World Heritage List. Following the vestiges of ancient cultures, this tour joins together the discovery of beautiful untouched areas, such as Cavagrande – deep gorges cut on the rock by a river - and Vendicari – a protected piece of white beach where many different species of birds build their nests - with the visit of some of the most ancient Sicilian towns.

Syracuse was the leading city of Magna Grecia, then it underwent Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, Angevin and Spanish rule becoming a charming mixture of people and outstanding monuments, some of which still in use as the Greek Theatre.

You will cycle through its province, including Palazzalo Acreide with its Greek Theatre and the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodites and the Funeral Temples (Latomie); Noto with its unique baroque architecture emphasized by the natural beauty of the rosé colour of the stone used to build the town.

Tour Map [top]

Enlarge Map

Days detail [top]

Day 1 | Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily, Italy

Arrival at Catania. Private transfer from Catania to Palazzolo Acreide (1 h 30). B&B accommodation in Palazzolo Acreide with breakfast included. Delivery of the bike and maps.

Day 2 | cassibile, Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

(60 km, 300 – 300 mt.)
Today you will pedal through an enchanting road passing by the Iblei highplane until “Cavagrande” (the big canyon), one of Europe’s deepest canyon. Possibility to hike down for a relaxing bath in waterfall and enchanting lakes. In the afternoon visit to the ruins of “Noto Antica”. Overnight stay at the same hotel with breakfast included.

Day 3 | Modica, Sicily, Italy

(40 km, 100 - 400 mt.)
Bike tour from Palazzolo to Modica. Breathtaking panoramas all the way down to Modica. Accommodation in hotel in Modica. Time for a visit to the enchanting historical centre of Modica, with its impressing baroque churches and breathtaking views over picturesque alleys and stairways. Overnight stay in hotel with breakfast included.

Day 4 | Ragusa Ibla, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy

(30 km, 234 - 234 mt.)
In the morning bike along the Irminio river’s valley to Ragusa Ibla. Visit to the old centre of this town also included in the Unesco World heritage list. This lovely town has kept it's invaluable artistic and architectural heritage. Way back to Modica. Overnight stay in hotel with breakfast included.

Day 5 | Noto, Sicily, Italy

(39 km, 230 -439 mt.)
Today we bike through almonds fields and cherry tomatoes cultivations through a route along the south eastern corner of Sicily. We reach Noto, wonderful baroque town. The old village of Noto was completely destroyed from the earthquake in 1693. The present site of Noto was rebuilt almost entirely in the Baroque style. Accommodation in B&B in the centre of Noto.

Day 6 | Marzamemi, Pachino, Sicily, Italy

(48 km, 150 - 150 mt.)
In the morning we bike along the coast until the fisher village of Marzamemi, famous for its very old tuna fisheries. In the afternoon, on the way back to Noto, time for relax at Vendicari Natural reserve, with its uncontaminated beach. Possibility of hiking and bird watching. Overnight stay in Noto with breakfast included.

Day 7 | Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

(43,2 km, 160 – 60 mt.)
Today we bike to Syracuse, one of Italian’s most important Archaeological centre. Syracuse was the capital of the “Magna Grecia” and the birthplace of Archimede. Accommodation in a lovely B&B in Ortigia, the Syracuse’s old city centre. Overnight stay with breakfast included.

Day 8 | Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

After breakfast delivery of the bikes and end of our services.
Possibility of extension of the stay in Syracuse, Catania or Taormina.
Different buses and train leaves from Syracuse to Catania airport and Taormina.

Trip notes [top]

Period [top]

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Included [top]

• Transfer from Catania airport to the first accommodation
• 7 accommodations with breakfast included
• Maps and detailed description of the routes
• Baggage transportation

Not included [top]

• Air transportation to/from Sicily
• Transfer day 8 Siracuse-Catania airport (public bus 5 €)
• Lunches and dinners
• Bike rental (75 euros)
• Beverages and soft drinks
• Travel insurance

Notes [top]

• Trip profile: Legs from 30 to 60 Km per day. Total 269 km
• Bikes provided: City bike 24 gear, with locker, side bags
• Luggage transportation: by supported vehicle
• Supplement (single room):
• Accommodation:

- 2 nights in B&B Palazzolo with breakfast- 2 nights in hotel in Modica with breakfast- 2 nights in B&B Noto with breakfast - 1 night in B&B in Syracuse with breakfast

• Extension of the stay (price per person per night in double occupancy):

- Catania, Hotel**: 40 €- Siracusa, Bed & Breakfast: 40 €- Taormina, hotel***: 70

• Travel documents: EC nationals may travel to Italy using only an EC National Identity Card
• Weather: Sicily has a mild Mediterranean climate. The program is offered from February to December with the exception of the month of August to avoid excessive heat
• Time - Italian time is GMT 1.
• Electricity 220V AC 50 Hz.
• Currency Euro (EUR). Credit Cards and Traveller Cheque are widely accepted. Also, with Eurocheque/Cirrus/Visa cards it is possible to withdraw money from local bank/cash points.

Equipment [top]

It is advised to bring as luggage 2 backpacks. A large one to pack the full equipment for the holidays and another one smaller and light to pack the necessary for the day.
In addition to normal casual holiday wear, it is recommended to bring a rain jacket and the following items:

• Sun protection
• Lip salve
• Sun glasses
• Sun hut
• Moisturiser
• Swim wear
• Multitask knife
• Personal first aid ki
• Pocket torch better if frontal