Sicily South
Sicily Italy: (ZZ-BK-GL06)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_bike_italy_Biking_sicily_south.aspx
Introduction
Sicily
Italy
Sicily - 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 HeriDays, 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.
Accomodation
Accommodation is in comfortable b&b, agriturismo and 2/3–star hotels.
Riding
Itinerary
 Day 1 Caltagirone. Arrival.
Day 2 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 multi colored mosaic floors that are unique throughout the Roman world in their quality and extend. After the visit cycle back to Caltagirone.
Day 3 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.
Day 4 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.
Day 5 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.
Day 6 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-colored stone buildings with ornate churches and monuments surrounding attractive piazzas.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 Siracusa. Departure.
Distance approx 220 to 260 km
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROUTE
The itinerary develops itself on low traffic side roads except for the short part entering Siracusa. Most of the stretches are on lowlands with some slightly hilly
passages. The longest and most difficult section is covered by train. This tour is
however suggested to people with a minimum of bike practise.
N.B. The train tickets from Vittoria to Modica are not included in the price.
Tickets can be bought directly by customers at Vittoria train station
(approx. EUR 8,50, bike included – approx. 1 h).
Rates and Dates for Sicily South
Rates include:
7 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, transfer from Caltagirone to Piazza Armerina, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.
Packages and Options
| A | 2009 | 8 days, B&B in 3 and 4 star lodgings | €590 | $885 |
| Bike rental | €80 | $120 |
| Single supplement | €175 | $265 |
| Extra nights in Siracusa pp | €60 | $90 |
| Helmet rental | €10 | $15 |
Transfer Option:
|
2009
|
Transfer from Catania to Caltagirone on Saturday pp (min 2)
- to be paid locally
|
€
50
|
$75
|
|
2009
|
Transfer from Siracusa to Catania on Saturday pp (min 2)
- to be paid locally
|
€
50
|
$75
|
Tour Dates
|
| A |
2009
|
02/28
- 06/20
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, B&B in 3 and 4 star ...
|
2
|
Expired
|
| A |
2009
|
09/05
- 11/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days, B&B in 3 and 4 star ...
|
2
|
Expired
|
|
Dates Note:
Available every Saturday in season.
Other Info
Meeting: Caltagirone
Airport: Catania
Transfer: Catania by train (not included)
Climate:
What To Bring:
|
|