Highlights:

- Unique trails through an area rich in history and characterised by a huge cultural heritage

- Visit UNESCO world heritage sites

- White sandy beaches and blue sea

A wonderful self-guided bike tour through rural and cultural Eastern Sicily, crossing the region of Noto which has been included in the Unesco World Heritage List since 2003. Following the vestiges of ancient cultures, this tour joins together the discovery of beautiful unspoilt 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 are still in use as the Greek Theatre. You will cycle through the province, to places including Palazzolo Acreide with its Greek Theatre, Noto, Modica and Ragusa Ibla, with its unique baroque architecture emphasized by the natural beauty of the rosé colour of the stone used to build the town.

Day 1: Catania – Palazzolo Acreide Arrival at Catania. Private transfer from Catania to Palazzolo Acreide (1 h 30) to your bed and breakfast accommodation. Delivery of bikes and maps.

Day 2: Cavagrande del Cassibile (57 km, +300 – 300 mt.) Today you will pedal along an enchanting road passing by the Iblei highplane to “Cavagrande” (the big canyon), one of Europe’s deepest canyon. Possibility to hike down for a relaxing bath in the waterfall and enchanting lakes.

Day 3: Palazzolo – Modica (40 km, +100 - 400 mt.) Bike tour from Palazzolo to Modica. Breathtaking panoramas all the way down to 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 Modica.

Day 4: Ragusa Ibla (29 km, +234 - 234 mt.) In the morning bike along the Irminio river 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. Return to Modica.

Day 5: Modica – Noto (43 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, a 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 : Marzameni - Vendicari Natural Riserve (48 km, +150 - 150 mt.) In the morning we bike along the coast to the fishing village of Marzamemi, famous for its very old tuna fisheries. In the afternoon, on the way back to Noto, you will have time to relax at Vendicari Natural reserve, with its beach beach. Possibility of hiking and bird watching. Overnight in Noto

Day 7: Syracuse (45 km, +160 – 60 mt.) Today we bike to Syracuse, one of Italian’s most important archaeological centres. Syracuse was the capital of the “Magna Grecia” and the birthplace of Archimede. Accommodation in a lovely B&B in Ortigia, Syracuse’s old city centre. Overnight stay

Day 8: Catania Tours ends today with a transfer back to Catania airport. Possibility of extension of the stay in Syracuse, Catania or Taormina.

Gallery

Trip profile: this trip is rated moderate and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and likes to bike. Since some of the roads we bike on are steep, hiking and biking to condition yourself prior to the trip is necessary. The route is made up of six legs from 30 to 60 km per day, a total of 262 km.

Departure date: February-July and September-December

Accommodation:

2 nights in B&B Palazzolo

2 nights in B&B in Modica

2 nights in B&B Noto

1 night in B&B in Syracuse

Luggages & Special items It is advisable to bring 2 backpacks, a large one to pack all your belongings for the holiday and another smaller, lighter one to hold items you will need for each day. In addition to normal casual holiday wear, it is recommended that you bring a bike helmet, rain jacket, sun protection, lipsalve, sun glasses, sun hat, moisturiser, swim wear, multitask knife, personal first aid kit and a pocket torch, better if frontal. Your main luggage is transported by a support vehicle

Bike rental: City bike 24 gear, with locker, emergency kit and side bags
 

- Transfer from Catania airport to Palazzolo Acreide

- 7 accommodations in B&B with breakfast included

- Maps and detailed description of the routes

- Baggage transportation

- Transfer from Syracuse to Catania on day 8

Not included:

- international flights

- lunches and dinners

- Bike rental (80 euros)

- beverages and soft drinks

 

Responsible Booking/info:  Sebastiano Foti

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