SICILIAN SECRETS

Included
Hire of 24 speed city bikes & panniers
B&B accommodation in twin/double rooms with shower/wc in B&B's, 2nights in Hotels & 5nights in B&B

Luggage transport
Tour information including maps and routes

Transfer Catania Airport - Palazzolo
Emergency support

 

Excluded
Cycle Helmets
Entrance fees to historical sights
Lunches & dinners

 

Extras
Single rooms
Extra nights

 

Access: (advice only, not included) by air to Catania airport(BA) By air to Palermo (Ryanair): 3.5hr bus transfer to Catania

Return from Syracuse by bus or train

 

Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days

 

Start: any day February to July and September to December

Minimum two persons

 

Level 3

Tour Code SSS

Price £440
Single Suppl. £100


Option: extend your stay with extra nights in Catani, Syracuse or Taormina.

 

Extra night Catania 2 star hotel B&B double £35 per person. Extra night Syracuse 2 star guesthouse B&B, double £35 per person.

Day 1. Arrive CATANIA AIRPORT: transfer to Palazzolo Acreide (90minutes) on the Iblei plateau. Founded in 664 BC by the Syracusans this ancient town has some important baroque buildings and churches. Nearby at Akrai are excavations revealing a small theatre, an acropolis, the ruins of a temple and 12 rock hewn statues representing the goddess Cybele. Overnight in a B&B.

 

CavagrandeDay 2. PALAZZOLO - CAVAGRANDE - PALAZZOLO 37ml(60km)
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Iblei Mountain Plateau on the journey to the Cavagrande - a deep canyon excavated by the River Cassibile in the course of the centuries. Perhaps have a bathe in one of the cool rock pools before returning to overnight at Palazzolo.

 

Day 3. PALAZZOLO - MODICA 25ml(40km)

Enjoy the scenic road as you cycle towards the historical city of Modica. Perched on a rocky promontory it has a remarkable Baroque Cathedral and many other important buildings and streets. There are many steps to climb exploring this interesting city. Overnight stay in a hotel.

 

Day 4. MODICA - Ragusa - MODICA 19ml(30km)

Cycle through the Irimino river valley to visit the city of Ragusa. Devastated by the massive 1693 earthquake it was rebuilt with many fine baroque buildings. The Cathedral of San Giorgio has massive ornate columns and a large Neoclassical dome while the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista contains fine sculptures and carvings. The Zacco Palace is one of the more beautiful baroque buildings in the city: its Corinthian columns support balconies of amazing wrought iron work, while grotesque caryatids(sculpted female figure serving as an as a column or a pillar) mock, shock or amuse the passer-by. Return to overnight in your hotel in Modica.

 

Day 5. MODICA - NOTO 25ml(39km)

Travel through almond fields and cherry tomato plantations on the southermost coast of Sicily. Continue to Noto, one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Sicily. Admire the many decorative facades and balconies of the town in particular the Cathedral and civic buildings. Overnight in a B&B in the centre.

 

NotoDay 6. Circular tour to VENDECARI 30ml(48km)

In the morning cycle along the coast to reach the fishing village of Marzamemi, famous for it's old tuna fishiers. In the afternoon cycle to the peaceful wetland nature reserve of Vendecari inhabited by many species of migrant birds. Enjoy birdwatching, trekking or just relax on the beach.

 

Day 7. NOTO - SYRACUSE 27ml(43km)

Cycle to the provincial capital of Syracuse, one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily and home of the mathematician, Archimedes's. Visit Ortigia Island, Syracuse's historical centre, with its interesting narrow alleys of houses, small shops and cafes: overnight at a lovely B&B in Ortigia.

Day 8. Depart SYRACUSE

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