Tour Overview
Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. There is an incredibly diverse history, thanks to almost every civilisation leaving their mark, including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On our exciting cycle through the south-eastern part of the island, we enjoy varied scenery of high plateaux of lava and limestone, a number of impressive gorges and beautiful sandy beaches along the stunning coastline. Starting near Chiaramonte, we enjoy views of the wonderful Anapo Valley that includes all the flora and fauna typical of Sicily. We continue to historic Ragusa Ibla, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, with their Baroque architecture and Greek ruins, some of the best preserved in southern Italy. The trip ends in Siracusa, one of the most historic cities of the Mediterranean. Each hotel we visit offers a warm welcome, and we can savour delicious Sicilian cuisine and enjoy relaxing on the beach.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Chiaramonte Gulfi. Before dinner the leader introduces the tour.
Day 2
We start our exploration with a ride over the Altopiano Ibleo, the rolling highland country of Southeast Sicily. We pass through Buccheri and Ferla (where there is an excellent cake and ice-cream shop!) These Baroque treasures demonstrate a strong Arab influence, even though the Normans changed the old Arab fortification in Buccheri into a castle, from where there are superb views of the surrounding forests. From Ferla we descend to the Anapo Valley. This protected area in the Iblean Mountains includes the fascinating archeological site of Pantalica, which dates back to 6th Century B.C, and over 5000 tombs impressively cut into the rock. After exploring the site on foot we are driven back to Chiaramonte.
Day 3
Today we have a long downhill south to Ragusa, and then there's plenty of time to explore the old town of Ragusa Ibla, a fascinating maze of tortuous streets dotted with more amazing baroque churches. In the afternoon we turn north again, following quiet roads through beautiful country as we climb back into the highlands to our next destination, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Palazzolo Acreide, a mediaeval town on the site of Akrai, which was founded in 664 BC. Palazzolo Acreide is situated in the heart of Iblean Mountains, strategically positioned to offer excellent views of the upper valleys of Anapo and Tellaro rivers, which helped the Corinthians control a broad swathe of Sicily.
Day 4
A circular ride today takes us through the beautiful lower valleys of the Iblean Mountains to the south of Palazzolo Acreide, passing olive plantations and dry-stone walls that characterise this area. There's also plenty of time to explore Palazzolo itself, another charming maze of narrow streets and baroque churches.
Day 5
We move away from the quiet countryside and head for Noto, which is considered the capital of the Baroque style. We ride through the small hamlet of Testa dell'Acqua and the visit the archaeological site of Noto Antica, the original site of Noto. This ancient town was completely destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, which is why the new Noto town was built 10km away. Following a gravel road, we reach the ancient ruins of the castle through Porta Reale gate, where we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. A few miles further along is another the dramatic canyon, the Cavagrande del Cassibile. There's a bar on the hill above the canyon, and if you're feeling very energetic you can walk to the river, 600m below. We then have an excellent winding descent to the coastal plain and the sea at Avola, and soon arrive in Noto, our base for two nights.
Day 6
Noto, another UNESCO World Heritage site is an absolute gem, a planned town in the unique Sicilian baroque style, and all built in a beautiful honey-coloured stone. We can spend the morning exploring here, and then in the afternoon a short cycle ride brings us to the Vendicari Nature Reserve. This narrow stretch of marshy coastline provides a rare, and now completely protected habitat for migratory species. There's some beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent trying to spot the migratory birds that are attracted to the unusual ecosystem of this peaceful area – especially the little egret, the black stork and the black-winged stilt (now adopted as the emblem of Venidicari). Return to our hotel in Noto for the night.
Day 7
An easy final day's riding as we follow a quiet backroad to Avola and then ride along the coastal road to Syracuse, rewarded with some excellent views.Syracuse, founded originally by Corinthians from Greece in 733BC, was once one of the great cities of the Mediterranean, home of Aeschylus and Arichimedes among many others, and even briefly capital of the Byzantine Empire. There's much to see from Greek period right up to the Sicilian baroque, and the afternoon can be spent wandering around the narrow streets of Ortigia, the island where the city was founded, or exploring the superb Parco Archeologico
Day 8
End Siracusa.
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