La Bella Sicilia Est
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Photo Gallery: La Bella Sicilia Est
La Bella Sicilia Est
Ancient Sicily and the Dreamy Aeolian Islands
Highlights
- Witness views of Europe’s highest volcano, the Mount Etna
- Two days on exotic Aeolian islands
- Learn more about the Baroque Ragusa and the Greek monuments of Siracusa
- Visit to a Slow Food presidia of capers, olive oil and Malvasia wine in Lipari
- Delicious Sicilian feasts including fresh seafood and vegetables
- Immerse yourself in the Sicilian culture with the local music and the warm people of the Island
Description
Challenging rides and hiking reveal the historic intrigues and proud passions of bewitching Eastern Sicily. We'll view perfectly preserved Greek remnants … taste flamboyant specialties … experience local traditions … and visit the heavenly Aeolian Islands. Come experience one of our most popular tours and a true Mediterranean classic.
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Price
Apr: $4,495
May: $4,595
Jun - Nov: $4,695 -
Single Supplement
$800
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Rolling
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Distance
243 Miles 29 Average
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Departing
Catania
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Arriving
Caltagirone
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- June 16, 2012
- September 1, 2012
- September 21, 2012
- October 11, 2012
- October 25, 2012
Day 1: Caltagirone
We start our ride in the beautiful old town of Caltagirone. Settled by the Greeks, Caltagirone is known for its azulejos (Spanish style glazed tiles). Explore the mansions and spacious squares of this charming town, and climb La Scala, the magnificent stairway as you become accustomed to the Sicilian way of life.
Day 2–3: Ragusa and loop to Donnafugata
Day 2: Ragusa is a city in which urban expansion, fortunately, has not ruined the
character of its 18th century neighborhoods. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the fascinating
Ragusa Ibla, a vestige of the Baroque period.
Day 3: Ride to the beautiful Villa Donnafugata, the rural summer vacation estate of the Arezzo family, and explore the valley of the Irminio River canyon before returning to Ragusa for a walking tour.
Day 4: Siracusa
Discover Siracusa, one of the most important Greek colonies in the area, and a cultural and political center for thousands of years. Visit an archaeological sites and dine at a typical Sicilian restaurant.
Day 5: San Giovanni la Punta
Bike in one of Sicily's most fascinating archeological reserves and nature sites before arriving at the slopes of Mt. Etna to prep for our next day hike.
Day 6: Mt. Etna & Taormina
Take an early van ascent then hike to absorb the magnificent views of Mt. Etna. On a clear day you can see all of Sicily. In the afternoon, head to Taormina and enjoy a free evening to explore the city.
Day 7–8: Aeolian Islands: Lipari and Salina
Day 7: We start the day with an early ferry to Lipari to view its deep caverns, steep cliffs, and magnificent beaches. Spend the afternoon strolling around the island, and visit the archaeological museum and local shops. One of the highlights today will be a visit to a local Slow Food presidia famous for the production of capers, olive oil and Malvasia wine.
Day 8: Today we take a private boat to Salina. Interspersed with a stop to take a dip or two, we have a relaxing boat ride with our native seamen through calm, turquoise blue Mediterranean waters. On bike, we explore Salina’s beauty as well as its fascinating ancient history. After our small bike ride, we are off to the cove of “Il Postino.” In Salina, we’ll have a taste of the traditional Aeolian lunch and the best granita!
Day 9: Arrivederci!
Around 8:30am, after breakfast we leave from the island of Lipari and offer a group hydrofoil (1 hour) to Milazzo, followed by a group shuttle (2hrs) to Catania airport for international connections or to continue your travels to Italy and beyond! You can also transfer to Palermo to join our Sicily West - Bella Sicilia Ovest tour.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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Lorraine N., Leechburg, PA had this to say about La Bella Sicilia Est:
The tour was better than I could have ever imagined. It felt like I was stepping into movie scenes. -
Mary H., Oak Bluffs, MA had this to say about La Bella Sicilia Est:
Wonderful people and wonderful rides. We are amazed we haven't heard any English in a week! We'll definitely be back. -
Sandra W., Santa Fe, NM had this to say about La Bella Sicilia Est:
Biking in Sicily and enjoying the islands was a great vacation.
