La Bella Sicilia Mini Tour
Photo Gallery:
La Bella Sicilia Est
Trip Leaders
Upcoming Dates
- October 7, 2010
- October 21, 2010
- April 7, 2011
- April 28, 2011
- May 21, 2011
- June 14, 2011
- August 27, 2011
- September 27, 2011
- October 10, 2011
Accommodations
Premier
Ability Level
Intermediate
Terrain
Rolling
Distance
Total mileage: 198 Daily average: 40
Arriving
Siracusa
Departing
Taormina
Price
- $3,295
Single Supplement
$700
Bike Rental
Included!
Bike and Hike Ancient Sicily
Highlights
- Ascent up Etna to witness views of Italy's only active volcano
- Intriguing Greek ruins of Morgantina
- Walking tour of Baroque Ragusa
- Delicious Sicilian Feasts
A distinct and indefinable island, Sicily has withstood centuries of tyranny and cataclysm to emerge as a vital and varied cultural region. The Mediterranean's larget island, Sicily's soil and architecture reveal layer after layer of intriguing history and rule by Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Saracens, French, Spanish, and Bourbons. Home to some of the finest examples of Greek architecture in the world, Sicily is an archaelogist's paradise.
A lush green spectacle in springtime and a vast golden stage in autumn, this itinerary pedals the south and northeast tip of the island to areas overlooked by the tourist masses.
Giro del Gelato - all you can eat gelato: September 4, 2010.
Itinerary
Day 1—2 – Siracusa
On your first spin, discover Siracusa, one of the most important Greek colonies, and a cultural and political center for thousands of years. Visit archaeological sites and dine at a typical Sicilian restaurant. On day 2, we'll bike an archaeological reserve and nature site, viewing the Necropolis of Pantalica. Ride along the coast through historic towns, enjoying the natural beauty of southern Sicily.
Day 3 – Ragusa
Roll through the remote sheep-herding district of Altopiano Ibleo, to reach the modern province of Ragusa. An afternoon bath by the pool of our historic hotel will relax your muscles after the first full day on the bike.
Day 4 – 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.
Day 5 – Taormina
Enjoy a panoramic ride over undulating hills to Morgantina, and stroll the extensive excavations of one of the world's best-preserved Greek cities. Then glide toward Mt. Etna.
Day 6 – Mt. Etna and Arrivederci!
On your final day, hike up Mt. Etna to see the volcano and absorb the magnificent views. After the hike, we'll provide a group shuttle to the Catania airport, where you can make connections. We're happy to assist you with any further travel plans!