FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE SUN 29 MAR | ARRIVAL
Arrive and check-in to our meet-point hotel in Catania. We'll set up the bikes, in preparation for the start of our tour the following day. If you arrive early in the day, take time to explore Catania's exuberant Baroque architecture in the UNESCO listed city centre.
DAY TWO MON 30 MAR | TRANSFER TO RAGUSA & SHAKE-OUT RIDE
Morning transfer to our start hotel in beautiful Ragusa. We'll settle in, have a bite to eat and then enjoy a short, scenic shake-out ride. Lots of stairways and amazing views as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage listed town. The older half of Ragusa Ibla is gorgeous, and the cathedral with its Catalan-Gothic portal.
DISTANCE | 15KM | 9MI
ELEVATION | 350M | 1150FT
DAY THREE TUE 31 MAR | LOOP RIDE TO SCICLI & MODICA
These two wonderful, Baroque cities have also been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. An undulating route that it is a bit longer today, but with stops in each of these pretty towns. We wind our way through scenic countryside, discovering the delights of granita in Scicli, and in Modica, one of the oldest chocolate makers in Italy. The uniquely famous chocolate is said to based on an ancient Aztec recipe.
DISTANCE | 58KM | 36MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT
DAY FOUR WED 1 APR | RAGUSA TO NOTO
Today we head east over the pleasantly undulating Ibleo plateau. We ride tiny roads to Castellucci Necropolis, with over 200 tombs carved into the steep walls of a quarry. From there it is a long, gradual descent to the perfumed citrus orchards of Noto Valley. Here lies the town of Noto, also included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town was meticulously planned to optimise access to sunlight, with the building materials selected to further enhance natural light.
Option of afternoon visit to reputedly Sicily's prettiest village, Marzamemi, or further exploration of Noto.
DISTANCE | 60KM | 40MI
ELEVATION | 850M | 2800FT
DAY FIVE THU 2 APR | NOTO TO SIRACUSA
A change of pace today. A short ride to stretch the legs after the last couple of days as we ride to the stunning Riserva Orientata di Cava Grande Park. Enjoy the panoramic views and hike down to the floor of the Cava Grande gorge to explore the tranquil pools and waterfalls.
Then a short shuttle ride to Siracusa, the city established by the Greeks some 2700 years ago. Discover the magical island of Ortigia, a place where one can really appreciate the passage of millennia. Then enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the amazing little restaurants to wind up the day.
DISTANCE | 17KM | 10MI
ELEVATION | 450M | 1500FT
Or ride all the way to Siracusa
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY SIX FRI 3 APR | MOUNT ETNA!
Oh what a day! We'll have a shuttle from the coast to Nicolosi on the slopes of Etna. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe - the lunar landscape of blackened rock is starkly impressive, a reminder of how nature can wield her might, and yet at the same time bestow a future blessing of fertile soil.
There will be the opportunity to take the chair lift closer to the summit.
We'll then descend and ride to Linguaglossa, a charming town that has miraculously survived numerous threats from Etna. From here we transfer by van to stunning Taormina.
DISTANCE | 20KM | 12MI | Summit of Etna only
ELEVATION | 950M | 3100FT
DISTANCE | 60KM | 40MI | Including descent to Linguaglossa
ELEVATION | 15500M | 5080FT
DAY SEVEN SAT 4 APR | GOODBYE
Sadly it's time to say farewell to your guides. Enjoy your time in Taormina.
Until next time, ride safe Puntos!