You can start this cycling holiday on any day of the week but not in the months of July and August. Sicily's strategic position, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Europe and Africa, linking the eastern and western Mediterranean and the Latin World with the Greek resulted in it being not only the prized possession of foreign powers in its tumultuous history, but also a battleground between warring nations. Sicily’s long history of foreign domination has produced an incredible mix of traditions and cultures, leaving behind some of the most remarkable works of art and architecture found in the Mediterranean world.
Eastern Sicily offers a variety of fine and astonishing scenery. Through time, nature has modeled the area. The fast flowing streams descending from the extinct cone of the Monte Lauro have excavated many deep canyons -locally called Cave or “quarries”- on the flat plateau that gently degrades towards the sea. A very important factor that modified the architectonic aspect of the area was the devastating 1693 earthquake. The towns and villages of the area were so severely damaged that most of them had to be built a new. Great architects and craftsmen were called in to design and build the new cities, using the “new” style of the times, thus the Baroque style was applied in the building of an amazing sequence of monumental cities, very much intact still today. Intricately carved portals, windows and railings, richly decorated churches and palaces will astonish all travelers.
Nature will also bring on great emotions as you cycle though the Iblei countryside, bright green during spring and autumn, turning yellow brown-under the midsummer sun. As you enter the Anapo Valley you will be impressed not only by the vast orange and lemon plantations, but also by the fact that this area was chosen by the ancient civilization that populated the area from XIIIBC as their territory. The most tangible proof of the presence of these people is the impressive Necropolis of Pantalica, the most famous in the world, built along the bank of the river.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Catania Airport, transfer to Siracusa-Ortigia by bus and/or train
Twenty-seven centuries of history separate the origin of this city from present days. Ortigia, the small Island that is linked to the mainland by a short bridge, is the ancient heart of the city and it was from here that the Greeks started colonizing the island of Sicily.
In Ortigia and in other parts of Sicily as well it is possible to find considerable cultural stratification that in different historical periods contributed to make this city a marvelous treasure chest. It is delightful to wander through the narrow streets of the ancient town centre and become lost in the multitude of artisan laboratories, or walk along the sea front, immersed in the blinding light of the setting sun
Day 2: Ortigia – Noto (train & bike) and from Noto to Vendicari Nature Reserve 23 km
Noto is universally recognized as the capital city of the Baroque Style that is the cross-section of the wonders that were building after the 1693 earthquake. At the time the Spanish governor did not bother reconstructing damaged buildings, but decided to rebuild the whole town according to new aesthetic values that fitted the requirements and town planning of the times, with the predominant need for the ostentation of political and religious powers. The exceptionality of Noto and the baroque towns of this area reside in the overwhelming designs of the palaces and churches that mix in well with the small cosy courts and modest dwellings of the common town folk.
The Vendicari Nature Reserve is a wonderful natural area and very good for bird watching but also a great place for a swim. In this little paradise many migratory species coming from Africa, find shelter during spring on their migratory route while in autumn it is possible to observe large wading birds. A very clean sea colder than the one in the north of thsicily Noto viewe Island laps the sandy coastline. The large ruins of the tuna fish processing station remind us of the richness coming from this sea since Hellenistic times.
Day 3: Noto – Noto Antica by bike 30 km
A Circular bike ride through an undulating terrain. Little is known about the origins of Noto Antica. Over the centuries its strategic position had always made it the object of attention, each successive domination adding to its cultural wealth. First the Siculs, then the Greeks and finally the Arabs turned it into one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily, until the earthquake of 1693 reduced it to rubble. You can reach the ancient ruins via the Porta Reale gateway, along a dirt road leading to the ruins of the castle that overlooks the surrounding area of “cave” (quarries/gullies). The dense vegetation envelops the ruins of Noto Antica, which has been visited and described by the many noble travelers during their “Grand Tour” of the Classical world.
Day 4: Noto – Ragusa-Ibla (train & bike)
Ibla is a place able to call forth dreamy emotions. On waking, after an evening stroll through the towns many alleys ways and having looked at the laughing masks of Ibla, the visitor might feel that he has dreamt the whole thing. By the light of day the “grinning masks” carved out of stone are even more amazing, one feels one could even start talking to them! In the sunshine, the wide Façade of the Church of San Giorgio appears to stoop over our heads, like an image in a trick mirror.
Day 5: Ibla to Anapo Valley 53 km . Sicily Valley Anapo
Palazzolo Acreide is another of the jewels of the Val di Noto area, where the Baroque architecture contrasts with the ancient ruins. Akrai is a mythological place that has been swallowed up by the passage of time and by the lack of written documents about it. Historian Tommaso Fazello discovered Akrai towards the end of 16th century. The archaeological excavations carried out at the beginning of 19th century under the direction of Baron Gabriele Iudica, brought to light important historical evidences on the ancient history of eastern Sicily. Ancient Akrai was founded by the Siracusans in 664 BC. in a strategic position overlooking the surrounding countryside and the “via Selinuntina”, the road that joined Siracusa to the coastal towns on the south of the island.
Pantalica, located inside the Valle dell’Anapo (AnapoValley), is a fascinating archaeological site of mysterious origins dating back to 2300 years ago that has preserved its natural beauty. What remains today of this extraordinary place is the Necropolis, the biggest in Sicily and one of the most important in the world. More than 5000 tombs excavated into the rock faces, overlooking the Anapo and Calcinara Rivers make you think of a land that must have been inhabited by winged giants.
Day 6: Free day to explore the Anapo Valley
Below, in the valley dipped in the shade of trees such as Plans, Ashes and Oaks, intoxicated by a thousand smells you find a little Eden. Here you can go swimming Sicly Ragusa Iblain the crystal clear, cold waters of the rivers, go hiking along the many foot paths (on your own or with a local guide) or go for a walk along the disused old railway line that passed through these valleys until 1956.
Today is a free day to spend exploring the AnapoValley and you have several excursion possibilities.
Day 7: Anapo Valley - Ortigia 33 km
The short ride from the Valle dell’Anapo back to Siracusa gives you enough time to do some sightseeing in Ortigia and Syracuse, where you can see not only the island but also the beautiful Greek theatre where “classical plays” are performed every summer. Once you reach origin you return the bikes.
Day 8: Ortigia-Catania by bus and/or train. The trip and our services end after breakfast.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
What is Included:
- 7 Nights Bed and Breakfast
- 3 star hotels , Farm houses
- 2 Dinners
- Luggage Transfers
- Transfer of bikes from Ibla to Palazzolo
- Information Pack
- Routes and Maps
- Emergency help
Extras:
- 21 speed Rental Cycle (£75), £12 for per day extra nights
- Cost before and after tour
- Single Supplement
- additional nights at start and end of trip
- Travel Insurance
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Bicycle Touring
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