It was in Sicily that Garibaldi began the risorgimento of Italy, back in 1862. This Mediterranean island will greet you with gorgeous weather and the finest Italian food and wine - two of Italy’s most famous products. Conquer the active Etna volcano, admire the amazing Greek and Roman remaining and delight yourself in the warm sea waters.
Level: Advanced. Total distance: 544k/338mi. Shortest day: 30k/19mi. Longest day: 120k/75mi. Accommodations: Luxury.
Dates: May 2-10, 2009.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Palermo. Warm up ride (33km). Meet at the airport in Palermo and van transfer to Enna (lunch midway). In the afternoon we will do bike fitting and go for a 33km warm up ride in the valley. We will stay two nights in a former farm house, now a beautiful and charming Agriturismo in the country side. Lodging: Villa Gussio Nicoletti.
Day 2: Enna - Piazza Amerina - Morgantina (90km). Ride from Enna to the Greek city of Morgantina, passing by Lake Peruga and visiting one of most well preserved roman mosaics in the world (Vilae). Midway we stop for a Capuccino and a walk in Piazza Amerina. Van transfer back to Hotel Agriturismo. Lodging: Villa Gussio Nicoletti.
Day 3: Enna - Agira - Adrano Etna (61km). We will ride an amazing road passing by several hill top villages, heading towards the impressive Etna volcano. We end the day climbing one of its slopes, on the way to a very nice and quiet farm inn (Turismo Rural). Lodging: Le Cisterne Rural Tourism.
Day 4: Adrano - Etna - Taormina (85km). Start the day by climbing as much as you can, topping at 1890 meters. Smell the volcano smoke and enjoy breathtaking views of the island. A long 16 km downhill will then take you to the beautiful coast of Taormina bay where we will stay in a seaside hotel for two nights. Lodging: hotel 3*.
Day 5: Taormina (30 km). Visit to Taormina famous Greek theatre, placed in a incredible view point, overlooking Catania bay. Take the lift up or ride your bicycle, topping Castlemaior through a 20 km uphill. But you can choose to relax in the warm sea bay waters or ride the flat coastal road to visit Acireale thermal city. Lodging: hotel 3*.
Day 6: Taormina - Randazzo - Nicosia (120km). Leaving the coast, we head west towards Nicosia and passing by Alcantara valley caves. The major climb of the day is on the way to Castiglione, a nice little village on the top of the cliffs. Flat sections and moderate climbs take us to our Nicosia’s Agriturismo. Dinner in town is followed by “passiagta” walking in the historical center of San Dominico, recently recognized as a saint. We will stay in a recently restored turismo rural. Lodging: Baglio San Pietro.
Day 7: Nicosia - Castelbuono - Cefalú (80km). Today we will cross the Madonie Natural Park, with its unique landscape and the highest peaks of Sicily, apart from Etna. Long 20 km downhill winding roads take us from the typical village of Geraci to Castelbuono, dropping 600mts/2000ft. We will then climb to overlook Cefalú and end our ride with a steep descent towards the most famous beach in Sicily. Our hotel is on the sea front with access to a private beach. Lodging: Hotel Riva Del Sole.
Day 8: Cefalú - Castel di Tusa (45km).End your trip with a morning stroll around Cefalu pedestrian center or climb to the Diana temple. You can also choose to ride the scenic coastal road to Tusa or go all the way and conquer the heights of Castel di Tusa. Transfer to Palermo. Free afternoon. Farewell dinner in the historic downtown Palermo. Lodging: Hotel Ucciardhome (4*).
Day 9: Morning transfer to the airport. Arriverdeci!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included: All accommodations, 7 dinners with wine, 1 picnic, 2 bilingual guides, van support, transfers, A2Z Adventures t-shirt and A2Z Adventures water bottle.
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Europe
Italy
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Volcano Tours
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