Tour of Eastern Sicily

1st day – Catania:
meeting at a hotel in Catania. Dinner included.
Overnight: hotel.

2nd day – Giardini Naxos:
we cycle along the “Riviera dei Ciclopi”, passing through Acireale and other villages on the coast, up to the panoramic Greek theater of Taormina. We go down to Giardini Naxos, on the sea. Dinner included.
Places: Pedaling: 70 km. +700m
Overnight: hotel.

3rd day – Zafferana Etnea (580m):
in the morning we will take a “refreshing and energetic” walk in the suggestive gorges of Ancantara. We will stop to visit Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and in Linguaglossa.
Pedaling: 60km +1200m
Overnight: hotel.

4th day – Bronte (850m):
18km climb on the slopes of Etna to get to the Sapienza refuge (1950m), with a beautiful view of the craters and the sea. Suggestive descent of 20 km with stretches between lava flows and shady woods. We will finish the stage in Bronte, in a B&B, with a spectacular view of the volcano and a dinner with the typical and famous pistachio.
Pedaling: 60km +1850m
Overnight: B&B

5th day – Acquedolci:
we will climb up to the Nebrodi Park, where we will pass through beautiful dirt roads, between woods and lakes, appreciating the flora and fauna. We would do a long downhill stretch, passing through remote villages of the hinterland, with the beautiful rock formations of this mountain range. We will finish the stage in a complex of bungalows on the sea.
Places: Cesarò, Nebrodi Park, Sant ‘Agata di Militello
Pedaling: 85km +1450m
Overnight: hotel.

6th day – Cefalu:
Easy stage, cycling along the coast with beautiful views of the Aeolian Islands. We will soon arrive in Cefalù, to enjoy a tuff on arrival and go around this beautiful city, rich in architectural works. Places: Santo Stefano di Camastra, Castel di Tusa. Pedaling: 60km +460m
Overnight: B&B in the center with a privileged location.

Day 7 – Petralia Sotana (1000m):
we would make a long and beautiful climb, to leave the sea views and head towards the village of Isnello and the mountains of the Sicilian Apennines. We will cross the woods of the Madonie Park and then descend towards the small village of Petralia Sotana, a medieval jewel, which stands with its palaces and castle on the edge of the Park.Places: Isnello, Parco delle Madonie, Piano Battaglia Pedaling: 62km +2000m
Overnight: hotel.

Day 8 – Piazza Armerina:
We will get to know the wild interior of the island, passing through Calascibetta and we will go up to the ancient and historic Enna with its imposing castle. To finish in a farmhouse near Piazza Armerina, where we will visit the Villa Romana del Casale, another very interesting site, a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). We will finish the day with a dinner at the farmhouse to taste the delicious products of the countryside.
Places: Calascibetta, Enna,
Pedaling: 100km +1500m
Overnight: farmhouse.

9th day – Ragusa Ibla (430m):
we would visit Caltagirone, the “city of ceramics”, and climb a few steps of the 142 steps of the “Staircase of Santa Maria”, appreciating the particularity of the famous mosaics. We would finish the ride in the afternoon in the historic center of Ragusa Ibla in time to admire this baroque jewel, also overlooking the mountains and surrounded by nature, a reward for our ride.
Places: Caltagirone, Comiso, Ragusa Pedaling: 100km +1400m
Overnight: Hotel.

10th day – Portopalo di Capo Passero:
We will pass through two other beautiful baroque cities; Modica, where we will also stop to taste its famous chocolate and Scicli, known for being the town of the “famous inspector Montalbano”. In Pozzallo we will be able to swim and have lunch on the beach. We will finish the stage in a hotel in front of Capo Passero, where the Ionian sea and the Mediterranean meet. We will be able to enjoy the beaches and a beautiful sunset over the sea, overlooking the two islands of this fantastic place.
Places: Modica, Scicli, Pozzallo, Pachino.
Pedaling: 85km +730m
Overnight: B&B

11th day – Palazzolo Acreide (670m):
early in the morning we will take a tour of the small fishing village of Marzamemi, of Arab origin from the 18th century. We will continue towards the Vendicari Nature Reserve and make another stop in the famous town of Noto. After a climb in the area of ​​the Iblei mountains, we will finish the stage in the town of Palazzolo Acreide, inserted among the most beautiful villages in Italy, yet another baroque jewel World Heritage Site (UNESCO), where you can breathe an even more peaceful atmosphere, genuine and less touristy. Places: Marzamemi, Vendicari Nature Reserve, Noto.
Pedaling: 65km +1000m
Overnight: hotel.

12th day – Syracuse:
We will go towards the small town of Buscemi and then we will take a very natural path with dirt sections to get to the Necropolis of Pantalica Nature Reserve where you can see the ancient houses and tombs, carved into the rock that date back to IIX -VII B.C. , unique in the world (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We will finish the stage going down towards the sea until we reach Syracuse and the Island of Ortigia, a beautiful position to turn and enjoy this wonderful and ancient city, the last of our suggestive journey.
Places: Buscemi, Cassaro, Necropolis of Pantalica.
Pedaling: 75km +700m
Overnight: hotel in a beautiful location facing the sea.

13th day – Syracuse:
Breakfast and end of the trip. It is advisable to use this day to tour and savor the wonders of Syracuse and return to Catania (from where you fly them) in the afternoon.

Between Etna, the Nebrodi and Madonie Parks, between the beaches of Cefalu, Giardini Naxos and Portopalo. Discovering even the most beautiful and ancient cities.
With several UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Catania, Cathedral of Cefalu, Mount Etna, Caltagirone, Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Ragusa, Scicli, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, Ragusa

850 km, on asphalted roads and some dirt sections

850 km / Elevation gain + 13,000: in 11 stages at a daily average of 77 km elevation gain +1180. The stages take place at a quiet pace, suitable for cycling, with several stops to eat, take pictures or wait for those who are left behind, the important thing is to have a comradely spirit!

While pedaling, the temperature can vary between 20° and 34°

You can use a touring, gravel, mtb or assisted bicycle, equipped with bags (Bikepacking), to carry personal clothing, basic equipment for the bike (Allen key, pump, inner tube). Personal medicines and energy foods. Possibility of renting

4 people With fewer participants the cost increases.

• Accommodations: 12 nights in well-kept places: hotels, agritourisms and B & Bs. Look at the description in the program.
• The presence of the guide: Mariano Lorefice
• 12 breakfast and 5 dinners.

• Drinks and anything not detailed in the program.