Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Tour Facts Sheet

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Janice Dean
6 years ago
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In rebuilding the cities in the region they left a legacy of the most significant collection of baroque churches anywhere.

1 Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Tour Facts Sheet This tour explores southeastern Sicily and the famous baroque towns of the Val di Noto. The Spanish occupied this area in the late 17th century when 45 towns were destroyed by a single earthquake in In rebuilding the cities in the region they left a legacy of the most significant collection of baroque churches anywhere. Add to this the culinary delicacies (like the famous chocolate from Modica and local seafood) of the region, the famous red wine "Nero d'avola" and the "Moscato di Noto" and you have an unforgettable bicycle ride. The ride takes you along the coast of southeastern Sicily to the southernmost point of the island. This is a perfect tour in the Spring and Fall. Add mileage to the easy day rides if you want more exercise or just take it easy and enjoy Sicily! Highlights Price Includes Countries Begin/End Arrive/ Depart Total Distance Daily Distance What to Expect Rating Terms The secret recipes of Modica's Chocolate, Baroque masterpeices of Noto, Greek temples Norman castles and Arab architectures all in one island, 2,700 years old city of Syracuse, the Baroque influence in Sicilian cuisine, the homeland of Cannoli and Pistacchio pastry 1130 Single supplement: 300 (singles traveling with others pay a 200 supplement) 7 days, 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels; 6 breakfasts; use of a quality speed racing or hybrid bicycle; bike delivery and collection; bike fitting and briefing; detailed route descriptions; map; luggage transfers; Italy Palazzolo Acreide/Syracuse Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) 216 to 243 km ( miles) km (22-34 miles) Easy rides with a few short, steep climbs to hilltop villages. 1-2 View Tour Rating Descriptions Terms & Conditions Visit our website for tour dates, price and full itinerary description at Cycleeurope.com. Do you need more information? Read our Self Guided Tour FAQ Sheet here

2 Tour s Dates: Every Saturday; on-request departures on other days are possible. Your Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Palazzolo Acreide Highlights: Fit bikes and take a warm-up ride as time allows Arrive in Palazzolo Acreide today to begin your tour. We fit bicycles and will provide you with your orientation materials for your tour. You can test your bicycles on a short ride to the ruins of the ancient Greek site of Akrai, just outside of Palazzolo. The small Greek theater is a beautiful remnant of this Greek colony founded in 664 BC by the Greek colony of Syracuse. Day 2: Bicycle from Palazzolo Acreide to Modica Highlights: Greek ruins at Akrai, the world famous chocolate of Modica, World Heritage towns of Palazzolo and Modica Take time to enjoy an extra morning coffee in the square of Palazzolo or return to the ruins of Akrai to enjoy the site of this ancient Greek colony. Over the centuries Palazzolo absorbed the influence of the Arabs, Normans, and the Spanish Baroque architecture in its 16th-18th century churches. Your ride to day takes you to Modica, famous throughout Sicily and Italy for its chocolate! Modica chocolate seems to be a residual treasure from the Aztec world brought to Modica by the Spanish in the 16th century. For some reason, Modica artisans picked up and preserved the craft of making traditional Aztec chocolate while that skill has disappeared everywhere else. So chocolate tasting should be on your list for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Day 3: Bicycle from Modica to Scicli and Pozzallo Highlights: Scicli and bicycling along the coast Before leaving Modica you might want to stock up on chocolate! There are something like twenty producers in town! The most famous flavors are the vanilla and cinnamon flavoured chocolates. Most unique is the chocolate with the hot peppers said to be derived from the Aztec chocolatiers in the 16th century. So be sure and pick some up for the road. Your route today takes you across the limestone plateau to Scicli and on to the coastal town of Pozzallo. Pozzallo has some of the best beaches in Sicily and is also a departure point for ferries to Malta. Mileage: optional Accommodation: Hotel Colle Acre Mileage: km (31-38 miles) Accommodation: Hotel Principe D Aragona Mileage: 36 or 48 km (23 or 30 miles), depending on your choice for today. Accommodation: Hotel Sikania Suite

3 Day 4: Bicycle the coast from Pozzallo to Marzamemi Highlights: The southernmost point in Sicily, coastal rides, flamingos and wetlands, fishing villages You'll reach the southernmost point in Sicily today as you pedal along the coast from Pozzallo to Marzamemi. The British contingent of the allied invasion of Sicily occurred along this coast in July and August of Near Marzamemi you ride by the coastal marshes of Longarini and Cuba, important stopping points for pink flamingoes and herons among other waterfowl. At Capo Passero you can look north to the Ionian Sea and south to the broad Mediterranean Sea extending south to Libya and southwest to Tunisia. Stop for a delicious seafood lunch along here. Your ride ends just north of Marzamemi on the San Lorenzo Beach. Day 5: Bicycle from Marzamemi to Noto Highlights: Coastal cycling and Noto - "capital" of Italian baroque cities Spend a little time on the beach today if you wish as we have a short and easy ride to Noto later this morning. We continue past more coastal marshes, including the natural reserve of Vendicari. Our destination is Noto, famous in Italy as one of the principal baroque towns of Italy. Noto harbors a number of baroque churches built by the Spanish after the 1693 earthquake (that destroyed something on the order of 45 towns and cities in Southeastern Sicily). Day 6: Bicycle from Noto to Syracuse Highlights: An easy ride along the coast; the ancient city of Syracuse An easy coastal ride again takes us to the capital of Magna Grecia and the famous Greek colonial town of Syracuse. Get an early start so you can take time to explore the archeological ruins of Neapolis with the large Greek theater. In the center of old Syracuse is the island of Ortygia where the Greek goddess Leto is said to have given birth to Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo. Mileage: 57 km (36 miles) Accommodation: Agriturismo Vendicari Tenuta Arangio Mileage: 35 km (22 miles) Accommodation: Hotel Flora Mileage: 38 or 55 km (24 or 34 miles) depending on your choice for today. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Maniace Day 7: Tour ends today Highlights: Syracuse and the Greek ruins The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Take more time to explore this beautiful city. Thank you for travelling with us. Buon viaggio! NOTE: This hotel itinerary is subjected to changes according to availability. City taxes are not included LODGING UPGRADE: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels. Ask for availability.

4 GTA: How to get there and away Starting point: Hotel Colle Acre in Palazzolo Acreide We recommend to fly into Catania (the closest airport to Syracuse). We offer a private transfer from Catania Airport Fontanarossa to your hotel in Palazzolo Acreide (See the Services available at an additional cost section for details). Alternatively, you can take a bus from Catania airport Fontanarossa to Siracusa then change and take a bus to Palazzolo Acreide. Ending point: Hotel Royal Maniace in Syracuse We recommend to fly out from Catania. We offer a private transfer from your hotel in Syracuse to Catania airport (See the Services available at an additional cost section for details). Alternatively, you can get a bus from Syracuse to Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Once you book the tour we will send you detailed information and different options on how to get to the starting point and away from the ending point of the tour. Luggage Transfers Luggage transfer is included in your package. Normally, the luggage is collected from at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by Every luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag. Please make sure yours have correct tags. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally you cannot use the luggage transport service to skip the stage. In case you need help to skip the stage, please contact our emergency number.

5 Services available at an additional cost (ask for prices and availability) Extra nights are available in Palazzolo Acreide or in Siracusa. Ask for details Additional days extension: Tour of the historical Old Town of Siracusa Visit the fascinating Ortigia island, the historical and cultural centre of the city. The Old Town of Siracusa captivates immediately with more than 3000 years of history and archaeological evidence of practically all great civilizations of the Mediterranean. Cycling to the natural preserve "Valle dell'anapo" Leaving Siracusa on a less frequented road in direction of Sortino, you will reach the entrance of the natural preserve of Anapo Valley. Here you can admire the hills of Pantalica, which harbours the oldest European necropolis with more than 5000 tombs in caves. Electric bikes, tandems and chariot for kids are available for an extra charge. Private transfers are available at additional costs (to be paid cash to the driver): from Catania airport to Palazzolo Acreide : 45 per person from Catania center to Palazzolo Acreide: 100 (2 people) from Siracusa airport to Palazzolo Acreide: 70 (2 people) from Siracusa center to Catania airport : 35 per person from Taormina to Palazzolo Acreide: 160 (2 people) Bicycle Specification All bikes come with a, pump, lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons, and patch kit. We can provide flat pedals, we don't provide clipless pedals as there are different kinds, so you'll have to bring your own pedals with you and we'll mount them on your rented bike. The bikes come also with a rear rack bag (alternatively front bag or panniers depending on locations) for carrying personal items. Helmet come on request, 10 Euro for the trip, to be payed on the spot

6 City Bike Ladies city bike

ALUMINUM ALU PROMAX SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE SHIMANO ROYAL GEL FAC MIC 28F FAC MIC 28F SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE

7 Components Frame Fork Handle bar Handle stem Central motion Pedals Saddle Rear hub Anterior hub Speed changer Front derailleur Units Brake Rims Spokes Tyres Tubes Mudguards Kickstand Front Carrier Carrier Bottle Model ALU ALUMINUM ALU PROMAX SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE SHIMANO ROYAL GEL FAC MIC 28F FAC MIC 28F SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE SHIMANO ALIVIO - DEORE AMBROSIO POLIBLACK SCHWALBE MARATHON PLUS SCHWALBE

Hybrid Bike Components Model Frame Fuji A2-SL alloy Fork A2-SL alloy blade, crmo steerer Handle bar Oval Concepts, 6 sweep, 10mm rise Handle stem Oval Concepts, +/- 20 Central motion Shimano Acera

8 Hybrid Bike Components Model Frame Fuji A2-SL alloy Fork A2-SL alloy blade, crmo steerer Handle bar Oval Concepts, 6 sweep, 10mm rise Handle stem Oval Concepts, +/- 20 Central motion Shimano Acera Cassette Shimano Acera, 11-32T Saddle Oval Concepts Seat post Oval Concepts, micro-adjust Shifter Shimano Alivio Front derailleur Shimano EF65, EZ Fire, 3x9 Units Shimano 105 ST-5700 o 5703 Ultegra ST-6800 Brake Shimano 105 BR-5700 Shimano BR-R561 Brake Levers SHIMANO 105 o FAC MIC Rims Vera Corsa DPM27 Tyres Vera CityWide 700 x 28c

9 Road Bike Components Model Frame Aluminum R-Lite R-SL 2.0 Fork Handle bar Handle stem Central motion Cassette Saddle Seat post Speed changer Front derailleur Units Brake Brake Levers CARBON Control Tech ONE Ritchey Comp Logic II Control Tech ONE Ritchey Comp 4-axis Shimano 105 FC-5700 o 5703 (50/34 o 52/39/30) FC- RS500 compact (50/34) Shimano CS-5700F 2 CS-5800 Selle Italia Carbon 6061 Alloy Shimano 105 RD x10 o 3x10 RD x11 Shimano 105 RD x o 3x Ultegra RD x Shimano 105 ST-5700 o 5703 Ultegra ST-6800 Shimano 105 BR-5700 Shimano BR-R561 SHIMANO 105 o FAC MIC Rims Shimano 500 Fulcrum Racing 5 Fulcrum Racing 7 Tyres Schwalbe / Continental

10 E-bikes TECHNICAL DETAILS Frame Fork Central motion Cog Set Speed changer Engine Battery Electrical system Rims Tyres Shifters Brakes Accessories Trekking Alu triple butted Steel FSA Metropolis Single 45T SRAM Powerglide V 11-36T SRAM VIA Centro 10V 8FUN CST 250W Panasonic Li-Ion 36V 9Ah Mahitech Custom, LED Console & Brake Cut off Gipiemme Nisi 28" Custom Schwalbe Nobby Nic 26x2.25 Performance faltbar / fold SRAM VIA Centro - Trekking Tektro V-Brakes Mudguards, Kickstand, Rear Carrier, Water Bottle

Tandem TECHNICAL DETAILS Frame Fork Central motion Cog Set Speed changer Alu double butted Aluminio - Aluminium Truvativ Firex Tandem 26-36-48T Shimano XT CS-M770 11-32T 9-speed Shimano XT RD-M772

11 Tandem TECHNICAL DETAILS Frame Fork Central motion Cog Set Speed changer Alu double butted Aluminio - Aluminium Truvativ Firex Tandem T Shimano XT CS-M T 9-speed Shimano XT RD-M772 Shadow Rims DT Swiss 533d 26" Tyres Shifters Brakes Accessories Schwalbe Big Apple 26 x 2.35 Performance Shimano XT SL-M770A Magura MT5 4-Kolben mm Mudguards, Kickstand, Rear Carrier, Water Bottle

12 Chariot Single-seater with safety flag, stroller kit and walker kit (16 front wheel), double cover (against insects and bad weather). Innovative folding system, parking brake easily usable in order to lock the wheels. Reflective materials for the marking of the height and width of the trailer. TÜV certificate with Toxproof quality seal. * Places: Single-seater * Shoulders width: 44cm * Leg length: 60cm * Head Height: 61cm * Seat: 5-point harness * L x W x H: 106cm / 70cm / 81cm * L x W x H folded 109cm / 70cm / 26cm H * Handle height: cm * Weight / load: 14kg / 35kg * Frame: steel, aluminum body, bumpers * Wheel size: /20 x 1.75 steel wheels with spokes in zinc * Helm attack Ø 28.6mm * Suitable for a baby seat (bottle holder Weber)

Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Discover the Adriatic Riviera's hidden beauty

Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Tour Fact Sheet Explore the Adriatic Riviera and its inland valleys, hamlets and castles. This is a fixed base cycling holiday, with a loop ride for each day to bring