The Best of Baroque Sicily – EBSES1

The Best of Baroque Sicily by e-bike

Cycling across a mythical island, between Greek civilization and abundant baroque, through beautiful landscapes and along a stunning coastline

The south-eastern part of Sicily is rich in traces of Baroque, one of the most precious gems of the island. It’s important to underline that the beauty of several locations is the result of a catastrophe: the 1693 earthquake, which destroyed Noto and severely damaged eight towns, among which Ragusa, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide and Scicli.

The towns were all rebuilt after 1693, on the sites of existing settlements or in their proximity. They represent a collective undertaking of remarkable size, successfully realised at a high architectural and artistic level. While keeping the late Baroque style of the time, they also feature new ideas in urban planning and building. The Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. 

The tour gives you the opportunity to discover the lesser-known parts of Syracuse and Ragusa province. It starts from Palazzolo Acreide, in the heart of Iblean Mountains. You will cycle over the Ibleo high plain and in Anapo valley. Then, you go in southern direction to Ragusa, a city with impressive beauty, and Modica, famous for its chocolate.

Heading further south, you’ll encounter Scicli, then continue down to the coast, reaching Pozzallo. This area is very well known in Italy for a popular TV-series. You ride along the coast, until the southernmost point of Sicily. Then you cycle in northern direction towards Noto, the capital of the Baroque style. You’ll see both old and new Noto. You keep riding along the coastal road until you reach Syracuse, among the most important cities of the classical age and birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes.

DAY–TO–DAY PROGRAMME

Day 1 – Arrival in Palazzo Acreide

Arrival in Sicily (Catania airport or train station). Start of the tour in our accommodation, just outside Palazzolo Acreide, a beautiful baroque town situated in the heart of Iblean Mountains, strategically positioned to offer excellent views of the upper valleys of Anapo and Tellaro Rivers, in the south-eastern part of Sicily. Palazzolo Acreide, built on the Greek site of Akrai, which was founded in 664 BC.  is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. From our agriturismo we can already make a first short exploration trip, through the idyllic countryside, or perhaps to town to taste a first granita. Private transfers to our hotel can be arranged.

Accommodation: Agriturismo (or similar) in Palazzo Acreide Distance: (optional ride) 10 km. – Cycling time: 1 h.

Day 2 – Anapo valley – Pantalica bike loop

We start our exploration with a ride over the high plain, the Altopiano Ibleo, the rolling highland country of Southeast Sicily, with its many olive groves and dry-stone walls that characterise this area. We pass through Buccheri and Ferla (where there is an excellent cake and ice-cream shop!) Here we see the strong Arab influence, even though the Normans changed the old Arab fortification in Buccheri into a castle. From here there are superb views of the surrounding forests. From Ferla we then descend to the Anapo Valley. This protected area in the Iblean Mountains includes the fascinating archaeological site of Pantalica, which dates back to 6th Century B.C, and over 5000 tombs impressively cut into the rock. After exploring the site we cycle back to our accommodation.

Accommodation: Agriturismo (or similar) in Palazzo Acreide
Distance: 60 km. – Cycling time:  5 h.

Day 3 – Pearls of the Baroque: Palazzolo – Ragusa – Modica

Today we make a wonderful ride through the hills, and then after a short biscuit stop, we make a long downhill south to Ragusa, one of Sicily’s most beautiful tows. Shortly we arrive in Ragusa, perhaps the most scenic of all Sicilian towns, wonderfully blending into the surrounding landscape. The ‘new’ baroque city of Ragusa, was completely rebuilt just after the devastating earthquake of 1693, the older Ibla also conserves older monuments.  Both parts of town deserve a visit. We have many options to stroll through the old town of Ragusa Ibla, a fascinating maze of tortuous streets dotted with more amazing baroque churches, and with a great choice of bars, and one of Italy’s best ice cream shops! In the late afternoon we follow an amazingly scenic road, which mostly downhill, leads to yet another highlight of this tour: the wonderful town of Modica.

Accommodation: Hotel *** (or similar) in Modica
Distance: 50 km. – Cycling time:  4 h.

Day 4 – Modica – Scicli – Pozzallo – Portopalo di Capo Passero

Before leaving Modica we should taste the famous chocolate, produced according to the ancients recipe in Europe’s oldest chocolate factories, e.g. the one spiced with hot chilli peppers. Then we follow a wonderful small road, cruising downhill through a beautiful Iblei canyon, and shortly we’ll arrive at Scicli, yet another beautiful small town, perhaps the last know but stunningly beautiful, well worth a stroll through the small alleys, and a good place to have a light lunch. In the afternoon we continue down to the coast. The coastline here offers wonderful little spots, now turning famous thanks to the Montalbano TV-series shot here. After an easy stretch along the coast, we arrive in Pozzallo.

Accommodation: Hotel*** (or similar) in Pozzallo
Distance: 50 km. Cycling time: 4 h.

Day 5 – Along the southern coast, between nature and fishermen

Today’s stage is relatively easy, almost completely flat. We will first pass through some typical coastal wetlands, the “Patano Longarini” and “Patano Cuba”, a popular stopover amongst the migratory birds on their trips between Africa and Europe. Cycling along the shore we then reach the southernmost point of Sicily, the island “Isola delle Correnti”, which lies on the same latitude as Tunis and marks the watershed between the Ionian and the Mediterranean Sea. This area is famous for its wonderful small ‘Pachino’ cherry tomatoes. Those who want can wade to the small island just a few metres off the coast. Continuing through Portopalo di Capo Passero we reach Marzamemi, an ancient fishing village. Just North of here we can opt for a visit – and perhaps a swim – in the nature reserve of Vendicari. This narrow stretch of marshy coastline provides a rare, and now completely protected habitat for migratory species. There are some beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent trying to spot the migratory birds that are attracted to the unusual ecosystem of this peaceful area – especially the little egret, the black stork and the black-winged stilt (now adopted as the emblem of Vendicari). After another easy stretch along the coast, we arrive in our next accommodation, on the coast just south of Noto.

Accommodation: Hotel*** (or similar) in Noto
Distance: 60 km. – Cycling time: 5 h.

Day 6 – Loop ride Noto

Today we turn inland again, heading for Noto, which is considered the capital of the Baroque style, and the ancient archaeological site of Noto Antica. But first we’ll warm up, while cycling through almond plantations to Avola, the almond capital of the world – and know as well for the full-bodied red wine ‘Nero d’Avola’. From here we make a wonderful climb up to the convent of Avola, overlooking the whole plain. A few miles further is a great look-out point on Sicily’s biggest canyon, the Cava Grande del Cassibile. There’s a bar on the hill above the canyon, and if you’re feeling very energetic you can walk to the river, 600m below. We then cycle through the rolling hills to Noto Antica, the original site of Noto. This ancient town was completely destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, which is why the new Noto town was built 10km away. Following a gravel road, we reach the ancient ruins of the castle through Porta Reale gate, where we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.  Then we have an excellent descent to Noto itself. Noto, another UNESCO World Heritage site is an absolute gem, a planned town in the unique Sicilian baroque style, and all built in a beautiful honey-coloured stone. We can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring here, and then in the late afternoon a short cycle ride downhill brings us back to our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel*** (or similar) in Noto
Distance: 40 km. – Cycling time: 3,5 h.

Day 7 – From Noto to Syracuse

Today we have an easy day’s riding as we follow a quiet back road to Avola and then ride along the coastal road to Syracuse, rewarded with some excellent views. Just before entering Syracuse, we cross the Ciane River, the only place in Europe where papyrus grows in the wild. An optional boat ride is possible. Syracuse, founded originally by Corinthians from Greece in 733BC, was once one of the great cities of the Mediterranean, home of Aeschylus and Archimedes among many others, and even briefly capital of the Byzantine Empire. In Syracuse you’ll find many archaeological areas, among the world’s finest, countless baroque churches and many other monuments, definitely worth a visit. All are unforgettable, yet we think you will strike a closer bond with the city itself: its crumbling façades with their fat-bellied balconies, supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, Moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Limestone-paved streets overhung with drying laundry and ancient scaffolding, narrow alleyways that lead you around a bend and suddenly, breathtakingly, into one of the most expansive piazzas Italy has to offer. You will come past many an open door: some will give you a glimpse of an ornate secret court yard, others open right onto someone’s dining room where potatoes are being peeled. We have ample time to cycle around the old city (there are virtually no cars!), visit its monuments and drink a coffee or savour a granita in one of the lively bars.

Accommodation: Hotel*** (or similar) in Syracuse
Distance: 50 km. – Cycling time: 5 h.

Day 8 – Discovering Syracuse

Today we can cycle towards Syracuse’s superb archaeological zone, boasting the largest Greek theatre, still used for plays. The city has also a nice shopping district. This living history book is yours to explore. At night we can have a farewell dinner at the seashore together!

Accommodation: Hotel*** (or similar) in Syracuse Distance: 10 km. – Cycling time: 1 h.

Day 9 – Departure

The tour ends in Syracuse after breakfast today.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

All nights are spent in beautiful, characteristic hotels (generally 3-star) or Agriturismo. All rooms have en-suite facilities.

2 dinners are included in Palazzolo Acreide. On the other nights you are free to organise your own dinner in the town’s restaurants.

INCLUSIONS

• 2 nights in Agriturismo (or similar)
• 6 nights in Hotel*** (or similar)
• All breakfasts – 2 dinners
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 50.000 scale (or better)
• GPS waypoints & tracks (optional)
• Bicycle rental of a high-quality E-Bike for 8 days (road bikes or hybrid bikes available on request)
• Welcome meeting: briefing & bike fitting
• Bike delivery & collection
• Luggage transfers
• 24/7 h local assistance

NOT INCLUDED

• Departure taxes & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of personal nature

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Easy to Moderate (2-3): Mostly moderate rides but with some longer climbs. The road is paved, except for 10 km of gravel road at the Anapo Valley. During summer more traffic is to be expected on the routes near the coast. Extensions as well as shortcuts are possible on all days.

Fitness: Some experience with bicycle touring and a good general physical condition will certainly make your travel experience more enjoyable. You should be able to cycle for several hours a day also in hot weather.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in PALAZZOLO ACREIDE, which can be reached by local bus from Catania. Catania has an international airport. We can provide a private transfer on request.

Departure: The tour ends in SYRACUSE. From there you can take the train or a local bus to Catania international airport or Catania centre.

Please contact us for the latest prices

Availability & Conditions

	You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person.
	There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended.
	No available.
	Availability and prices on request.

• Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
• If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
• Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
• Actual exchange rates: GB £ – US $ – CAN $ – CHF – DKK – SEK – NOK – Other currencies.

LONGER/SHORTER ‘THE BEST OF BAROQUE SICILY’ TOUR

In case you want to spend some more time in Sicily, and make the tour slightly more relaxed, we strongly recommend to book an extra night in Marzamemi. That way you can ‘split up’ the ride of day 5 and have more time for Noto and the other towns of the area or to explore the area on foot.

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations ‘en route’. Extra sightseeing options can be provided! In case you have never been to Catania or Taormina, you could consider visiting these cities before leaving for the Sicily, or after your trip. Details and prices on request.

UPGRADE

It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. Details and prices on request.