La Bella Sicilia Mini Ancient Sicily and the dreamy Aeolian islands A distinct yet indescribable island, Sicily has withstood centuries of tyranny and upheaval to emerge as a vital and varied cultural region. Contained by the Mediterranean s largest island, Sicily s soil and architecture reveal layer after layer of intriguing history and rule by Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Saracens, French, Spanish, and Bourbons. Home to some of the finest examples of Greek architecture in the world, Sicily is an archaeologist s paradise. Focusing on the lush green spectacle in springtime and on the vast golden stage in autumn, this itinerary pedals the southern and northeastern tips of the island to areas overlooked by the masses. We begin in the ceramic town of Caltagirone, then, via olive groves and tiny mountain villages, we reach Ibla and follow the route to Siracusa, a Greek town filled with archaeological treasures. ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2 Daily Itinerary / Page 3-4 Arrival & Departure / Page 5 Bike Information / Page 5 Terms & Conditions / Page 6 Reserve Your Space! / Page 6 Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 1
TRIP ESSENCE Witness views of Europe s highest volcano, Mount Etna Learn more about the Baroque Ragusa and the Greek monuments of Siracusa Stay in luxury hotels and enjoy delicious Sicilian feasts, including fresh seafood and vegetables Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture with the local music and the warm people of the island WHAT S INCLUDED Use of a carbon road bike (see page 5 for details) Service of local, professional guides throughout the program Ciclismo jersey and water bottle All accommodations All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners 1 wine tasting TRIP DETAILS 2019 Trip Dates May 5-9 May 20-25 Sep 15-19 Sep 28-Oct 3 Oct 13-17 Ability Level Intermediate (with lots of climbing) Summary of Daily Distances Day 1: 10 miles Day 2: 50/53 miles Day 3: 46 miles Day 4: 52 miles Day 5: 38 miles Day 6: 4-6 hour hike arrivederci! Optional extra loops available Trip Price $4,395 Single Supplement: $700 Cycling clinics Music by local musicians Shuttles at the beginning, during and end of the tour Visit to Siracusa and guided walking tour of Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage site Hike up Mount Etna (see recommendations on day 6) The tour was better than I could have ever imagined. It felt like I was stepping into movie scenes. - Lorraine N. Leechburg, PA Have something else in mind? Itinerary available as a private tour or... Create a custom itinerary with help from our experienced travel consultants! Contact Us 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 2
DAY 1 CALTAGIRONE Daily Mileage - 10 miles Riding Terrain - Rolling Hotel - Villa S. Mauro Location: Caltagirone Duration: 1 Night Website: www.nh-hotels.it/ hotel/nh-caltagirone-villasan-mauro Meals - L, D DAY 2 CALTAGIRONE TO RAGUSA Daily Mileage - 50/53 miles Riding Terrain - Three major climbs Hotel - Antico Convento dei Cappuccini Location: Ragusa Duration: 2 Nights Website: http://www. anticoconventoibla.it/en/ antico-convento-hotel/ Today, take our group shuttle at 11:30 a.m. at Catania Airport and meet us at the hotel around 1 p.m. for a light lunch and introductions, followed by a warm-up ride. Caltagirone is located on three hillocks and was completely rebuilt in 1693 after a terrible earthquake. Nowadays it possesses all the characteristics of a 17 th -century Baroque Sicilian town. It s famous for azulejos (Spanish-style glazed tiles) used to embellish the fronts of local houses, and for its pottery. In fact, the name Caltagirone comes from the Arabic language and means Castle of (ceramic) jars. It s also the birthplace of the Christian Democratic party, as it was here that its founder, Don Luigi Sturzo, was born. The 4-star Villa S. Mauro is a quiet, modern hotel on the outskirts of town. Its large lovely rooms offer all the great amenities and features a classic foyer, great bar and a private pool. After an easy start, the traffic-less road begins to undulate and has three major climbs; the last part is almost completely downhill before entering Ragusa, a city in which urban expansion, fortunately, has not ruined the character of its 18 th -century neighborhoods. In the afternoon, we reach the fascinating Ragusa Ibla (the lower and older part of town), a vestige of the Baroque period. From the restoration of the Ancient Capuchin Covent, in the core of the Gardens of Ragusa Ibla, this concept-hotel has seen the light, offering the travellers the exclusive experience of lodging in a convent, of relax and natural wellness. When you stay here, you get the chance to plunge into a unique atmosphere in an authentic dimension. Meals - B, D DAY 3 RAGUSA LOOP TO DONNAFUGATA AND SCICLI Daily Mileage - 46 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly Hotel - See Day 2 We start today s ride with a pleasant downhill descent toward the coast. We stop at the beautiful Villa Donnafugata, the rural summer vacation house of the Arezzo family, featured in many movies by the most important italian directors. Then we continue among carob trees and greenhouses to reach the seaside village of Marina di Ragusa, perfect spot for a swim and lunch. After lunch we climb back through the valley with great views of the Irminio river canyon. In the evening we enjoy a walking tour of ancient Ragusa Ibla. Dinner is on your own tonight. Meals - B Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 3
DAY 4 RAGUSA TO SIRACUSA Daily Mileage - 52 miles Riding Terrain - Gently rolling Hotel - Grand Hotel Ortigia Location: Siracusa Duration: 1 Night Website: www. grandhotelortigia.it/index. php?lang=en Meals - B, D DAY 5 SIRACUSA TO SAN GIOVANNI LA PUNTA Daily Mileage - 38 miles Riding Terrain - Rolling Hotel - Villa Paradiso Dell Etna Location: S.G. La Punta Duration: 1 Night Website: www.paradisoetna. it/?lingua=2 Meals - B, D DAY 6 HIKE ETNA Daily Mileage - 4-6 hour hike Riding Terrain - Gentle climbing Meals - B Today s ride takes us up into the Altopiano Ibleo, a remote and beautiful area where shepherds are the only inhabitants. We continue on to Siracusa: founded by Greek settlers in the 8 th -century BC, Siracusa grew into an economic and political center in the Mediterranean and as such, engaged in frequent struggles. With sufficient historical background, the archaeological sites come alive. Siracusa s famous 3 rd -century BC Greek theater the largest in Italy offers a breathtaking view. In the evening, we dine at an authentic Sicilian restaurant where we get our first taste of some local specialties. Offering a rooftop terrace and glass elevator with sea views, the 5-star Grand Hotel Ortigia is located on the natural island of Ortigia. Rooms are spacious and offer free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. The spa is also friendly and welcoming. Bike in one of Sicily s most fascinating archaeological reserves and nature sites. Today s highlight is a pleasant ride on quiet roads with the impressive Mount Etna right in front of us. The area of our ride was involved in WW II; military memorials, cemeteries and bunkers dot our tiny road en route to the former Italian navy base of Brucoli. We ll be shuttled to our hotel at the base of Mt. Etna with a private bus. Tonight, a musical surprise will showcase the genuine Sicilian spirit and way of life that make the inhabitants of this island so warm and welcoming! Set in a little village at the foot of Mount Etna, the 4-star Villa Paradiso dell Etna allows you to stay in a real Sicilian villa. Opened in 1929 and once frequented by renowned artists and writers, Villa Paradiso has been elegantly restored and decorated. All rooms have panoramic views of the gardens or Mount Etna. The villa boasts a cordial and helpful staff, piano bar, panoramic roof garden, wine cellar, outdoor pool, and much more! The 6-day tour concludes in the afternoon after a hike up Mount Etna to absorb the magnificent views of the volcanic area. On a clear day, you can see all of Sicily. At around 3:30 pm, we provide a 1.5-hour group shuttle to Catania Airport, where you may make connections to other destinations in Italy and abroad. If you plan to do the hike, please schedule your flight from Catania no earlier than 6:30 pm. Important information for the hike: you are invited to bring your own gear, otherwise the local guides will provide you with a rental jacket, backpack and hiking boots (included in the price of the tour). You are required to bring your own hiking socks and long pants are recommended. Sneakers are not permitted while on the hike. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 4
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO CALTAGIRONE Fly to Rome Da Vinci Airport (FCO), then book a round-trip regional flight to Catania Airport (CTA). Meet at 11:30 am on day 1 at Catania Airport in the arrival area on the ground floor inside in front of the bar. A group shuttle* on day 1 will take you to the first hotel. * Please inform the office if you plan on taking this scheduled group shuttle at least one month in advance via this form: www.ciclismoclassico.com/travel-plans DEPARTING FROM SAN GIOVANNI LA PUNTA At around 3:30 pm, we provide one 1.5-hour group shuttle to Catania Airport. If you plan to participate in the hike, please schedule your flight from Catania notearlier than 6:30 pm. BIKE INFORMATION Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi s special C2C (Coast to Coast) frame design/geometry and different material combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank and 11/32 cassette. Bianchi Vertigo included free ( new for 2018) on all Easy and Athletic Beginner tours. Bianchi Intenso included on all Intermediate and Advanced tours. Bianchi C-Sport 2.5 More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is a highperformance aluminum hybrid bicycle with straight handlebars. It has a sloping design for superior comfort and bigger tires and hydraulic disc brakes. Included on all tours. ON THE BIKE OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: 1-855-780-2022 or E-mail: ciclismoair@vwti.com Included: Ciclismo Classico water bottle Two water bottle holders Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge GPS Handlebar bag Tire pump Combination bike lock Gel-padded saddle Choice of pedals Card with your tour leaders mobile phone numbers Pedal Options: Flat pedals Half-toe pedals (without straps) Toe cage pedals Travel Insurance World Nomads Call: 1-816-905-3963 (Direct/ Collect 1-844-207-1930 (Toll-Free within USA) https://www.worldnomads.com/ travel-insurance/ Transportation Rome2rio http://www.rome2rio.com Tandems Cannondale RT 2: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available for $400, limited availability. Honey bicycles: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Available for $400, limited availability. Co-motion Periscope: Racing position with 700 c wheels. Accommodates smaller team or even children. Available for $400. Cannondale Hybrid MT800: Upright position with 26 c wheels and straight handlebars. Available for $400. Things to Bring: Helmet Optional: clipless pedals with shoes Optional: your own saddle E-Bike: Bianchi Manhattan Available on all Easy and Athletic Beginner tours, and some Intermediate and Advanced tours. Please contact us for more information. Available for $400. Bike type outside of Europe may vary, please contact us at 800-866-7314 for more information. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 5
INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via email once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice. Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as follows: Days before departure Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* 91-120 days - 100% of the deposit* 61-90 days - 30% of the trip price 31-60 days - 60% of the trip price 0-30 days - 100% of the trip price *You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied. Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group. To review our policies, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/plan-your-trip/policies/ RESERVE YOUR SPACE! To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at 800-866-7314. Or, mail your deposit and contact information to: Ciclismo Classico attn: Rosa 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA 02474 At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and email address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 6