Epic Cycling Tour through Sicily!!
Details
This fall, I’m organizing an 8-day epic road biking tour through the amazing landscapes of Sicily! I’ve done similar trips before, but not on road bikes or not in this area and I’ve dreaming of exploring this region by road bike … for over 5 years! So after much exploration, research, discussion and negotiation….it’s ready...let’s go!
We’ll start riding in the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, ride through the Anapo Valley, near Pantalica canyon, past low-stone walls and fields of yellow hay; then head south through the sun-drenched seaside of Marzamemi & Portopalo directly facing Africa; then through the beautiful Nero d'Avola vineyards, toward Ortygia island and Syracuse’s ancient sites; up the slopes of fire-breathing volcano Mt. Etna; and finish with breathtaking views in the resort town of Taormina.
We'll taste a different Sicilian cuisine in almost every city, as well as each town’s unique wines; we’ll sample Aztec chocolate, Sicilian granita, Ragusa's famous creamy ricotta, sweet almond wine, learn to cook Sicilian from farmer friends near Modica, and more. :)
The Biking:
Rides cover 45-70 miles/day. The terrain is mixed: There are rolling hills punctuated by short-but-steep climbs in the Anapo & Noto Valleys; flat roads that weave through the seaside villages and nature reserve along the southernmost coast of Sicily, an epic ride up and around volcano Mt. Etna!!!, then, finally, an awesome slow downhill through the Alcantara valley to a final victorious climb up to the luxurious and ancient city of Taormina where hot showers, hearty food, and breathtaking views of the Ionian sea await us!
The Bikes:
I’m providing custom-made bikes with aluminum frame with carbon fork & seat post, and Shimano components. You can see bike specs here (http://piccolinaadventures.com/trips/bikes/). Or you can bring your own for $105 off.
Dates & Prices:
October 7-14, 2014 … NOT$2635, but $2345 for the trailblazing trip
this is the first trip! as such it will be cheaper then the regular one. same routes. same quality. same amazing local guides. heightened sense of adventure!
June 8-15, 2015 … $2635 $2415 for BAC members if you sign up before August 1, 2014.
if you can’t make fall...come in june! we’ll have the kinks worked out and have a fluid adventure ready!
Bike tours are traditionally damn expensive. I am on a mission to find ways to create the most affordable, amazing, quality, life-changing trip. And I worked hard to make it the most inexpensive bike tour of its kind (supported, with guide, quality bikes, point-to-point, staying in awesome places and with local guide-friends to show us around). Though it may look pricey, if the tag was lower, you’d be buying all the rest of it individually for yourself and would actually be MORE expensive (I got a good deal on all our transfers for example). So check out your other options, do the math, and get back to me.
This trip is built with love. :)
[Saying farewell at the Greek Theater]
Includes:
• 8 nights lodging in double room in small Bed & Breakfasts and 3-4-star hotels;
• Daily breakfasts, 6 dinners/hearty lunches;
• SAG support on challenging rides (Days 2 and 6);
• Bicycles, helmets, equipment;
• Luggage transfer; Pickup & dropoff at Catania Airport and/or Station;
• Activities - including a cooking class, wine tastings & more;
• English-speaking guide;
• Pickup & dropoff at Catania Airport or Station.
Sounds Good, More Info?!
Trip is put together through piccolinaadventures.com/trips/avid-cycling-sicily/
Check out site for more info.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fm3lERgmYSAUVcRK_C2j3t2ptdLoiiGqcutYAMuPxjdVLAL3oWcmwgisw7_AJ95xNtemDSqgWxrvWTDFKqdnsTfzxk3rmNstlg0OcVV5DPIJ9_SyU_K14MJ76cvhvjlsw
Check Out Past Trips
I have been running bike trips in Italy since 2008 (I fell in love with the area when I studied abroad there in college and came home burning with a desire to share the undiscovered traditional Italy I’d found with other travelers). Feel free to read testimonials (http://piccolinaadventures.com/testimonials/) and browse a collective Flickr photo journal (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30564216@N05/sets/72157627970826612/).
Sign Me Up! Reserve with Piccolina Adventures (http://piccolinaadventures.com/trips/puglias-dazzling-coast/) piccolinaadventures.com/reserve-your-adventure/
Yahooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! off we go!!!!!!!!!!
Riding through town!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3kVGqjEdRp_XH5TJbbhXfQwJgu0c2ga9AwWDtLUdlnAdrP9X1QO8yxeRgwRtYp5RBcI2tg1LDe83I48SJxIifbOg3Xmy9BghlZX23kDLdxLLzjMMVErnUc97mEuqq4g5qg Cheers! This was an epic lunch with appetizers, two pasta courses,
a meat dish, salad and two desserts! Buon appetito!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/0xeXMQbxRaGdC24YwmBCzTc_Cvv7PByzk0kg9xZx1mKNdqDBYXTVwq8b3qY106PgUmLJApUi9niRRv34VY7Wi95FMAfSeH9II1YQcUO8HhkmPK-GpPL8NAMPTZWlGYsEhg Cooking ravioli with fresh creamy ricotta, a specialty of Modica
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/2E5MhnzUHzM41BB2u9PmORoG6Y78vszr0nZI0QPAmUsFHwCP4-srEjW_ndjWH9p3_Bmek4dVLYCzYkX77gx11yR4GIMOw22TITf53aKxXHB6SQIVh7e5yo_MvT7WBXhymQ Views of Etna and the Ionian Sea seen from Taormina
What you’ll see when walking through the streets of Noto, “il Giardino di Pietra"
Epic Cycling Tour through Sicily!!