cycling in Italy

Tour code: GBSIXX - year 2012

CONTACTS GIROLIBERO TOUR OPERATOR Via Manin 14 36100 Vicenza Tel: +39 0444 330724 E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: from Monday to Friday 8.30-13; 15-18.30 Cellphone for emergencies: +39 3382807124 (every day 8-20)

SICILY Itinerary A tour in the south-eastern area of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. You will cycle through the Val di Noto, since 2003 a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the most fascinating cities of the region. You will visit Noto, the most important baroque city of Sicily and Siracusa, an ancient Greek colony. You will also pass through the coastal oasis of Vendicari, the sea village of Marzamemi, the islands of Capo Passero and Correnti. 1st DAY Caltagirone. Arrival. 2 n d DAY C a l t a g i r o n e – P i a z z a Armerina–Caltagirone (40 km). In the morning there is a transfer to Piazza Armerina with its Villa Romana del Casale, 5 km southwest of town. First excavated in 1950, it was probably a hunting lodge and summer home and is decorated with multicolour mosaic floors that are unique throughout the Roman world in their quality and extend. After the visit cycle back to Caltagirone. 3rd DAY Caltagirone–Modica (50 km + 40 km by train). From Caltagirone you cycle southward until you reach Vittoria where a transfer will bring you to Modica. The upper town is watched over by the magnificent 18th century façade of the church of San Giorgio.

4th DAY Modica–Pozzallo (45 km). Before leaving Modica try the famous spicy chocolate. From Modica you will gradually descend alongside the caves characteristic of the Iblei mountains to Scicli, totally rebuilt in the Baroque style after the earthquake of 1693. Continue onwards through the marine centre of Pozzallo.

Greece and home to Archimedes. With the Island of Ortigia in the background, the centre of Siracusa is a wonderful example of an ancient city. 8th DAY Siracusa. Departure.

5th DAY Pozzallo–Marzamemi (50 km). This day of cycling on an almost completely flat course will bring you through Portopalo di Capo Passero, continental Europe’s southernmost point. Before arriving to Marzamemi, the beautiful island of Correnti marks where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. 6th DAY Marzamemi–Noto (35 km). The route takes a turn to the north passing through the relatively untouched and pristine natural preserve of Vendicari, where you can relish the beauty of the countryside. The trip continues north, ending the day at the city of Noto, considered to be the finest baroque town in Sicily. Completely devastated in the earthquake of 1693 the city was rebuilt in the style of that time with beautiful honey-coloured stone buildings with or nate churches and monuments surrounding attractive piazzas.

Route profile. The itinerary develops on low traffic side roads except for the short part entering Siracusa. Most of the stretches are on lowlands with some slightly hilly passages. This tour is however suggested to people with a minimum of bike practice.

7th DAY Noto–Siracusa (35 km). Heading north, the route continues towards Siracusa, the capital of Ancient

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SICILY cycling in Italy

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Accompanying material

- hotel vouchers: to give to reception on arrival in each hotel.

If you haven’t received your information pack by post, you will receive it at your first We l c o m e a n d b i k e hotel. There, you will also find your bicycles and you can ask reception how to pick them delivery up. At your arrival in Caltagirone Agnese and Giacomo, the owners of La Pilozza Infiorata The Information Pack includes: will welcome you. Mr Giacomo will deliver - Sicily Road Book you the bikes and will communicate you at - Sicily bike maps what time on Sunday morning there will be - information on the cities, towns and the transfer from Caltagiorne to Piazza villages passed on the tour Armerina - the hotel list At the reception of the first hotel on your tour you will find an envelope with: - final hotel list: due to overbooking or organizational needs your hotel list may be changed just before your arrival. - luggage labels to be fixed at each baggage, which has to be carried.

Transfer Vittoria-Modica The private transfer from Vittoria to Modica is at 3.30 p.m., pick up at the railway station of Vittoria. This transfer takes about 40 minutes and it is included in the price of the tour.

Distance in Km

- bring the bike in hand when they are a hindrance or danger to pedestrians - travel on the tracks reserved for them Some cities charge a tourist tax. These taxes - wear a reflective vest out of the towns by are not included in the sale price of the tour half an hour after sunset to half an hour and must be paid directly by the customer at before sunrise and in tunnels check in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually Luggage transportation between 2 and 4 euros per person per night.

Local hotel taxes

Italian law Here below are some points to be observed on Italian legislation concerning the movement of bicycles: Helmet, cycling trousers and gloves are advisable but not essential. Cyclists have to: - always proceed on a single line, in particular when they are out of the towns - have free use of arms and a clear view to promptly perform maneuvers

by the customer.We also ask you not to put glass bottles containing liquids or any fragile objects into your bags which may damage not only your clothing but also that inside other baggage carried. Luggage transpor tation is never included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.

Luggage labels to be attached to each piece of baggage will be given to you on the first day when you arrive at the hotel. Luggage (a maximum of two pieces per person) is to be taken down to the hotel reception every morning before 9.30 and grouped according to the receptionist’s instructions. It will arrive at the next hotel by 17.30. We ask you the full respect of these rules. In the case of non-delivery due to luggage deposited late or without the label we will arrange an additional transportation to be paid locally

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SICILY cycling in Italy

Territory

Clothing

Sicily is the largest island of the Mediterranean and is the biggest and southernmost region of Italy. The Strait of Messina, which is less than 3 km. wide, separates it from mainland Italy, whereas the Canal of Sicily separates it from Africa, not more than around 140 km. away. The island is vaguely triangular in shape, with the two long sides facing the Tyrrhenian Sea in the north and the Canal of Sicily in the south, and the short side facing onto the Ionian Sea in the east. The island is divided into three big valleys: the Mazara Valley in the west, the Demone Valley in the north-east and the Noto Valley in the south-east. Sicily also includes numerous small islands: the Aeolians (or Lipari) and Ustica off the north Tyrrhenian Sea coast, the Egadi in the west and the Pelagie, just a short distance off the coast near Trapani, and Pantelleria to the south of the Canal of Sicily.

We advise you to wear comfortable shoes and various layers of practical clothing to be prepared for sudden changes of climate and temperature; don’t forget a K-Way or a poncho, both indispensable in the event of rain, besides a light jacket for cold days and evenings. Sunglasses, a light-coloured hat, protective suntan cream and insect repellent sprays are important, especially in summer. Helmet, cycling trousers and gloves are advisable but not essential. During the tour you will have the chance to visit various religious institutions, such as churches and convents, where you must be appropriately dressed (covered shoulders, shoes or sandals, etc...). We advise you to bring a towel and a swimming costume for the coastal sections, where you can enjoy a swim in the wonderful sea. Also remember to bring a first aid kit with you.

Climate Sicily is characterized by a typically Mediterranean climate: hot, dry/torrid in summer and mild in winter, with average annual temperatures around 20°C, reaching as much as 35°C in summer. Rainfall is rare and scarce, except for winters showers. For weather forecasts, you can consult the following website: www.sias.regione.sicilia.it.

Food In Sicily, the cuisine is very simple and is linked to seafood and the land. You will always find fresh fish (especially tuna), pasta served with broad beans, lentils, chick-peas, spelt, numerous vegetables which the sunshine makes particularly tasty, and many aromatic herbs and spices, always garnished naturally with genuine olive oil. Of particular note are the rich cakes, with dried fruits and ricotta cheese as the main ingredients, then the famous chocolate of Modica, not to mention the excellent fresh

crush iced-drinks called “granite”, and icecreams. In hotels, international breakfast with a varied buffet is usually served. However, we point out that the typical Italian breakfast served in bars is just a cup of coffee and a cream-filled or jam-filled croissant. For lunch and dinner, in the Road Book you will find suggestions for bars, restaurants and trattorias that are often recommended by other cycle-tourists (tips are welcomed by waiters).

Opening hours shops and restaurants Shops opening hours: from Monday to Saturday in the morning from 08.30/09.00 to 12.30/13.00. In the afternoon from 15.30/16.00 to19.30. Some supermarkets have adopted an all-day opening from 09.00 to 20.00. Midweek closing: food shops are closed on Wednesday afternoon, while other shops are closed on Monday morning. Approximate restaurants kitchen opening hours: from 12.00 to 14.30 for lunch and from 19.00 to 22.30 for dinner. August is traditionally the vacation month also for shops and some restaurants.

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SICILY cycling in Italy

BIKE RENTAL

We have carefully chosen our bicycles and accessories in order to be able to satisfy the requests and wishes of our customers.

Bicycle

Mechanical problems

Your own bikes

Girolibero’s Citybikes are available in various sizes in men’s, women’s or unisex models: - City bike 27-gear Shimano Deore

During the tour, if the bicycles should have any type of technical problem that prevents you from continuing, please contact us at the emergency numbers and try to describe the occurred issue. We’ll try to solve as soon as possible the problem. In relation to your location and to the damage of the bike Girolibero can: - ask you to wait there in order to provide a change of the bike - Send you to a mechanical shop nearby. Girolibero will estimate the damage with the mechanic. The charge will be refunded only after autorizathion of Girolibero and on presentation of the receipt. In case of puncture no intervention or assistance is forseen. Customers will be given a proper puncture reparation kit, which wil enable them to intervene directly and solve the problem.

If you want to take the tour with your own bike, before you depart we suggest you to verify that all parts of the bike are functioning properly. A cycle computer is necessary to follow the road book. We also highly recommend you to bring a repair kit because the emergency number in case of breakdown cannot be used if you are using your own bike. Don’t forget to bring a padlock and always lock your bike.

Features: - aluminium frame - mudguard - rack - comfort gel saddle - anti-puncture tyre Accessories: - cycle computer - side saddlebag - front saddlebag or map holder - a water bottle - repair kit (inner tube, glue, patch, pump) - combination lock We remind you that you are responsible of the rental bikes during the whole tour. Bicycles must be always locked and possibly secured to a pole possibly even in short-term stages.

Tr a i n s w i t h b i k e transportation

In Italy there is a good train service offering bicycle transport. This low-cost option will allow you to reach the next city in the case of rain or bad weather, or if you prefer to visit a city at your own pace instead of cycling. Trains with bicycle compartments are all regional trains and are indicated with a bicycle symbol on the carriage and also on Bicycle return the timetables on display in the station. The Bikes must be locked and left in the garage cost of the ticket for a passenger varies of the last hotel. All accessories must be put according to the distance covered, whereas inside the rear pannier of the bike. for the bike it is always € 3.50 (valid for 24 hours on the entire Italian network). Tickets can be bought directly at the railway station or at a “Tabacchi” shop, asking for a “fascia chilometrica” (per kilometre) ticket, plus a ticket for the bike. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult www.trenitalia.com.

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SICILY cycling in Italy

ARRIVAL AIRPORTS Connections CALTAGIRONE

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- Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) www.aeroporto.catania.it Every 20 minutes from 5.00 to 24.00 the shuttlle bus Alibus leaves the airport for the railway station (transfer: 10 min, price about 2 €). From Catania take a train to Caltagirone (transfer: 120 min; ticket: 7 €). Trains: for further information on timetables and prices you can consult the following websites: www.trenitalia.it and www.bahn.de.

Arrival by car: to reach Caltagirone from Catania first take the E45 and then continue along the SS417 towards Caltagirone/Gela. Create your route itinerary on http:// maps.google.com or www.viamichelin.com. At the end of tour 1. back from Syracuse to Caltagirone: to return to Caltagirone we propose you several possibilities: - you can book a private transfer, the price is 60 € per person, bike included (min. 2 persons). This service has to been requested at the booking time. - you can take a bus: the bus company is Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST), the

journey takes about 3 hours and the ticket costs about 10 €. - you can take a train (3 hours and 30 min, ticket: about 10 € - change in Catania) 2. back from Syracuse to Catania airport: by train until Catania (transfer: approx. 60 min; ticket: about 7 €). From Catania railway station take the Shuttle Bus Alibus to the airport.

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