Exodus  >  Cycling Holidays 2008/09  >  Browse pages 18-35  >  Cycling Holidays 2008/09

24 ROAD - Italy Grade: B RIDE PROFILE Av. daily ride: 55km (35 miles) No. of days cycling: 5 Vehicle support: 100% Terrain and route: 95% tarmac, 5% easy gravel roads. Route mainly follows quiet roads with some climbs. TRIP DETAILS Group: min. 8, max. 16, plus leader and driver. Accommodation: 7 nights 3 star hotels/farms. Food: all breakfasts and 4 dinners included. Cycling in Sicily Siracusa Cathedral Explore ancient Greek ruins and enjoy stunning scenery while cycling on the largest island in the Mediterranean S Trip code MWY " 8 days Sat to Sat Trip Code 2008 MWY810 MWY816 MWY819 MWY824 MWY836 MWY839 MWY842 MWY845 Start 08 Mar 19 Apr 10 May 14 Jun 06 Sep 27 Sep 18 Oct 08 Nov End 15 Mar 26 Apr 17 May 21 Jun 13 Sep 04 Oct 25 Oct 15 Nov Flight Land inc. only 829 699 829 699 829 699 829 699 829 699 829 699 829 699 829 699 699 2009 MWY910 07 Mar 14 Mar 829 ¤ No Local Payment ¤ Prices are £ sterling per person ¤ Recommended carbon offset £4 ¤ Optional single supplement £120 ¤ Land only start Catania day 1, end Catania day 8 ¤ Low cost flights available to Catania - see Trip Notes for details ¤ Insurance £26 BIKE HIRE Italy: Siciclando hybrid bikes with front suspension £75, paid on booking From UK: £95, paid on booking i FOR TRIP NOTES AND AVAILABILITY ENTER THE TRIP CODE IN THE SEARCH BOX ON THE EXODUS HOME PAGE icily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. There is an incredibly diverse history, thanks to almost every civilisation leaving their mark, including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On our exciting cycle journey through the south-eastern part of the island, we enjoy varied scenery of high plateaux of lava and limestone, a number of impressive gorges and beautiful sandy beaches along 100km of the stunning coastline. Starting from Anapo Valley, we enjoy views of the wonderful canyon that includes all the flora and fauna typical of Sicily. We continue to historical Palazzolo Acreide, with its Baroque architecture, Greek acropolis of Akrai and amazing Greek amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in Southern Italy. The trip ends in Siracusa, which is the centrepoint of what used to be called Magna Grecia (Greek Kingdom). Each farm and hotel we visit offers a warm welcome, and we can savour some delicious home-made Sicilian cuisine and enjoy relaxing on the beach surrounded by stunning views. ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Catania; transfer to Anapo Valley, home to the biggest necropolis in Sicily. 2 Cycle from Sicilys secret Eden through baroque towns and relax by the famous church. 3 Discover two jewels of the Val di Noto area: Akrai is ideally located with superb views over surrounding countryside; and Palazzolo Acreide, where Baroque architecture and ancient ruins are in stark contrast. 4 A leisurely circular ride over gentle hills and around typical white stone walls, rewarded with wonderful views of the Tellaro Valley. 5 Ride to Noto, universally recognised as the capital city of the Baroque style, with wonderful imposing architecture mixed with hidden courtyards. 6 Short ride to Vendicari sandy beach and Nature Reserve, a paradise for several African migratory species - excellent for bird-watching and a relaxing swim in the crystal clear waters. 8 DAYS 7 Free day to explore historical Siracusa, built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by Corinthians in 734 BC. The highlight is walking through the ancient alleyways on Ortigia, a small island off the coast of Siracusa. 8 Transfer to Catania; fly to London. Local payments now included in the price