THE SPOT

Our trip focuses on the Eastern section of Sicily, from the city of Siracusa to glittering Taormina perched high above the blue Mediterranean. We will put you in the middle of the breathtaking Sicilian landscape and we can pretty much guarantee that you won't come across tourist buses on the way; the Griswolds of the world are back Rome tossing quarters over their shoulders.

After a welcome night in historic Siracusa, we move out onto the Catanian plain and begin our ride through a picturesque countryside of rolling hills and tidy farms. We will ride on country roads through vast farms, take pit stops in sleepy old villages and coast down the long windy road from the Silvestri Craters on Etna to the village of Zafferana. Then after we’ve ridden through gorgeous scenery, eaten fantastic Sicilian food and drank plenty of sultry Sicilian wine, we'll ski down towering Mt. Etna!

QUALITY OF LODGINGS

On our first night, in Siracusa, we will stay at a hotel housed in an old palazzo and our last, in Taormina, we'll enjoy a friendly hotel right perched high above the blue Ionian Sea. In between, in the rural areas, we will enjoy sleep in gorgeous "agriturismos" – farms or wineries that offer comfortable lodgings and menus constructed around home-grown products.

We've hand picked the agriturismos for their settings and quality, personally visiting each property to ensure that they offer excellent standards. Each has a special quality, and you will be sure to come away feeling as though you have experienced Sicily as an insider. One agriturismo is a functioning winery. There we will enjoy a tasting of their wines made from the grapes that thrive in the volcanic soil around Etna. At another, we will be treated to a cooking demonstration on Sicilian cuisine before sitting down to a delicious meal.

THE RIDE

The ride in Sicily covers three main stretches: the Anapo Valley reserve north-west of Siracusa, Mt. Etna downhill, and Etna low-lands. Each section, except for the Etna downhill, offers a combination of climbs, flats and downhill portions and can be classified as moderate in terms of difficulty. However, there will be some challenging climbs, followed of course by the victory of long downhill runs. People who are comfortable riding distances of up to 20 miles over varying terrain will love this experience. But, we know that anybody can get tired, so we will always have an eight seater van with bike rack at our disposal to help tired riders over the hump.

THE SLIDE

At over 10,000 feet, Etna offers skiing from January to March. Looking at Etna from a distance reminds one of the chimerical images of Kilimanjaro. It's green around Etna, with typical temps in the 60s in March, but up top it’s nice and frosty. We will ski the north face of the smoking mountain, which is well supported by two lifts and lodges. If the day is clear you will ski down the face of the mountain with the blue Ionian Sea sparkling below.

AIR TRANSPORT

The advertised price includes round trip economy travel from New York; ask about pricing from Boston, Chicago and Miami. Price does not include up to $115 in government imposed taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security Fee)

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ITINERARY:

• DAY 1 – SATURDAY, MARCH 6 - DEPART U.S. FOR ITALY

 

• DAY 2 – SUNDAY, MARCH 7 - ARRIVE SIRACUSA

On our arrival at Catania airport we are transported to Siracusa, about an hour to the south. You have the day free to explore this beautiful city by the sea or simply rest if you choose. The hotel is centrally located so everything of interest is in easy reach. There are places of archeological interest and one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy, which is a great place for people watching. We meet in the evening for a welcome dinner at a trattoria for a classic Sicilian meal. At the dinner we will get to know one another and our guide will give us an overview of the rides ahead.

MEALS: dinner

BEVERAGES: Wine with dinner

About this hotel:

The hotel is housed in a Medieval palazzo located in the heart of Siracusa on the historic Island of Ortigia. Impressive stonework, dramatic archways, beamed ceilings and four-poster beds all contribute to this romantic setting. Modern amenities are understated to preserve the integrity of the palazzo.

Under the palazzo, you can visit one of the oldest Mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) in Europe, which dates from the Byzantine era.

 

• DAY 3 – MONDAY, MARCH 8 - DAY ONE OF OUR RIDE

Morning check-out of hotel and transport to the Anapo Valley for the start of our first day of riding.* Our guide will lead us through the reserve on a ride that consists of flats, a challenging climb and exhilarating downhill runs overlooking a quilted landscape of fields and country lanes. A delicious packed lunch will be provided, which we will eat along the route on the reserve. We will make a quick stop in a town with a unique museum that offers a glimpse into the past and ultimately end our ride at our first agriturismo, where we will be treated to a fine Sicilian meal. *it is possible that an alternate route will be chosen due to conditions in the Valley.

Difficulty Factor: challenging

MEALS: breakfast, packed lunch on the road, dinner

BEVERAGES: wine and beer with dinner

About the agriturismo:

The agriturismo is fully equipped with all modern comforts as well as telephone, Internet connections, satellite aerials, and everything else that advanced technology can provide: all within a typically Sicilian, rural context.

 

• DAY 4 – TUESDAY, MARCH 9 - DAY TWO OF OUR RIDE

Morning check-out of our agriturismo and transport by bus to the town of Nicolosi on the slopes of Etna. Lunch will be in a "risottoria", a restaurant specializing in risotto, and then make our way up to the south base lodge of Etna. From there we will mount our bikes and take an invigorating 20 kilometer ride down the mountain. The ride reminds one of the cruise down Haleakala Crater on Maui. We start high up in the cool temperatures and make our way down to more balmy altitudes. At the end of the ride, we stop for a tasting of honey at a local honey producer. From there we make our way to our agriturismo, a functioning winery. Once we settle into the agriturismo we can relax before we take a tour of the winery and are given an introduction to the winemaking process and, ultimately, a well earned wine tasting. We will enjoy a dinner made from home-grown ingredients and then after dinner drinks and traditional guitar playing in the evening.

Difficulty Factor: moderate

MEALS: breakfast, lunch, dinner
BEVERAGES: wine with lunch and dinner

About the agriturismo:
The agriturismo sits within a working winery. The old stone farmhouse has been completely refurbished and offers comfortable rooms and apartments. All rooms have a bathroom, minibar, satellite TV and hairdryers.

Of the wines produced by the farm, the renowned Etna Rosso DOC is closely linked to the viniculture traditions of Etna and the specific soils which are found on the volcano.

 

• DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 - DAY THREE OF OUR RIDE

We depart our agriturismo in the morning and ride towards the northern side of the Etna to our new agriturismo, which will serve as the staging ground for our day of skiing on the mountain. The ride on day three is part workout and part cruise. Half of the ride is a steady climb up a mild to moderate grade, the other half is fun windy downhill cruise that ends at yet another fantastic winery, where we will taste their great wines and savor local culinary treats. After we've sampled the wines and snacked, people may choose to walk or ride to our new agriturismo, about three kilometers down the road. Later that day, after we've settled in at the agriturismo and had time to freshen up, we will watch a short film of Etna, have a talk about the mountain in preparation for skiing the next day, and then enjoy a cooking demonstration to get more familiar with the tenets of Sicilian cuisine. After a hardy meal, you are free to take a leisurely passeggiata, or evening walk, the area or rest up for the day ahead.

Difficulty Factor: moderate

MEALS: breakfast, wine tasting and light lunch, dinner
BEVERAGES: wine and beer with lunch and dinner

About the agriturismo:
The agriturismo sits on the rises the slopes of Etna at an altitude of approximately 2100 feet in a charming position that looks down upon the gulf of Naxos. It is an ideal location between sea and mountain.

The design of the property seeks to recreate the feel of an ancient village. All of the buildings or “caseggiati” are surrounded by chestnut and olive trees, vineyards, and orchards.

• DAY 6 – THURSDAY, MARCH 11 - THE SLIDE

Of course, when planning a day of skiing on Etna, like any mountain, a lot depends on the weather and conditions. The season typically last through the end of March so we should have no problem with snow. However, in the event that lifts are closed due to poor conditions, an alternate excursion will arranged, which may include snowshoeing on the lower flanks of the mountain. Skiing on Etna is a thrill and great boasting material upon return, but exploring Etna's snowy passes by snowshoe with an expert guide offers an intimate encounter with the mountain that won't be forgotten.

After skiing we will return to the agriturismo for lunch and then we are off to dreamy Taormina. The route takes us through old towns and the stunning scenery of the Alcantara Gorges.
Taormina has a lot in common with the citrus scented slopes and candy colored villages of the Amalfi Coast. It is sunny and lush and during the winter presided over by a white capped Mt. Etna.
Our hotel is a quaint old villa perched high above the sea. Its rooms are comfortable and the service attentive. In the afternoon you are free to explore the shops and bars of Taormina village. Dinner is on your own.

Difficulty Factor: intermediate and expert

MEALS: breakfast, lunch, dinner on your own in Taormina
BEVERAGES: wine with lunch

About the Hotel:

The Hotel Villa Schuler: History and Tradition, Comfort and Elegance in one of the finest 3 star hotels in Taormina, Sicily

Family-owned for 3 generations since 1905, the Villa Schuler is the oldest owner-run hotel in Taormina, Sicily. It is characterized by its refined ambience and informal atmosphere inviting its guests to experience it as a real “home”. In recent years the hotel has been extensively refurbished, always emphasizing its original elegance, charm and atmosphere. The hotel is constantly updating features and services.

 

• DAY 7 – FRIDAY, MARCH 12 - TAORMINA AT YOUR LEISURE

Breakfast is included as is lunch at a Taormina restaurant, which you can take at your leisure. Explore the town or just laze about for the day.

That evening, we will enjoy our farewell meal at a trattoria serving traditional Sicilian food, befitting our intimate encounter with this amazing island.

MEALS: breakfast, lunch (included but on your own), farewell dinner
BEVERAGES: wine with lunch

 

• DAY 8 – SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - DEPART FOR U.S.

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PRICING DETAILS:

$2,343.00

E-mail: info@gaytravelpros.com for more information.

INCLUDED

• International Air:
  price includes roundtrip economy air from New York - JFK, to Catania, Sicily. Ask about re-priced package cost for departures from Boston, Chicago or Miami. *(price does not include up to $115 in government imposed taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security Fee)

• Bike:
  rental bike equipped with helmet, puncture kit and headlight for three days.
• Skiing:
  lift ticket and ski rental on Mt. Etna for one morning
• Transfers:
  all internal transfers in Sicily
• Guides:
  professional and experienced guides throughout biking and skiing portions
• Tour Taormina:
  “gay history” tour of Taormina.
• Museum:
  access to museum of 19th century homes at the village of Buscemi
• Tour:
  winery tour on arrival at winery agriturismo on day 3.

 

• Meals:
  
• 6 breakfasts
• 4 Lunches (1 of which is a packed lunch to be eaten on the road).
• 1 Wine tasting with locally produced food.
• 5 Dinners

 

• Hotel: all hotel and agriturismo stays are based on double occupancy (share)

 

• 3 nights hotel accommodation at high quality agriturismo based on double occupancy.
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Siracusa.
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Taormina.
  

 

NOT INCLUDED:

Trip Insurance (it is mandatory that all clients show proof of insurance prior to departure)
Travel to and from departure point in US
Dinner on day 6
Lunch on day 7
Items of a personal nature (laundry, personal purchases, telephone calls, mini-bar items, etc.).
High cost bottled wines and spirits during the meals.

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JOURNEY PLANNING:

WHAT TO BRING

This trip will require a varied wardrobe due the time of year, the variety of the activities, and the varying altitudes involved with our Journey. However, we recommend that you pack strategically, and try to limit yourself to one carry on and one checked bag. 

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN MARCH

CATANIA high 64 - low 46

CLOTHING

The trip will involve a mix of settings and conditions, but generally you will be riding during the days and the places we will visit on the Journey will be low-key and relaxed.

You’ll want to dress for temperate spring weather: mild days and cool nights. Light shells or jackets will be needed during the day, including clothes appropriate for the rides, and sweaters and jackets will be needed for the evening. We recommend you bring bike shorts/pants and if you have them, riding jerseys. You’re going to need to have a variety of covers in your backpack to deal with different conditions. For our day on the slopes of Mt. Etna you will need a winter coat, gloves, goggles and a hat. Though rain is generally light and sporadic, it is recommended that you bring a raincoat just in case. We also recommend a good pair of sunglasses.

The days should be pleasant in terms of temperature and precipitation mild. There will be an opportunity for laundry in Taormina (not included in base price).

BACKPACKS

We recommend that you bring a good quality backpack to carry personal items along during the rides

MEDICINES & OTHER PRODUCTS

You’ll want to bring your own supply of usual medicines. However, Italy has a good network of pharmacies so many hygienic items and over the counter medicines can be purchased upon arrival and on the road if needed.

SPENDING MONEY

Our Sicily Journeys include most meals and a reasonable supply of house wine with each lunch and dinner. Meals not included in our Sicily Journeys are dinner on day 6. You will need little spending money as we will be staying in the countryside. However in Taormina and Siracusa there are lots of nice shops to peruse and you may want to buy some wine, honey, olive oil and other local products form the places we visit to take home!

Credit cards are widely accepted and some bank machines take US debit cards. But, you should plan on having at least 100 Euros on you at any given time for purchases at small shops or from rural vendors.

BIKE SPECIFICATIONS

WHISTLE

MIWOK 500 / 502
Frame : Alu. 6061
Fork : SUNTOUR SF-AXON-D 80 MM
Headset : TH NO. 11 -1'' 1/8
Crankset : FSA CD -105C BLACK
Stem : BYTE NEVADA
Handlebar : BYTE RISER 600 MM
Rear Derailleur : DEORE
Front Derailleur: : DEORE
Shifters Levers: DEORE
Brakes : ALIVIO
Saddle : SELLE ROYAL SR 8546/C
Hubs: DEORE
Rims : RITCHEY COMP 01 ANOD. BLACK
Seatpost : BYTE TURN
Tires : BYTE 26
Cassette : DEORE 90 11/34