Baroque Sicily and the natural reserves of the south between Art, Culture and Trekking
This journey winds through southern Sicily along a route that combines one of the most essential stages (the magnificent Syracuse) with natural corners less traveled by mass circuits, a privilege for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enter the greenery, and the waters, of these amazing natural reserves. Pantalica with the largest necropolis in Europe perfectly visible and open to visitors offers a show to lovers of archeology but not only: for the dense vegetation and the beauty of the waters that flow in the valley it is a site that enchants anyone.
Cava Carosello, a less known but no less fascinating corner, is also witness to the ancient history of Noto, thanks to the presence of perfectly preserved ancient water mills.
A visit to the baroque cities could not be missed: Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, real “stone gardens” well represented by the television series “Il Commissario Montalbano”. Choosing to stay in a farmhouse immersed in an olive grove, in the heart of the Syracuse countryside, allows you to make this trip a real experience in a place full of charm.
The program may vary depending on the eventual closure of the nature reserves.
Mediterranea Trekking disclaims any liability in this regard.
Discover the “Baroque Sicily and Southern Nature Reserves” Culture and Trekking Solo Trip
An immersion in southern Sicily for a journey through the region’s most beautiful nature reserves and historic towns: from Europe’s largest necropolis hidden in the unspoilt nature of the Pantalica Reserve, to the uniqueness of Cava Carosello, passing through the home of the late Baroque: Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Scicli. And again, the sweetness of the countryside cultivated with tomatoes and olives, the golden beaches and the tuna fishery of the Vendicari nature reserve complete the portrait of an unforgettable journey, a concentration of Unesco heritage treasures.
The programme is subject to change depending on the eventual closure of the nature reserves. Mediterranea Trekking declines all responsibility in this regard.
Day 1 - Catania Airport and Syracuse
Fontanarossa Airport – Syracuse
Arrival at the airport in Catania, continuation to Syracuse and hotel accommodation.
Overnight.
Day 2 - Syracuse
Syracuse
Day dedicated to the discovery of Syracuse: visit of the Archaeological Park (Greek Theater, Ear of Dionysius, Latomie) and of Ortigia with a cultural guide (about 2 hours) .
This city which was the capital of Magna Graecia had been called by Cicero “the most beautiful of the Greek cities”. The Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Archimede, Palazzo Bonomo, the Fonte Aretusa, the tomb of Archimedes and the beautiful seafront are just some of the treasures of this city.
Night at the hotel
Day 3 - Vendicari - Marzamemi
Vendicari-Marzamemi
Departure in the direction of the Vendicari reserve, an oasis for migratory birds that find a pleasant stop here on their route to and from warm countries. From the main entrance, departure of the trek inside the reserve to discover the most beautiful corners of this pristine coast: the beach of Calamosche, Marianelli, the Byzantine Necropolis, the Tonnara, the Swabian Tower, huts for observing migratory birds . Possibility to swim in the sea.
Return to the farmhouse surrounded by olive groves, night.
Km 13 (length of the entire reserve. The entrance is located in the central part, about halfway through)
Lunghezza percorso
Km 13
Durata
4:30h/6h
Day 4 - Cava Carosello - Noto
Cava Carosello – Noto
Departure for Cava Carosello in the Noto area where an unexpected and magnificent landscape will surprise you. Here the Asinaro river has carved a canyon forming small lakes and crystal-clear waterfalls. The lush nature all around the river makes this canyon a true unspoilt oasis! Possibility of bathing in the warm months.
In the afternoon, visit of Noto, the capital of Baroque, with its magnificent cathedral.
Return to the agriturismo, overnight.
With stops for bathing duration 6 hours
Durata
4h
Dislivello
+100m/+100m
Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli
Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli
Breakfast and departure for the Sicilian Baroque tour. These three towns resemble real stone gardens. Visit to Ragusa Ibla. In the afternoon, continuation to Modica. A stop at a chocolate workshop in Modica is recommended. Continuation to Scicli and visit of the town centre.
Return to the farmhouse, night.
Day 6 - Pantalica , Cefalù e Taormina
Pantalica
Departure in the direction of Pantalica, the largest necropolis in the Mediterranean, dating back to the Bronze Age, with more than 5,000 rock-cut tombs. This canyon crossed by the Calcinara and Anapo rivers is a Unesco heritage site.
Trekking inside the reserve, crossing the river and entering the beautiful vegetation of the canyon, with a stop at the necropolis. Possibility of bathing.
Return to the agriturismo, dinner and overnight stay.
With stops for bathing duration 6 hours
Durata
4h/6h
Dislivello
+300m/-300m
Day 7 - Farmhouse
Farmhouse
Breakfast and departure for the airport.
Return of the rental vehicle.
The price includes:
2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Syracuse, bed and breakfast
4 nights in a farmhouse, bed and breakfast treatment
Cultural guide in Syracuse Archaeological Park
MedTrek assistance 24/h
Third party liability insurance
The price does not include:
Meals
Beverages
Entrance to museums and archaeological sites (allow €10 for entrance to the Archaeological Park)
Car rental
All personal order expenses
Anything not mentioned in “the price includes”
Technical info
Type of activity: Trekking and cultural visits
Environment: Coastal reserves, small rivers with swimming lakes, archaeological sites, historic cities, sea.
Circuit type: Star
Difficulty level: About 4 hours of walking a day, maximum difference in altitude 300 meters.
Days of activity: 3 days of trekking, 2 days of cultural visits
Number of participants: Minimum 1 maximum 15
Trip start: At the point where you pick up the rental car (Catania or Syracuse)
Trip end: At the point where you drop off the rental car (Catania or Syracuse)
Trip features:
Environments: well-marked paths, on the coast or inside small canyons.
Average duration of the stages about 4-5 hours.
Particular difficulties: in the middle of summer the heat can be a reason for difficulty. It is advisable to go on excursions early in the morning and to always have 2 liters of water with you.
Hotels: 3-star hotels the first two nights, agrotourism the remaining 4 nights.
How to reach your destination: Flight to Catania or Comiso.
Travel documents: Maps and roadbook and voucher will be delivered to you by post before your arrival in Sicily.
Transfers included: All transfers will be made in your rental car
Your expenses*:
Tourist tax in Syracuse(approx. €1.50 per person per day)
Parking in Syracuse approx. €5-10/day
Entrance to archaeological park Syracuse approx. €10 per person
Entrance tasting workshop “Bonajuto” in Modica approx. €4 per person
*these prices are only indicative and are updated to 2018, we disclaim any responsibility in case they do not coincide with the actual ones. We always recommend calling to make sure of the opening times and entrance prices of sites and museums.
Luggage: Provide a luggage for all your personal belongings, and a comfortable backpack for day trips
Clothing:
Summer clothing: breathable short-sleeved T-shirts, Bermuda shorts, windproof jacket, mackintosh, swimming costume, hiking socks made of breathable fabric, ankle-high hiking shoes, sandals, and clothing for evening lounging.
Adapt clothing according to the chosen season. In spring and autumn, also provide a fleece sweatshirt and long trousers.
*For tours involving Mount Etna, provide a fleece sweatshirt, windproof jacket and long trousers. In spring and autumn, also a scarf and woollen hat. In winter, snow clothing.
Equipment:
Sunglasses
Water bottle
beach towel
Sun protection
It is advisable to carry a small knife, handy for eating packed lunches in the midst of nature.
The treks are not particularly demanding, but the use of trekking poles is still recommended.
Mosquito repellent recommended.
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