ItalyTourTravel

Tradition and Myth on Mediterranean Islands

Sculpted by Mediterranean trade winds and millennia of diverse cultural influences, the island of Sicily is a world all its own. The pace of life is slower here than on mainland Italy, and everything—from the language to the food to the defiant local spirit—is born of deep traditions. In this rugged landscape of rolling hills and fertile fields, Backroads travels by bike and on foot, getting to know the region’s warm people, Baroque towns and hidden troves of archaeological treasures. Then, we head to the three-island state of Malta, intriguing land of legends and myths, to hike to prehistoric relics and sun ourselves on golden beaches.

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2 Ragusa Meet in Catania
• Travel to Palazzolo Acréide, one of Sicily’s most fascinating classical sites, and
   explore the ruins of Akrai, the 7th century B.C. Greek colony
• Pedal a downhill route  through the Irminio River Valley
• In the ancient city of Ragusa Ibla, take in examples of beautiful Sicilian Baroque
  architecture
• On foot, follow the Irminio River, once navigated by the Romans
• Enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean before enjoying a barbecue on the beach
• Pedal highlands and valleys dotted with carob, olive and almond trees
• Stop for a visit at Donnafugata, a restored baronial estate.

Days 3-6 Gozo Arrive on Malta
• Ferry to the sun-splashed island of Gozo, with its dramatic limestone peaks,
  fascinating history and rich culture
• Hike through a rural, picturesque landscape to the Ggantija temple complex; over
  5,000 years old, they are the world’s oldest free-standing stone structures
• Don snorkel gear and dive into fantastically blue waters
• A traditional fishing boat brings us to the Inland Sea and the Azure Window, a
  fantastic "arch" set above the stunning blue ocean and carved out of the rock by
  centuries of breaking waves.

SINGLE ROOM CHARGE
$800

EQUIPMENT
RENTAL
$0

MEET/DEPART
Meet in Catania, Sicily / Depart from Valletta, Malta

Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Abodes

Eremo Della Giubiliana
Ragusa (2 nights) Throughout its history, its pink marble walls have housed monks, aristocrats and the knights of Malta. Today the ambience of this refined inn is traditional and welcoming, with antique furnishings and a renowned restaurant.

Ta’ Cenc
(right) Gozo (3 nights) “A sense of luxury with the lightest possible touch,” is how Travel & Leisure described the overall feel of this fashionable Mediterranean resort, which offers a private beach, tennis courts, a swimming pool and restorative seaside vistas.

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