Sicilia 14 9 2020 Caltagirone_Ragusa

Monday, September 14 – second stage Caltagirone – Grammichele – Vizzini – Ragusa Distance 77 km – approximately 1000 m of climbing We leave the city of Caltagirone following the ancient Siracusan state road, a route for pilgrims and merchants. We reach the town of Grammichele, known for its old hexagonal layout. Then we climb up to the plateau of the Iblei Mountains to reach Vizzini, the hometown of Giovanni Verga’s family and the inspiration for Cavalleria Rusticana. We enter the land of dry stone walls, among grazing cows and plowed fields, heading towards the villages of Monterosso Almo and Chiaramonte Gulfi to conclude the stage in the heart of Baroque Ibleo, the beautiful Ragusa Ibla, which we will reach on foot through the maze of picturesque stairways, after leaving the bikes at the hotel. (Mediterrano Palace 4* hotel Ragusa) This will be the longest and most challenging stage of the entire trip, both in length and elevation. To facilitate the ride, there is an intermediate stop in Monterosso Almo with at least a two-hour break where, by reservation, we can rest enjoying excellent cascioni and typical Sicilian dishes at the trattoria AL CASALE.