DAY 1 WEDNESDAY – Catania
Arrival at Catania. Transfer to the hotel in Catania. Welcome cocktail. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Catania.
DAY 2 THURSDAY – Catania - Siracusa
After breakfast depart for Siracusa, visit the archaeological area "Neapolis" including the famous Greek Theatre, Latomie of the Paradise and the Dyionisos "Ear". Continue to Ortigia, the baroque historical centre of the city to visit the Cathedral and Arethusa Fountain and the Temple of Apollo. Enjoy a street food light lunch in the centre of Ortigia. In the afternoon free time to explore Ortigia further at your leisure. Return to Catania. Evening at your disposal to experience Catania with dinner at leisure. Overnight in Catania.
DAY 3 FRIDAY – Mt Etna - Taormina
After breakfast depart for Mt Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Journey through spectacular volcanic landscapes of black lava fields, vineyards and ancient forests to reach approx 1,800 metres above sea level. Visit the Silvestri Craters and admire the breathtaking views of the Ionian coastline. Continue to one of Etna's most prostigious wineries. Enjoy a winery tour, a guided tasting of Etna DOC wines and a selection of local cheeses, cured meats and traditional delicacies. In the afternoon continue to Taormina - Sicily's most elegant resort town known as "pearl of the Ionian sea". Free time to explore this hill top town with its Greek Theatre. Return to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight.
DAY 4 SATURDAY – Piazza Armerina - Agrigento
After breakfast depart for Piazza Armerina and visit the fabulous Villa Romana del Casale, one of the finest Roman villas ever discovered and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its remarkable mosaics are among the best preserved in the world, vividly depicting mythological scenes, hunting expeditions and daily life in Ancient Rome. Free time for lunch then continue to the hillside town of Agrigento. Visit the legendary Valley of the Temples. A guided tour of the of the Temples including the Temple of Concordia which is in almost perfectly preserved condition and the temples of Juno and Heracles. Walking among the golden temples at sunset offers one of Sicily's most unforgettable experiences. Dinner and overnight n Agrigento.
DAY 5 SUNDAY – Sciacca - Monreale - Palermo
After breakfast depart for Sciacca. This charming fishing town reveals an authentic side of Sicily. Visit of a coral artisan workshop, meeting local craftsmen to discover the centuries-old artistic techniques and explore the historic centre. Enjoy a tasting of local delicacies and free time for lunch. In the afternoon depart for Monreale for a visit of its spectacular Cathedral often regarded as the crowning masterpiece of Norman Sicily with its Moorish archietecture and Benedictine Cloister built in the 12th Century and encrusted with magnificent glittering Byzantine mosaices. Depart for Palermo for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 MONDAY – Palermo
After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Sicily's capital city Palermo taking in the Quattro Canti di Citta, Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and a visit of the Cathedral - one of Palermo's most important monuments. The walking tour will finish at one of the City's most famous historical street markets where you will be treated to a tasting of the iconic Sicilian arancina. Afternoon at leisure to furthe explore Palermo. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 7 TUESDAY – Erice - Marsala
After breakfast depart for Erice, one of Sicily's most enchanting medieval hilltop towns. Stroll through its charming cobbled streets, admire the beautifully preserved historic centre with its traditional artisan shops and take in the breath Ctaking panoramic views over the western Sicilian coastline. Continue on to Marsala, famous worldwide for its fortified wines and maritime heritage. Visit to a prestigious winery for a guided tour of the cellar followed by a wine tasting and light Sicilian lunch. In the afternoon discover the magical landscape of the Stagnone Lagoon. Walk among the historic salt pans where sea salt has been harvested for centuries. Back to Palermo for dinner at leisure and overnight.
DAY 8 WEDNESDAY
After breakfast end of the tour.
For organizational reasons, the itinerary may be reversed or modified.
If the number of participants on a particular date does not reach the minimum of 9 people the tour is guaranteed with a minvan, English speaking driver and local guide services in the main sites.
Highlights of the tour
- Exclusively in English
- Very charming hotels located in the historical centres of the main Sicilian towns
- Visit of the main Sicilian monuments including Unesco sites (Siracusa, Valley of Temples, Mount Etna)
- Special wine & food tastings
- Small group numbers of approximately 15-20
Hotels - 4 Star
(For organizational reasons the hotels may be modified)
Catania - Katane Hotel ****
Address: Via Camillo Finocchiaro Aprile, 110 (Tel: +39 095 7470702)
Agrigento - Della Valle ****
Address: Via Ugo La Malfa, 3 (Tel: +39 0922 26966)
Palermo - Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa ****
Address: Via dei Cartari, 18 (Tel: +39 091 320075)
or
Hotel Politeama Palace ****
Address: Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15 (Tel: +39 091 322777)