DAY 1 WEDNESDAY – Catania
Arrival at your hotel. Welcome cocktail, dinner at leisure and overnight in Catania.
DAY 2 THURSDAY – Siracusa
After breakfast depart for Siracusa, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the impressive Archaeological Park of Neapolis including the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Latomia del Paradiso. Continue to Ortigia island - the enchanting historical centre of Siracusa. It is a maze of elegant Baroque palaces and piazzas facing the sea. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral built upon the ancient Temple of Athena, the Fountain of Arathusa and the Temple of Apollo. Enjoy a street-food lunch tasting some of Sicily's much loved local specialities. Free time in the afternoon to further explore Ortigia. Return to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight.
DAY 3 FRIDAY – Mt Etna - Taormina
After breakfast depart for Mt Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Travel through spectacular volcanic landscapes of black lava fields, vineyards and ancient forests to a hight of around 1,800 metres above sea level. Visit the Silvestri Craters and enjoy the breathtaking views stretching to the Ionian coastline. Journey on to one of Etna's most prestigious wineries where the volcanic soil produces some of Italy's most acclaimed wines. After a tour of the winery a tasting of Etna DOC wines and a selection of local cheesed, cured meats and traditional delicacies complete the experience. In the afternoon continue to Taormina - Sicily's most elegant resort town perched high on the cliff top. Time here to explore at your leisure the Greco-Roman Theatre and narrow cobbled streets. Back to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight.
DAY 4 SATURDAY – Ragusa
After breakfast, depart for Ragusa - one of Sicily's most fascinating towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split in two after a devastating earthquake in 1693 the two areas are connected by a steep stairway of 340 steps. Discover Ragusa Ibla by the "Baroque train" and admire its stunning baroque palaces and churches. Stroll throught the charming lanes and admire the magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio which is a fine example of baroque architecture. Time to explore local artisan boutiques and discover regional products. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ragusa.
DAY 5 SUNDAY – Modica
After breakfast depart for Modica, another UNESCO listed Baroque gem and famous worldwide for its unique chocolate-making tradition. Explore the historic centre characterised by impressive churches, elegant palaces and scenic stairways. Visit the impressive Cathedral of San Giorgio and a tasting Modica's traditional chocolate produced according to an ancient recipe introduced during the Spanish period. Free time to explore the town further. Back to Ragusa for lunch and afternoon at leisure. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ragusa.
DAY 6 MONDAY – Noto - Marzamemi
After breakfast depart for Noto, the "Pearl of Sicilian Baroque and one of the island's most elegant historic towns. Enjoy walking through its magnificent centre, admiring the Cathedral of San Nicolo, the refined Baroque palaces and decorated balconies and golden limestone facades that create the town's unique charm. Time to explore local artisan workshops and charming cafes. Continue on towards the coast to Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village known for its colourful waterfront, traditional architecture and authentic maritime atmosphere. Stroll through the charming square, once the centre of the ancient tuna fishing tradition, and enjoy the relaxed aura of this seaside gem. Free time for lunch. Return to Ragusa for dinner at leisure and overnight.
DAY 7 TUESDAY
After breakfast the end of the tour.
For organizational reasons, the itinerary may be reversed or modified.
If the number of participants on a particular tour does not reach the minimum 8 people the tour is guaranteed with a minivan, English speaking driver and local guide services in the main sites.
Highlights of the tour
- 4 stars Hotels offering high quality customized services, carefully selected in the most suggestive historical centres of the main Sicilian towns
- Visit of UNESCO sites: Siracusa, Ragusa, Modica
- Exclusively in English
- Small groups of maximum 20 people
- Winery visit and tastings on Mt Etna
(For organizational reasons the hotels may be modified)
Hotels 4*
Catania - Katane Palace ****
Address: Via Camillo Finnochiaro Aprile,110 (Tel: +39 095 7470702)
Ragusa - San Giorgio Palace Ragusa ****
Address: Via Avvocato Giovanni Ottaviano, (Tel: +39 0932 686983)
or - Destefano Palace ****
Address: Via Cavalier Francesco Destefano, 15 (Tel: +39 0932 682872)