DAY 1 SUNDAY – Palermo
Arrival at Palermo hotel. Welcome dinner and overnight in Palermo.
DAY 2 MONDAY – Palermo
After breakfast the day begins with a guided visit of Palermo, a fascinating city where centuries of Arab, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish influences have left an extraordinary cultural legacy. Explore the historic centre and admire some of its most iconic landmarks including Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and the magnificent Palermo Cathedral. This is followed by a visit to one of Palermo's renowned street markets with enticing aromas of authentic street food and a tasting of the traditional arancino - a beloved local speciality. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to Cefalu, one of Sicily's most picturesque coastal towns. Wander through its charming medieval streets, admire the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral and visit the historic medieval washhouse. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Palermo
DAY 3 TUESDAY – Erice - Marsala - Salt Pans
After breakfast depart for Erice, a perfectly preserved medieval hilltop village overlooking the western coast of Sicily. Explore its charming cobbled streets and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views extending across the surrounding coastline. With its ancient churches, traditional stone pathways and artisan boutiques, Erice offers an authentic journey into Sicily's fascinating past and heritage. Continue to Marsala, a town celebrated worldwide for its fortified wine and deep-rooted maritime traditions. Visit to a local winery for a guided tour of the histroric cellars followed by a wine tasting featuring its renowned wines and accompanied by a light lunch showcasing typical Sicilian flavours. In the afternoon discover the unique landscape of the Stagnone Lagoon. Visit the historic Salt Pans where salt harvesting has shaped the area's identity for centuries. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Palermo.
DAY 4 WEDNESDAY – Piazza Armerina - Catania
After breakfast depart for Piazza Armerina to visit the world famous mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale which houses the richest, largest and most complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its treasures include mythical scenes, hunting expeditions and daily life in ancient Rome. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon depart for Catania. Free time to explore the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Catania.
DAY 5 THURSDAY – Catania - Siracusa
After breakfast depart for Siracusa, a city that was once one of the most influential centres of the ancient Greek world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit starts with the impressive Neapolis Archaeological Park where some of Sicily's most significant classical monuments can be admired including the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Latomia del Paradiso. Continue to the island of Ortigia - the captivating historic heart of Siracusa where centuries of history blend with elegant Baroque architecture, charming alleyways and beautiful squares overlookig the sea. Explore its most iconic landmarks including the magnificent Cathedral, the Fountain of Arathusa and the Temple of Appolo. Enjoy a street-food lunch of local specialities then the afternoon is at leisure to explore Ortigia further. Return to Catania. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Catania.
DAY 6 FRIDAY – Mt Etna - Taormina
After breakfast depart for Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano and one of Sicily's most iconic natural landmarks. Travel through a spectacular volcanic landscape of ancient lava flows, vineyards and centuries-old forests as you ascend to approximately 1,800 metres above sea level. Visit the Silvestri Craters and admire the panoramic views stretching from the volcano's slopes towards the Ionian coastline. Continue to a renowned Etna winery where the volcanic soil and microclimate create the ideal conditions for producing some of Sicily's finest wines. Enjoy a guided visit of the estate and a tasting of Etna DOC wines accompanied by a selection of local cheeses, cured meats and traditioinal Sicilian specialities. In the afternoon continue to the elegant hilltop resort town of Taormina. Free time to explore the famous Greco-Roman Theatre with its spectacular view of Mt Etna and enjoy wandering through the cobbled streets. Return to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight.
DAY 7 SATURDAY
After breakfast, end of tour.
For organizational reasons, the itinerary may be reversed or modified.
If the number of participants on a particular date does not meet the minimum of 9 people the tour is guaranteed with with a mini-van with 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: Valley of Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, Etna, Siracusa
- Deluxe motor coach offering maximum comfort
- Qualified multilingual tour escort (spoken languages : English)
Hotels - 4 Star
(For organizational reasons the hotels may be modified)
Palermo - Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa Palermo ****
Address: Via dei Cartari, 18 (Tel: +39 091 320075)
Catania - Katane Palace Catania ****
Address: Via Camillo Finocciaro Aprile, 110 (Tel: +39 095 7470702)