Description:
Day 1: Palermo
Arrive independently to the hotel in the charming city of Palermo (contact us for an optional private transfer from the airport). In the evening you will meet your tour leader and your travel companions. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Monreale – Palermo - Marsala*
After breakfast in the hotel, the first stop of the day will be Monreale, to visit the proclaimed Eighth Wonder of the World, Norman Cathedral and its Cloister. Then return to Palermo for a proper visit of the city. Palermo boasts of its large Arab-Norman heritage architectures that can be seen in the huge Palermo Cathedral, Martorana Church and the Cappella Palatina. You will also have a surprise food stop. After free lunch (NOT included), more walking through the centre and we will then move on to Marsala*. Before you cap in for the night in Marsala, join a visit to a prestigious wine cellar for some wine tasting. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
*From 2020, this day will NOT include the visit to Marsala and the overnight will be in Palermo.
Day 3: Marsala - Selinunte* – Agrigento
After breakfast, join a tour on the well-known Salt Road, from the west coast of Sicily salt marshes between Trapani and Marsala. On the way, you will see the lagoon in Marsala, and the famous Salines and windmills. Free time for lunch (NOT included) and the arrive to Selinunte* to visit the largest Archaeological Park in the whole Mediterranean, surrounded with a splendid landscape view of the African Sea. Then transfer to Agrigento to visit the Heritage Site of Valley of the Temples. Arrive at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
*From 2020, this day will NOT included the visit to Selinunte, however you will join the visit of a wine cellar in Marsala (wine tasting and lunch will be included).
Day 4: Piazza Armerina - Ragusa Ibla
After breakfast, you will spend some time in Piazza Armerina to visit the spectacular Villa Romana del Casale, a significant architecture housing the well-preserved highly Roman refined mosaics. After free time for lunch (NOT included), depart to Ragusa and visit the historical cradle of the Sicilian baroque. The famous Cathedral, situated in the beautiful square of the Dome was largely dedicated to the Saint John the Baptist. Not ignoring the Cathedral of San Giorgio, you will also venture to see the hidden baroque architectural treasures. Conclude the day with a tasting of local products and proceed to Catania for dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 5: Catania
After breakfast, you will have a free day to explore Catania on your own. Meeting with your tour leader in the afternoon. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.
Day 6: Syracuse– Noto
After breakfast, you will visit Syracuse. The archaeological Park of Neapolis with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latornie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius is the reason why Syracuse is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will continue towards the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Siracusa. After free time for lunch (NOT included), you will depart to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque architecture., known for the Baroque styled noble residence Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata. Then return back to Catania. Overnight and dinner.
Day 7: Etna – Taormina
After breakfast, depart to Mt. Etna, the highest, largest and the most active volcano in Europe. Reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones that are not inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. Later, embark to a beekeeping company for a honey extraction lab visit to taste some homemade honey. Proceed to Taormina for the lunch in a typical restaurant where you will attend to an interesting cooking class for the preparation of typical dishes of the Sicilian culinary tradition. Then return to Catania with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi.Dinner and overnight in Catania.
Day 8: Catania – Cefalù
After breakfast, visit the historical centre of Catania. Have a walk across the "pescheria", the ancient fish market, to the scenic Duomo square. Stop in a historic bar of to taste the typical "granita & brioche". After free time for lunch (NOT included), you will be transfered to Cefalù, a charming medieval town that is situated on the northern coast of Sicily. Join your free time to stroll through the town or visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Proceed to Palermo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Palermo
After breakfast, end of the tour (contact us for an optional private transfer to the airport).
itinerary:
- Palermo, Monreale, Marsala*, Selinunte*, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa Ibla, Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Etna, Taormina, Cefalù and Palermo
*From 2020, on 2nd day the tour will NOT include the visit to Marsala and the overnight will be in Palermo; on 3rd day the visit to Selinunte will NOT included, however you will join the visit of a wine cellar in Marsala (wine tasting and lunch will be included).
Included:
- Multilingual tour leader (from the evening of the 1st day to the evening of the 8th day)
- Transfers by bus (from day 2 to day 8)
- Accommodation in 4* hotels with breakfast
- 8 dinners at hotel or local restaurants (3 main courses fixed menu)
- 1 lunch on day 7*
- Local guides or audio-guides where necessary
- Tasting of Sicilian typical products in Palermo, Ragusa, Etna and Catania
*From 2020, 2 lunches will be included (day 3 and 7)
excluded:
- Transfers in/out (optional with an extra cost)
- All lunches except for day 7*
- Beverages during all meals
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums and archeological sites
- City taxes (where compulsory)
- Tips and extras in general
- Anything not specified under "Included"
*From 2020, 2 lunches will be included (day 3 and 7)
Meeting point:
Meeting point information and local telephone numbers at your destination are included on your Confirmation Voucher.
Information:
Contact us for more information about prices of single and triple rooms, additional pre/post-nights, private transfers from/to airports and booking process.
The cancellation policy for this tour is:
- up to 21 (working) days prior to departure: no penalty
- from 20 to 15 days (working): 30% penalty
- from 14 to 3 (working) days: 60% penalty
- after this penalty term and no show: 100% penalty
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Once your booking is confirmed we will email you a voucher. This is your ticket and proof of purchase.
