Day 1: Palermo
Arrive independently at 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 on your own and overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Monreale – Palermo
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 to the city. Palermo boasts of its large Arab-Norman heritage architecture that can be seen in the huge Palermo Cathedral, Martorana Church, and the Cappella Palatina. You will also have a surprise food stop. During the day, you will have a stop to enjoy a typical lunch with local food. Afterward, you will continue visiting the city center. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Cefalù - Catania
After breakfast, you will be transferred 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. Then we will head to Catania to visit the historic center, and have a walk across the "pescheria", the ancient fish market, to the scenic Duomo square. You will have a stop to have lunch in a famous restaurant. Additionally, you will stop in a historic bar of to taste the typical "granita & brioche". Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel in Catania.
Day 4: Etna – Taormina
After breakfast, depart to Mt. Etna, the highest, largest, and 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. Then you will have lunch in a lovely restaurant. Proceed to Taormina, where you will visit the ancient Greek Theatre and stroll around the elegant streets and shops of the center. Then return to Catania with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Dinner on your own and overnight in Catania.
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 on your own.
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 that is the historical center 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 transfer to Ragusa for overnight and dinner.
Day 7: Ragusa Ibla - Modica - Piazza Armerina
After breakfast, time for 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 Saint John the Baptist. Not ignoring the Cathedral of San Giorgio, you will also venture to see the hidden baroque architectural treasures. Then, we will head to Modica, where you will visit the center and also have the chance to taste the famous Modica chocolate in a chocolate factory. A breathtaking panorama will be the setting of your relaxing lunch! 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. Proceed to Agrigento for dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 8: Agrigento - Marsala - Saline
After breakfast, visit Agrigento, with the Heritage Site of Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Defined in ancient times as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the ruins of Akragas now rise among the trees and you will admire the most interesting temples. Then, you will head to Marsala, to visit the colorful city center and for a tour of a famous local winery, where you will have a wine and typical products tasting. On the way back, you will see the Salt Road, and the famous Salines and windmills. Transfer to Palermo for dinner on your own and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: Erice - Segesta
After breakfast, in the hotel, departure to Erice, an ancient town castled on Mt S. Giuliano at 751 meters of altitude. Thanks to its elevated position you can enjoy a wonderful view. You will visit Erice city center, its main cathedral, and the Venere Castle. In the afternoon you will proceed toward Segesta where you will visit its temple and theatre. Dinner on your own and overnight at Hotel in Palermo.
Day 10: Palermo
After breakfast, end of the tour (contact us for an optional private transfer to the airport).
