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
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 time for lunch (NOT included), keep visiting the city centre. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Cefalù - Catania
After breakfast, 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. Then we will head to Catania to visit the historic centre, have a walk across the "pescheria", the ancient fish market, to the scenic Duomo square. After free time for lunch (NOT included), stop in a historic bar of to taste the typical "granita & brioche".
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Catania.
Day 4: 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, where, after free time for lunch (not icnluded), 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 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 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 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 the 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 centre but also have the chance to taste the famous Modica chocolate in a chocolate factory. After free time for lunch (NOT included), 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 time 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 centre 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 and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: Palermo
After breakfast, free day in Palermo, to explore the city on your own. As alternative, you can book an optional excursion, with a supplement, to the enchanting village of Erice and Segesta, famous for its ancient temple and theatre.
Dinner 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).
