Description:
In this 9-day Sicily tour, you will be uncovering many historical ruins, stories, beauties and cuisine of this multicultural Italian island.
Day 1: Palermo
Independent arrival at the hotel in the historical city of Palermo and meeting with the tour leader. Dinner will be provided in the hotel and overnight in the 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, we will 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. Continuing on with our walk to the Pretoria Square, in the heart of the ancient Kalsa area, admiring the XVI century sculptured fountain. We will have a surprise food stop at the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. After free lunch, more walking through the centre and we will then move on to Marsala. Before we cap in for the night in Marsala, we will visit one a prestigious wine cellar for some wine tasting. Dinner is provided at the hotel.
Day 3: Marsala - Selinunte – Agrigento
We will begin our day with 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. In the early afternoon, we will make our way towards Selinunte to visit the largest Archaeological Park in the whole Mediterranean, surrounded with a splendid landscape view of the African Sea. Free time for lunch. After which, we will transfer to Agrigento to visit the Heritage Site of Valley of the Temples.. We will overnight in a hotel at the Agrigento with dinner being provided.
Day 4: Piazza Armerina - Ragusa
Today, we 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 lunch, we will 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, we will also venture to see the hidden baroque architectural treasures. We will conclude the day with a tasting of local products and proceed to Catania for dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: Catania
After breakfast, you will have a free day to explore Catania on your own. Meeting with the tour leader in the afternoon. Overnight and dinner at your hotel.
Day 6: Siracusa – Noto
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Siracusa. 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 Siracusa is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will continue towards the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Siracusa. After lunch (free), we will depart to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque architecture. Part of our agenda will be the Baroque styled noble residence Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata and then we will return back to Catania. Overnight and dinner.
Day 7: Etna – Taormina
Today, we will leave for Mt. Etna, the highest, largest and the most active volcano in Europe. We will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones that are not inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. Later, we will embark to a beekeeping company for a honey extraction lab visit to taste some of the best homemade honey. After which, we will proceed to Taormina. For lunch, you will be taken to a typical restaurant where you will be viewing a show cooking Sicilian cuisine lesson. We will return to Catania with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Dinner and overnight in Catania.
Day 8 : Catania – Cefalu'
For our last day in Catania, we will visit the historical centre of Catania. We will take you for a walk across the ancient fish market – Pescheria to the scenic Duomo square. After free lunch, we will transfer to Cefalù, a charming medieval town that is situated on the northern coast of Sicily. You will have free time to stroll through the town or visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. As night approaches, we will head back to Palermo and have dinner at the accommodation.
Day 9: Palermo
Our last day. Before we bid farewell, please enjoy the luxurious breakfast prepared at the hotel and we hope you will have a pleasant time with us.
