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
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: Marsala - Salt Road – 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. Here you will join the visit of a wine cellar (wine tasting and lunch will be included).
Then transfer to Agrigento to visit 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. Arrive at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
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).
