Historical and magical Sicily

We will arrive at Palermo and head to the hotel, eager to explore this fascinating city! In the evening, we will meet our guide for a briefing and have some free time for dinner, before resting at the hotel.

After breakfast, an exciting morning awaits us in Monreale, where we will visit the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral and its Cloister, true masterpieces! Then, we will return to Palermo, a charming city at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Here, we will discover the city's historical and architectural wealth, from the Punic walls to the Art Nouveau buildings, through baroque churches and neoclassical theaters. We can't wait to visit the Cathedral, the Martorana Church, and the Palatine Chapel, examples of the coexistence of different cultures. We will have lunch tasting the local typical products. In the afternoon, we will explore the Teatro Massimo and the Pretoria Fountain and return to the hotel for the night.

This morning we will depart for Cefalù, a medieval village by the sea with its magnificent Norman Cathedral. We will get lost in its streets and, for those who wish, there will be the opportunity to visit the Mandralisca Museum. After lunch in a renowned restaurant, we will head towards Catania. Here, we will dedicate ourselves to visiting its historic center and its Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will cross Piazza del Duomo, to admire the lava stone Elephant and stroll through Via dei Crociferi. We will also take a break to enjoy the typical granita with brioche. Finally, we will settle into a hotel in Catania for the night.

After breakfast, we'll kick off our day with a visit to the historic 'pescheria' in Catania. Next, we'll set off for Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We'll take a stroll in the Etna Park, marveling at its diverse flora, and make our way to the Silvestri Craters, a true natural spectacle! We're excited to sample the local honey and typical products of the volcano. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll head to Taormina to explore its captivating Greco-Roman theatre. Then, we'll have some free time to meander through the medieval alleyways, shop, and discover local crafts. Our day will wrap up with a panoramic view of the Riviera dei Ciclopi. Back in Catania, dinner will be at your leisure and we'll spend the night in a hotel.

Today, we have a free day to explore Catania at our leisure. In the late afternoon, we'll meet up with our guide and return to the hotel in the evening for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we'll set off for Syracuse to explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Here, we'll marvel at the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the renowned Latomie del Paradiso. Next, we'll delve into the historic heart of Ortigia, admiring the Cathedral and the Fonte Aretusa. In the afternoon, we'll head to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, where we'll stroll through its streets, taking in the 18th-century architecture and visiting Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a stunning noble residence in pure Baroque style once home to Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture. Finally, we'll move on to Ragusa for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we'll set off for Ragusa Ibla, a gem of late Sicilian Baroque. Famous for its magnificent churches, the Ibleo Garden, and as the set of the Inspector Montalbano series, it's recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We'll marvel at over fifty churches and Baroque buildings in Ragusa before making a stop in Modica. Here, we'll discover more Baroque wonders and visit the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop, known for its international awards. We'll take a refreshing break at the Orti di San Giorgio, where we'll enjoy a typical local lunch while taking in a stunning view. The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This late imperial villa, possibly owned by a member of the Roman aristocracy, will amaze us with its detailed mosaics depicting hunting scenes, leisure, mythology, and daily life. Finally, we'll head to Agrigento for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

We will start the day by visiting the famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will admire the remains of the ancient Akragas among the blossoming almond trees, including the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules. After leaving Agrigento, we will head towards Marsala, where Garibaldi landed in 1860. We will walk through the streets of the center, admiring noble palaces and baroque churches. Subsequently, we will visit the historic Florio Winery for a guided tour, including lunch and a tasting of their famous wines. Finally, we will explore the Salt Road, admiring the salt pans and the Stagnone nature reserve. The evening will conclude in Palermo where we will stay overnight in a hotel.

After breakfast, we'll set off for Erice, a medieval village perched atop Mount San Giuliano. We'll wander its winding streets, medieval arches, and courtyards, taking in the mother church and the Castle of Venus. Thanks to its high altitude, we'll enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Trapani Gulf and the Egadi Islands on one side, and the vast Valderice valley, Custonaci, and the inland countryside on the other. In the afternoon, we'll continue to Segesta, renowned for its elegant Doric temple and ancient theatre, set in a unique and timeless landscape. We'll tour the temple and theatre, situated 400 meters above sea level and built in the 3rd century BC. We'll then return to Palermo for a free evening meal and another night in the hotel.

Our Sicilian tour concludes today. After breakfast at the hotel, we will get ready to head back to our respective cities!