Tour of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

We'll be arriving in Palermo and heading straight to our hotel. If you'd like, we can arrange a private transfer for you. We're eager to explore this captivating city! In the evening, we'll meet our guide for a briefing. You'll have the evening free for dinner before we settle in for the night at the hotel.

After breakfast, an exciting morning awaits us in Monreale, where we will visit the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral, known as the eighth wonder of the world, and the beautiful Cloister, a marvelous masterpiece of art, sculpture, and inlay of precious stones! We will then proceed to Palermo ! The city lies at the foot of Mount Pellegrino on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen. In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, historical eras revealed by different architectural styles overlap. Its millennia-old history has bestowed upon it an artistic and architectural heritage that ranges from the remains of the Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas, noble palaces and seventeenth-century squares, to Baroque churches and neoclassical theaters. Once the residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments from the Arab-Norman period including the beautiful Cathedral, the Martorana Church, among the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and the Palatine Chapel, the highest historical-artistic example of coexistence between cultures, religions, and seemingly irreconcilable ways of thinking, as they were involved in the wise management of power by Roger II, with Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin craftsmen. Along the way, a stop is planned for a typical lunch with local products. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to admire the splendid Teatro Massimo and the controversial Pretoria Fountain in Piazza Pretoria, adorned with sixteenth-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district, then we will return to the hotel for the overnight stay.

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 chance 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 in a hotel in Catania for the night.

After breakfast, we'll kick off our day with a visit to the historic 'pescheria' (ancient fish market) in Catania. Next, we'll set off for Mount 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! During the morning, we'll have the opportunity to taste local handmade honey and various typical products of the area. We'll pause for lunch at a delightful restaurant before heading to Taormina to explore its captivating Greco-Roman theatre, which offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naxos. We'll then have some free time to wander through the medieval alleyways, shop, and discover local crafts. Our day will wrap up with a panoramic view of the Riviera of the Cyclops. Once we return to Catania, you'll have the evening free for dinner and we'll overnight in a hotel.

Our tour continues through the Aeolian Islands without a guide/escort. After breakfast, we will have some free time in the beautiful Catania, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The hidden treasures of this fascinating city are countless, its late-baroque architecture made unique by the use of lava stone. In the late morning, private transfer to Milazzo. Boarding the hydrofoil for the island of Lipari. Arrival and transfer to the hotel, free afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.

Today, we're setting out to explore the stunning coves of Lipari and the lush greenery of Salina. After departing from Lipari Castle, Monte Rosa, and Canneto, our first stop will be at the Pumice Caves for a refreshing swim. We'll then skirt the Acqua Calda bay before setting course for Salina. Our first port of call will be S. Marina di Salina, where you'll have the chance to explore the island's most significant municipality. As we resume our journey, we'll cruise along the eastern side of the island, taking in the Malvasia grape vineyards, the village of Capo Faro, and the town of Malfa. We'll pause for a swim in the beautiful Pollara bay, made famous by Massimo Troisi's film 'Il Postino'. Next, we'll stop at Lingua, a quaint fishing village where, in addition to charming restaurants and delightful coves, you can visit the Salt Lake that gave this island its name. On our return journey, we'll marvel at Lipari's most beautiful caves before taking our final swim at Vinci beach, facing the Faraglioni. We'll return to Lipari in the afternoon, where you can enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set sail from Lipari's port for a full-day excursion to Panarea & Stromboli. Before we leave Lipari, we'll make a stop at the Pumice Caves. We then continue to Panarea, where you can explore the natural bay of Calajunco, home to the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese, and take a break at the nearby Cala Zimmari. We then embark on a panoramic tour of the Islets, visiting the Lovers' Cave, before arriving at the port. Here, you can enjoy lunch, stroll through the elegant narrow streets, and visit the prehistoric village. Our journey continues to Stromboli, passing through the islets surrounding the small island to admire the village of Ginostra from the sea. Once on the island, you can enjoy dinner, take a leisurely walk through the shops and beautiful gardens, or take a dip in the stunning cobalt blue waters. During our various stops for diving and long rejuvenating swims in the warm season, you can enjoy the marine environment, beaches, and volcanic caves. At sunset, we'll spot Strombolicchio, a massive rock, and admire the Sciara del Fuoco, a steep slope carved by lava streams, to witness the impressive explosions this volcano offers from the sea.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we'll head to the port to board a hydrofoil bound for Milazzo. From there, a private transfer will whisk us away to the enchanting city of Taormina, a place Goethe once described as a 'slice of paradise on earth'. We'll have the entire day to explore this medieval town at our leisure, taking in its historic monuments, vibrant colors, and the scents of its Mediterranean vegetation. There will be plenty of time to relax by the sea and shop for local crafts. Don't miss a visit to Isola Bella, one of Sicily's most beautiful beaches, often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean' due to its unique location and lush vegetation. It's a perfect blend of tropical plants and local flora! We'll end the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable night's stay at our hotel.

The tour of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands is coming to an end. After breakfast, we will return to our respective hometowns. There is the possibility of a private transfer to the airport or other destinations.