Classical Sicily - 8 Days
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Sicily, a land of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of exploration and relaxation, taking you from bustling cities to tranquil seaside villages, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to picturesque gardens, and from ancient Greek colonies to vibrant Mediterranean cities. Along the way, you'll indulge in authentic Sicilian cuisine, marvel at Baroque architecture, explore ancient ruins, and even visit Europe's highest active volcano. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply a lover of beautiful landscapes, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
- 7 international breakfast, 5 lunches in famous restaurants and 2 dinners in hotels to have a taste of Sicilian traditional cuisine
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centre, international breakfast included:
Catania city centre : Il Principe Hotel 4*/ Romano House Hotel 4* or similar — Acitrezza: I Malavoglia Hotel 4* / I Faraglioni Hotel 4* or similar
Ragusa city centre : Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 4* or similar
Agrigento: Baia di Ulisse Wellness &SPA 4* or similar
Palermo city centre : Mercure Palermo Centro 4* / Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar
Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide* (English, Italian or Spanish) for the whole tour
(from the 2nd day to the evening of the 7th day), local guides or audio audio-guides where necessary.
Visit of the main suggestive Unesco World Heritage Sites: Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania city centre, Etna.
- Tasting of Sicilian typical products: Modica (day 3): visit of the well well-known chocolate manufacturers Sabadì with tasting;
Marsala (day 4): visit of the famous Florio wine cellar and wine tasting;
Catania (day 6): tasting of Sicilian granita & brioche ”; Etna (day 7): visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey tasting.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Catania or Acitrezza
- Catania - Arrival day
- More
Arrive independently at your hotel in the bustling city of Catania or the tranquil seaside village of Acitrezza. Spend the evening at your leisure, soaking in the local atmosphere and preparing for the exciting days ahead. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Syracuse and Noto
- Syracuse
- Noto
- Catania
- Ragusa
- More
- Nicolaci Palace
- Noto Antica
- Isola di Ortigia
- Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi
- More
After breakfast, we'll head to the ancient Greek colony of Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the historic center of Ortigia, marveling at the Cathedral and Arethusa's Fountain. After some free time for lunch, we'll depart for Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, where we'll visit the exquisite Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata. We'll end the day in Ragusa, where we'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Ragusa, Modica, and Piazza Armerina
- Ragusa
- Piazza Armerina
- More
- Giardino Ibleo
- Spiaggia noto
- Portale di San Giorgio
- Noto Antica
- More
We'll start the day exploring the historic center of Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Baroque architecture. Next, we'll head to Modica, another Baroque treasure, where we'll visit the renowned chocolate manufacturer Sabadì and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst the enchanting Orti di San Giorgio. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, famous for its stunning mosaics. We'll end the day in Agrigento, where we'll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 4 – Day 4: Visiting Agrigento, Marsala, and Palermo
- Agrigento
- More
- Salt Museum
- Parco Cerriolo
- Valle dei Templi
- Donnafugata
- More
Our day begins in Agrigento with a visit to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we'll head to Marsala, where we'll explore the city center and the historic Florio Cellars. After a light lunch and wine tasting, we'll proceed to the Salt Road, a site of industrial archaeology between Trapani and Marsala. We'll end the day in Palermo, where we'll check into our hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Monreale and Palermo
- Monreale
- More
- Massimo Theater
- Castello di Maredolce
- Palermo Cathedral
- More
After breakfast, we'll visit the impressive Norman Cathedral in Monreale and its exquisite Arab-Norman Cloister. Later, we'll venture into the captivating city of Palermo, where we'll explore the eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church, and the incredible Cappella Palatina. After a local lunch, we'll visit landmarks like the renowned Teatro Massimo and the fountain in Pretoria Square. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure before an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Cefalù and Catania
- Catania
- Cefalù
- More
- Butterfly House
- Cefalù Cathedral
- Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena
- Duomo di Taormina
- Castello di Cefalù
- Via Degli Archi
- More
After breakfast, we'll transfer to the captivating Medieval town of Cefalù on Sicily's northern coast. Here, we'll explore the impressive Norman Dome and enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll or a visit to the renowned Mandralisca Museum. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Catania, where we'll discover its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical center, including the picturesque Duomo square, University Square, and the splendid Baroque Via dei Crociferi. We'll conclude the day with a delightful break at a historic downtown bar before an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 – Day 7: Excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina
- Taormina
- Catania
- More
- Roman Theatre of Catania
- Piano Provenzana
- Museo Del Cinema
- Chiesa di San Martino
- Monti Sartorius
- Duomo di Taormina
- More
We'll start the day with a brief visit to Catania's renowned fish market before embarking on an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We'll explore the inactive Crateri Silvestri and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. After sampling local products and enjoying lunch, we'll continue to Taormina, where we'll visit the Greek theatre and enjoy free time for a leisurely walk. We'll wrap up the day with a glimpse of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania for an overnight stay.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Catania
- Catania - Departure day
- More
After breakfast at the hotel, our unforgettable Sicilian journey comes to an end. You may choose to extend your stay in Catania or make your own way to the airport. Arrivederci!
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