Sicilian Secrets – Tour of Sicily & Aeolian Islands 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands with our 9-day tour. This immersive experience will take you through the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of these Italian gems. From the charming city of Palermo to the enchanting island of Lipari, you'll explore ancient cathedrals, marvel at Baroque architecture, and indulge in local delicacies. The tour also includes an exhilarating excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, this tour promises a wealth of experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Included
5 international breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 in hotel to have a taste of Sicilian traditional cuisine.
Tasting of Sicilian typical products:
Catania (day 3): tasting of Sicilian “granita & brioche”;
Etna (day 4): visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey tasting.
Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free meals available on request.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centers of the main Sicilian towns:
Palermo: Mercure Palermo Centro 4* – Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar
Catania city centre: Il Principe Hotel 4* – Romano House Hotel 4* or similar - Acitrezza: I Malavoglia Hotel 4* / I Faraglioni Hotel 4* or similar
Taormina: Villa Diodoro Hotel 4* – Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA 4* or similar
Lipari: Hotel Bougainville 4* – Hotel Mea 4* or similar
Hotels carefully selected for their location and design to combine tradition with comfort
Deluxe bus from day 2 to day 4.
Private transfer Catania Hotel – Milazzo Harbour.
Transfer Lipari Harbour – Lipari Hotel
Hydrofoil back and forth Milazzo – Lipari – Milazzo
1 boat excursion in group without guide Lipari & Salina or Vulcano
1 boat excursion in group without guide Panarea & Stromboli
Private transfer Milazzo Harbour-Taormina hotel
Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide* (English, Italian or Spanish) from the 2nd day to the evening of the 4th day, local guides or audio-guides where necessary.
THE RATE INCLUDES
Sicily
Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide* (English, Italian or Spanish) from the 2nd day to the evening of the 4th day, local guides or audio-guides where necessary.
Deluxe bus from day 2 to day 4.
Whispers kit
Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centre, international breakfast included.
5 international breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 in hotel to have a taste of Sicilian traditional cuisine.
Visit of the main suggestive Unesco World Heritage Sites: Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania city centre, Etna.
Tasting of Sicilian typical products:
Catania (day 3): tasting of Sicilian “granita & brioche”;
Etna (day 4): visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey tasting.
Private transfer Milazzo Harbour-Taormina hotel
Private tour extension to Aeolian Islands
Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels, international breakfast included.
3 international breakfasts, 2 dinners and 1 lunch, beverages not included (packed lunch instead of dinner on the day of Panarea and Stromboli excursion).
Private transfer Catania Hotel – Milazzo Harbour
Transfer Lipari Harbour – Lipari Hotel
Hydrofoil back and forth Milazzo – Lipari – Milazzo
1 boat excursion in group (10/20 pax) Lipari & Salina or Vulcano
1 boat excursion in group (10/20 pax) Panarea & Stromboli
Aeolian Islands City taxes
Destinations
Cefalù
Catania
TaorminaMap
Attractions
Stromboli Vulcan
Cathedral of Cefalù
Junco cove beach
Tindari Greek Theatre
Strómboli
Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari
Massimo Theater
Castello di Maredolce
Castello di Milazzo
Isola di Panarea
Palermo Cathedral
Grotta del Bue MarinoDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
- Palermo - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the charming city of Palermo! Upon your arrival, you'll check into your hotel (or similar) and have the rest of the day to relax or explore at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own, giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Palermo and Monreale
- Monreale
- More
- Massimo Theater
- Castello di Maredolce
- Palermo Cathedral
- More
After breakfast, we'll head to Monreale to visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. We'll then return to Palermo, where we'll explore its rich history and diverse architecture, including the eclectic Cathedral, the stunning Martorana Church, and the remarkable Cappella Palatina. We'll also stop by the famous Teatro Massimo and the beautiful Pretoria Square. A typical lunch with local food will be included during the day. Dinner will be on your own, and we'll spend the night in the hotel.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Cefalù and Catania
- Catania
- Cefalù
- More
- Cathedral of Cefalù
- Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari
- More
We'll start the day with a visit to the medieval town of Cefalù, where we'll explore the stunning Norman Dome and have some free time to visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, we'll head to Catania. Here, we'll tour the city's UNESCO-listed historical centre, admire the elegant Baroque architecture, and visit the scenic Duomo Square and the famous S. Benedict Monastery. We'll also enjoy a traditional 'granita & brioche' in a historic city centre bar. Dinner will be on your own, and we'll spend the night in the hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina
- Taormina
- Catania
- More
- Tindari Greek Theatre
- More
Today, we'll embark on an exciting excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We'll explore the Crateri Silvestri and enjoy stunning views of Sicily, the Aeolian islands, and Calabria. After lunch in a local restaurant, we'll head to the charming town of Taormina. Here, we'll visit the fascinating Greek theatre and have some free time to explore the town's picturesque medieval streets. We'll end the day with a view of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Dinner will be on your own, and we'll spend the night in the hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to the Aeolian Islands
- Catania
- Milazzo
- More
After breakfast, you'll have some free time to explore Catania before we transfer to Milazzo. From there, we'll take a hydrofoil to the beautiful island of Lipari. The afternoon will be free for you to relax or explore the island at your own pace. Dinner and overnight will be at a 4* hotel (or similar) on Lipari.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Lipari and Salina Islands
Day 6: Exploring Lipari and Salina Islands
- Junco cove beach
- Castello di Milazzo
- Isola di Panarea
- Grotta del Bue Marino
- More
After breakfast, we'll embark on a full-day excursion to the islands of Lipari and Salina. We'll visit the Castle of Lipari, the Pumice Cave beach, and the Acquacalda bay. In Salina, we'll stop at Santa Marina Salina, the largest town on the island, and visit the Pollara bay. We'll also visit the charming fishing village of Lingua, where you'll have free time to explore or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. On our way back, we'll stop at Vinci beach for a swim. We'll return to Lipari in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 7 – Day 7: Excursion to Panarea and Stromboli
Day 7: Excursion to Panarea and Stromboli
- Stromboli Vulcan
- Strómboli
- More
Today, we'll take a full-day excursion to the islands of Panarea and Stromboli. We'll start with a swim in the Cave of pumice before heading to Panarea. Here, we'll visit the beautiful Calajunco bay, Zimmari beach, and the charming Cava degli Innamorati. After some free time in Panarea, we'll continue to Stromboli, where we'll stop at the fascinating fishing village of Ginostra. As the sun sets, we'll return to the boat to admire the Strombolicchio rock and the stunning volcanic explosion of the Sciara del Fuoco.
Day 8 – Day 8: Return to Taormina
- Taormina
- Milazzo
- More
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Lipari harbour to take the hydrofoil back to Milazzo. From there, we'll drive to the beautiful town of Taormina. You'll have the day free to explore the town, relax by the sea, or visit the enchanting Isola Bella, also known as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean'. Dinner will be on your own, and we'll spend the night in the hotel.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure
- Taormina - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, our unforgettable tour of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands comes to an end. Private transfers or additional excursions can be arranged upon request. Please note that the itinerary may be modified due to organizational reasons or force majeure. The Aeolian Islands' excursions are subject to confirmation, depending on weather conditions.
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