Sicily & Aeolian Islands (9 days/8 nights) - starting from Palermo
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and historical treasures of Sicily. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the rich culture, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine of this Mediterranean gem. From the bustling streets of Palermo to the serene beauty of Lipari, each day presents a new adventure. Marvel at the Arab-Norman Cathedral in Monreale, explore the medieval maritime village of Cefalù, and witness the awe-inspiring majesty of Mount Etna. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Catania and Taormina, and savor the unique flavors of local delicacies. This tour is a perfect blend of guided excursions and free time, allowing you to delve deeper into the places that intrigue you the most.
Included
2 nights in a 4 * hotel in
Palermo
3 nights in a 4 * hotel in
Catania
3 nights in a 4 * hotel in
Lipari
1 night in a 4 * hotel in
Taormina
half board treatment (7 meals, 3 course fixed menu - drinks not included):
lunch in local restaurants/cellar or dinner in hotel/local restaurants - a packed lunch is scheduled for the day of the excursion to Panarea and Stromboli
typical product tastings:
Palermo (2nd day): gastronomic surprise with street food tasting;
Catania (3rd day): “granita and brioche” tasting;
Etna (4th day): Visit to a honey factory tasting typical Etna products
vegetarian, vegan, meat
individual arrival and departure transfers are NOT included
transport by air-conditioned bus from the 2nd day until the 4th day
Unescorted extension to the Aeolian Islands:
private transfer from port of Milazzo to Taormina hotel
private transfer from Catania hotel to Milazzo port
transfer from the Port of Lipari to Lipari hotel
hydrofoil round trip Milazzo / Lipari / Milazzo
private transfer Milazzo Pier-Hotel in Taormina day 8th INCLUDED
multilingual tour leader from day 1 to day 4
local guides or audio guides when necessary
visit of Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania old town centre, Etna
tickets NOT included – To be paid on site or pre-paid purchasing the privilege package
Unescorted extension to the Aeolian Islands:
1 group excursion by boat, without guide, from Lipari to Salina or Vulcano
1 group excursion by boat, without guide, from Panarea to Stromboli
entrance taxes for the Aeolian Islands
tickets of the part in Sicily NOT included - To be paid on site or pre-paid purchasing the privilege package
excursions may be modified according to weather conditions and the availability of local service providers
Map
Attractions
Roman Theatre of Catania
Piazza Università
Cefalù Cathedral
Palazzo Abatellis
Strómboli
Duomo di Taormina
Castello di Cefalù
Castello di Milazzo
Isola di Panarea
Palermo CathedralDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
- Palermo - Arrival day
- More
Your Sicilian adventure begins in the vibrant city of Palermo. Meet your tour leader at the hotel in the late afternoon. You may opt for a private transfer service. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, settling into your hotel and exploring the nearby surroundings. Overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Monreale and Palermo
- Monreale
- More
- Palazzo Abatellis
- Palermo Cathedral
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After breakfast, we set off to visit the town of Monreale, renowned for its magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral and its stunning Cloister. We then return to Palermo, a city rich in Arab-Norman monuments, including the beautiful Cathedral, the Byzantine Martorana Church, and the Palatine Chapel. Enjoy a delightful food surprise at a local bakery during our tour. Overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Cefalù and Catania
- Catania
- Cefalù
- More
- Piazza Università
- Cefalù Cathedral
- Castello di Cefalù
- More
We start the day with a trip to Cefalù, a charming medieval maritime village, where you can visit the Norman Cathedral and the famous Mandralisca Museum. We then proceed to Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its baroque architecture. Enjoy a walk through the old town center, passing through the old fish market, and savor the local granita with brioche at a delightful coffee bar. Overnight stay in Catania.
Day 4 – Day 4: Mount Etna and Taormina Excursion
- Catania
- Taormina
- More
- Roman Theatre of Catania
- Alcantara River Park
- Monti Sartorius
- Duomo di Taormina
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After breakfast, we embark on a journey to Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the Crateri Silvestri and a beekeeping farm where you can taste homemade honey. We then proceed to Taormina, a city known for its natural landscape, marine beauties, and historical monuments. Visit the Greco-Roman theatre and enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning Riviera dei Ciclopi. Overnight stay in Catania.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Catania to Lipari
- Catania
- More
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some free time in Catania before we continue our journey. We transfer to Milazzo and then take a hydrofoil to the beautiful island of Lipari. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the island or relaxing at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay on Lipari.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Lipari and Salina
Day 6: Discovering Lipari and Salina
- Lipari Porto
- Chiesa Vecchia di Quattropani
- Isola di Panarea
- More
After breakfast, we set off to explore the beautiful coves of Lipari and the verdant island of Salina. Visit the Lipari Castle, the village of Santa Marina di Salina, and take a refreshing swim in the beautiful bay of Pollara. On our return, we admire the stunning caves of Lipari and enjoy a final swim at the Vinci beach. Dinner and overnight stay on Lipari.
Day 7 – Day 7: Excursion to Panarea and Stromboli
Day 7: Excursion to Panarea and Stromboli
- Strómboli
- Castello di Milazzo
- Isola di Panarea
- More
We start the day with a visit to the pumice caves of Lipari before heading to Panarea. Explore the Cave of Lovers and the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese. After some free time for lunch, we continue to Stromboli, passing through the little islands surrounding it. Enjoy some leisure time on Stromboli before returning to Lipari for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Lipari to Taormina
- Taormina
- More
After breakfast, we leave Lipari and take a hydrofoil to Milazzo. From there, we transfer to Taormina, a city famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, and historical monuments. Spend the day at your leisure, strolling along the charming medieval streets of the center and shopping for local products. Dinner and overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure
- Taormina - Departure day
- More
Enjoy your final breakfast in Sicily before checking out of the hotel. You may opt for a private transfer service. As your multi-day tour concludes, take with you the unforgettable memories of the stunning landscapes, historical treasures, and rich culture of Sicily.
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