Splendid Sicily - from Catania to Taormina (10 days/9 nights)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Sicily, a land of rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and leisure time, taking you through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Greek colonies, medieval villages, and vibrant city centers. You'll have the opportunity to taste local delicacies, admire baroque architecture, explore archaeological parks, and even visit an active volcano. Each day brings a new adventure, with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals to keep you refreshed and ready for the next day's exploration. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for a unique vacation, this tour promises an unforgettable Sicilian experience.
Included
half board treatment (8 meals, 3 course fixed menu - drinks not included):
lunch in local restaurants/cellar or dinner in hotel/local restaurants
light lunch in Modica
typical product tastings:
Palermo (5th day):
gastronomic surprise with street food tasting;
Catania (6th day): “granita and brioche” tasting;
Etna (7th day): Visit to a honey factory tasting typical Etna products,
Modica (3rd day): Visit to the famous Sabadì chocolate shop with tasting;
Marsala (4th day): visit to the Florio wine cellar with tasting.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
transport by air conditioned bus from the 2nd day until the 9th day
1+1 nights in a 4 * hotel in
Catania
1 night in a 4 * hotel in
Ragusa
1 night in a 4 * hotel in
Agrigento
2 nights in a 4 * hotel in
Palermo
3 nights in a 4 * hotel in
Taormina
Multilingual
tour leader for the entire tour
Local guides
or audio-guides when necessary
visit of Monreale, Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Noto, Etna, Catania old town centre, Cefalù , Taormina
tickets NOT included - To be paid on site or pre-paid purchasing the privilege package
All sightseeing and activities stated as included.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Leisure Day in Catania
- Catania - Arrival day
- More
Begin your Sicilian adventure with a leisure day in the vibrant city of Catania. Explore the city center at your own pace and soak in the local culture. Overnight stay in Catania.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Syracuse, Ortigia, Noto, and Ragusa
- Syracuse
- Noto
- Catania
- Ragusa
- More
- Cathedral of Syracuse
- Netum
- Museo archeologico regionale Paolo Orsi
- More
After breakfast, we'll head to Syracuse to visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. We'll then explore the old town center of Ortigia, with its stunning Piazza Duomo and Cathedral. Our journey continues to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, also known as the 'stone garden'. After a walk through the streets of Noto, we'll proceed to Ragusa for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, and Agrigento
- Ragusa
- Modica
- Piazza Armerina
- Agrigento
- More
- Giardino Ibleo
- Netum
- More
Start the day with a visit to Ragusa Ibla, known for its beautiful churches and the Ibleo garden. We'll then proceed to Modica, a city rich in baroque treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After tasting the local products, we'll head to Piazza Armerina to visit the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, a late imperial period building. The day ends with a transfer to Agrigento for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey through Agrigento, Marsala, and Palermo
- Agrigento
- Marsala
- More
- Valle dei Templi
- Donnafugata
- More
After breakfast, we'll visit the famous Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll then head to Marsala, a city rich in Phoenician, Arab, and Norman influences. Here, you'll enjoy a wine tasting session of the local wine. We'll proceed to the famous Via del Sale, a nature reserve of enormous environmental value. The day ends with an arrival in Palermo for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Monreale and Palermo
- Monreale
- More
- Palazzo Abatellis
- Palermo Cathedral
- More
We'll start the day with a visit to Monreale, where we'll explore the impressive Arab-Norman Cathedral and stunning Cloister. We'll then return to Palermo, a city that preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful Cathedral, the fascinating Byzantine Church of the Martorana, and the Palatine Chapel. We'll also stop at a local bakery for a food surprise. Overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey through Cefalù and Catania
- Catania
- Cefalù
- More
- Piazza Università
- Cathedral of Cefalù
- Castello di Cefalù
- More
After breakfast, we'll depart to Cefalù, a beautiful medieval maritime village known for its Norman Cathedral. You'll have some free time to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. We'll then proceed to Catania, where we'll explore the old town center and its UNESCO World Heritage Site baroque architecture. We'll also stop at a local coffee bar to taste the local granita with brioche. Overnight stay in Catania.
Day 7 – Day 7: Adventure in Etna and Taormina
- Catania
- Taormina
- More
- Greek - Roman theatre
- Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari
- Etnaland
- More
After breakfast, we'll visit Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll explore the captivating landscapes around Rifugio Sapienza and proceed to Crateri Silvestri, surrounded by recent lava flows. We'll then visit a beekeeping farm for a honey tasting session. The day continues with a visit to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, historical monuments, and an unforgettable view of the sea and Etna. We'll explore the fascinating Greco-Roman theatre and end the day with a beautiful panorama of the stunning Riviera dei Ciclopi. Overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 8 – Day 8: Leisure Day in Taormina
- Taormina
- More
Enjoy a free day in Taormina. You can explore the Medieval Borgo and its historical monuments, relax near the sea, or shop for local artisan products. We recommend a visit to Isola Bella, one of the most beautiful beaches, also known as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean'. Overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Casteldimola and Savoca
- Savoca
- Taormina
- More
- Parco dell'Etna
- More
After breakfast, we'll depart to Casteldimola, a small village known for its narrow medieval streets, squares, and old churches. From here, you can admire the ruins of the Castle of Mola. We'll then continue to Savoca, a mix of medieval, renaissance, and baroque styles. This place was the set of the film 'The Godfather' by Francis Ford Coppola. Don't miss a stop at the famous 'Bar Vitelli' featured in the movie. We'll return to Taormina for an overnight stay.
Day 10 – Day 10: Farewell Day
- Taormina - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, our memorable Sicilian adventure comes to an end. We hope you enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you back on another tour. Arrivederci!
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