Sicily, the Pearl of Mediterranean Sea

Summary

8 nights
Proprietà: Tours on request
Included
wine tasting experience and boat tours included

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Sicily Unveiled: Exploring Archaeological Wonders, Baroque Masterpieces, and Natural Beauties

Embark on a 9-day journey through Sicily, exploring the Sicily’s vibrant capital Palermo and then head to the picturesque town of Cefalù. Explore the coastal town of Marsala, take a funicular ride to Erice, visit the nearby salt flats in Saline, the historic island of Mozia and discover the intricate mosaics of Monreale’s Cathedral before heading to the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento.
Explore the well-preserved Villa Romana del Casale, and visit the charming towns of Ragusa and Noto, both known for their Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. Explore the historic island of Ortigia, head to Taormina and enjoy a boat tour of the enchanting Aeolian Islands, followed by a 4×4 tour of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Conclude your journey in Catania and visit the coastal towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza.

Take a look at the program and book with us!

Tour program

1
1
09:00 -

Start of the tour

Welcome to Palermo!

  • The driver will welcome you to the airport arrivals area and take you to the hotel
  • Accommodation in 4-star hotel in the city center
  • Free time for lunch
    2
    15:00 - 19:00

    Afternoon guided tour of Palermo

    Palermo is famous for its local markets, the good food and the marvelous buildings of the city center, such as the Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel, the churches of the historic center and the Regional Gallery of Sicily.
    Then, our knowledgeable english- speaking guide will lead us to explore the interiors of the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele. We’ll show us the stunning auditorium and the most interesting halls of the third largest opera house in Europe.

    • Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight stay
    2
    3
    09:00 - 13:00

    Cefalù and Palermo

    • Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the driver and transfer to Cefalù

    With our english-speaking guide we’ll explore the city center of Cefalù, with the Jewish quarter, and the most beautiful jewel of Cefalù, its Basilica of the Transfiguration, (full entrance included) listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Located on the northern coast of Sicily, this cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture, renowned for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics adorning the apse, depicting scenes from the Bible. 

    
    																																																																																				
    																																																											
    4
    13:00 - 18:00

    UNESCO Heritage sites in Palermo

    • Transfer to Palermo and lunch in a local restaurant
    • Guided tour of Palermo Cathedral and Cappella Palatina

    We’ll explore Palermo’s magnificent Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015,. Our expert guide will show us both the interior and exterior of the Basilica of the Trasfiguration.

    Afterward, we’ll visit the nearby Palazzo dei Normanni, housing the famous Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the renowned Cappella Palatina. This 12th-century chapel showcases a fusion of Western and Middle Eastern cultures, featuring Islamic designs, Byzantine mosaics, and golden decorations in the Arab-Norman-Byzantine style.

    • Dinner in external restaurant and overnight stay.
    3
    5
    09:00 - 14:00

    Marsala and wine tasting with lunch

    • Breakfast at hotel, greeting with the driver and transfer to Marsala
    • Meeting with the guide and walking tour of Marsala city center with wine tasting and lunch in local winery

    With our guide we’ll discover the historic center of the town, where you’ll be enchanted by its captivating Baroque architecture, winding streets, and the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Saint Thomas of Canterbury. Then, we’ll indulge our senses at a local winery, where we’ll delve into the world of Marsala wine, famous for its rich flavors.  

    6
    14:30 - 17:00

    The "Saline" and boat trip of the island of Mozia

    • Transfer and guided tour of the “Saline” and boat trip to the island of Mozia

    Prepare for an adventure as we explore the captivating ‘saline‘ or salt pans, where we’ll witness the age-old art of sea salt harvesting set against a backdrop of picturesque windmills and crystal-clear lagoons.

    But the excitement doesn’t end there! Our journey continues with a delightful boat trip to the enchanting island of Mozia, nestled within the Stagnone Lagoon. Here, ancient Phoenician ruins await our discovery, including the extraordinary ‘Whitaker Museum‘ featuring the renowned ‘Youth of Mozia‘ statue.

    7
    17:00 - 19:00

    Funicular to Erice

    • Transfer to Erice
    • Greeting with the guide and visit of the small viallge

    To reach Erice the best way is to take the funicular from the parking and reach the top of this town. Here we’ll discover its narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and a remarkable collection of approximately 60 churches, each with its own unique history and architecture.
    One of the highlights of Erice is the spectacular vista that awaits you from its hilltop location.

    • Dinner in external restaurant and overnight stay.
    4
    8
    09:00 - 11:00

    Palermo - La Martorana guided tour

    • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
    • You will be greeted by your driver and transferred to La Martorana
    • Meeting with the guide and visit

    With our expert guide we’ll end the tour of Palermo visiting the The Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, well-known as “La Martorana” The Byzantine mosaics covering part of the interior are of significant interest, as well as the 17th Century frescos on the sub-choir, by Olivio Sozzi and Guglielmo Borremans. After the guided tour of the Church we’ll stroll around Ballarò street, where one of the most famous Sicilian markets is located. You will find fruits, vegetables, typical Sicilian street food.

    • Transfer to Monreale and visit of the Duomo
    9
    11:00 - 14:00

    Monreale

    Our guide will show us one of the symbol of Palermo, Monreale, which is just 5 kilometers from Palermo.

    The cathedral is an architectural masterpiece of the 12th-century, in which different styles are linked together: the architecture of northern Europe, Romanesque art and Arabic art. Outside, it is richly decorated by two bronze doors and the interior is illuminated by magnificent gold mosaics that culminate in the Christ Pantocrator in the apsidal basin as the highest expression of figurative art.

    • Lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to hotel in Agrigento and accomodation
    • Free time for visits
    • Free time for dinner and overnight stay
    5
    10
    09:00 - 12:00

    Valle dei Templi guided tour

    • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
    • Meeting with the driver and transfer to The Archaeological Park
    • English-guided tour

    It is the best-preserved Archaeological Park in all of Magna Graecia. You will explore the site which extends over approximately 1,300 hectares. You will learn about a millenary history that began in the 6th-century BC with the foundation of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas, see the terraced levels of the site that used to be a center of the public life of the ancient Greco-Romans and marvel at the aqueducts and walkthrough the core of the archaeological site of Agrigento.

    11
    13:00 - 18:00

    Villa Romana guided tour

    • Transfer to Piazza Armerina and lunch in a typical restaurant
    • Transfer to Villa Romana del Casale and guided tour

    We’ll discover the Roman Villa Romana del Casale in the town of Piazza Armerina in Sicily, one of the most precious jewels left by the Roman civilization in Sicily. Enjoy a guided tour of the villa, which probably belonged to Valerio Massimiano, a powerful patrician of the empire. Admire the spectacular mosaics as you relive the history of the greatest empire with scenes of daily life, depictions of heroes and deities, hunting scenes, and games.

    • Transfer to Modica, and accommodation in hotel, 4* city center
    • Free time for dinner and overnight
    6
    12
    09:00 - 13:00

    Tour of Ragusa

    • Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to Ragusa
    • Visit of Ragusa on the Baroque train

    With our guide we’ll see the most important buildings and monuments of
    Ragusa Ibla using a fascinating Baroque train, from Piazza
    Duomo to the Palazzo Arezzo di Donna Fugata, passing through the most important buildings and churches, like Chiesa di San Giorgio, Palazzo la Rocca, and the beautiful Iblei Gardens.

    13
    14:00 - 16:00

    Walking tour of Noto

    • Transfer to Noto and lunch in a local restaurant
    • Walking tour of the city

    Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits atop a picturesque hill and is celebrated for its stunning baroque architecture. During the tour, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicolò, a prime example of Sicilian baroque design. Another highlight of the tour is the Palazzo Nicolaci, an architectural gem adorned with impressive balconies and ornamental motifs.

    14
    16:00 - 19:00

    Walking tour of Ortigia island

    • Transfer to Syracuse and walking tour of Ortigia Island

    Located at the park’s eastern end, and separated by a narrow channel, Ortygia is filled with Greek temples, Christian churches, and Arabian streets. We’ll discover the Arethusa fountain and Piazza del Duomo, where the baroque palaces, such as Beneventano del Bosco Palace and Senate Palace are among the most beautiful in Sicily.

    • Transfer to hotel 4* in Taormina city center and accommodation
    • Free time for dinner and overnight stay
    7
    15
    08:30 - 10:30

    Daily excursion of Aeolian islands

    • Breakfast at the hotel and transfer for a daily excursion to the Aeolian islands.

    Today we’ll discover the enchanting Aeolian Islands, nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of Sicily. This volcanic archipelago boasts seven main islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi. Each island offers its own unique charm, from stunning landscapes and idyllic beaches to crystal-clear waters and active volcanoes.

    16
    11:00 - 12:30

    Boat tour of Lipari

    Now it’s time for a visit to Lipari, the largest island and the heart of the archipelago, where we’ll admire the picturesque Faraglioni, formed by ancient volcanic activity and sculpted by the elements. We’ll take a leisurely stroll along Vittorio Emanuele or via Garibaldi, immersing ourselves in the authentic Aeolian atmosphere amidst charming streets and shops.

    • At around 1:00 PM a direct connection will allow you to reach the island of Vulcano.
    17
    12:30 - 16:00

    Guided bus tour of Vulcano

    • Lunch in a local restaurant
    • Guided bus tour of Vulcano

    Vulcano, the second active volcano in the group, still carries the scent of sulfur from its last eruption in 1888.
    Embark on a guided bus tour (tickets included) to reach the “Gran Cratere della Fossa” and witness the breathtaking 360° panorama. We’ll also explore Vulcanello, the West Coast with the “Grotta del Cavallo,” “Piscina di Venere,” and the lion-shaped mountain. 

    • At around 4:00 PM, departure from Vulcano to Milazzo with an expected arrival at around 5:45 PM.
    • Return to the hotel, free time for dinner and overnight stay
    8
    18
    09:00 - 14:00

    Etna tour 4x4

    • Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the driver and transfer to Mt.Etna

    The day will start with an exciting journey through Etna Park with our itinerary which combines 4×4 adventures with off-road routes and short walks.
    We’ll also explore the remnants of lava flows that once threatened entire communities, visit dormant craters, and take in the breathtaking views from the Valle del Bove viewpoint.
    We’ll descend into the heart of the volcano exploring a lava flow cave equipped with helmets and speleologist lights, which will give us a unique insight into the world of lava flows.

    • Lunch in a local restaurant
    • Meeting with the driver and transfer to Taormina
    19
    14:00 - 18:00

    Ancient Theatre of Taormina

    In the afternoon we’ll discover the grandeur of the Ancient Theater of Taormina, the largest show venue in the Italian Peninsula.
    This Greek masterpiece, perched prominently, traces its origins to the III-II century B.C. in terms of layout. However, the monument we’ll behold today showcases its magnificent Roman imperial design, likely constructed during the reign of Emperor Trajan or Hadrian.

    • Transfer to the hotel, free time for dinner and overnight stay
    9
    20
    09:00 - 14:00

    Catania walking tour

    • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
    • Transfer to Catania and meeting with the guide for a walking tour

    On our last day we’ll discover the beauty of Catania.
    Our knowledgeable english-speaking guide will wander us through picturesque squares, and explore iconic landmarks, showing us the Ursino Castle and the Cathedral of St. Agata, the city’s main Catholic sanctuary, dedicated to the patron virgin and martyr, located in the historic heart of Piazza Duomo.

    • Lunch in a local restaurant
    21
    14:00 - 18:00

    Aci Trezza and Aci Castello guided tour

    Now it’s time to discover the enchanting fishing village of Aci Trezza on Sicily’s eastern coast, renowned for its stunning coastline adorned with towering volcanic rock formations called “Faraglioni.”We’ll also delve into the legendary tales of the Cyclops from Homer’s “The Odyssey.”

    Next on the top list: Aci Castello, another coastal gem in Sicily, boasts the historic “Castello Normanno” perched atop a lava rock overlooking the sea. This castle provides panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those in search of breathtaking coastal vistas (ticket included).

    • End of tour, transfer to the airport 3 hours before the flight
    22
    -

    Price and conditions

    Min. 23 participants

    To ask more write us > WhatsApp or fill the > Contact Form
    Our travel specialist will answer you in short time!

     

    Included:

    • Accommodation in 4* hotel with breakfast: Palermo, Grand Hotel Palazzo Borsa 4* (3 nights); Agrigento Hotel Costazzurra Museum Spa 4* ( 1 night);  Modica Boutique Hotel 4* ( 1 night); Taormina, UNAHOTELS Capotaormina 4*( 3 nights)
    • Dinner and lunches as described, 3-courses menu with water included (only in Vulcano island and Etna the lunch menu is 2-courses)
    • Transfers with 50 GT seater coach or below (according with the number of pax): from Palermo airport to Palermo hotel; from Palermo hotel to Cefalu and from Cefalu to Palermo; from Palermo hotel to Marsala and Erice and return to Palermo; from Palermo hotel to Monreale and from Monreale to Agrigento hotel; from hotel in Agrigento to Valle dei Templi, Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana del Casale to hotel in Modica; from hotel in Modica to Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse and to hotel in Giardini Naxos area; from Giardini Naxos area to Milazzo and from Milazzo to hotel in Taormina; from hotel in Taormina to Mt.Etna; from Mt.Etna to Taormina; from hotel in Taormina to Catania center and from Catania center to Acitrezza and Acicastello; from Acicastello to Catania airport
    • Welcome aperitivo at the hotel at the arrival in Palermo
    • Baroque Train ticket in Ragusa
    • Bus tour in Vulcano Island;
    • Private boat for a daily excursion to Aeolian islands from Milazzo (6 hours)
    • English-speaking guide: from the 1 st to the 9 th day
    • Entrance tickets: Teatro Massimo Palermo; Palermo Cathedral; Palazzo Normanno in Palermo; Mozia island (boat tour included); Erice funicular; La Martorana; Monreale Dome; Valle dei Templi; Villa Romana del Casale; Ancient Theatre of Taormina; Acicastello
    • Headphones connected to the guide

    Not included:

    • Tips and personal extras
    • Lunches and dinners
    • Landing fee to be paid on the spot
    23
    -

    This tour is on request for groups or small groups

     

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