Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania

Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania

Discover the beauties of Sicily in a 8 days / 7 nights tour from Catania, through several Unesco Heritage Sites, ancient Greek and Roman heritages, picturesque baroque towns, panoramic views and masterpieces of Art, without forget the chance to try the local culinary delicacies.

All the accommodation are provided in centrally located 4* Hotels.The group size is variable , all departures are guaranteed without a minimum number of participants.

The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers, small groups, seniors.

Monolingual tour in English only during the April,May,June, September, October departures. 

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Catania

Private transfer to the hotel in the charming city of Catania. Meet with our tour-leader; dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 2 - Siracusa and Noto 

After breakfast in hotel we will visit Siracusa, the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily and World Heritage Site! The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius. We will continue visiting the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Siracusa. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence.! From Piazza Duomo you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most famous fresh-water sources of the Greek world. Free time for lunch. Departure to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared Unesco World Heritage Site. Noto’s Baroque is in fact a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. We will visit Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, beautiful noble residence in Baroque style and once the residence of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a patron of the arts. Transfer to Ragusa with overnights and dinner at the Hotel. 

Day 3 - Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Piazza Armerina

Today visit of Ragusa Ibla and its historical centre cradle of Sicilian Baroque. It is today stated among the 44 Italian WorldHeritage Sites. This little precious ancient town hosts more than 50 churches and many Baroque architecturaltreasures! You will be fascinated by its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful Dome square and you will love the“Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of the four main gardens in Ragusa… At 383 meters above sea level, from this beautiful garden you can admire a spectacular panorama!

 The tour proceeds towards Modica chest of innumerable Baroque architectural treasures and for this reason stated Unesco World Heritage Site. Walkingalong the tiny streets of this charming town, you will have a stop to visit Sabadì, one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers whose chocolate has been awarded as the best Modica chocolate in the last 9 years! You will enjoy a multisensorial chocolate tasting discovering the authentic Sicilian perfumes…  You will then be brought back to present time savoring some local delicacies under the shadow of the amazing Orti di San Giorgio: 7 gardens suspended between light and beauty. A breathtaking panorama will be the setting of your relaxing lunch! 

The day goes on to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, Unesco World Heritage Site, to admire the splendid polychrome mosaics! This majestic villa, belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments: you will love it!

 Departure to Agrigento. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4 - Agrigento, Marsala, Salt Road 

This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. As one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5th century.

Among hundreds of almond trees you will admire the rests of the ancient Akragas. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Proceeding on, visit of the charming and well-known town of MarsalaAfter a walk along the city centre, guided tour of the Florio Cellars. The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine. It continues inside the 3 

 fascinating barrel chambers, 165 meters long and running beneath 104 arches, under which After a thirty minute tour through the barrel vaults, where the ancient tuff stone floor has been restored, you will reach the avant-garde tasting rooms .

You will enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience!

The tour will continue visiting the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife, and also as an important site of industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Monreale, Palermo

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! Later you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. 

Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino,  While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past:  Visit of the wonderful eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, admirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, and a prove of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist.. During the day, you will have a stop for a surprise to taste the local street food in a local bakery. Free time for lunch. Along the path you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with 16th century sculptures. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 6 - Cefalu , Catania 

After breakfast transfer to Cefalù, charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit of its stunning Norman Dome and free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum. Arrival in Catania and free time for lunch. Later on the tour will continue visiting Catania’s historical centre stated Unesco World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The colour scheme of the city-centre buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows. The effect is extremely elegant! The walking tour will start from the scenic Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. . Continuing the visit enjoy a break in a historical bar of the city centre to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. Dinner at the hotel or in a restaurant nearby and overnight.

Day 7 - Taormina, Mt. Etna Volcan

This morning after a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, nowadays Unesco World Heritage Site. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you heading to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters, can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique!  You will have a stop to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna. Free time for lunch and in the afternoon visit of Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre which will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos bay and the Etna mountain! Free time for a nice walk among the picturesque Medieval typical narrow streets, to go shopping and looking around the local handicrafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more). The day will end with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Back to the hotel in Catania for dinner and overnight

Day 8 - Catania,Departure 

After a buffet breakfast,nd of the tour and time to say bye bye Sicily. Possibility to extend your stay in Sicily with additional nights. 

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• 7 nights accommodation in double room a selected 4* Hotel

• Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide (English, Italian, Spanish) for the whole tour, local guides or audio-guides where necessary.

• Daily Breakfast

• 5 Lunches at traditiona restaurants 

• 2 Dinners 

• Etna : visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey and typical Sicilian preserves tasting
  

• Catania : tasting of Sicilian “granita & brioche”
  

• Palermo : tasting of local street food
  

• Modica : visit of the well-known chocolate manufacturers Sabadì with tasting 

• Visit of a Winery and Wine Tasting in Marsala 

• Transportation during the whole tour in comfortable Air Con bus or minivan accordingly to the size of the group.

• Transfer in from Catania Airport 

Not Included : 

International flights 

Travel insurance 

All what not mentioned under "what's included"

All lunches except on day 3 

Transfer out 

Beverages

City tax where required

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Notes: 

Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night

Guaranteed departures

The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers,  seniors.