Classical Sicily - 8 Days

Arrive independently at your hotel in Catania or the charming seaside village of Acitrezza, renowned for its iconic Faraglioni (private transfer available upon request for an additional fee). Enjoy evening at your own leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, head to Syracuse to explore the renowned Greek colony and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, featuring the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise, and the Ear of Dionysius. Continue to Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse, to marvel at the Cathedral and its Sicilian-Baroque facade, concealing its past as a Doric temple. Stroll to the waterfront terrace from Piazza Duomo, overlooking the famous Arethusa's Fountain. Enjoy free time for lunch at your own leisure. Depart for Noto, the Sicilian Baroque capital, with its exquisite 18th-century buildings declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noto's Baroque style, characterized by elegant curves, floral patterns, and golden limestone, is a testament to 18th-century theatrical architecture. Explore Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a splendid Baroque residence. Take a leisurely walk in the town before heading to Ragusa for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Explore Ragusa Ibla's historic center, a cradle of Sicilian Baroque and a prominent filming location for the Inspector Montalbano TV series. This charming town, now among Italy's 44 World Heritage Sites, boasts over 50 churches and numerous Baroque architectural gems. The Cathedral in Dome Square and the picturesque Giardino Ibleo, the oldest of Ragusa's four main gardens, offer captivating sights at 383 meters above sea level. Next, head to Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overflowing with Baroque treasures. Stroll through its narrow streets, pausing to visit Sabadì, a renowned chocolate manufacturer that has claimed the title of the best Modica chocolate for the past nine years. Indulge in a multisensory chocolate tasting, savoring authentic Sicilian flavors like wild mint, orange blossom honey, and PGI-quality Sicilian lemon. Relish local delicacies amidst the enchanting Orti di San Giorgio, seven gardens suspended between light and beauty, with a breathtaking panorama as the backdrop for your leisurely lunch. Continue to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its splendid polychrome mosaics depicting mythological and historical scenes, as well as hunting and entertainment activities. Depart for Agrigento, with dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today's tour begins in Agrigento with a visit to the renowned Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Described by Pyndar as the "most beautiful city of mortals", Agrigento boasts impressive Doric Temples from the 5th century. Among almond trees, explore the ancient Akragas, witnessing the Temple of Hera, Temple of Concordia, and Temple of Heracles.
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Next, we head to Marsala, a vibrant Mediterranean city where Garibaldi made his historic landing in 1860. Marvel at the city's captivating colors—bright yellow, intense blue, strong red, dazzling white, and natural green. After a city center stroll, delve into the Florio Cellars. Explore giant vats from the 19th century and three fascinating barrel chambers, where millions of liters of Marsala wines quietly age.
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Conclude the visit with a delightful light lunch and wine tasting in the avant-garde Donna Franca and Duca Enrico tasting rooms. The tour proceeds to the renowned Salt Road, an ancient salt-extracting industry site between Trapani and Marsala, now protected for its birdlife and industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, check into the hotel, enjoy a dinner, and rest for the night.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Monreale. Explore its impressive Norman Cathedral, hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and the exquisite Cloister in Arab-Norman style, showcasing a remarkable blend of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry. Later, venture into the captivating city of Palermo, renowned for its rich history and art. Nestled on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino, described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen, Palermo boasts a diverse architectural landscape reflecting its multicultural past. From Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas and 17th-century squares, the city's Baroque influence is omnipresent. Visit the eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church, and the incredible Cappella Palatina – a testament to the coexistence of seemingly incompatible cultures, religions, and ideologies. Enjoy a stop for a typical local lunch, taking in landmarks like the renowned Teatro Massimo and the fountain in Pretoria Square, adorned with 16th-century sculptures. Conclude the day at your own leisure and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Cefalù, a captivating Medieval town on Sicily's northern coast. Explore its impressive Norman Dome and enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll or a visit to the renowned Mandralisca Museum. Pause for lunch at a well-known restaurant (not included). Upon arrival in Catania, discover its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical center with original Baroque architecture and distinctive streets crafted from black lava stone. The city center's buildings showcase an elegant color scheme of black and dark grey, accented with white limestone details around doors and windows. The walking tour begins at the picturesque Duomo square, featuring the magnificent Cathedral and the iconic "Liotru" statue, an ancient lava-stone elephant symbolizing the city. Moving on, explore University Square and stroll along the splendid Baroque Via dei Crociferi, the 18th-century gem of Catania, where the famous S. Benedict Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits. Conclude the visit with a delightful break at a historic downtown bar to savor the typical granita & brioche. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.

Start your day with a brief visit to Catania's renowned fish market, "pescheria." Following this, embark on an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano (approx. 3350m) and one of the world's largest and most active, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The regional park preserves 59,000 hectares of unique geology, flora, fauna, villages, and traditional practices like forestry, beekeeping, wine production, stonework, and carpentry.
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Marvel at breathtaking landscapes en route to Rifugio Sapienza, where you'll explore the inactive Crateri Silvestri, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The panoramic view extends across Sicily, the Aeolian islands, and Calabria, offering a truly unique spectacle. Sample local homemade honey and other regional products before enjoying lunch at a delightful restaurant.
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Continue the journey to Taormina, a charming town renowned for its elevated position with stunning views of Etna. Explore the Greek theatre, perched above Giardini Naxos bay, and the Etna mountain. Enjoy free time for a leisurely walk through medieval streets, shopping for local crafts such as coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, and pastries.
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Wrap up the day with a glimpse of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania for an overnight stay in the hotel.

Breakfast in hotel and end of services.
Option to book extra night in Catania.