Tour Sicily Catania-Taormina 2024

History

Itinerary

• 1st Day – Saturday: CATANIA (hotel in Catania)

Arrival by own means at the hotel in the fascinating city of Catania (private transfer available on request). Late afternoon meeting with our guide for a short briefing, free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

• 2nd Day – Sunday: SYRACUSE – NOTO (hotel in Ragusa)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Syracuse, a Unesco World Heritage Site, to visit the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily: the Neapolis Archaeological Park, within which are the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Latomie del Paradiso, as well as the impressive Ear of Dionysius.

We will continue our visit with the historical centre of Ortigia, where you will be enchanted by the harmony of the buildings in Piazza Duomo, first and foremost the Cathedral whose façade, a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque, conceals the columns of what was once a sacred temple in Doric style.

Strolling along the delightful alleyways of the centre, we arrive near the port, where the famous Arethusa spring, of mythological memory, is located.

Free lunch. In the early afternoon we will move on to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque known as the ‘stone garden’, rich in splendid buildings and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inspired by the ideal of the ‘open city’, it is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of the theatrical tastes of 18th-century architecture. We will stroll through the streets of the centre to admire the skill and ingenuity of the local craftsmen. The Baroque of Noto is in fact a play of elegant curves, floral interlacing, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and cherubs adorning the façades of churches and monasteries. Visit to Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a wonderful noble residence in pure Baroque style that was once the home of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture. Free time for a stroll. Transfer to Ragusa with dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

• Day 3 – Monday: RAGUSA IBLA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA (Hotel in Agrigento)

After breakfast at the hotel we will continue on to Ragusa Ibla, the cradle of the late Sicilian Baroque with its beautiful churches and Ibleo garden. Made famous by the TV drama Commissario Montalbano, Ragusa is now one of the 44 Italian sites listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. This wonderful ancient city has more than fifty churches and numerous Baroque-style palaces. We will then stop in Modica, a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, also a Unesco World Heritage Site.

During the visit, we will stop at one of the most renowned chocolate shops in the Hyblean town, Sabadì, whose chocolate has received international recognition over the past nine years. Continuing on, you will be fascinated by a visit to the 17th century Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi, with a spectacular view over the city! Once inside, you will have the feeling of being catapulted back to 1903, when time seems to have stood still here. The unchanged appearance of the house, the original furnishings and collections preserve the memory of the families who lived here, telling a ‘slice’ of life of the Modican nobility. You will return to the present amidst the coolness of the Orti di San Giorgio, seven gardens suspended between light and beauty. Tasting typical local dishes, you will enjoy the panorama that opens up before you.

We will then continue in the direction of Piazza Armerina and the afternoon will be dedicated to a visit to the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, dating from the late imperial period and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A majestic villa that may have belonged to a member of the Roman senatorial aristocracy, it features a monumental entrance and an incomparable mosaic extension with hunting and leisure scenes and episodes from mythology and daily life. Transfer to the hotel in Agrigento, dinner and overnight stay.

• Day 4 – Tuesday: AGRIGENTO – MARSALA – SALINE (hotel in Palermo)

Our tour begins today with a visit to the famous Valley of the Temples, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, where among the almond trees stand the remains of ancient Akragas, described by Pindar as “the most beautiful city built by mortals”. You can admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Hercules. A journey through mythology, history and nature… Leaving Agrigento we will move on to discover the delightful town of Marsala, in whose port Garibaldi landed in May 1860.

Marsala is a Mediterranean and modern city, divided between sea and land, characterised by the colours yellow tufa, blue sea, sunset red, salt white and vineyard green. We will stroll through the streets of the centre where ancient noble palaces, monuments, and imposing Baroque churches stand out. We will continue with a guided tour inside the historic Cantine Florio, a journey that begins in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the ageing of Marsala, and continues inside the 3 fascinating barrel cellars, 165 metres long and interspersed with no less than 104 arches. After a tour through the barrel cellars, where the ancient tufa floors have been restored, we will enter the state-of-the-art tasting rooms where we will stop for lunch and a tasting of local wines.

We will then move along the famous Via del Sale (Salt Road) to admire the Stagnone islands and salt pans… a lagoon that is also a nature reserve. The shallow, warm seabed is home to many species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans and a rich aquatic vegetation. Even today, the salt pans represent one of the oldest salt extraction industries in the world! In the evening, accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight stay in Palermo.

• Day 5 – Wednesday: MONREALE – PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is dedicated to discovering Monreale, where we will visit the imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral, defined as the eighth wonder of the world, and the splendid Cloister, an admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture and inlaid stonework! Continue on to Palermo. The city lies at the foot of Monte Pellegrino on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen.

In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, the historical eras revealed by the different architectural styles overlap. Its millennial history has given it an artistic and architectural heritage ranging from the remains of Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas, aristocratic palaces and 17th-century squares, Baroque churches and Neoclassical theatres. The residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments from the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful Cathedral, the Church of the Martorana, one of the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and the Palatine Chapel, the highest example from a historical-artistic point of view, of the coexistence of apparently irreconcilable cultures, religions and ways of thinking, as Byzantine, Muslim and Latin craftsmen were involved in the wise management of power by Roger II.

Along the way, you will stop for a typical lunch with local products. Afterwards, you will be able to admire the splendid Teatro Massimo and the controversial Piazza Pretoria fountain, adorned with 16th-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

• Day 6 – Thursday : CEFALÙ – CATANIA (hotel in Catania)

After breakfast, departure in the direction of Cefalù, a charming seaside village with a medieval appearance overlooking the Mediterranean and embellished by the Norman-era cathedral. Stroll along the streets of the centre and possibility, for those who wish, to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Stop for lunch at a renowned restaurant.

The tour will continue on to Catania, where we will visit the city’s historic centre and its Baroque architecture, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are countless hidden treasures in this fascinating city whose late Baroque architecture is made unique by the use of lava stone. We will pass through the scenic Piazza del Duomo with its splendid Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (symbol of the city) and continue to Piazza Università.

Strolling through the streets of the centre we will visit the beautiful Via dei Crociferi, the baroque heart of the city where the Monastery of St Benedict, made famous by Verga’s novel “Storia di una Capinera”, is located. Stop at a bar in the historic centre to taste the typical granita with brioche. Accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight stay.

• Day 7 – Friday: ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Taormina)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will make a quick visit to the historic “pescheria” (old fish market) before setting off to explore Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 m) and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Etna Park with its 59,000 hectares is unique for its extremely varied and rich flora and the protected species that populate it. Today, vineyards, olive groves, pistachio groves, hazelnut groves and orchards surround the volcano, testifying to the area’s widespread agricultural vocation, characterised by the presence of local varieties.

The first glimpses of interesting landscapes can be seen as we reach the Rifugio Sapienza. From there we reach the Crateri Silvestri, volcanic cones dating back to 1888, now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows. The panorama that can be enjoyed through the multitude of craters is a truly unique spectacle! During the morning we will have the opportunity to taste local artisanal honey and various local products. Stop for lunch at a delicious restaurant. Continuation to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauty, historical monuments and its unforgettable sea panorama with a privileged view of Mount Etna! Visit to the fascinating Greco-Roman theatre with its breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naxos. Free time to stroll along the delightful mediaeval alleyways of the centre and do some shopping, taking advantage of the countless shops offering the best handicrafts from all over the island (lace, ceramics, coral jewellery and splendid lava stone work, perfumes, sweets and much more…). Accommodation in a hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

• Day 8 – Saturday: CASTELMOLA – SAVOCA (Hotel in Taormina)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Castelmola, just beyond Taormina, on the top of a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. A small village characterised by picturesque narrow mediaeval alleyways, small squares and ancient churches, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy! Visit the highest point, following a delightful path from the main square, Piazza Sant’Antonino, with its extraordinary mosaic of white stone alternating with lava stone, to the ruins of Mola Castle, of Greek-Byzantine origin. We continue to Savoca, perched on a rocky hill, included in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Nestled in the lush expanse of the Valle d’Agrò, Savoca preserves in its territory vestiges of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque origin. You will visit the famous open-air set of Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘The Godfather’ and, strolling through the delightful alleyways, you will pause in front of the famous ‘Vitelli’ bar. You will find yourself catapulted into one of the most famous scenes from the film, when the character played by Al Pacino meets the father of the bride-to-be and asks for Apollonia’s hand in marriage. Continuing the walk through the narrow streets of the town, you will arrive at the church of Santa Lucia, chosen to film the wedding scene. Return to Taormina and free afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Day 9 – Sunday: TAORMINA (Hotel in Taormina)

After breakfast, a free day in Taormina, described by Goethe as “the strip of paradise on earth”. You will enjoy the medieval town, its historical monuments, the colours and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation, relaxing moments by the sea and shopping for local handicrafts. We suggest a visit to Isola Bella, one of the most enchanting beaches in Sicily, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, thanks to its special location and the lush vegetation that characterises it. A perfect mix of tropical plants and local flora! Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

• Day 10 – Monday: TAORMINA

Our tour of Sicily comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, our services are finished.

Museum entrance fees subject to reconfirmation

• Syracuse Archaeological Park € 14,00 p.p. – Syracuse Cathedral € 2,00 p.p. – Noto Nicolaci Palace € 4,00 p.p.
•  Piazza Armerina Roman Villa € 10,00 p.p. – Agrigento Valley of the Temples € 14,00 p. p. – Monreale Cathedral € 6,00 p.p. – Monreale Cloister € 8,00 p.p. – Palermo Palatine Chapel € 15,00 p.p. – Palermo Martorana Church € 2,00 p.p. – Taormina Greek Theatre € 13,50 p.p.