Day 1 – Saturday: CATANIA (hotel in Catania)
Arrival at Catania airport and transfer by your own means to the hotel in the enchanting city of Catania (private transfer available on request). Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 – Sunday: SIRACUSA – NOTO (hotel in Ragusa)
The day begins with breakfast at the hotel. We head towards Siracusa, one of the most fascinating cities in Sicily, rich in history and culture. The first stop will be at the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Here, we will explore the magnificent Greek Theatre, one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, a true gem of antiquity. We will continue with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre, a testimony to the grandeur and power of ancient Rome. We will stroll through the evocative Latomie del Paradiso, ancient stone quarries full of charm and history, and conclude with the impressive Ear of Dionysius. We will then move to the charming island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Siracusa. The visit begins at Piazza Duomo, where we will admire the splendid Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque built on the remains of a Greek temple. We will stroll through the Baroque streets until we reach the port, where we can marvel at the beauty of the Fountain of Arethusa. Free lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Noto, one of the pearls of Sicilian Baroque. Here, we will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent 18th-century architectural masterpieces while walking through the elegant streets of the historic center. Free time to discover the beauty of this city. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 – Monday: RAGUSA IBLA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA (hotel in Agrigento)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards Ragusa Ibla, famous for its splendid churches, the picturesque Giardino Ibleo, and magnificent Baroque palaces. Here, we will immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere that served as the backdrop for the famous TV series "Inspector Montalbano." With over 50 churches and numerous historical buildings, Ragusa Ibla will enchant us with its timeless charm. We will continue our journey towards Modica, where we will stop at the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop. Here, we will taste their famous artisanal chocolate, internationally awarded and certified I.G.P., as well as a Slow Food presidium product.
Light lunch at the beautiful Orti di San Giorgio location. In the afternoon, we head to Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Roman Villa del Casale. We will admire the extraordinary mosaics that adorn this ancient residence, a unique testimony of Roman life and art. Transfer to the hotel in Agrigento, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Tuesday: AGRIGENTO – MARSALA – SALT PANS (hotel in Palermo)
The journey continues towards the stunning Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO-recognized gem. Here we will explore the magnificent remains of ancient Akragas, admiring the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Hercules, true masterpieces of Greek architecture. The tour continues towards Marsala, famous for Garibaldi’s landing. Strolling through the city, we will be enchanted by the noble palaces and Baroque monuments that enrich the historic center. Next, an exclusive visit to the Florio Cellars will take us on a fascinating journey through the enormous 19th-century vats, still used today to age the prestigious Marsala wine. We will explore the three captivating barrel rooms and enjoy a light lunch accompanied by the winery's wines. After lunch, we will drive along the picturesque Via del Sale, admiring the Stagnone islands and the salt pans, some of the oldest in the world, which still represent an important salt extraction industry today. The day ends in Palermo, free dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 – Wednesday: MONREALE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Monreale, where the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral awaits us, famous for its splendid Byzantine mosaics and majestic Cloister, a perfect example of medieval art and architecture. The tour continues to Palermo, located at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. The city is a fascinating mosaic of architectural styles, the result of layers of different historical periods. We will visit the Cathedral, a masterpiece that combines Gothic, Baroque, and Norman elements. We will immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Church of La Martorana and the magnificence of the Palatine Chapel, adorned with splendid golden mosaics. Along the route, we will pause for lunch with local products. In the afternoon, a walk through the historic center of Palermo to admire the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, and the Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, a Renaissance masterpiece that decorates the heart of Palermo with its extraordinary beauty. Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 – Thursday: CEFALÙ - CATANIA (hotel in Catania)
We start the day with a visit to the charming seaside town of Cefalù, famous for its Norman-era Cathedral, an architectural gem that dominates the landscape with its majestic towers. Free time to stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic center or visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum, which houses an eclectic collection of art and archaeology. For lunch, we will stop at a local restaurant to savor the delights of Sicilian cuisine. Departure to Catania. The city welcomes us with its historic center, where late Baroque style is made unmistakable by the use of lava stone from Mount Etna. We will pass through Piazza Duomo, the city's vibrant heart, admiring the Cathedral of Saint Agatha and the famous lava stone Elephant, symbol of Catania. We will continue towards Piazza Università and walk along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of Catanese Baroque, where the Monastery of San Benedetto stands, a Baroque building rich in history and grandeur. Finally, accommodation at the hotel, free dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 7 – Friday: ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Catania)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the historic fish market of Catania, a lively market offering an authentic glimpse of local life. Departure for an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 meters). Its majesty and lunar landscape offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. Upon reaching Rifugio Sapienza, we will visit the Silvestri Craters, two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the tour, we will stop to taste artisanal honey and other local products, discovering the unique flavors of the Etna region. The journey continues to Taormina, one of Sicily’s pearls, famous for its natural beauty and historic charm. Lunch at a restaurant in the historic center, savoring local specialties. Visit the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, offering spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Free time to stroll through the picturesque streets of Taormina, shop in local craft stores, or simply relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this charming town. Return to Catania, free dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 8 – Saturday: CATANIA
After breakfast at the hotel, our tour of Sicily, full of unforgettable memories and experiences, comes to an end. Farewell, Sicily!
The program may be subject to changes.