Day 1 – Tuesday: PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
Arrival on your own at the hotel in the fascinating city of Palermo (upon request, possibility of private transfer), free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 – Wednesday: MONREALE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
We will start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, departure to Monreale, a gem located on the hills overlooking Palermo. Here, we will visit the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics. The beauty and majesty of the cathedral will leave us speechless. We will continue with a visit to the Cloister, with its finely carved columns and lush garden. We will move towards Palermo, a city located at the foot of Monte Pellegrino. Rich in history and culture, Palermo is a true mosaic of architectural styles, the result of overlapping different historical eras. The tour will begin with a visit to the Cathedral, a jewel that combines Norman, Arab, and Baroque influences, reflecting the complexity and richness of Sicilian history. We will then visit the Church of Martorana, famous for its splendid mosaics and the harmonious fusion of Byzantine and Baroque architecture. We will head to the Palatine Chapel, located within the Norman Palace. Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon will be dedicated to a pleasant stroll through the historic center of Palermo. We will admire the Teatro Massimo and the Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, a Renaissance monument of great importance. Return to the hotel, free dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3 – Thursday: CEFALÚ - CATANIA (hotel in Catania)
Our day begins with a visit to the beautiful Cefalù, a picturesque coastal town famous for its Norman-era Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that will immerse us in Sicilian medieval history. Free time to stroll through the streets of the historic center. Alternatively, it will be possible to visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum. Lunch stop at a local restaurant. Departure for Catania, located at the foot of Mount Etna. Catania is a vibrant city rich in history. The historic center, with its late-Baroque architecture, is unique due to the use of lava stone, which gives the buildings a distinctive dark color. We will walk through Piazza Duomo, where we will admire the Cathedral and the Elephant of lava stone, the symbol of the city. We will continue to Piazza Università, an elegant space surrounded by historic and academic buildings. Walking along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of Catanese Baroque, we will admire splendid palaces and churches, including the Monastery of San Benedetto. Stop at a historic bar in the center to taste one of the local specialties: granita with brioche. Return to the hotel for free dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Friday: ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Catania)
After breakfast at the hotel, a brief visit to the famous "Pescheria" of Catania, the lively fish market. We will continue the journey towards Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Etna offers spectacular landscapes with lava flows, craters, and rich biodiversity. Here, wild nature blends with breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. We will reach Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for exploring the Silvestri Craters, ancient dormant craters. Along the way, we will stop for a tasting of artisanal honey and other typical local products. Next, we will head to Taormina, one of the pearls of the Mediterranean. This charming town, overlooking the sea, is famous for its timeless beauty and spectacular views. Lunch in a restaurant in the historic center. We will then visit the famous Greco-Roman Theater, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and Etna, creating a perfect blend of art, history, and nature. Free time to stroll through the streets of Taormina's historic center or shop at local craft stores. Return to the hotel in Catania, free dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 5 – Saturday: CATANIA
Our mini-tour of Sicily comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, our services are finished. Goodbye Sicily!
The program may be subject to changes.