Day 1 | Catania

Welcome to Italy! Transfer from Catania airport to your hotel and prepare yourself for a memorable trip. This evening you will meet the tour leader and your travel companions for a short, introductory briefing. Then, treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant of your choosing and take in the sights at your own leisure without a guide. Return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 2 | Syracuse - Noto

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel and then departure for Syracuse, one of the most fascinating cities in Sicily, rich in history and culture. The first stop will be the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Here, you will explore the magnificent Greek Theatre, one of the largest and best preserved in the world, a true jewel of antiquity. Continue with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater, which is a testimony of the grandeur and power of ancient Rome. Walk among the evocative Latomie of Paradise, ancient stone quarries rich in charm and history, and conclude with the impressive Ear of Dionysius. Then onto the picturesque island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. The visit will start from Piazza Duomo, admiring the splendid Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, built on the remains of a Greek temple. Walk through the baroque streets until you reach the port, where it is possible to admire the beauty of the Arethusa’s Fountain. Free time for lunch, then afternoon, transfer to Noto, one of the pearls of the Sicilian baroque. Free time to discover the beauties of this city. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel. (B,D)

Day 3 | Ragusa Ibla - Modica - Piazza Armerina

Enjoy breakfast then departure for Ragusa Ibla, famous for its beautiful churches, the picturesque “Giardino Ibleo” and the magnificent baroque palaces. The city has been a location for the renowned fiction "Il Commissario Montalbano". With over 50 churches and numerous historic buildings, Ragusa Ibla will enchant you with its timeless charm. Then onto Modica, where there will be a stop at the renowned chocolate shop Sabadì. Enjoy a taste of the famous artisan chocolate, awarded internationally and certified I.G.P., as well as Slow Food. Light lunch in the beautiful location of the Orti di San Giorgio. In the afternoon, the tour continues in Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale. Admire the extraordinary mosaics that adorn this ancient residence, a unique testimony of Roman life and art. Transfer to Agrigento, dinner, and overnight in hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | Agrigento - Marsala - Salt Road

The trip continues to the picturesque Valley of the Temples, a jewel recognized by UNESCO. Here you will explore the magnificent remains of ancient Akragas and admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord, and the Temple of Hercules, authentic masterpieces of Greek architecture. The day goes on to the charming Marsala, famous for the landing of Garibaldi. Walking through the city, you will be enchanted by the noble palaces and baroque monuments that enrich the historic center. Continue with an exclusive visit to the Florio Cellars. The tour wine starts in front of the majestic giant vats of the 19th, still used to refine Marsala wine. You will explore the three suggestive wine cellars and then enjoy a light lunch accompanied by wines produced by the company. Then, visit the picturesque Salt Road, admiring the Islands of Stagnone and the salt pans, among the oldest in the world. These are still an important salt-extraction industry today. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight. (B,L/W)

Day 5 | Monreale - Palermo

After breakfast, depart for Monreale and visit the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, famous for its splendid Byzantine mosaics and the majestic Cloister, a perfect example of medieval art and architecture. The tour continues to Palermo, a city that stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino. Palermo is a fascinating mosaic of architectural styles, the result of overlapping different historical periods. You will visit the Cathedral, a masterpiece that combines Gothic, Baroque, and Norman elements. Immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Martorana Church and the magnificence of the Cappella Palatina, adorned with splendid golden mosaics. Lunch break with local products. In the afternoon, walk through the historic center of Palermo to admire the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, and the fountain in Pretoria Square, a Renaissance masterpiece that adorns the heart of Palermo with its extraordinary beauty. Dinner and overnight in hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Cefalù - Catania

The day starts with a visit to the charming seaside village of Cefalù, famous for its Norman Cathedral, an architectural jewel that dominates the landscape with its majestic towers. Free time to walk through the cobbled streets of the old town or visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum, which houses a collection of art and archaeology. Lunch stop in a local restaurant to taste the delights of Sicilian cuisine. Departure for Catania. The visit will start in the historic center with its unique and unmistakable late-baroque style with the use of the lava stone of Etna. You will cross Duomo Square, the beating heart of the city, admiring the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the famous Elephant of lava stone, a symbol of Catania. You will continue towards University Square, and walk along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of the Baroque in Catania, where stands the Monastery of San Benedetto, a Baroque building rich in history and grandeur. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 | Etna - Taormina

After breakfast, enjoy a short visit of the historic and lively fish market in Catania called “pescheria”. Depart for an excursion on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350m). Its majesty and lunar landscape offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. Once we reach the Rifugio Sapienza, you will visit the “Crateri Silvestri”, two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste artisanal honey and other local products. The trip continues to Taormina, famous for its natural beauty and historical charm. Lunch in a restaurant in the old town, tasting local specialties. Visit the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea and Mount Etna. Free time to walk through the picturesque streets of Taormina, go shopping in the local craft shops, or just relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this charming town. Back in Catania for dinner on your own and overnight in hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 | Catania

Breakfast at the hotel and then a transfer to Catania airport for your flight home. (B)