Italy Sicilian Explorer Escorted Vacation

Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel. (D) 

After a buffet breakfast, you will depart for Syracuse to visit the archaeological area "Neapolis" including the famous Greek theatre, Latomie of the Paradise and the "Dyonisios Ear". Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city center of Siracusa; visit the Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethuse Fountain and the Temple of Apollo. Lunch is on your own. Later in the afternoon return to the hotel in Catania. (B)

After a buffet breakfast, you will depart for a nice walking tour of Catania, stroll through the city centre and visit the famous fish market "A PISCARIA," one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. This authentic experience immerses you in the vibrant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily, offering a unique and atmospheric encounter. Depart to Ragusa where you will indulge in a tasting session featuring aritsan cheeses and Sicilian specialties, creating a delightful light lunch experience. Visit the enchanting historical centre "Ibla," with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dinner and overnight in Ragusa. (B,D)

After a buffet breakfast, you will depart for Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, you will continue to Marsala, a western coastal city famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth century balio, which rises in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking. Enjoy a wine tasting/light dinner at sunset. Overnight in Marsala. (B)

In the morning, depart for Erice village, via the spectacular "Salt Route", a road flanked by the salt pans, windmills, and the "salt houses" where they still extract the sea salt as the Phoenicians. Upon arrival in the hilltop village Erice, walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, the winding lanes, and inner courts where you will stop for marzipan and biscuit tasting. Your next destination is Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Here, savor a delectable "street food" lunch in the heart of the city. Visit the cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments. Continue your visit by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Citta" Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and visit the Church of Santa Caterina. Overnight in Palermo. (B,L)

After a buffet breakfast visit the town of Monreale, situated on a hill just a short distance from Palermo in a panoramic position. Visit the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style. Continue to Cefalù, a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Enjoy a walk to the city centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse. Free time at your disposal to explore the town, shop, and have lunch on your own. Proceed to Taormina through the coastal road passing through Messina from where we’ll have the chance to admire the suggestive scenery of the Strait of Messina. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time for dinner this evening. Overnight in Taormina. (B)

After a buffet breakfast, embark on an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. Weather conditions permitting, across fascinating landscape with different kind of vegetation, a mixture of citrus groves, vineyards and fruit trees. We will reach a height of 1800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where we’ll enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea. Stop at a local winery on the eastern slopes of Etna and visit a prestigious cellar. We will have the opportunity to taste different local wines accompanied by local cheese and cold cuts. In the afternoon return to Taormina, where you will have some time at your leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. Consider a visit the Greek Roman Theatre on your own. Free time for dinner this evening. Overnight in Taormina.. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be privately transferred to the Catania Airport as you depart for your next destination. (B)