Italy Sicilian Fantasy

Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Catania.

Upon arrival you are greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner, and overnight stay. (Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.) (D)

If weather permits, take an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Ascend to a height of 5,400 feet to visit the Sylvester Craters and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the Ionian Sea. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Mt. Etna. Continue to Taormina called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea", founded in 400 BC and beautifully located overlooking the sea and the peak of Mount Etna. Enjoy time at leisure to shop for handmade lace, coral jewels, ceramics, home-made sweets and preserves down “Corso Umberto” or simply walk through the tiny streets. You will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Greek-Roman theatre on your own. (B,L,D)

Depart to Piazza Armerina and visit the worldwide known Villa Romana del Casale - the richest, largest and most complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the world. Continue to Agrigento. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples including the Temples of Juno, Concord and Heracles. Overnight in Agrigento. (B,L,D)

Depart to the archaeological park of Selinunte, the largest in the Mediterranean area with the impressive Temples and Acropolis. Stop at a local farmhouse, where it will be possible to have an oil tasting of local production. Proceed to Erice, a medieval town full of myth, history and art on the summit of Monte San Giuliano. After the visit, proceed to Palermo. (B,L,D)

After breakfast enjoy a morning at leisure or join an optional excursion to Monte Pellegrino, the most famous mountain in Palermo. In the early afternoon continue to Monreale to admire the cathedral with its splendid 12th century mosaics and the cloister of the Benedictines abbey with its Moorish architecture. Continue with a visit of the capital of Sicily, Palermo. See the cathedral, the Palace of the Normans and the "Palatina" Chapel, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the historical center. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a day at leisure or consider joining an optional tour. Lunch is included at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Depart for Cefalú, a charming coastal town, renowned for its breathtaking Norman Cathedral with dazzling mosaics and the medieval wash-house built in the rock. Proceed to Castelbuono, a typical medieval village on the slopes of the Madonie. Take a walk down the main street, where you can admire the Church of “Matrice Vecchia”. and the "Castello dei Ventimiglia", famous for its Palatine Chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, the Patron Saint of the city. After the visit, stop at a renowned pastry shop to have a tasting of typical Sicilian products such as panettone and the famous artisan liquors (Rosolio) of various flavors. Have lunch in a farmhouse in Castelbuono. Proceed to Catania. (B,L,D)

You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.) (B)