Sicilian Fantasy | 7 Days

DAY 1:                                   PALERMO

Make your own way to the tour hotel (Mercure Centro Hotel, Via Mariano Stabile, 112). Day at leisure with dinner at your hotel. Overnight Palermo. (D)

DAY 2:                                   PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO

After breakfast, depart on a morning excursion to Monreale, re­cently included on the UNESCO World Her­itage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then en­joy some shopping. Return to Palermo for a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the im­pressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas, and mosaics with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon. Overnight Palermo. (B, D)

DAY 3:                                   PALERMO – ERICE – MARSALA – AGRIGENTO  

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a me­dieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, and archaeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. Visit a traditional tavern and taste region­al products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Continue to Agri­gento. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples, a UNE­SCO World Heritage site, and learn about ar­chaeological relics. Overnight Agrigento. (B, L, D)

DAY 4:                                   AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA

After breakfast, travel to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches. Together with seven other cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei, and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and the magnificent Cosentini Palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily. Overnight Ragusa. (B, D)

DAY 5:                                   RAGUSA – NOTO – SIRACUSA – TAORMINA

After breakfast, travel to Noto, a pic­turesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s centre. Continue along the south coast to Siracusa, located on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Upon arrival, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortigia, the most ancient part of Siracusa, home to a wealth of Ba­roque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 6:                                  TAORMINA – MT. ETNA – TAORMINA

After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, the largest ac­tive volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black mag­ma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight Taormina. (B)

DAY 7                                    TAORMINA

After breakfast, the tour ends. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

PALERMO: Mercure Hotel

AGRIGENTO: Della Valle Hotel

RAGUSA: Poggio Del Sole Hotel

TAORMINA: Hotel Splendid

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation in 4 stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Visit of Palermo, Agrigento, and Siracusa with local expert guide

–          Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites in Sicily 

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.

–          In case of bad weather conditions, the boat trip will be replaced with the visit inside to the mill “Mulino Ettore e Infersa”