Overnight Experiences Catania

Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania



Discover the beauties of Sicily in a 8 days / 7 nights tour from Catania, through several Unesco Heritage Sites, ancient Greek and Roman heritages, picturesque baroque towns, panoramic views and masterpieces of Art, without forget the chance to try the local culinary delicacies.


All the accommodation are provided in centrally located 4* Hotels.The group size is variable , all departures are guaranteed without a minimum number of participants.


The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers, small groups, seniors.
Monolingual tour in English only during the April,May,June, September, October departures.

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Itinerary


Day 1 - Catania


Welcome to Sicily ! Private transfer from Catania Airport to the Hotel . Check in . At the Hotel's reception you will find all the information and a board with the informations about the next day pick up from the Hotel. Dinner on your own and in overnight in Catania



Day 2 - Siracusa and Noto


After breakfast in hotel we will visit Siracusa, the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily and World Heritage Site! The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius. We will continue visiting the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Siracusa. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence.! From Piazza Duomo you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most famous fresh-water sources of the Greek world. Free time for lunch. Departure to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared Unesco World Heritage Site. Noto’s Baroque is in fact a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. We will visit Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, beautiful noble residence in Baroque style and once the residence of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a patron of the arts. Transfer to Ragusa with overnights and dinner at the Hotel.


Day 3 - Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Piazza Armerina


Today visit of Ragusa Ibla and its historical centre cradle of Sicilian Baroque. It is today stated among the 44 Italian WorldHeritage Sites. This little precious ancient town hosts more than 50 churches and many Baroque architecturaltreasures! You will be fascinated by its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful Dome square and you will love the“Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of the four main gardens in Ragusa… At 383 meters above sea level, from this beautiful garden you can admire a spectacular panorama!
The tour proceeds towards Modica chest of innumerable Baroque architectural treasures and for this reason stated Unesco World Heritage Site. Walkingalong the tiny streets of this charming town, you will have a stop to visit Sabadì, one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers whose chocolate has been awarded as the best Modica chocolate in the last 9 years! You will enjoy a multisensorial chocolate tasting discovering the authentic Sicilian perfumes… You will then be brought back to present time savoring some local delicacies under the shadow of the amazing Orti di San Giorgio: 7 gardens suspended between light and beauty. A breathtaking panorama will be the setting of your relaxing lunch!
The day goes on to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, Unesco World Heritage Site, to admire the splendid polychrome mosaics! This majestic villa, belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments: you will love it!
Departure to Agrigento. Dinner and overnight in hotel.




Day 4 - Agrigento, Marsala, Salt Road

This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. As one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5th century.
Among hundreds of almond trees you will admire the rests of the ancient Akragas. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Proceeding on, visit of the charming and well-known town of MarsalaAfter a walk along the city centre, guided tour of the Florio Cellars. The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine. It continues inside the 3
fascinating barrel chambers, 165 meters long and running beneath 104 arches, under which After a thirty minute tour through the barrel vaults, where the ancient tuff stone floor has been restored, you will reach the avant-garde tasting rooms .
You will enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience!
The tour will continue visiting the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife, and also as an important site of industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.



Day 5 - Monreale, Palermo

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! Later you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art.
Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino, While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past: Visit of the wonderful eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, admirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, and a prove of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist.. During the day, you will have a stop for a surprise to taste the local street food in a local bakery. Free time for lunch. Along the path you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with 16th century sculptures. Dinner and overnight in hotel.


Day 6 - Cefalu , Catania


After breakfast transfer to Cefalù, charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit of its stunning Norman Dome and free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum. Arrival in Catania and free time for lunch. Later on the tour will continue visiting Catania’s historical centre stated Unesco World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The colour scheme of the city-centre buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows. The effect is extremely elegant! The walking tour will start from the scenic Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. . Continuing the visit enjoy a break in a historical bar of the city centre to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. Dinner at the hotel or in a restaurant nearby and overnight.




Day 7 - Taormina, Mt. Etna Volcan
This morning after a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, nowadays Unesco World Heritage Site. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you heading to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters, can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have a stop to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna. Free time for lunch and in the afternoon visit of Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre which will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos bay and the Etna mountain! Free time for a nice walk among the picturesque Medieval typical narrow streets, to go shopping and looking around the local handicrafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more). The day will end with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Back to the hotel in Catania for dinner and overnight
























Day 8 - Catania,Departure






































After a buffet breakfast,nd of the tour and time to say bye bye Sicily. Possibility to extend your stay in Sicily with additional nights.













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What's Included :


7 nights accommodation in double room a selected 4* Hotel
Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide (English, Italian, Spanish) for the whole tour, local guides or audio-guides where necessary.
Daily Breakfast
5 Lunches at traditiona restaurants
2 Dinners
Etna : visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey and typical Sicilian preserves tasting

Catania : tasting of Sicilian “granita & brioche”

Palermo : tasting of local street food

Modica : visit of the well-known chocolate manufacturers Sabadì with tasting
Visit of a Winery and Wine Tasting in Marsala
Transportation during the whole tour in comfortable Air Con bus or minivan accordingly to the size of the group.
Transfer in from Catania Airport


Not Included :
International flights
Travel insurance
All what not mentioned under "what's included"
All lunches except on day 3
Transfer out
Beverages
City tax where required
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Notes:




Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night

Guaranteed departures


The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers, seniors.

Highlights of Sicily Private 8 Days Tour from Catania

Visit world famous monuments and little-known corners of Sicily’s most stunning towns .Get a full immersion to reach history, traditions and culture of islandBe always accompanied by local guides who know it best. Experience Sicily though its gastronomy, wines, art and music .Get an authentic lifestyle experience and feel like you’ve lived in Sicily the whole life



The tours has been enriched with several wine and food experiences, tasting of local specialties and several meals included as well as daily breakfast and dinner.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Itinerary


Day 1 - Catania, Taormina


Upon arrival at Catania airport be greeted by your private driver, who will bring you to your charming hotel in Taormina. Once you are ready take an easy walk with your native local guide. He will reveal Taormina’s culture, architecture, natural and political history and tell stories about the Sicilian people and their traditions. Conquered by the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Byzantines and Normans, Taormina boasts a rich and fascinating history and a robust mix of styles. Discover little streets and hidden corners that gives Taormina a special charm. Visit the Magnificent Greek Theatre and get immersed directly in the life of Your first destination.
Overnight in Taormina


Day 2 - Godfather,Mafia Tour with Lunch


After breakfast meet your “mafia” guide in the lobby of your hotel and start a half-day trip to small antique villages Savoca and Forza d’Agro located on the mountains. See the places where the most famous scenes of Godfather movies were done and where started the love story of Michael and Apollonia. Find out the secrets of movie-making as well as true facts about mafia. Take refreshing aperitif in the most famous sicilian bar “Vitelli” and enjoy the lunch with typical seasonal food on extraordinary terrace. Be dropped off to your hotel, have some relaxation and be ready for sparkling Taormina at night.
Overnight in Taormina


Day 3 - Etna Mt. Tour with lunch in Etna Winery

On this day start your adventure with visit of Mt. Etna. Firstly, you will reach the base camp Refuge Sapienza, located at 1,900 meters. See the marvelous extinct Silvestri craters and take souvenir pictures of the area. There is free time to walk on the old lava flows. Then continue ascent until 3000mt by cable car and Jeep to the main authorized craters area (optional). You will be accompanied by an English speaking Alpine Guide. A 45-minutes visit in this lunar landscape is memorable.After hiking continue your tour to panoramic Winery located on the slope of Etna famous for it’s unique vulcanic wines and organic food. After guided visit of estate and cellars enjoy wine tasting (at least 5 wines) with pairing cold appetizers and light lunch. Drop-off to your hotel and free evening in sparkling Taormina.
Overnight in Taormina



Day 4 - Val di Noto Tour, Syracuse

After breakfast meet your private driver in the lobby and move to magnificent Noto. Enjoy an easy walk with local guide in town of UNESCO heritage – a jewel of baroque. While walking taste a famous Modica chocolate and sicilian ice-cream with extraordinary taste. After tour visit a family taverna for your fresh lunch. Be transferred to your charming hotel in Syracuse and enjoy this romantic town at night.
Overnight in Syracuse


Day 5 - Syracuse,Ortigia Walking Tour


Meet your local guide in the lobby and start 2 hours walking tour of Ortigia, Syracuse’s old town. Admire the majesty of the Apollo Temple before heading down Via Cavour, one of the most colorful streets in Ortigia, where local artists and aristocrats like to spend their evenings. See the Archimede Fountain on the way to the city’s Jewish district that was founded in the 3rd century BC. When you reach Duomo Square, you’ll be at the heart of Ortigia. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, and home of the stunning Duomo and the Church of St. Lucy. Your guide will also share with you a lot about lifestyle, traditions and habits of locals. Charm of this town is unforgettable. Free afternoon and evening to explore Syracuse on your own.
Overnight in Syracuse



Day 6 - Valley of Temples,Agrigento,Palermo


It’s time to say goodbye to Syracuse and move towards Palermo passing ancient Temple Valley. Your driver will pick you up in Your hotel. After approx. 2 hours, you will reach the Temple Valley where Your local guide will wait for you for 2 hours of guided visit of this UNESCO heritage. After visit enjoy a fresh seasonal lunch in local taverna and continue driving to Palermo hotel. Time to relax and free evening in Sicilian capital.
Overnight in Palermo



Day 7 - Palermo






















On this day discover the beauty of Palermo on this Walking tour of Palermo. Meet the local guide at 10.00 in Your Hotel. The Tour, led by a local expert guide, explores the fascinating mixture of Sicily’s capital. Be ready to discover Authentic Palermitan area. Pass through Palermo old town and the most important highlights such as: Martorana Church, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti & the Cathedral, listening the stories of your guide. Enjoy a Glass of typical Palermo wine and after tour relax with a free evening in Palermo.
Overnight in Palermo


Day 8 - Palermo,Departure






































After a buffet breakfast, private transfer to Palermo Airport. End of the tour and time to say bye bye Sicily. Possibility to extend your stay in Sicily with additional nights.













________________________________________________________________________________________________ What's Included :


7 nights accommodation in double room a selected 4* Hotel
All transportation with A/C Mercedes minivan / car
Airport Meet & Greet with Private Transfers

Daily Breakfast
4 Lunches at local farm / restaurants
Visit of a Winery and Wine Tasting at Mt. Etna
All other food and wine tastings mentioned in Itinerary

Porterage at hotels
Transfer in/out
Local guides where mandatory
Restaurant suggestion and reservation



Not Included :
International flights
Travel insurance
All what not mentioned under "what's included"
Beverages
City tax where required
Entrance Tickets
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Notes:


The tour is completely private
Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night
Minimum 2 participants

Guaranteed departures


The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers, seniors.

Wonders of Sicily - Monolingual tour in English from Catania




Discover the wonders of Sicily in a 8 days / 7 nights tour, exclusively in English language from Catania to Taormina.


The tour starting from Catania goes through several Unesco Heritage Sites, ancient Greek and Roman heritages like the Agrigento valley of the Temples , picturesque baroque towns like Modica , panoramic views and masterpieces of Art, without forget the chance to try the local culinary delicacies, ending in the Sicilian pearl, the town of , Taormina. The tour is a monolingual one in English only.


_______________________________________________________________________________ Itinerary


Day 1 - Catania


Private transfer to the hotel in the charming city of Catania. Meet with our tour-leader; dinner and overnight in hotel.



Day 2 - Catania - Siracusa - Catania


After a buffet breakfast, departure to Syracuse: visit the World Heritage Site “Neapolis”. The visit of this archaeological area includes the famous Greek theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the “Dyionisios Ear”. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre of Siracusa; Visit of the beautiful Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Doric Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethusa’s Fountain, and the Temple of Apollo. Free time for lunch and afternoon at disposal to stroll through the streets of the centre and for shopping. Return to your hotel in Catania. Free evening at your disposal to experience the city and its nightlife and to dine in one of the typical restaurant in the city centre. Overnight.



Day 3 - Catania, Ragusa


After a buffet breakfast, departure for a nice walking tour of Catania, stroll through the city centre with your professional guide who will charm you with the history of the city and visit the famous fish market “A PISCARIA”, one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. As old as the city itself, it’s a great way to experience the abundant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily, with a very special and authentic atmosphere. Depart to Ragusa, renowned for its cheese production; therefore, we will not miss a tasting of artisan cheeses and sicilian specialties
(light lunch). We will visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will continue to the reserved hotel where we will have time at disposal to realx at the swimming pool or at the Spa. Dinner in hotel and Overnight




Day 4 - Ragusa,Agrigento , Marsala


After a buffet breakfast, departure to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCOvWorld Heritage Site; visit of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles. Free time at disposal for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll proceed to Marsala a city on the western coast famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth- century baglio, which rises in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands.
The baglio was a property of Florio. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking.
At the end of the tour, we wil enjoy a wine tasting/light dinner at sunset.
Overnight



Day 5 - Marsala, Salt Route, Erice, Palermo


After a buffet breakfast, departure to Erice, 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. Arrival in Erice, placed on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Trapani and the Egadi Islands: walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, the winding lanes and, inner courtyards and stop for marzipan and biscuit tasting Continue to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. We will enjoy a “street food” lunch in the centre of the town and then we’ll visit the Cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments. We will continue our visit by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Città” Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and we’ll visit the Church of Santa Caterina. Accomodation at hotel and free time at disposal for shopping and dinner. Overnight



Day 6 - Palermo,Monreale, Cefalu',Taormina


After a buffet breakfast departure to visit the town of Monreale, situated on a hill at few kms far from Palermo in panoramic position. Visit of 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 built in the rock. Free time at disposal to explore the town and shopping and 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. Accomodation at your hotel and free time at disposal for dinner. Overnight.




Day 7 - Taormina,Mt.Etna,Taormina























After a buffet breakfast, 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 vineyard 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 back to Taormina, charming city called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea": enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. Possibility to visit the Greek-Roman Theatre on your own (Ticket €.12,00 p.p.), with its spectacular view of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Free time for dinner and overnight.



Day 8 - Taormina ,Departure






































After a buffet breakfast,end of the tour and time to say bye bye Sicily. Possibility to extend your stay in Sicily with additional nights.













___________________________________________________________________________ What's Included :


- 6 nights accommodation in 4* hotels.
- 1 night in a Wine Resort
- Welcome drink on day 1.
- Board in hotels: 2 Dinners (Catania on day 1 and Ragusa on day 3) and 7 Breakfasts at Hotel.
- Mineral water (1/2 per person) at meals in hotel
- 1 Street food lunch experience in Palermo including water and a glass of wine.
- Cheese & sicilian products tasting/ light lunch in Ragusa including water and a glass of wine.
- Almond pastries tasting in Erice.
- Visit of a cellar in Marsala
- Wine tasting and light dinner at Sunset in Marsala
- Visit of a cellar and Wine tasting on Mount Etna
- Transportation de Luxe motor coach* with free wi-fi *a minivan with English Seaking driver, normally not equipped with wifi, will be provided if the number ofparticipants is equal to or less than eight
- English speaking Tour Escort*
- Local Guides where necessary
- Whispers Kit (for group with more than 10 passengers)
- Porterage at hotels





Not Included :
International flights
Travel insurance
All what not mentioned under "what's included"
Transfer out
Beverages
City tax where required
________________________________________________________________________________________________

Notes:




Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night

Guaranteed departures


The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers, seniors.


Departures every Saturday from April to October 2024


The group size is variable , all departures are guaranteed without a minimum number of participants.




HOTELS 4 STARS or similar used for the tour :


CATANIA KATANE HOTEL****


RAGUSA POGGIO DEL SOLE RESORT****


MARSALA BAGLIO DONNAFRANCA WINE RESORT *****


PALERMO GRAND HOTEL PIAZZA BORSA**** or POLITEAMA PALACE ****


TAORMINA VILLA DIODORO**** or HOTEL CAPARENA ****