Day 1: Palermo - Welcome to the Pearl of the Mediterranean
Arrival in Palermo on your own and check-in at the hotel. In the late afternoon, we await you for a welcome cocktail where you'll have the opportunity to meet the other tour participants. The evening continues with a detailed presentation of the tour by the guide, followed by a traditional Sicilian dinner. Overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 2: Monreale and Palermo - Between the Sacred and History
After breakfast, depart for Monreale, located on the hills overlooking Palermo. Here we will visit the majestic Monreale Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture in Italy. Its golden mosaics covering the walls and ceiling are among the finest and most extensive in the Christian world. After admiring the beauty of Monreale, we will return to Palermo to explore the heart of the city. Stroll through the historic center to discover the Cathedral, a mix of architectural styles that tell the city's millennia-old history. Continue to the Norman Palace, a splendid example of Arab-Norman architecture, and visit the Palatine Chapel, a gem of Byzantine mosaics. We won't miss the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic markets, where colors, sounds, and scents will envelop you in an authentic experience. We conclude the day with dinner in a typical Palermo trattoria, where we can savor local specialties. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Cefalù - A Dive into the Middle Ages by the Mediterranean
Upon waking and after a hearty breakfast, we will head to Cefalù, one of Sicily's coastal gems. This charming seaside town welcomes you with its historic Norman Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its majesty harmoniously contrasts with the small and narrow medieval streets that wind around it, offering picturesque views at every corner. Lunch and free time along its golden beach, where the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean invite a refreshing dip, depending on the season. In the late afternoon, we will return to Palermo. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Segesta and Erice - Between Ancient Wonders and Heavenly Views
After breakfast, we will head to Segesta, one of Sicily's most evocative archaeological sites. Here, the Doric Temple awaits us, a solemn and well-preserved structure dating back to the 5th century BC, whose beauty is accentuated by the natural setting in which it stands, with green hills as a backdrop. A short walk from the temple, we will find the ancient theater, carved into the rock and with a panoramic view that stretches to the sea. We will continue our journey to Erice, an ancient medieval town perched on a mountain. Its cobbled streets, flowered courtyards, and ancient churches will transport us back in time. But what truly makes Erice special is its location: from here, we will have a 360-degree panoramic view, ranging from the Gulf of Trapani, the Egadi Islands, to the salt pans and the distant African coasts. Don't miss a visit to the Castle of Venus, an ancient Norman fortress that dominates the town, and a tasting of the famous almond sweets in the historic pastry shops of the center. We will conclude the day heading to Marsala, where a dinner of local specialties awaits us. After savoring the pleasures of Sicilian cuisine, we will retire for the night, ready for another day of discoveries.
Day 5: Mozia and Agrigento - Between Phoenician History and Greek Splendors
After breakfast, we will head to Mozia, an ancient Phoenician city located on an island in the center of the Stagnone lagoon. This place, once a thriving commercial center, still retains traces of its glorious past. We will cross the calm waters of the Stagnone with a short boat trip, which will take us directly to the island. Once on land, we can explore the Phoenician ruins, walk along the ancient walls, and admire the artifacts preserved in the Whitaker Museum. Before leaving the area, we will stop at the pier to visit the Salt Museum, where we will discover the centuries-old tradition of salt collection in this region. Continuing our journey, we will reach Marsala, famous worldwide for its namesake wine. We will stroll through its historic center, where we can admire stately buildings and baroque churches. But the highlight of the visit will undoubtedly be a stop at the historic Marsala wine cellars, where we will have the opportunity to taste this fortified wine, appreciating its different nuances of flavor and aroma. In the late afternoon, we will head to Agrigento, just in time to admire the Valley of the Temples at sunset. This archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its Doric temples dating back to the Greek period, is illuminated by a golden light at sunset, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Ragusa, Modica, and Siracusa - A Journey between Baroque and Ancient Civilizations
After breakfast, we will head to Ragusa, one of the pearls of Sicilian baroque. Ragusa is divided into two parts: modern Ragusa Superiore and historic Ragusa Ibla. The latter, with its cobbled streets and noble palaces, seems almost like a painting. The Cathedral of San Giorgio, with its majestic facade and decorated staircase, is a must-see. After savoring the beauty of Ragusa, we will move to Modica. This city, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous not only for its baroque architecture but also for its chocolate, produced with an ancient technique imported by the Spanish. Here we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Modica chocolate, known for its grainy texture and intense flavors. We will have lunch in a typical trattoria in the area, savoring the delights of local cuisine. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Siracusa. Our first stop will be the archaeological area of Neapolis, where we can admire the Greek Theater, one of the best-preserved in the world, the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with unique acoustics, and the Roman Amphitheater. We will conclude the day on the Island of Ortigia, the beating heart of Siracusa. This small island, connected to the city by a bridge, preserves traces of the various civilizations that have dominated Siracusa over the centuries. The Cathedral, built on an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Athena, the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest on the island, and the Arethusa Fountain, a freshwater spring a few meters from the sea. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Etna and Taormina - Between Impetuous Nature and Ancient Charm
After breakfast, we will head to Etna, the majestic active volcano that dominates the Sicilian landscape. Its imposing presence, with the lunar landscapes created by lava flows and vegetation that makes its way through the rocks, offers an unparalleled natural spectacle. Once we arrive at 2000 meters, the adventure continues: we will take the cable car that will take us up to 2600 meters. From here, we will get on special jeeps that will take us up to 2800 meters. In this area, an expert guide will accompany us on a detailed tour, revealing the secrets of the volcano. We will discover the geological history of Etna, its most famous eruptions, and the ecological importance of this unique environment. As we move along the paths, we will have the opportunity to taste the honey produced on the slopes of Etna, a sweet and aromatic product, enriched by the particular volcanic blooms. For lunch, we will stop at a local farmhouse, where we can savor Etna's specialties: genuine dishes prepared with ingredients grown on the fertile volcanic lands. In the afternoon, we will head to Taormina, the "pearl of the Mediterranean". This town, perched on a hill overlooking the sea, is famous for its Greek Theater, which offers a breathtaking view of the coast and Etna. Strolling through the picturesque streets, we will immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of yesteryear, among artisan shops, historic buildings, and flowered gardens. We will conclude the day heading to Catania. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 8: Goodbye Sicily
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and end of services.
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