Sicily Emotions from Palermo

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer Upon arrival in Palermo (either at the airport or port), you'll be transferred and checked into your designated hotel. Before dinner, meet your guide/tour leader for a welcoming cocktail and an introduction to the tour. Later, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant where you can savor the authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Segesta, Erice, Marsala After breakfast, we'll set out for Segesta, home to one of the most beautiful Doric temples in Sicily. This archaeological site also boasts an ancient theater, echoing thousands of years of history. Next, we'll visit Erice, an ancient medieval village perched on a hill at 760 meters above sea level. This enchanting town will captivate you with its castle, medieval alleyways, and truly breathtaking views. We'll also have the chance to taste "ericini", traditional sweets made from the finest quality almond paste. Lunch will be served at a typical trattoria, offering local delicacies. Continuing our journey, we head to Marsala, renowned not only for its wine but also as the landing site of Garibaldi's Thousand. Historically known as "Marsa Allah" (Port of Allah) during Arab times, we'll pass by Mozia and the captivating salt pans for some incredible photo opportunities. We'll then visit one of the most prestigious wineries to taste the famed Marsala wine, crafted from quality grapes under the expertise of seasoned winemakers. Finally, we'll proceed to Agrigento, check into our hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 3: Agrigento, Piazza Armerina After breakfast, we embark on a journey to the legendary "Valley of the Temples in Agrigento", a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this mesmerizing location, you can admire five Doric temples, including the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Hercules, and the Temple of Concordia. These temples stand as a testament to Sicily's Greek past and will leave you in awe of their architecture and history. During the day, we'll stop for lunch at a seaside trattoria, allowing you to indulge in local flavors. In the afternoon, we move on to Piazza Armerina, renowned for its extraordinary Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale. Here, you can gaze upon thousands of mosaics depicting scenes from daily life in ancient times. We'll conclude the day by arriving in Catania, checking into our hotel, dining at a local trattoria, and settling in for the night.

Day 4: Etna, Taormina

After breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the majestic Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. This towering giant, standing at 3,350 meters, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and spans a vast area of 59,000 hectares. Etna Park is unique for its rich and diverse flora, populated by protected species, making it a natural treasure. Today, vineyards, olive groves, pistachio trees, hazelnut trees, and orchards surround the volcano, showcasing the agricultural vocation of the region and the presence of local varieties. Upon reaching the Sapienza Refuge, breathtaking panoramas await you. We'll continue to the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to 1888, now surrounded by more recent lava flows. The sight of the multitude of craters is a spectacle that will leave you speechless! During the morning, you'll also can taste local artisanal honey and various regional products. Next, we'll head to Taormina, renowned for its age-old beauties, historical monuments, and breathtaking sea views with a privileged sight of Mount Etna. The visit to the captivating Greco-Roman theater will leave you in awe, offering a panoramic view of the Gulf of Naxos. Enjoy some free time to stroll through the charming medieval streets downtown and shop, taking advantage of the numerous stores offering the finest island crafts. Lace, ceramics, coral jewelry, lava stone works, perfumes, sweets, and much more await you! The day will conclude with a scenic drive along the stunning Riviera of the Cyclops before returning to our hotel in Catania. Dinner will be served at a local eatery, followed by an overnight stay.

Day 5: Siracusa, Noto Post breakfast, we'll set our sights on the beautiful Siracusa. We'll start with a visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Latomia of Paradise. We'll then explore the city of Siracusa and its renowned peninsula, Ortigia, with its historic center and the famous Aretusa Spring, a freshwater spring with a captivating tale. During our visit, we won't miss the magnificent Cathedral built within the Temple of Athena, boasting its distinctive Baroque facade. Lunch will be at your leisure. Later, we'll proceed to Noto, one of Sicily's most beautiful Baroque cities, perched on a hill overlooking the southern coast. Noto is a veritable treasure trove of Baroque art, often referred to as the "stone garden" with its elaborately decorated palaces, imposing churches, and lush gardens. Notably, the Church of San Carlo, the Cathedral of San Nicolò, and the Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio are among Noto's most enchanting Baroque gems. Finally, we'll return to Catania for dinner at a local trattoria and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Catania, Cefalù After breakfast, we'll explore Catania, starting with a stroll through its historic center. Our journey begins at the bustling fish market, followed by a visit to the Baroque-style Sant’Agata Cathedral. You'll have some free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. We'll then head to Cefalù, one of Sicily's most picturesque coastal towns, boasting a charming medieval quarter that's a must-visit for anyone touring the island. We'll visit the Norman-style cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, which features a stunning golden mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, one of the most impressive of its time. The town also offers numerous beaches, including Cefalù Beach, located right in front of the historic center. For lunch, we recommend seeking out a local trattoria specializing in seafood dishes. You'll have the chance to savor fresh seafood dishes like pasta with sardines, grilled or seared octopus, sea bass, and fried calamari. In the late afternoon, we'll continue to Palermo, where we'll check into our hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 7: Monreale, Palermo After breakfast at the hotel, our first stop is the magnificent Duomo and the Cloister of Monreale, renowned for their exquisite Byzantine and Arab mosaics, making them some of the most significant Norman artworks in Sicily. We'll then proceed to Palermo, visiting the Cathedral and the Martorana Church, famous for its 12th-century mosaics and frescoes. We'll also explore the Capo Market, where we'll sample some of the world's most famous street foods, including arancine, sfincioni, panelle, pane cunzato, and other local delicacies. Our journey continues with a visit to the Teatro Massimo, one of the city's grandest architectural masterpieces and the third-largest theater in Europe. We'll also see the controversial Pretoria Fountain, also known as the "Square of Shame," adorned with 16th-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. From June 15th to September 15th, instead of free time downtown, we'll visit Mondello Beach for a relaxing seaside break. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Departure and End of Services We'll depart for the airport or port for your return journey, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of the beautiful Sicily. End of services.