 |
Day 1 - Day 1 (Saturday) Palermo
You are greeted at Palermo airport and transferred to your hotel. Late in the afternoon, after a brief introduction made by your Tour Director, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at local restaurant. | Day 2 - Day 2 (Sunday) Monreale & Palermo
After breakfast, your local guide will show you where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo, launched in 1174 by William II: here, the fine golden mosaics ceiling represent scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Then, to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of William II’s Grandfather, Roger II. Continuing, by seeing: Piazza Pretoria, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini, Via Maqueda with its “four corners”, a quartet of baroque palaces, left over from the heyday of Spanish rule of 1560. Then, we visit the Cathedral, built with various styles through the Greek-Roman, Norman, Arabic, Islamic domination. | Day 3 - Day 3 (Monday) Palermo - Erice - Trapani - Marsala - Palermo
Early departure to tour western Sicily. We will reach Erice-city centre by cableway. The Elymians settled the town of Erice, although at present day it is a medieval town; it was an important religious site dedicated to the goddesses of fertility. We wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous home made pastries shops, world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies, such as the almond and pistachio pastries. Then, to an olive oil factory and farmhouse, located in the lovely village of Fontanasalsa, to enjoy our light-lunch. In the afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala to the Salt Road, to tour the historic saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced nowadays. We arrive in Marsala and visit a local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later, back to Palermo. | Day 4 - Day 4 (Tuesday) Palermo - Agrigento - Leonforte (Enna)
Today’s drive across the vast countryside enables us to see Sicily’s great variety of sceneries. We soon arrive in Agrigento, whose history dates back to 580 BC. We go for a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we depart to Leonforte near Enna: this town boasts a rich production of wheat, citrus fruits, olive oil. Tonight we lodge in Villa Gussio, a typical Sicilian old-country hotel. The hotel is a jewel set in the green heart of Sicily, a magic place where history and nature blend to celebrate a spontaneous hymn to beauty. Dinner at hotel. | Day 5 - Day 5 (Wednesday) Leonforte – Enna - Piazza Armerina - Caltagirone - Leonforte
Our first stop is at Enna. It was a centre of great military importance under the Greeks and Romans. On the upper part of the town, stands the Lombardia Castle, the most ancient and best-preserved castle in Sicily. We continue to Piazza Armerina, to see the ruins of the Roman Villa del Casale. The fine mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. In the afternoon, we visit the baroque town of Caltagirone, known as “the city of ceramics”. Ceramics have been produced here for over 1000 years. We climb the Stairway of Santa Maria del Monte, city’s symbol made out of 142 steps, decorated with splendid glazed majolica tiles. Time for leisure. Return to our hotel for dinner. | Day 6 - Day 6 (Thursday) Leonforte - Syracuse - Taormina
Today we depart to Syracuse, once the most important competitor to Athens. Colonists from Corinth founded Syracuse in 735 B.C. On arrival, we walk on Ortygia Island, the heart of the city centre. In the afternoon, our guided visit through archaeological area shows the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. Then, we drive along the coast to Taormina, world famous resort of Sicily for its views and atmosphere. | Day 7 - Day 7 (Friday) Taormina - Mount Etna - Santa Venerina - Taormina
A short drive takes us to the slopes of Mt. Etna. Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we experience the lava fields and incredible views of Europe’s highest volcano, and one of the most active. Then to a winery and farmhouse, located in the lovely village of Santa Venerina. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and rural food. We indulge in a typical light-lunch at the farmhouse. In the afternoon, back to Taormina and time at leisure. Tonight we gather for a Farewell Dinner at local restaurant. | Day 8 - Day 8 (Saturday) Taormina - Catania
Time to say goodbye to Sicily, as we are transferred to Catania Airport (CTA) for our return flight. |
|
|
