Itinerary

Day 1

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

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 and represent the scene from the Old and New Testaments all in golden mosaics. Then to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of his Grandfather Roger II. Continuing, by seeing: Piazza Pretoria, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini, Via Maqueda with its “four corners” who converge Palermo at a quartet of baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dates from the 1560. Then, we visit the Cathedral with various style built through the Greek-Roman, Norman, Arabic, Islamic domination.

Day 3

Early departure to tour western Sicily. We will join Erice-city centre reached by cableway. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice and was an important religious site associated with goddesses of fertility. Wander through its' ancient streets and visit some of the famous pastry home made shops, world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastry. Then to an olive oil 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. Arrive in Marsala and visit a local winery's cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later back to Palermo.

Day 4

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. A guided tour showing the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we depart to Leonforte near Enna 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 the hotel

Day 5

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. Continue to Piazza Armerina to see the ruins of a Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. In the afternoon, we visit the baroque town of Caltagirone know as “the city of ceramics”. Ceramics have been produced here for over 1000 years. 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

A short drive takes us to the slopes of Mt. Etna. Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we experience the lava fields and incredible view of Europe's highest and most active volcano. Then to a winery and farmhouse located in the lovely village of Santa Venerina. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and artisan food. We indulge in a typical lunch at the farmhouse. After, we drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort of Sicily for its views and atmosphere.

Day 7

Departure to Syracuse, once the most important competitor to Athens colonists from Corinth founded Syracuse in 735 B.C. our guided visit through archaeological area shows the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. In the afternoon, we walk on Ortygia Island before returning to Taormina for a walking tour through the city centre. Tonight we gather for a Farewell Dinner in a great deluxe restaurant

Day 8

Time to say goodbye to Sicily while as we are transferred to Catania Airport (CTA) for our return flight.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Hotel accommodation in Superior Class Hotel: Palermo: Hotel Ai Cavalieri or similar Leonforte: Hotel Villa Gussio SpA Resort Taormina: Hotel Villa Diodoro Hotel my be substituited with similar

Exclusions -

Gratuities for Tour Guide, Driver and Local Guides

Extras -

Guaranteed Departures Year 2007
Mar: 24
Apr: 7, 28
May: 26
Jun: 9
Sep: 8
Oct: 6, 20
Nov: 3
Dec: 8, 29
TRAVEL FORMAT

This is an Escorted Tour with maximum 20 clients.

Tour is operated in English Language only and will be escorted by a Sicilian Tour Leader for the entire duration, have a fixed itinerary, fixed price and leave on fixed departure dates

LEVEL OF TRIP
This trip is designed to creature comforts. The accommodation is the best available, which usually means a combination of well-known first class hotels and lesser known gems with plenty of regional character and charm. The food is first rate, with a blend of haute cuisine and regional Sicilian delicacies, discrete and comfortable transportation, the guides are knowledgeable and charming.

SMALL SIZE GROUP: Maximum 20 clients

START/FINISH:
The tour is Land only; start in Palermo airport (PMO) and finish to Catania airport (CTA)

GETTING THERE:
Flights: We generally recommend that our travellers arrive one day before the trip starts in order to get their bearings and ease in to the new surroundings.
Travel Services: For the convenience of our travellers, we would be happy to assist you in case you need a special rate for your pre-post nights in Sicily.

MEALS DETAILS ON THIS TOUR
8 Breakfasts; 2 Lunches (or Light Lunches); 4 Dinners