DAY 1. ORIGIN POINT – CATANIA
Arrival at the origin airport to catch our flight to Catania. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel in Catania. This afternoon we will visit Catania. This city, the most important on the eastern coast, is mainly characterized by its constructions made of volcanic stone, and we will have a panoramic tour. Lunch and dinner. Overnight in Catania.
DAY 2. CATANIA – ETNA – TAORMINA – CATANIA
This morning, weather permitting, we will depart for Mount Etna: the highest and still active volcano in Europe (3,345 meters). The bus will reach the Sapienza Refuge at 1,800 meters above sea level. We will visit the extinct craters, the so-called “Crateri Silvestri.” The variety of flora is splendid, and the lunar landscapes along the way are also magnificent. For centuries, the volcano has created a place where nature, culture, and history have come together to create a unique landscape in the world. We will continue to Taormina for a panoramic tour. Return to Catania. Full board. Overnight in Catania.
DAY 3. CATANIA – MESSINA – SIRACUSA
Today we will transfer to Messina. We will explore with our local guide the most representative places, which we will see from the outside; the Cathedral, an impressive architectural work from the 12th century, with a marble facade adorned with figures and sculptures, the Fountain of Orion, a monumental fountain featuring a sculpture of the Greek god Orion and is a popular spot for photographs and relaxation, the Castle of Milazzo, an impressive 16th-century fortification overlooking the coast, the Strait of Messina which separates the Italian peninsula from Sicily and is famous for its natural beauty and unique sea currents. Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the historic center of Messina, is the perfect place to stroll and enjoy the architecture, the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II, an example of neoclassical architecture and still used today for functions and cultural events. We will then continue to Siracusa. Full board. Overnight in Siracusa.
DAY 4. SIRACUSA – NOTO – SIRACUSA
Today we will transfer to Noto to visit the capital of Sicilian Baroque, where we can admire the completely renovated Cathedral, following several years of restoration, which has followed traditional construction procedures. Return to Siracusa. Full board. Overnight in Siracusa.
DAY 5. SIRACUSA – AGRIGENTO
In the morning, visit of Siracusa: the largest city in ancient times, founded in 734-733 B.C. and called Syraka. It stretches along the sea, next to the island of Ortigia, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and offers visitors the remains of its glorious past: The Temple of Minerva, transformed into a Christian Cathedral, the legendary Fountain of Arethusa, the Temple of Apollo, the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater located near the Latomie, the Ear of Dionysius. We will then continue to Agrigento. Full board. Overnight in Agrigento.
DAY 6. AGRIGENTO – SEGESTA – PALERMO
In the morning, visit of Agrigento “The Most Beautiful City of Mortals,” where, today, you can still admire ten Doric temples that rise along the valley. Visit of the city and the famous and unique “Valley of the Temples.” We will then continue to Segesta to visit its archaeological site, where you can see the Temple of Segesta, an impressive Greek structure from the 5th century B.C. It is located on a hill outside the city. It has 36 Doric columns, and the Theater, with a capacity for 4000 people, is located in the center of the ancient city and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We will then continue to Palermo. Full board. Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 7. PALERMO – MONREALE – CEFALÙ – PALERMO
In the morning, we will transfer to Monreale, where we will visit its Cathedral and the Cloister. After the visit, we will continue to Cefalù, where we will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of the Savior and the Transfiguration of Jesus, which is the main Norman monument on the island. Return to Palermo. We will visit the city. Full board. Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 8. PALERMO – PALERMO AIRPORT – ORIGIN AIRPORT
Breakfast. Free time. The room must be vacated by 11:00 a.m. At the designated time, we will depart for Palermo Airport to catch our flight to our place of origin. Transfer to our place of origin. Arrival and end of our services.
