Sicily of Saint Paul

Day 1. United States – Catania

Depart from the United States on an overnight transatlantic flight to Catania, with connections as required. Meals and overnight aboard the aircraft.

Day 2. Arrival in Catania

Upon arrival at Catania Airport, complete immigration and baggage formalities before meeting our local representative. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and time to rest.

Depending on the confirmed flight schedule, we will enjoy a panoramic introduction to Catania, the principal city on Sicily’s eastern coast. The city is distinguished by its beautiful Baroque architecture and the dark volcanic stone used in many of its buildings.

Dinner and overnight in Catania.

Day 3. Catania – Mount Etna – Taormina – Catania

After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, weather and volcanic conditions permitting. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and has profoundly shaped Sicily’s landscape, agriculture, culture, and history.

Our motorcoach will ascend to the Sapienza Refuge, situated approximately 5,900 feet above sea level. Here, we will see the Silvestri Craters and admire the region’s dramatic volcanic formations and almost lunar landscapes.

Continue to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most beautiful and celebrated towns. During our panoramic visit, we will discover its historic center and enjoy views of the Ionian coastline and Mount Etna.

Return to Catania. Full board and overnight in Catania.

Day 4. Catania – Messina – Syracuse

Depart for Messina, strategically situated on the strait separating Sicily from the Italian mainland. Accompanied by our local guide, we will explore the city’s principal monuments and public spaces.

Highlights include the Cathedral of Messina, Piazza del Duomo, the Fountain of Orion, the historic Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II, and views of the Strait of Messina. We will also learn about the city’s ancient Christian and Marian traditions.

Continue to Syracuse, one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean world and a significant destination in the final journey of Saint Paul to Rome.

Full board and overnight in Syracuse.

Day 5. Syracuse – Noto – Syracuse

Today we will travel to Noto, widely regarded as the capital of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, the city is known for its harmonious streets, elegant palaces, churches, and warm-colored limestone façades.

We will visit the historic center and admire the beautifully restored Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Return to Syracuse. Full board and overnight in Syracuse.

Day 6. Syracuse – Agrigento

This morning, we will explore Syracuse, founded by Greek settlers in the eighth century B.C. and once one of the largest and most powerful cities of the ancient world.

According to the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Paul landed in Syracuse after leaving Malta and remained here for three days before continuing toward Rome:

“Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.” — Acts 28:12

Our visit will recall Saint Paul’s presence in Sicily and the arrival of Christianity on the island. When possible, we will celebrate Holy Mass at a church connected with the local Christian tradition, subject to availability and confirmation.

We will visit the island of Ortigia, including the Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the columns of the ancient Temple of Athena. We will also see the Fountain of Arethusa and the remains of the Temple of Apollo.

Continue to Syracuse’s archaeological area to see the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, ancient stone quarries, and the famous Ear of Dionysius.

Afterward, depart for Agrigento. Full board and overnight in Agrigento.

Day 7. Agrigento – Segesta – Palermo

After breakfast, visit Agrigento, praised by the ancient Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals.”

We will explore the celebrated Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Its remarkably preserved Doric temples bear witness to the wealth and importance of the ancient Greek city of Akragas.

Continue to Segesta to visit its archaeological site. Situated within a beautiful natural landscape, Segesta is known for its imposing fifth-century B.C. Doric temple and ancient theater, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Continue to Palermo, Sicily’s historic capital.

Full board and overnight in Palermo.

Day 8. Palermo – Monreale – Cefalù – Palermo

This morning, travel to Monreale to visit its magnificent Cathedral and Benedictine Cloister. The cathedral is one of the greatest achievements of Norman Sicily and is celebrated for its extraordinary golden mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Continue to Cefalù, a picturesque coastal town dominated by its Norman cathedral. Dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord, the cathedral contains an impressive Byzantine mosaic of Christ Pantocrator.

Return to Palermo for a panoramic visit to the Sicilian capital. Palermo’s churches, palaces, markets, and monuments reflect the many civilizations that have shaped the island, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish.

Full board and overnight in Palermo.

Day 9. Palermo – United States

After breakfast, enjoy free time depending on the confirmed flight schedule. Hotel rooms must generally be vacated by the designated check-out time.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Palermo Airport for the return flight to the United States, with connections as required.

Arrival in the United States and conclusion of our pilgrimage and services.