8 days Sicily In Depth
Experience the unique legacy of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans, crusading Knights of St. John, the Bourbons, Ottoman Turks and even the Mafia
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Sicily | On arrival at Catania Airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 10:00, 12:30 & 15:30. Relax and settle in to your hotel, located by the sea. After time to relax in your hotel, join your Tour Director for an orientation of this bustling port town. See the magnificient Duomo and Piazza and the elegant noble buildings of the Palazzo Senatorio. Later, enjoy a Welcome Reception with dinner and wine. Hotel: Il Principe Hotel, Catania / Welcome Reception and Dinner |
| 2 | Ancient Syracuse en route to Ragusa | Sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to the Syracuse's Paradise Quarry and its unusual ‘Ear of Dionysius' - a grotto in the shape of an earlobe with an unusual echo. Next door stands the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is also time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!' Continue around the southeastern corner of Sicily to Ragusa. Hotel: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa / Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Explore the Valley of the Temples & on to Palermo | Journey along the southern coast of the island, past the oil producing town of Gela to Agrigento. Join a Local Expert to explore the Valley of the Temples, Sicily's finest Greek sanctuary. Especially impressive is the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. Hotel: Hotel Palazzo Sitano/Mercure Palermo Centro. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 4 | Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans | Your Local Expert shows you the highlights of the city. Pass through the Baroque Quattro Canti and admire the beauties of the Fountain of Shame. Visit Palermo Cathedral which has been altered may times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. In Monreale, visit the finely-decorated cathedral and see its magnificent gold mosaics, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. Return to Palermo and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the rest of the city. For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, each with their own ambience and cuisine. Hotel: Hotel Palazzo Sitano/Mercure Palermo Centro. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 5 | Exploring Erice | (Relaxed Start) Wind your way up to the charming hilltop walled town of Erice. Walk through the labyrinth of quiet alleyways, past medieval churches and enjoy sea views from the gardens next to the Castle of Venus! At a farm near Trapani, sample some of the freshest olive oil produced on the island and savour a tasting of Sicilian wine, followed by a light lunch of delicious local produce. Back in Palermo the evening is at your leisure. Hotel: Hotel Palazzo Sitano/Mercure Palermo Centro. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine |
| 6 | Cefalu & the Taormina Riviera | Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour. Hotel: Hilton Giardini Naxos, Taormina Riviera. Meals: Breakfast |
| 7 | Taormina & the Dawn Coast of Europe | (Relaxed Start) our hotel faces east, so early risers may experience why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro overlooking the Ionian Sea and the snowy peak of Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and absorb the view through the crumbling arches to snowy Mount Etna. Stroll on to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina’s grandest building and further along the elegant Corso Umberto, the Piazza IX Aprile offers panoramic views. At a local restaurant, rejoice with your new-found friends over your Celebration Dinner of delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine, accompanied with exquisite Italian wines. Hotel: Hilton Giardini Naxos, Taormina Riviera. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 8 | Depart Catania. | Appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time on your departure transfer to Catania Airport. Transfers arrive at the airport at 06:30 and 08:30. Meals: Breakfast |