10 day unforgettable experience that permits to discover the traditions, colors, flavors and culture of a fascinating, complex and ever-so-unique island of the Mediterranean which is an "open-air" museum. Goethe stated that "Italy without Sicily wouldn't have anything to relate...it is here that everything starts!" Sicily is both a bridge between Europe and Africa and a platform between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Sea.
ITINERARY
DAY1
Arrival at the airport of PALERMO and transfer with escort by private coach to hotel - 4 star category. Afternoon tour of the historical center of PALERMO which offers the visitor 3OOO years of history due to the various peoples that settled there - Greeks, Muslims, Normans, Spaniards. With local guide, a stroll that may include the Cathedral, the Square of the "Quattro Canti", the Palatine Chapel, Mercato Vucciria, Piazza Marina, etc. Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant
DAY 2
Breakfast in hotel. Appointment with guide to continue the splendid visit of PALERMO's historical center - theater Massimo, Piazza Pretoria Martorana Church, San Cataldo, Casa Professa, Mercato Ballarò, San Giovanni degli Eremiti. Lunch and afternoon free - shopping and additional sight-seeing Dinner in another local restaurant
DAY 3.
Breakfast in hotel. Departure with escort by private coach to MONREALE, to visit the splendid Cathedral which is the masterpiece of Norman architecture dating back to 1174, founded by William II. The Cloister of the Benedictine convent built in 1175 exalts the spirit of collaboration between the Christain and Muslim craftsman - a totally mystical ambiance. Lunch on your own - free to discover a neighborhood trattoria. Afternoon departure to SEGESTA - visit the Temple, which stands magestic and solitary with 36 columns from the 5th century BC and the Amphiteater - places outside time...suspended between reality and dreams. Last Supper in PALERMO
DAY 4.
Breakfast in hotel. Luggage loading and departure - destination AGRIGENTO. Along the journey, visit of CEFALU and a stroll through the medieval historical center that includes the Duomo/Cathedral and the Museum Mandralisca. Lunch - free to discover another characteristic trattoria. Afternoon continues on-the-road to Agrigento - a city that amazes the minds of visitors due to the temples from 450 BC in the Valley built in the Doric style. Accommodation and dinner in hotel
DAY 5.
Breakfast in hotel. Morning tour with guide of AGRIGENTO's "VALLE DEI TEMPLI". A delightful countryside winery will host our party with the warm hospitality which distinguishes this island for a wine tasting and light lunch. Afternoon visit with guide of SCIACCA, this beautiful city overlooking the sea is famous for its production of the finest ceramics. Time for shopping . Late afternoon return to hotel and dinner on your own.
DAY 6.
Breakfast in hotel. Luggage loading and private transfer with escort -destination TAORMINA. Along the journey, visit of PIAZZA ARMERINA, in particular, the Roman building Villa Casale built between the 3rd and 4th centuries BC ! Villa Casale which once belonged to an Imperial family, is magnificently embellished with floor mosaics that humble today ourartisansand their fantasy.Lunch "on-the-road". Afternoon continues on to TAORMINA. Accommodations in 4 star hotel. Dinner in a well known pizzeria - Sicilian Speciality!
DAY 7.
Breakfast in hotel. Taormina clings to the cliffs high above the coast of Eastern Sicily. Its natural beauty has been boasted by writers since its founding in the 6th century BC. The location of the Greek Theater highlights their extraordinary ability to select a position where nature would embrace art and the gods. The guided tour of the city includes Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Corvaja and the Greek Theater w/a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and the Volcano Etna. Afternoon at leisure, lunch and dinner on your own.
DAY 8.
Breakfast in hotel - departure with escort by private coach to SYRACUSE. Guided tour of the archaelogical sight which includes the magnificent monument of theatrical architecture which was the most powerful city of the Greeks of Sicily. Syracuse was the city where Plato thought it was possible to realise his political utopia of an ideal state, governed by philosophers owning nothing and who didn't even know who their children were - so as not to prefer and favor them to others. Lunch in ORTIGIA - a charming and unexpected Baroque style island with an especially beautiful Duomo of the 18° century, once inhabited by the Greeks. Visit with escort. Return to TAORMINA...dinner on your own.
DAY 9.
Breakfast in hotel. Departure with escort and private coach/auto to visit the famous volcano ETNA. Return to TAORMINA, afternoon free with time for shopping. Special "LAST SUPPER"
DAY10.
Departure...luggage loading and flight from CATANIA
TOUR INCLUDES
9 nights with buffet breakfast 2 lunches 1 wine tasting
7 dinners
transportation by private coach, transfer by private coach or auto with escort.
Insurance (assistance, medical expenses reimbursement, baggage and personal effects)
EXTRA Transfer From /To airports and railroad stations are available upon request
