Magic Sicily...from Catania
A magical island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea!
A trip around this island of the Mediterranean, which is a meeting of many civilizations that have characterized this land which brings out special emotions!
Highlights:
Excursion to the Aeolian Islands (Lipari and Volcano) UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discovery of small and picturesque towns of Sicily;
Breathtaking views of the Sicilian coast;
Excursion to Mount Etna;
Visit of the location of the movie "The Godfather";
Tasting of typical Sicilian products.
Program
8 days / 7 nights
from Catania to Palermo
Day 1: - Arrival > CATANIA
Arrival at Catania airport, transfer to hotel, free afternoon.
Day 2 - CATANIA > SIRACUSA
Breakfast. Departure for the excursion of Catania and its old town full of treasures that bear witness to its ancient splendors. The Cathedral and its Square, the Baroque Crociferi street, the Collegiata Church, the Convent of the Benedictines and the typical fish market “La Pescheria” are the heart of the city. Later in the morning transfer to Siracusa, the most beautiful and largest Greek colony in Sicily. When you arrive, you are immersed in a glorious era of Sicily. The Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the monuments of the island of Ortigia, with its famous Fountain of Arethusa, the Paradise Quarry and the Ear of Dionysius, whose acoustics produce extraordinary effects, are tangible signs of a great civilization. During the visit of Siracusa it is possible (optional) make a boat tour around the island of Ortigia.
3° giorno: ETNA > ACIREALE > ACITREZZA (Riviera dei Limoni)
Colazione. Partenza per l'escursione sull'Etna, il vulcano più alto d'Europa, un vero e proprio gigante, che sovrasta e "protegge" la Sicilia orientale. Arrivando a quota 2.000 mt. s.l.m., tra strade che attraversano lingue di lava di antiche eruzioni, si potrà godere il panorama mozzafiato della costa ionica siciliana. Si continua con la visita della "Riviera dei limoni" e dei borghi marinari della costa ionica catanese. Una sosta ad Acitrezza, piccolo borgo di pescatori, per godere della meravigliosa vista dei faraglioni, che la leggenda vuole siano stati scagliati da Polifemo ad Ulisse. Si prosegue per Acireale culla del barocco catanese, fiore all’occhiello della cittadina ionica e “capitale” della riviera dei limoni. Qui si visiteranno le Chiese di San Sebastiano, Santi Pietro e Paolo e la Cattedrale.
Day 3 - ETNA > ACITREZZA > ACIREALE
Breakfast. Departure for the excursion to Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, a real giant dominating and "protecting" the Eastern Sicily. Climbing to an altitude of 2,000 metres above sea level, travelling over roads that cross lava flows of ancient eruptions, you will have the possibility to admire the breathtaking view of the Ionian coast of Sicily.
The excursion will continue with the visit to the seaside villages of the Ionian coast of Catania. We will stop in Acitrezza to admire the wonderful view of the cliffs, which, according to legend were thrown by Polyphemus to Ulysses. Then we will go to Acireale, the cradle of Catanese baroque and "capital" of the coast of the lemons. Here we will visit the Churches of St. Sebastian, St. Peter and Paul.
Day 4 – FORZA D’AGRO’ > TAORMINA
Breakfast and transfer to Forza D'Agro, a medieval village very close to Taormina, rich in art, history and culture. It is also famous as a location for many films, the most famous "The Godfather" starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. The jewel of the village is the Norman castle, a fortress located on the most highest and most inaccessible part of the Valley, more than 420 meters above sea level, with a breathtaking view of the east coast. After the visit of Forza D'Agro the tour will continue to Taormina, with a walk through the picturesque streets of its historic centre. This wonderful town was founded in the IV century B.C. by the Siculi on Mount Tauro. It then became a prosperous Greek town which eventually fell under the rule of Romans. The most famous monument is the theatre, dating back to the III century B.C. It is the most important archaeological site of inestimable value and place of incomparable scenic beauty.
Day 5- LIPARI > VOLCANO (*)
Breakfast, early morning transfer to Milazzo to embark for Lipari and start the tour of the two islands by boat. After visiting the Castle of Lipari, Monte Rosa and Canneto, you will stop at the Cave of pumice for a swim. Continue to Acquacalda and you will go towards Volcano sailing along Vulcanello, where the lava has created fantastic shapes: the picturesque Valley of Monsters. Leaving on our right the Faraglioni and the Cave of the Angels, you can admire the bay of the Black Sand, renowned for its long volcanic sand beach and the impressive Gran Cratere della Fossa, the active volcano of the island. Eventually you will arrive at the port of Levante, where you will be greeted by the pungent odour of sulfur. Here a tour of the village, a swim in the mud pools, and (for the more sporty) a climb to the crater are not to be missed. Return to Milazzo.
Day 6: CEFALU ' > SOLUNTO
Breakfast and in the early morning departure for Cefalù, a small elegant bathing town and a renowned international tourist centre. It is also important for its artistic and monumental jewels: the Norman Duomo with its elegant Cloister of the XII century, and the evocative Medieval Washtub entirely dug into stone. Free time for shopping. In the afternoon, we will visit Solunto, located on the northern coast in a wonderful panoramic setting which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Day 7: PALERMO > MONREALE
Breakfast, visit of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, a city rich in history and art. A walk in the heart of Palermo will give you the possibility to discover some jewels of the city: the Cathedral, St. John of the Hermits’ Church, the Norman Palace and its Palatine Chapel. In the afternoon we will visit Monreale to see the Cathedral and the adjoining Cloister. On the way back you can hike to Monte Pellegrino, where the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia stands and where you can enjoy the view of the city and the bay, surrounded by wild and luxuriant vegetation.
Day 8: PALERMO > departure
Breakfast, free time until transfer to airport
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The perfect time for an excursion to the Aeolian Islands is from April to October
The tour of the Aeolian Islands will take place if weather conditions allow.
The means of transport used to visit the Aeolian Islands are motorboats, ships and hydrofoils. They are not for the exclusive use. During the periods of peak demand delays of the hydrofoil from Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands are possible.
Basula tour reserves the right to cancel the tour in case of adverse weather conditions.
If the excursion to the Aeolian Islands is cancelled, the following itinerary changed on the following days will be offered as an alternative:
Day 5: PIAZZA ARMERINA > AGRIGENTO
Day 6: SELINUNTE> SEGESTA
No refund in case of cancellation of the excursion to the Aeolian Islands.
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