Discover Sicily from Palermo to Catania, crossing a land marked by cultures and traditions that still survive and are the pride of this land.
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8 days / 7 nights – from Palermo to Catania
Arrival at Palermo airport, transfer to the hotel, free time and dinner.
Breakfast and tour of Palermo, Sicily's capital, one of the richest cities for history and art. Visit the Cathedral, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel inside it. Then proceed to Monreale, where you will visit the 12th-century Cathedral with its splendid polychrome marble interiors, paintings, mosaics, and cloisters.
Breakfast and visit the historic center of Bagheria, famous for its Baroque villas from the 17th and 18th centuries. The most beautiful villas are Villa Palagonia, built in 1715 by Prince Gravina di Palagonia, and Villa Cattolica. Continue to Cefalù, a seaside town renowned for its artistic and monumental treasures: the Norman Cathedral, the elegant 12th-century cloister, and the Medieval Washhouse entirely carved into the rock. Free time for shopping.
Breakfast and departure for Segesta to admire the majestic temple and theater. Continue to Erice, a small medieval town atop Mount San Giuliano. Highlights include the Cathedral with its wonderful tower and narrow streets typical of a medieval village. Then proceed to Marsala, known for its wine and salt pans, where windmills reflect on the salt basins. Marsala is the famous city where Garibaldi landed with his "Thousand" in 1860.
Breakfast and departure for Selinunte, the largest archaeological park in the Mediterranean. The city is near the river mouth where wild parsley (Selinon) grows, giving its name to the city and river. Selinunte is full of columns and remains of enormous Greek temples. On the way to Agrigento, visit a winery for a tasting of local products. In the afternoon, proceed to Agrigento to admire the famous Valley of the Temples, the most important archaeological site in Sicily, including the Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Juno, and Temple of Castor and Pollux.
Breakfast and departure for Syracuse, the most beautiful and largest Greek colony in Sicily. Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, monuments of Ortigia Island with the famous Fountain of Arethusa, the Latomia del Paradiso, and the Ear of Dionysius, whose acoustics produce extraordinary effects. Optional boat tour around Ortigia is available. Then proceed to Noto, famous as the cradle of Sicilian Baroque, declared UNESCO World Heritage for its immense artistic heritage.
Breakfast and excursion to Mount Etna, the tallest volcano in Europe, dominating and "protecting" eastern Sicily. Drive along ancient lava flows, reaching 2,000 meters above sea level for breathtaking views of the Ionian coast. Optional ascent to the highest craters at 3,000 meters by jeep or cable car. In the afternoon, visit Taormina, stroll along Corso Umberto and the typical alleys. The most important monument is the Greek Theatre. Free time for shopping.
Breakfast, free time until transfer to Catania airport.
