An itinerary suitable for school groups or for those interested in discovering the history and nature of eastern Sicily in a few days.
6 days / 5 nights - From Catania to Palermo
Morning arrival in Catania. Visit of Catania including: the Cathedral, Piazza Duomo, the baroque Via dei Crociferi, the Church of Collegiata, the area of the Benedictine Convent, and the characteristic fish market “Pescheria”. The tour continues with visits to the coastal fishing villages along the Ionian coast, especially the beautiful view of the Faraglioni in Acitrezza, inspiration for Giovanni Verga’s novel “I Malavoglia”. Continue to Acireale, cradle of Catania Baroque, where the Churches of San Sebastiano, Saints Peter and Paul, and the Cathedral stand as highlights.
Breakfast, departure for an excursion on Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, a giant overseeing eastern Sicily. At 2,000 meters above sea level, among roads crossing ancient lava flows, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Ionian coast. In the afternoon, transfer to Taormina to stroll through the characteristic alleys. Founded in the 4th century BC by the Siculi on Mount Tauro, later a prosperous Greek city and then Roman domain. The most famous monument is the theater, dating to the 3rd century BC, an archaeological heritage site of inestimable value with incomparable panoramic beauty.
Breakfast at the hotel, departure to visit Syracuse, the largest and most beautiful Greek colony in Sicily. Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, monuments of Ortigia Island including the famous Fountain of Arethusa, the Latomia del Paradiso, and the striking Ear of Dionysius. In the afternoon, transfer to Noto, UNESCO heritage site, cradle of Baroque in southeastern Sicily. Nearby, visit Villa del Tellaro, a Roman villa from the 4th century, recently restored revealing exceptional mosaics.
Breakfast at the hotel, departure to Piazza Armerina to visit the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, famous for its invaluable mosaics. On the way to Agrigento, if time allows, a short stop at Morgantina, one of the most interesting yet little-known archaeological sites in inland Sicily, with prehistoric and Bronze Age settlements. Continue to Agrigento to witness the sunset behind the temples of the ancient Greek city. Visit the Valley of the Temples, Sicily’s most important archaeological area, including the Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Juno, and Temple of Castor and Pollux.
Breakfast at the hotel, early departure for Selinunte, the largest archaeological park in the Mediterranean, with columns and ruins of colossal Greek temples. Optional visit to Mazara del Vallo, a major Sicilian port with historic center including monumental churches and an Islamic-style district “Casbah”. Visit the Dancing Satyr Museum, named after the museum’s prized bronze statue. Visit the salt pans of Marsala, reflecting windmills in the salt basins. In the afternoon, continue to Erice, a small medieval town atop Mount San Giuliano, notable for the Cathedral with its bell tower from 1312 and charming medieval streets.
Breakfast, visit of Palermo, one of Sicily’s most historically and artistically rich cities. Sites include: the Cathedral, Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Norman Palace with Palatine Chapel. In the afternoon, visit Monreale, including the Cathedral and adjoining Cloister.
