9D8N Sicily Discovery

Upon arrival at Palermo airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, your day begins with a visit to Monreale, home to the magnificent Norman Cathedral, often hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” You’ll marvel at its splendid Cloister, an Arab-Norman masterpiece adorned with intricate sculptures and semi-precious stone marquetry.

Next, explore the captivating city of Palermo, one of the island’s most historically and artistically rich towns. Nestled on a bay dominated by the scenic Mount Pellegrino—described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen—Palermo is a blend of diverse architectural styles reflecting its multicultural heritage. From Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas and noble residences, the city showcases a mix of eras. You’ll visit iconic sites such as the eclectic Palermo Cathedral, the remarkable Martorana Church, and the stunning Cappella Palatina, each highlighting the harmonious coexistence of Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin influences under Ruggero II.

During the tour, enjoy a stop for a traditional lunch featuring local cuisine (not included, with a recommendation to dine at Antica Focacceria San Francesco). Along your journey, you’ll also admire the renowned Teatro Massimo and the fascinating Pretoria Square Fountain, adorned with 16th-century sculptures in the historic Kalsa district.

Optional: Cooking Class in Palermo

For a truly immersive experience, join an optional cooking class where you’ll learn the art of making pizza and gelato. Guided by a professional pizzaiolo, you’ll start by stretching the dough and preparing it with fresh toppings like tomato and mozzarella. Additionally, you’ll discover how to craft traditional “sfincione palermitano,” a thick, spongy variation of pizza unique to Palermo. While the dough rests, adults can enjoy a wine tasting, followed by a lesson in making creamy gelato. Throughout the class, you’ll gain insights into Palermo’s culinary traditions and learn tips and techniques to recreate these dishes at home. After savoring your handmade pizza and gelato, you’ll receive a digital recipe booklet as a keepsake, ensuring you can impress your family and friends back home. This unforgettable experience is perfect for all ages, offering a fun and delicious way to explore Italian culture.

End the day with dinner on your own and an overnight stay in Palermo.

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After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cefalù, a charming medieval town on the northern coast of Sicily. Here, you’ll visit the stunning Norman Cathedral and have free time to explore the town or visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum. There will be a stop for lunch (not included). Later, you will arrive in Catania to explore its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive Baroque style and unique streets built with black lava stone. The city-center buildings feature a striking color scheme of black and dark grey, accented with white limestone details around doors and windows, creating an elegant effect. The walking tour begins at the scenic Duomo Square, home to the magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, an ancient lava-stone elephant that serves as the city’s symbol. From there, you will proceed to University Square and continue along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, the most representative 18th-century street in Catania, where you will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the visit, enjoy a break at a historic city center bar to taste the typical “granita & brioche.” Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay in Catania.

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This morning, depart for Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe at approximately 3,350 meters and one of the largest and most active in the world, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The regional park encompasses 59,000 hectares of unique geology, flora, and fauna, as well as villages, farms, and traditional practices like forestry, beekeeping, winemaking, stonework, and carpentry. As you journey toward Rifugio Sapienza, you’ll be amazed by the stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” small, inactive volcanic cones surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view from here, extending across Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria, is truly spectacular. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste locally made honey and sample typical regional products. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch (not included).

The tour then continues to Taormina, a charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea, offering a celebrated view of Mount Etna. You’ll visit Taormina’s fascinating Greek Theatre, which will leave you breathless with its commanding view of Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. There will be free time to stroll through the picturesque medieval streets, shop for local handicrafts such as coral jewelry, fine lace, ceramics, and pastries, or simply take in the sights. The day concludes with a scenic drive along the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania for dinner on your own and an overnight stay

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After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Syracuse to visit what was once the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit begins at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where you’ll explore the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the Ear of Dionysius. The tour continues to the splendid Ortigia, a small island that serves as the historical center of Syracuse. Here, you’ll admire the stunning Cathedral, which dominates the square with its authoritative Sicilian-Baroque façade, subtly concealing its origins as a Doric temple. From Piazza Duomo, you’ll reach a wide terrace overlooking the waterfront, home to the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most renowned fresh-water sources of the Greek world. After some free time for lunch, you’ll depart for Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, renowned for its exquisite early 18th-century buildings and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noto, inspired by Baroque ideals of an “open city,” is a rare masterpiece and a prime example of the theatrical tastes in 18th-century architecture, where the local limestone glows with a sun-burnt golden hue. The Baroque style here is a harmonious play of elegant curves, floral motifs, perspective views, palaces, gardens, capitals, and ornaments that embellish the facades of churches and monasteries. Enjoy some free time to stroll and explore the city at your own pace. Later, transfer to Ragusa for dinner on your own and an overnight stay at a hotel.

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Today begins with a visit to Ragusa Ibla, the heart of Sicilian Baroque and one of Italy’s 44 World Heritage Sites. Known for its role in the popular TV series Inspector Montalbano, this charming town boasts over 50 churches and numerous Baroque treasures. Explore its stunning Cathedral in Dome Square and the “Giardino Ibleo,” the oldest of Ragusa’s four main gardens. From this elevated garden, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Next, head to Modica, renowned for its Baroque architecture and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the town’s narrow streets and visit Sabadì, a celebrated chocolate maker known for producing award-winning Modica chocolate over the past nine years. Experience a multisensory chocolate tasting featuring traditional Sicilian flavors such as wild mint, orange blossom honey, Sicilian lemon, and red orange. Enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Orti di San Giorgio, a collection of seven gardens offering a picturesque backdrop.

Continue to Piazza Armerina to explore the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its exquisite polychrome mosaics. This impressive villa, once owned by a Roman senator, features detailed mosaics depicting mythological scenes, historical events, and hunting activities.

Depart for Agrigento. Dinner and overnight in Agrigento.

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This morning, the tour continues in Agrigento with a visit to the renowned Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site described by Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals.” As one of the most prosperous ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento features a remarkable series of 5th-century Doric temples. Amidst hundreds of almond trees, you’ll explore the ancient ruins of Akragas, including the “Temple of Hera,” the “Temple of Concordia,” and the “Temple of Heracles.”

Next, head to the charming town of Marsala, where Garibaldi landed in May 1860. Marsala, a modern Mediterranean city, showcases vibrant colors—bright yellow, intense blue, strong red, dazzling white, and natural green. After a walk through the city center, enjoy a guided tour of the historic Florio Cellars. The visit begins with the majestic giant vats built at the end of the 19th century, still in use for refining Marsala wine. Explore the fascinating barrel chambers, spanning 165 meters beneath 104 arches, where 1,400 small barrels and about 600 larger barrels age approximately 5.5 million liters of Marsala wine in silence. After the tour of the restored barrel vaults, savor a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience in the modern tasting rooms, Donna Franca and Duca Enrico.

The tour continues with a visit to the popular Salt Road, where the ancient salt marshes have led to one of the world’s oldest salt-extracting industries. Stretching between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife and its significance in industrial archaeology.

Finally, transfer to Palermo for hotel accommodation, where you can enjoy dinner on your own (not included) and an overnight stay.

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After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll arrive in Erice, an ancient town founded by the Elymians, perched on Mount S. Giuliano at 751 meters above sea level. This charming village, with its narrow medieval streets and Spanish-style courtyards, offers a captivating experience. From its elevated position, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Trapani bay, the salt pans, the Aegadian Islands, and the expansive valley of Valderice, Custonaci, and the surrounding countryside. Explore the city center of Eryx, including its main cathedral and the impressive Venere Castle.

In the afternoon, travel to Segesta, an ancient Elymian colony renowned for its solitary, elegant Doric temple. The surrounding hills, dedicated to agriculture and pasture, remain largely unchanged from thousands of years ago, with modern developments blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. Visit both the temple and the theatre, constructed in the 3rd century BC, located 400 meters above sea level.

Return to Palermo for hotel accommodation, with dinner on your own (not included) and an overnight stay in the city.

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As your journey comes to an end, enjoy a final transfer to Palermo airport for your departure. End of services.

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