BREATHTAKING SICILY 8 DAYS
Breathtaking Sicily - 8 Days
Day 1: PALERMO
Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival in Palermo, check in to your hotel and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel or a carefully selected local restaurant, savouring the authentic flavours of Sicilian cuisine. Overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 2: PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO
Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel before setting off to Monreale, a jewel of medieval Sicily. Explore the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral, famous for its golden mosaics, the serene Benedictine Cloister, and the stunning Palatine Chapel.
Return to Palermo for a leisurely lunch at your hotel, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon. For those seeking more adventure, an optional excursion to Erice, a charming medieval hilltop village in the province of Trapani, can be arranged.
Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 3: PALERMO – SEGESTA – TRAPANI – AGRIGENTO - A Journey Through Sicily’s Ancient Wonders
Begin your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing for Segesta, home to one of Sicily’s most remarkable Doric temples, set amidst a stunning natural landscape.
Continue your journey along the coast with a panoramic view of the Trapani Salt Works, a picturesque and iconic Sicilian landmark. Next, arrive in Selinunte, where you will enjoy a special lunch at a charming local farmhouse, featuring an olive oil tasting and regional specialties crafted with authentic ingredients.
After lunch, travel to Agrigento to visit the legendary Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among the best-preserved temples of Magna Grecia, immersing yourself in the grandeur of ancient history. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4: AGRIGENTO – PIAZZA ARMERINA – RAGUSA – CATANIA - Roman Splendour and Volcanic Charms
Start the day with a buffet breakfast before departing for Piazza Armerina, home to the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale. Marvel at the splendid Roman mosaics, some of the best-preserved in the world, depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, and nature in exquisite detail.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Sicilian restaurant, savoring authentic regional flavors crafted with local ingredients.
In the afternoon, continue to Catania, the vibrant jewel of Sicily’s eastern coast. Take a panoramic walking tour of the city, exploring its baroque architecture and unique buildings made from volcanic stone, shaped by the powerful presence of nearby Mount Etna.
Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at your hotel in Catania.
Day 5: CATANIA – ETNA WITH LUNCH AT A LOCAL FARMHOUSE – TAORMINA – CATANIA - Volcanoes, Flavours, and Mediterranean Charm
Begin your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel before setting off for an unforgettable adventure to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, standing at 3,345 meters. Weather permitting, your private bus will take you up to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1,800 meters, from where you’ll explore the extinct craters of Mount Silvestri, surrounded by dramatic lunar-like landscapes and a fascinating variety of flora and fauna.
Continue to a charming farmhouse for a tasting of the most authentic Sicilian dishes, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Next, journey to Taormina, the elegant and romantic town perched above the Mediterranean. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace: visit the iconic Greek Theatre with its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, wander the picturesque streets, or indulge in some local shopping.
Return to Catania for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 6: CATANIA – SIRACUSA WITH LUNCH AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT – NOTO – CATANIA - Ancient Wonders and Baroque Beauty
Start your day with a buffet breakfast at your hotel before departing for Siracusa, one of Sicily’s most historically rich cities. Enjoy a guided tour exploring its highlights, including the Greek Theatre, the Latomia del Paradiso, and the intriguing Ear of Dionysius.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Sicilian flavours.
In the afternoon, journey to Noto, a gem of Baroque architecture, to admire the magnificence of its Cathedral and the charm of its historic streets. Return to Catania for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 7: CATANIA – MESSINA – CEFALÙ WITH LUNCH AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT – PALERMO - Coastal Charms and Norman Splendour
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing for Messina, where a panoramic tour reveals the city’s highlights and offers stunning views of the Strait of Messina, the natural divide between Sicily and the mainland.
Continue to the enchanting seaside town of Cefalù, where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Explore this picturesque village with its narrow cobbled streets, charming shops, and inviting cafes. Visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral, founded in 1131 by Roger II, a true jewel of medieval architecture.
After some leisure time to stroll and soak in the atmosphere, continue your journey back to Palermo. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 8: PALERMO: Breakfast at hotel. End of services
HOTELS OR SIMILAR
Palermo: Palazzo Sitano 4*
Agrigento: Hotel della Valle 4*
Catania: Hotel Mercure Catania Excelsior 4*