Sicily, the Island of timeless charm

Upon your arrival at the airport, our dedicated driver will be ready to escort you to our centrally located 4-star hotel. After our tour presentation we’ll have a delightful Sicilian welcome dinner, providing the perfect setting to get acquainted and set the tone for the exciting journey ahead!

Our adventure starts at Europe’s Tallest Volcano, Mount Etna. Referred to as the “gentle giant” or “A Muntagna” by Catania locals, Etna is the most active volcano globally, offering remarkable sights such as lava fields, impacted villages, extinct craters, and the Valle del Bove caldera. The excursion concludes with a pause to relish delicious Sicilian products.

Later we’ll visit Taormina. The city is renowned for its Greco-Roman theater, which we’ll explore with our private guide to learn about its history and significance. Additionally, it boasts medieval alleys, breathtaking vistas, pristine beaches, and exceptional cuisine. Stroll through bustling main streets lined with shops, reaching the magnificent Cathedral Square. Treat yourself to delicious gelato while enjoying the stunning bay views.

Our day will begin with a visit to the Neapolis in Syracuse, the famous archaeological park surrounded by greenery. The site houses the marveluos Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Latomie. Unmissable.

Right after, we’ll reach the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city of Syracuse. Starting from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, we’ll reach Cathedral Square with its beautiful white cathedral “Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” built on the ancient Greek temple of the goddess Athena. The walk will continue to the Fountain of Arethusa and the magnificent waterfront.

Next, we explore the charming city of Noto, renowned as the “capital of Baroque” and cherished by visitors worldwide. Noto enthralls with incredible attractions, where art, history, culture, and breathtaking beauty converge in hidden streets, grand palaces, and enchanting squares. Finally, we transfer to the hotel in Ragusa for a comfortable stay.

Nestled atop a hill, the charming village of Ibla offers panoramic views of the picturesque valley below. Its winding streets wind through quaint houses, leading to the magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio, a dominant presence in the village’s skyline.

Chocolate and stairs: those are the first two words that come to mind when I think of Modica. In Modica, we’ll indulge in a tasting of the famous chocolate, made according to an ancient recipe. We can taste it without any problem, as we’ll need plenty of energy. Modica is, in fact, a labyrinth of beautiful alleyways and staircases clinging to the mountainside, all to be explored on foot.

The historic center of Modica is captivating: houses with warm colors, elegant palaces, imposing staircases, and narrow streets that suddenly open up to reveal superb views. A beauty to be conquered, step by step.

Modica is included, for its magnificent architecture, among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with other Sicilian gems in the Val di Noto such as Ragusa, Noto, and Catania.

After breakfast, we set out for Piazza Armerina, renowned for the beautiful Villa Romana del Casale. The Villa, a UNESCO site, is an astonishing mansion adorned with mosaics commissioned by the Roman senator Massimiliano Erculeo, a contemporary of Diocletian in Roman affairs. What will amaze us are the floor mosaics throughout the Roman villa, unrivaled in richness and diversity worldwide.

We then continue to Agrigento for a visit to the Valley of the Temples, an unforgettable site. This area encompasses the Hellenic remains of ancient Akragas and stands out for its exceptional state of preservation. Spanning over 1,300 hectares, it holds the distinction of being the largest archaeological park globally. Following the visit, we transfer to and check into our hotel in Palermo.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to Palermo, the Sicilian capital, a city that bears witness to its millennia-old history through its historic buildings, including churches, palaces, squares, and markets that still serve as the focal points of daily life for the locals.

Among the things to see in Palermo, the city itself is undoubtedly the first wonder to discover while wandering, thanks to its unique urban layout influenced over the centuries by Arab and Norman dominations. Starting from the grid of streets in the Kalsa, the quarter built by the Arabs, we’ll observe its grandeur and be fascinated by how it has developed, palace after palace, marvel after marvel, over the centuries. One thing to do in Palermo is definitely to take a tour of its historic markets, and that’s exactly what we’ll do! We’ll visit its three main markets: Vucciria, Capo, and Ballarò. The last on the list is the oldest and certainly the most characteristic. In fact, Ballarò market stands out for the sale of products from the Palermo hinterland, where we’ll hear the vendors’ calls trying to attract attention to their merchandise. In the evening, the market area comes even more alive, becoming one of the meeting places for Palermo’s nightlife with numerous pubs and cocktail bars.

Afterward we’ll go to Mondello, a charming village just a short distance from the Sicilian capital, featuring a magnificent white sandy beach considered one of the most beautiful and evocative in Palermo. The area is renowned not only for its beach but also for its numerous Art Nouveau villas, hailed as the finest expression of Art Nouveau in Italy, and historical sites of interest. Amazing!

Perched on a majestic hill above Trapani, Erice is a charming medieval village known for its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and breathtaking views of the sea. In contrast to the baroque architecture of eastern Sicily, here we find a completely different yet equally captivating landscape. Erice is indeed part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy. During the guided tour, we’ll explore its picturesque streets, admiring the medieval architecture and panoramic views. Along our walk, we’ll discover its main attractions, such as the Castle of Venus, an ancient Norman fortress, and the Churches of San Martino and San Giuliano, rich in history and art.

We then explore will Trapani. During our guided tour, we’ll explore its ancient streets, admiring the Baroque architecture of its palaces and churches, testimonies of its glorious past. Through the alleys of the historic center, we’ll discover Trapani’s hidden treasures. Then back to Palermo, a wonderful dinner awaits us!

Monreale, a picturesque town nestled on the hills overlooking Palermo, boasts one of Sicily’s most stunning treasures: the Monreale Cathedral. Its Cathedral is one of the world’s most beautiful temples, boasting the largest Byzantine mosaic after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Commissioned in 1174 by King William II of Altavilla, it is renowned for its extraordinary decorative beauty, characterized by precious mosaics. The cathedral’s exquisite architecture, adorned with intricate Byzantine mosaics depicting biblical scenes and figures. As we explore the interior, we’ll be captivated by the golden shimmer of the mosaics, reflecting the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created them. Monreale, a picturesque town nestled on the hills overlooking Palermo, boasts one of Sicily’s most stunning treasures: the Monreale Cathedral.

Cefalù, a gem on the northern coast of Sicily, enchants visitors with its captivating blend of natural beauty and millennia-old history. During the guided tour, we’ll explore its narrow medieval streets, admiring the imposing Norman Cathedral with its fascinating Byzantine mosaics. Strolling along the waterfront, we’ll enjoy the stunning views of the crystal-clear sea and the surrounding cliffs. With its timeless charm and rich history, Cefalù promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Right after we’ll head to Catania for our fantastic farewell dinner.

Our final morning in Sicily begins with a farewell breakfast at the hotel. A transfer awaits to take you to the airport or station. Not ready to go back home? Join our tour in Malta. A tour full of culture, relax by the sea and fun. Check it out here!