Classic Sicily 2009

Small Escorted Tour  

Day 1

Upon your arrival in Catania airport , you'll meet your driver and private transfer to Giardini Naxos or Taormina . Check in a charming four star hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening. 

Day 2

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your tour director before your departure to Syracuse . Enjoy a visit of Siracusa, which during the Greek Age was one of the more powerful cities on the island. Visit to the archaeological zone: the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dyonisus and the Latomie. Walk through the historical center on the Ortigia Island to admire the Cathedral, the Aretusa fountain and the ancient streets. Time at leisure for shopping and lunch on your own in Siracusa.

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel and then depart for Piazza Armerina, a small town in the south-central part of the Island. Visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman country villa of the 3rd century, famous for its unique well-preserved mosaics.

Afternoon: Depart to Agrigento to visit the beautiful Valley of the Temples, one of the most representative sites of Greek Civilization in the Mediterranean area. Visit to the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the wonderful Temple of Concord. Transfer to Sciacca and dinner at your hotel.

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel before your depart to Selinunte on the southern coast towards Agrigento Visit the archaeological area, the largest in Europe. Selinunte was one of the most important town of Western Sicily , in constant struggle against Segesta for power. Continue on to Marsala, a town on the Western coast famous for its wine production. Visit to Salt marshes , then transfer to a farm house for an : Oil Tasting along with a visit to an Olive Oil factory followed by a lunch 

Afternoon: Transfer to Erice, a nearby medieval town, located at the top of the homonymous mountain set 751 meters above the sea level and overlooking the whole Western region, the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. Walking visit of its characteristic historical centre. In the evening , check in at our hotel in Palermo.

Morning: breakfast in hotel Transfer to Palermo for a full-day visit to this ancient town that has been a crossroads for civilization in the Mediterranean for ages and ages. Here, visit and seek out signs of its ancient "grandeur": the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Cathedral, Quattro Canti square, etc. Walk through the streets of the historical center, and visit to the town's popular Vucciria market.

Afternoon: Continue the visit of Palermo and transfer to Monreale, ancient village near Palermo, famous for its wonderful Norman Cathedral and the adjoining cloister, architectural masterpieces of King Roger II. Return to Palermo and check in your hotel. 

Morning: breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Polizzi, a small village 70 kilometers away from Palermo located in the Madonie Mountains' Natural Park. In Polizzi, you will have a half-day cooking lesson in a local Farmhouse, where the owner of the farm will teach them to prepare some of the most popular and essential recipes according to the local tradition. Lunch at the farm.  

In the afternoon, departure to Cefalù , famous for its rich historical centre (the Norman Cathedral and the medieval quarter) as well as for its beautiful beach and blue sea. Enjoy a guided walking visit and some free time for shopping . Back to your hotel in Palermo for dinner.

 Day 8

In the morning, breakfast and private transfer to Palermo airport.

I want to customize this itinerary

• 7 nights in 3/4 star lodging, breakfast included:

  • 3 nights in Palermo at Hotel Residenza d'Aragona or similar.

  • 1 night in Modica at Palazzo Failla.

  • 1 night in Sciacca at Terme di Acqua Pia.

  • 2 nights in Taormina at Villa Riis or Villa Angela, or in Giardini Naxos at Sant'Alphio Garden.

• All transportation, as per itinerary,  by private English speaking chauffeur / guide (approx. 9 hrs./day).

• Professional guides in Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento and Siracusa.

• 5 dinners and 2 lunches.

• Sightseeing as per itinerary (sites entry fees not included).

• Guided visits to Olive oil cellar (olive oil tasting included).

• 3 Cooking classes.

• Private transfer from and to airports.

• All taxes.

OPTIONAL

Ø Travel Insurance.