Explore Sicily

Day 01 – Palermo

Arrival at the Palermo Airport. After your arrival procedures you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Palermo.

Day 02 – Palermo

After having breakfast at the hotel, meet your private English-Speaking guide in the hotel lobby. Palermo is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. Due to the various civilizations that have occupied Palermo it boasts a very diverse architecture from Baroque, Arab and Norman. You will see the city’s main sights, including the Quattro Canti (the Four Corners, an extravagant baroque square whose four buildings depict the four seasons. Visit the Royal Palace monumental complex which is the oldest royal residence in Europe. Overnight at the hotel in Palermo.  (B)

Day 03 – Palermo

After breakfast we will travel to Segesta, to view the ancient Greek Temple, it rises in an evocative setting with an impressive view the panorama overlooks the main plain below with the background of the sea in the distance. It is one of the of the most significant examples of Doric architecture and is among the best preserved in Italy. We now continue to the Medieval town of Erice. Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, located on the top of Mt. Erice it overlooks the city of Trapani. Enjoy a stroll through its cobblestoned streets smelling a variety of aromas emanating from the numerous pastry shops for which Eire is famous. Visit the ruins of the town’s Norman Castle, a 12^th century building dedicated to Veus and the 14^th century Duomo, with its 90 foot tower.  Later return to Palermo for overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 04 – Palermo – Agrigento

After breakfast we depart Palermo and travel to Monreale a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture. Marvel at the magnificent golden mosaics that overwhelm the interior.  Later we continue along the Southern coast to arrive at the town of Agrigento. Overnight at the hotel in Agrigento. (B)

Day 05 – Agrigento – Taormina

This morning you will visit the incomparable Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, it is considered the world’s largest archeological site. A testament to the ancient Greeks that inhabited the area in Southern Italy. The site boasts awe-inspiring temples that trace back to the 5^th century BC, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia and the grand Temple of Zeus, and finally the revered Temple of Dioscuri. After continue our journey with a stop in Piazza Armerina to visit the elaborate 4^th century Villa Romana del Casale ruins to discover this ancient palace most famous for its varied collection of Roman mosaics one of the largest and most impressive in the world. Later we will continue to arrive at the beautiful resort town of Taormina which rests on the cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea. Overnight at the hotel in Taormina. (B)

Day 06 – Taormina

This morning after breakfast enjoy a walking tour of this incredible town. Taormina offers breathtaking views from the Greek theater, you can see the bay of Giardini Naxos below, and in the distance Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Stroll through the elegant squares and narrow alleyways as you discover the major sights of this charming town. Visit the ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater for which Taormina is famous and still retains large portions of the original walls. The afternoon is yours at leisure to continue your discovery of Taormina, perhaps relax in a café and sample  Taormina’s “Pistachio Cannoli” pastry. Overnight at the hotel in Taormina. (B)

Day 07 – Taormina

Today meet your driver-guide and travel by jeep to explore the northern side of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. From here view the majesty of the Alcantara Valley and Taormina in the distance. Later make a stop at a local winery to sample some of the fabulous wines that are produced on the slopes of the volcano. Overnight at the hotel in Taormina. (B)

Day 08 – Taormina

This morning journey to the city of Siracusa, for a walking tour of Siracusa and the Island of Ortigia. In Siracusa you will visit its main attraction, the massive, 2,500-year-old Greek theater that was built to accommodate up to 15 thousand spectators. Nearby visit the famous quarries to view the “Ear of Dionysius, a slender arched cave cut into the rock face that was used as a prison for the hated enemies of Dionysius. Lonto Siracusa’s Ortigia Island, which encompasses Greek, Roman and Norman influences.  Visit the island’s Cathedral built upon a Doric Temple to Athena, now boasting an 18^th century Baroque façade. This afternoon return to Taormina for your final overnight.  (B)

Day 09 – Taormina – Catania

Today you will be transferred to Catania’s Airport for your return flight. (B)