Arrival in Palermo and meet with our tour leader . Private transfer to the hotel , welcome cocktail and briefing on general information about the itinerary.
Breakfast at the hotel; in the morning visit the city: one of the richest cities in history and art in Sicily. We will visit the Duomo, Palazzo dei Normanni with the Palatine Chapel, the Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria. Continue to Monreale, to admire the Cathedral with the famous 12th century mosaics and the adjacent Benedictine Cloister.
The whole day dedicated to the visit of the charming Trapani area, with its vineyards famous all over the world; beginning with Segesta, one of the most inspiring and important archaeological sites in Sicily due to the imposing position occupied by its temple. Continue on to the fascinating medieval village of Erice where you will have the chance to taste the famous and typical almond cakes. In the afternoon Wine Tasting in Marsala. Then the archaeological park of Selinunte, the largest in the Mediterranean area.
We will reach the town of Agrigento and visit the “Valle dei Templi” soon after breakfast. The Concordia Temple, Hercules Temple, Castore and Polluce Temple and the others which represent the most beautiful example of the Greek civilization in Sicily. We will go towards Piazza Armerina then, known for the Roman Villa of Casale and its pavimental mosaics. We will continue towards Ragusa area.
After breakfast visit of Ragusa Ibla, visit the city divided into two parts: the upper part built after the earthquake in 1693 and the lower part that is called Ragusa Ibla, one of the most important testimony of the Baroque architecture. We will go on towards Noto, one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily renowned for the harmony and unity of its Baroque style and today declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along the way you will have a Cheese Tasting. End with Siracusa.
After breakfasting with a excursion to Siracusa and its archaeological area with the Greek Theathre, one of the greatest examples of both theathre architecture and scenic technique, the Latomie of the Paradise and the famous “Orecchio di Dionisio” (Ear of Dionisio). Proceed to Ortigia, a small island boasting a temple to Apollo, the Duomo (built upon the foundations of a temple to Athena), and the Fonte Aretusa. Afternoon at disposal to visit Taormina, little medieval village famous for its typical small streets and its fascinating Greek Theatre.
In the morning excursion above Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Across fascinating landscapes, we will climb up and enjoy a fantastic view of the sea from the summit. Wine tasting along the area. We will then reach Palermo.
After breakfast transfer to Palermo airport, leave the car and enjoy a pleasant homeward journey!
