Sicilian Carousel 2022

Independent arrival at the hotel in Catania. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. (D)

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Syracuse. Visit the archaeological area ‘Neapolis’ including the famous Greek theatre, ‘Latomie of the Paradise’ and the ‘Dyionisios Ear’. Continue to the Island of Ortygia, the small baroque Old Town centre of Syracuse. Visit of the Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethuse Fountain and the Temple of Apollo. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Catania for a nice walking tour. During the tour in Catania, stroll through the city centre with your professional guide who will charm you with the history of the city. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Catania. (B, L, D)

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Modica, a town whose architecture has been recognised as providing outstanding testimony to the exuberant genius and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe. Modica is a town with an ancient history, nicknamed "The City of Hundred Churches" and some of its most representative monuments, such as the Cathedral of San Pietro and the Church of San Giorgio, have been proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tour will then continue with a visit inside the Artisan chocolate workshop. There you will have the chance to discover the techniques leading to the production of an amazing quality of "The Modican Chocolate". Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue to the ancient city ‘Ragusa Ibla’, cradle of Sicilian Baroque, with its Cathedral and the ‘Giardino Ibleo’, followed by free time to explore the town and shopping. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, T, L, D)

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Piazza Armerina to visit the worldwide known Villa Romana del Casale, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its well preserved mosaics depicting mythological themes and hunting scenes. Lunch at a local restaurant with a special menu chosen to give the opportunity to taste the local specialities. Departure to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tour of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Agrigento. (B, L, D)

After a buffet breakfast departure to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Upon arrival, visit the town of Monreale, situated on a hill few kilometres from Palermo on a panoramic spot. Visit of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch continue for a panoramic tour of Palermo, passing by the Normand Palace, Teatro Massimo and the guided visit of the Cathedral. Then transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

After a buffet breakfast, morning dedicated to the visit of the historical centre of the town, one of the largest in Europe. The walking tour will begin from ‘I Quattro Canti di Citta’ with Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and internal visit of Martorana Church. We continue to S. Giuseppe dei Teatini Church, ‘Ballaro Market’ and Casa Professa Church with its fantastic marbles. Departure to Cefalu, a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy a walk to the town centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse built in the rock. Proceed to Taormina. Upon arrival, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
(B, L, D)

After a buffet breakfast, morning at leisure or for those who are interested, opportunity to take an optional excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Weather conditions permitting, across fascinating landscape, we will reach a height of 1,800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea (supplement payment on the spot, the excursion will take place with a minimum number of participants). Lunch on your own. Afternoon in Taormina, charming city called "The Pearl of the Ionian Sea". Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. Possibility to visit the Greek-Roman Theatre on your own (entrance fee €12 per person approx), with its spectacular view of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Return to your hotel, dinner and overnight. (B, D)

After buffet breakfast, end of the tour. (B)