EASTERN SICILY: 9 DAYS/ TAORMINA- SIRACUSA- RAGUSA
A land of history, culture and cities of art and at the same time of natural wonders, traditions, folklore and food and wine, Sicily is one of the two main islands of our beautiful Country. In terms of richness from every point of view, a lifetime would not be enough to visit, live and enjoy the splendour of this land where folklore and popular traditions are alive and create an atmosphere, which seems suspended in a lost epoque, far away from modernity. Born as "Magna Graecia" for its strategic position of openness to the sea as an island, it was populated and colonized by the ancient Greek civilization, the population which gave birth to our modern civilization from every point of view: political, philosophical, artistic, etc.. The heritage of this civilization is still visible and recognizable, but the real beauty of this land is the melting pot of cultures which dominated the island during the centuries. After the Greek period, it has been subject of various dominations of peoples, from the Normans to the Moors and all of them have left their indelible mark. As a result today Sicily appears as a spicy mix of styles and traditions- a unique mosaic of different influences which make this land of of the most beautiful in the world. Walking through the streets of Palermo, Taormina, Catania, up to the Valley of the Temples it is easy to experience this mixture of history. But Sicily is also unique in its naturalistic features. From the wonders of the hinterland: from Etna, a volcanic peak that with its 3350m of altitude and 35km of diameter at its base is the largest active volcano in Europe, to the Madonie mountain complex running down the coast- a unique and diversified coastine overlooking the crystal clear emerald green waters surrounding the whole island But Sicily is also excellent food and wine. The popular tradition of fishermen, breeders and farmers has given birth to a delicious and inresistible enogastronomic background. You can savour the unique tastes of the street food along the markets, fall in love with the local pastry and the diary products and get inebriated by the historic sweet wines of the Marsala region or by the modern warm and structured wines produced on the slopes of the Etna. And last but not least, to visit Sicily means to familiarize with the enormous soul of the Sicilians whose hospitality goes beyond all expectations and goes straight to your heart. In your free time, don't miss some of the most beautiful and characteristic villages in the area: Erice, San Vito lo Capo, Sciacca, Selinunte, Scopello on the western side; the Alcantara caves, the Val di Noto, Pachino, Marzamemi and Vendicari on the eastern side.
9 days/ 8 nights- 2 pax minimum
Day 1: Arrival to Catania
Arrival to Catania and check-in at the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Trekking on the Etna volcano- Winery Tour- Tasting
The day will be dedicated to the discovery of Etna: one of the most impressive volcanoes in Europe, still active today. After meeting with the guide you will begin an easy trekking route of a maximum of 6 km along the buttonhole of the Sartorius craters or along the craters of the 2002 eruption. You will also have the opportunity to visit a lava flow cave (Grotta Corruccio or Grotta dei Thieves). The altitude difference you will cover during the excursion ranges from 1800 meters to a maximum of 2200 meters above sea level. The volcanic landscape is of considerable naturalistic and scenic interest. You will walk among woods, volcanic cones and lava flows, all punctually enriched by the explanations of your naturalistic guide. After the visit to Etna we will continue towards one of the many wineries in the area. The wines produced on the slopes of Etna are reclaiming their respectable position in the framework of Italian enology thanks to their incredible structure and minerality. You will have the opportunity to visit the winery and learn about the production process of these wines and then conclude the visit with a tasting of typical Sicilian wines and products. Return to Catania at the end of the tour and rest of the day free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Taormina and Castelmola
After meeting with the guide you will begin your half-day visit to the historic center of Taormina, walking along the characteristic narrow streets and elegant squares, going up and down the typical stairs to get to know the highlights of this enchanting place. Starting from Porta Catania you can proceed by visiting the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, the Piazza Duomo with the Norman Cathedral and the Fountain of the Centauress, symbol of the city for travelers of the Grand Tour and 'La Dolce Vita'. You can proceed towards Piazza Belvedere and then down towards the Naumachie to reach the enchanting public garden. The visit to the Ancient Theater is a must. At the end you will move towards Castelmola which boasts an excellent panoramic view and where the guide will greet you. Lunch and rest of the afternoon free to explore the area or relax on the beach.
Day 4: Catania
Meeting with the qualified local guide who will accompany you on a visit to the city of Catania and to discover local street food for the duration of the entire morning. It will be a walk through the historic center to discover Ancient and Baroque Catania.You will get to know and visit the most significant monuments of the Greco-Roman period (theater, amphitheater and thermal baths) with particular attention also to medieval history, from the first Byzantine churches to the Norman cathedral, from Frederick's castle to the Spanish conquests, up to the post-Roman reconstruction earthquake of its wonderful late Baroque style monuments which, since 2002, have contributed to the city of Catania being included in the World Heritage List (Unesco). The walk will continue to the Catania market where the guide will accompany you in tasting the local street food. Free lunch. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Arrival to Siracusa
Departure for Syracuse. Free day along the route to explore the area independently or relax on the beach. Arrival to Syracuse. Check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Siracusa vintage boutique tour- Ortigia boat tour
Start the morning in Syracuse with a tour to discover the small artisan shops that still remain as they once were. You will be able to chat with the old Sicilian artisans and discover the techniques for making the various products.Immerse yourself in the world of jewelers, leather artisans, ceramists, puppeteers, Sicilian artisan clothing and culinary art. A dive into the past between traditions, art and history. After this two-hour tour, free lunch. In the afternoon you will leave by boat which will give you the opportunity to circumnavigate Ortigia and see it from the sea.You will begin to see the majesty of the large port, which is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean, you will pass near the Foro Italico where you will admire the very luxurious yachts and above you will see a part of the facade of the cathedral the Duomo; immediately afterwards you will see from the sea the Aretusa fountain with its charm and the immense Maniace castle which indicates the exit of the port. Once in the open sea, you will continue to see the beautiful face of Ortigia seen from the sea, with its colorful facades, majestic churches and protective walls. After leaving the island, you will head towards the north coast of Syracuse where, sipping a good prosecco and tasting a platter of typical Sicilian products, you will wait for the sunset. After having refreshed yourself, you will visit the various caves inside: the Capuchin cave, the coral cave and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. As per tradition, you will stop in front of the cave of love: the heart-shaped cave, where you can take souvenir photos with your heart behind you. Return to the mainland. Free dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Marzamemi- Vendicari- Arrival to Ragusa
Departure from Syracuse towards Ragusa. Along the way you will have a stop for a day tour to discover the beautiful village of Marzamemi and the Vendicari Reserve.You will meet the guide in front of the entrance to the Vendicari oasis.Upon your arrival, you can begin your visit to the Vendicari reserve, a still uncontaminated place that offers the possibility of enjoying a naturalistic paradise of more than 1500 hectares, where an entire ecosystem lives undisturbed. Passing by the observation huts for birdwatching, this itinerary will allow you to see, in addition to the pink flamingos, herons and storks, also the Swabian Tower, the Tonnara and the very long golden beaches with a crystal clear sea. Here you can stop to immerse yourself in these heavenly waters.You will continue to reach Marzamemi, a small Sicilian jewel. An ancient village characterized by yellow stone houses arranged around two natural marinas; a fishing village considered a place of rest for the soul. You can walk through alleys full of colorful shops bordered by the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a tuna fishery and discover the ancient tradition of fishing and the processing of fish products and taste them, such as red tuna bottarga.Arrival to Ragusa. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ragusa- Modica- Noto Valley
You will meet your guide in the morning to begin your full-day guided tour of Ragusa, Modica and Val di Noto. You will start from Ragusa Ibla which houses baroque churches and characteristic alleys, you will visit the historic center of the city, one of the most fascinating in the Val di Noto, built into the rock to look like a small living nativity scene.You will visit the oldest district of the city, which is home to 14 of the 18 monuments now included in the UNESCO world heritage list.At the end of the visit you will continue towards Modica where you will visit the Duomo and the church of San Giorgio.During the guided tour you will enjoy a small chocolate tasting in a laboratory.Here you will have time to have lunch freely.Immediately after lunch we will continue towards Noto, a small city that houses all the most beautiful Baroque churches.During the journey you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes made up of large canyons, steep cliffs and wooded areas of olive and carob trees.Once in Noto the guide will take you to discover this splendid town, with an external visit to the churches.Once the visit is over, the guide will greet you and you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the typical local shops or bars. At the end of the tour return to Ragusa. Free dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Departure.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Catania: Hotel Katane Palace or similar
Siracusa: Unahotels One Siracusa or similar
Ragusa: Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar
A land of history, culture and cities of art and at the same time of natural wonders, traditions, folklore and food and wine, Sicily is one of the two main islands of our beautiful Country. In terms of richness from every point of view, a lifetime would not be enough to visit, live and enjoy the splendour of this land where folklore and popular traditions are alive and create an atmosphere, which seems suspended in a lost epoque, far away from modernity. Born as "Magna Graecia" for its strategic position of openness to the sea as an island, it was populated and colonized by the ancient Greek civilization, the population which gave birth to our modern civilization from every point of view: political, philosophical, artistic, etc.. The heritage of this civilization is still visible and recognizable, but the real beauty of this land is the melting pot of cultures which dominated the island during the centuries. After the Greek period, it has been subject of various dominations of peoples, from the Normans to the Moors and all of them have left their indelible mark. As a result today Sicily appears as a spicy mix of styles and traditions- a unique mosaic of different influences which make this land of of the most beautiful in the world. Walking through the streets of Palermo, Taormina, Catania, up to the Valley of the Temples it is easy to experience this mixture of history. But Sicily is also unique in its naturalistic features. From the wonders of the hinterland: from Etna, a volcanic peak that with its 3350m of altitude and 35km of diameter at its base is the largest active volcano in Europe, to the Madonie mountain complex running down the coast- a unique and diversified coastine overlooking the crystal clear emerald green waters surrounding the whole island But Sicily is also excellent food and wine. The popular tradition of fishermen, breeders and farmers has given birth to a delicious and inresistible enogastronomic background. You can savour the unique tastes of the street food along the markets, fall in love with the local pastry and the diary products and get inebriated by the historic sweet wines of the Marsala region or by the modern warm and structured wines produced on the slopes of the Etna. And last but not least, to visit Sicily means to familiarize with the enormous soul of the Sicilians whose hospitality goes beyond all expectations and goes straight to your heart. In your free time, don't miss some of the most beautiful and characteristic villages in the area: Erice, San Vito lo Capo, Sciacca, Selinunte, Scopello on the western side; the Alcantara caves, the Val di Noto, Pachino, Marzamemi and Vendicari on the eastern side.
9 days/ 8 nights- 2 pax minimum
Day 1: Arrival to Catania
Arrival to Catania and check-in at the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Trekking on the Etna volcano- Winery Tour- Tasting
The day will be dedicated to the discovery of Etna: one of the most impressive volcanoes in Europe, still active today. After meeting with the guide you will begin an easy trekking route of a maximum of 6 km along the buttonhole of the Sartorius craters or along the craters of the 2002 eruption. You will also have the opportunity to visit a lava flow cave (Grotta Corruccio or Grotta dei Thieves). The altitude difference you will cover during the excursion ranges from 1800 meters to a maximum of 2200 meters above sea level. The volcanic landscape is of considerable naturalistic and scenic interest. You will walk among woods, volcanic cones and lava flows, all punctually enriched by the explanations of your naturalistic guide. After the visit to Etna we will continue towards one of the many wineries in the area. The wines produced on the slopes of Etna are reclaiming their respectable position in the framework of Italian enology thanks to their incredible structure and minerality. You will have the opportunity to visit the winery and learn about the production process of these wines and then conclude the visit with a tasting of typical Sicilian wines and products. Return to Catania at the end of the tour and rest of the day free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Taormina and Castelmola
After meeting with the guide you will begin your half-day visit to the historic center of Taormina, walking along the characteristic narrow streets and elegant squares, going up and down the typical stairs to get to know the highlights of this enchanting place. Starting from Porta Catania you can proceed by visiting the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, the Piazza Duomo with the Norman Cathedral and the Fountain of the Centauress, symbol of the city for travelers of the Grand Tour and 'La Dolce Vita'. You can proceed towards Piazza Belvedere and then down towards the Naumachie to reach the enchanting public garden. The visit to the Ancient Theater is a must. At the end you will move towards Castelmola which boasts an excellent panoramic view and where the guide will greet you. Lunch and rest of the afternoon free to explore the area or relax on the beach.
Day 4: Catania
Meeting with the qualified local guide who will accompany you on a visit to the city of Catania and to discover local street food for the duration of the entire morning. It will be a walk through the historic center to discover Ancient and Baroque Catania.You will get to know and visit the most significant monuments of the Greco-Roman period (theater, amphitheater and thermal baths) with particular attention also to medieval history, from the first Byzantine churches to the Norman cathedral, from Frederick's castle to the Spanish conquests, up to the post-Roman reconstruction earthquake of its wonderful late Baroque style monuments which, since 2002, have contributed to the city of Catania being included in the World Heritage List (Unesco). The walk will continue to the Catania market where the guide will accompany you in tasting the local street food. Free lunch. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Arrival to Siracusa
Departure for Syracuse. Free day along the route to explore the area independently or relax on the beach. Arrival to Syracuse. Check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Siracusa vintage boutique tour- Ortigia boat tour
Start the morning in Syracuse with a tour to discover the small artisan shops that still remain as they once were. You will be able to chat with the old Sicilian artisans and discover the techniques for making the various products.Immerse yourself in the world of jewelers, leather artisans, ceramists, puppeteers, Sicilian artisan clothing and culinary art. A dive into the past between traditions, art and history. After this two-hour tour, free lunch. In the afternoon you will leave by boat which will give you the opportunity to circumnavigate Ortigia and see it from the sea.You will begin to see the majesty of the large port, which is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean, you will pass near the Foro Italico where you will admire the very luxurious yachts and above you will see a part of the facade of the cathedral the Duomo; immediately afterwards you will see from the sea the Aretusa fountain with its charm and the immense Maniace castle which indicates the exit of the port. Once in the open sea, you will continue to see the beautiful face of Ortigia seen from the sea, with its colorful facades, majestic churches and protective walls. After leaving the island, you will head towards the north coast of Syracuse where, sipping a good prosecco and tasting a platter of typical Sicilian products, you will wait for the sunset. After having refreshed yourself, you will visit the various caves inside: the Capuchin cave, the coral cave and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. As per tradition, you will stop in front of the cave of love: the heart-shaped cave, where you can take souvenir photos with your heart behind you. Return to the mainland. Free dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Marzamemi- Vendicari- Arrival to Ragusa
Departure from Syracuse towards Ragusa. Along the way you will have a stop for a day tour to discover the beautiful village of Marzamemi and the Vendicari Reserve.You will meet the guide in front of the entrance to the Vendicari oasis.Upon your arrival, you can begin your visit to the Vendicari reserve, a still uncontaminated place that offers the possibility of enjoying a naturalistic paradise of more than 1500 hectares, where an entire ecosystem lives undisturbed. Passing by the observation huts for birdwatching, this itinerary will allow you to see, in addition to the pink flamingos, herons and storks, also the Swabian Tower, the Tonnara and the very long golden beaches with a crystal clear sea. Here you can stop to immerse yourself in these heavenly waters.You will continue to reach Marzamemi, a small Sicilian jewel. An ancient village characterized by yellow stone houses arranged around two natural marinas; a fishing village considered a place of rest for the soul. You can walk through alleys full of colorful shops bordered by the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a tuna fishery and discover the ancient tradition of fishing and the processing of fish products and taste them, such as red tuna bottarga.Arrival to Ragusa. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ragusa- Modica- Noto Valley
You will meet your guide in the morning to begin your full-day guided tour of Ragusa, Modica and Val di Noto. You will start from Ragusa Ibla which houses baroque churches and characteristic alleys, you will visit the historic center of the city, one of the most fascinating in the Val di Noto, built into the rock to look like a small living nativity scene.You will visit the oldest district of the city, which is home to 14 of the 18 monuments now included in the UNESCO world heritage list.At the end of the visit you will continue towards Modica where you will visit the Duomo and the church of San Giorgio.During the guided tour you will enjoy a small chocolate tasting in a laboratory.Here you will have time to have lunch freely.Immediately after lunch we will continue towards Noto, a small city that houses all the most beautiful Baroque churches.During the journey you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes made up of large canyons, steep cliffs and wooded areas of olive and carob trees.Once in Noto the guide will take you to discover this splendid town, with an external visit to the churches.Once the visit is over, the guide will greet you and you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the typical local shops or bars. At the end of the tour return to Ragusa. Free dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Departure.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Catania: Hotel Katane Palace or similar
Siracusa: Unahotels One Siracusa or similar
Ragusa: Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar
A land of history, culture and cities of art and at the same time of natural wonders, traditions, folklore and food and wine, Sicily is one of the two main islands of our beautiful Country. In terms of richness from every point of view, a lifetime would not be enough to visit, live and enjoy the splendour of this land where folklore and popular traditions are alive and create an atmosphere, which seems suspended in a lost epoque, far away from modernity. Born as "Magna Graecia" for its strategic position of openness to the sea as an island, it was populated and colonized by the ancient Greek civilization, the population which gave birth to our modern civilization from every point of view: political, philosophical, artistic, etc.. The heritage of this civilization is still visible and recognizable, but the real beauty of this land is the melting pot of cultures which dominated the island during the centuries. After the Greek period, it has been subject of various dominations of peoples, from the Normans to the Moors and all of them have left their indelible mark. As a result today Sicily appears as a spicy mix of styles and traditions- a unique mosaic of different influences which make this land of of the most beautiful in the world. Walking through the streets of Palermo, Taormina, Catania, up to the Valley of the Temples it is easy to experience this mixture of history. But Sicily is also unique in its naturalistic features. From the wonders of the hinterland: from Etna, a volcanic peak that with its 3350m of altitude and 35km of diameter at its base is the largest active volcano in Europe, to the Madonie mountain complex running down the coast- a unique and diversified coastine overlooking the crystal clear emerald green waters surrounding the whole island But Sicily is also excellent food and wine. The popular tradition of fishermen, breeders and farmers has given birth to a delicious and inresistible enogastronomic background. You can savour the unique tastes of the street food along the markets, fall in love with the local pastry and the diary products and get inebriated by the historic sweet wines of the Marsala region or by the modern warm and structured wines produced on the slopes of the Etna. And last but not least, to visit Sicily means to familiarize with the enormous soul of the Sicilians whose hospitality goes beyond all expectations and goes straight to your heart. In your free time, don't miss some of the most beautiful and characteristic villages in the area: Erice, San Vito lo Capo, Sciacca, Selinunte, Scopello on the western side; the Alcantara caves, the Val di Noto, Pachino, Marzamemi and Vendicari on the eastern side.
9 days/ 8 nights- 2 pax minimum
Day 1: Arrival to Catania
Arrival to Catania and check-in at the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Trekking on the Etna volcano- Winery Tour- Tasting
The day will be dedicated to the discovery of Etna: one of the most impressive volcanoes in Europe, still active today. After meeting with the guide you will begin an easy trekking route of a maximum of 6 km along the buttonhole of the Sartorius craters or along the craters of the 2002 eruption. You will also have the opportunity to visit a lava flow cave (Grotta Corruccio or Grotta dei Thieves). The altitude difference you will cover during the excursion ranges from 1800 meters to a maximum of 2200 meters above sea level. The volcanic landscape is of considerable naturalistic and scenic interest. You will walk among woods, volcanic cones and lava flows, all punctually enriched by the explanations of your naturalistic guide. After the visit to Etna we will continue towards one of the many wineries in the area. The wines produced on the slopes of Etna are reclaiming their respectable position in the framework of Italian enology thanks to their incredible structure and minerality. You will have the opportunity to visit the winery and learn about the production process of these wines and then conclude the visit with a tasting of typical Sicilian wines and products. Return to Catania at the end of the tour and rest of the day free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Taormina and Castelmola
After meeting with the guide you will begin your half-day visit to the historic center of Taormina, walking along the characteristic narrow streets and elegant squares, going up and down the typical stairs to get to know the highlights of this enchanting place. Starting from Porta Catania you can proceed by visiting the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, the Piazza Duomo with the Norman Cathedral and the Fountain of the Centauress, symbol of the city for travelers of the Grand Tour and 'La Dolce Vita'. You can proceed towards Piazza Belvedere and then down towards the Naumachie to reach the enchanting public garden. The visit to the Ancient Theater is a must. At the end you will move towards Castelmola which boasts an excellent panoramic view and where the guide will greet you. Lunch and rest of the afternoon free to explore the area or relax on the beach.
Day 4: Catania
Meeting with the qualified local guide who will accompany you on a visit to the city of Catania and to discover local street food for the duration of the entire morning. It will be a walk through the historic center to discover Ancient and Baroque Catania.You will get to know and visit the most significant monuments of the Greco-Roman period (theater, amphitheater and thermal baths) with particular attention also to medieval history, from the first Byzantine churches to the Norman cathedral, from Frederick's castle to the Spanish conquests, up to the post-Roman reconstruction earthquake of its wonderful late Baroque style monuments which, since 2002, have contributed to the city of Catania being included in the World Heritage List (Unesco). The walk will continue to the Catania market where the guide will accompany you in tasting the local street food. Free lunch. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Arrival to Siracusa
Departure for Syracuse. Free day along the route to explore the area independently or relax on the beach. Arrival to Syracuse. Check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Siracusa vintage boutique tour- Ortigia boat tour
Start the morning in Syracuse with a tour to discover the small artisan shops that still remain as they once were. You will be able to chat with the old Sicilian artisans and discover the techniques for making the various products.Immerse yourself in the world of jewelers, leather artisans, ceramists, puppeteers, Sicilian artisan clothing and culinary art. A dive into the past between traditions, art and history. After this two-hour tour, free lunch. In the afternoon you will leave by boat which will give you the opportunity to circumnavigate Ortigia and see it from the sea.You will begin to see the majesty of the large port, which is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean, you will pass near the Foro Italico where you will admire the very luxurious yachts and above you will see a part of the facade of the cathedral the Duomo; immediately afterwards you will see from the sea the Aretusa fountain with its charm and the immense Maniace castle which indicates the exit of the port. Once in the open sea, you will continue to see the beautiful face of Ortigia seen from the sea, with its colorful facades, majestic churches and protective walls. After leaving the island, you will head towards the north coast of Syracuse where, sipping a good prosecco and tasting a platter of typical Sicilian products, you will wait for the sunset. After having refreshed yourself, you will visit the various caves inside: the Capuchin cave, the coral cave and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. As per tradition, you will stop in front of the cave of love: the heart-shaped cave, where you can take souvenir photos with your heart behind you. Return to the mainland. Free dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Marzamemi- Vendicari- Arrival to Ragusa
Departure from Syracuse towards Ragusa. Along the way you will have a stop for a day tour to discover the beautiful village of Marzamemi and the Vendicari Reserve.You will meet the guide in front of the entrance to the Vendicari oasis.Upon your arrival, you can begin your visit to the Vendicari reserve, a still uncontaminated place that offers the possibility of enjoying a naturalistic paradise of more than 1500 hectares, where an entire ecosystem lives undisturbed. Passing by the observation huts for birdwatching, this itinerary will allow you to see, in addition to the pink flamingos, herons and storks, also the Swabian Tower, the Tonnara and the very long golden beaches with a crystal clear sea. Here you can stop to immerse yourself in these heavenly waters.You will continue to reach Marzamemi, a small Sicilian jewel. An ancient village characterized by yellow stone houses arranged around two natural marinas; a fishing village considered a place of rest for the soul. You can walk through alleys full of colorful shops bordered by the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a tuna fishery and discover the ancient tradition of fishing and the processing of fish products and taste them, such as red tuna bottarga.Arrival to Ragusa. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ragusa- Modica- Noto Valley
You will meet your guide in the morning to begin your full-day guided tour of Ragusa, Modica and Val di Noto. You will start from Ragusa Ibla which houses baroque churches and characteristic alleys, you will visit the historic center of the city, one of the most fascinating in the Val di Noto, built into the rock to look like a small living nativity scene.You will visit the oldest district of the city, which is home to 14 of the 18 monuments now included in the UNESCO world heritage list.At the end of the visit you will continue towards Modica where you will visit the Duomo and the church of San Giorgio.During the guided tour you will enjoy a small chocolate tasting in a laboratory.Here you will have time to have lunch freely.Immediately after lunch we will continue towards Noto, a small city that houses all the most beautiful Baroque churches.During the journey you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes made up of large canyons, steep cliffs and wooded areas of olive and carob trees.Once in Noto the guide will take you to discover this splendid town, with an external visit to the churches.Once the visit is over, the guide will greet you and you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the typical local shops or bars. At the end of the tour return to Ragusa. Free dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Departure.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Catania: Hotel Katane Palace or similar
Siracusa: Unahotels One Siracusa or similar
Ragusa: Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar
A land of history, culture and cities of art and at the same time of natural wonders, traditions, folklore and food and wine, Sicily is one of the two main islands of our beautiful Country. In terms of richness from every point of view, a lifetime would not be enough to visit, live and enjoy the splendour of this land where folklore and popular traditions are alive and create an atmosphere, which seems suspended in a lost epoque, far away from modernity. Born as "Magna Graecia" for its strategic position of openness to the sea as an island, it was populated and colonized by the ancient Greek civilization, the population which gave birth to our modern civilization from every point of view: political, philosophical, artistic, etc.. The heritage of this civilization is still visible and recognizable, but the real beauty of this land is the melting pot of cultures which dominated the island during the centuries. After the Greek period, it has been subject of various dominations of peoples, from the Normans to the Moors and all of them have left their indelible mark. As a result today Sicily appears as a spicy mix of styles and traditions- a unique mosaic of different influences which make this land of of the most beautiful in the world. Walking through the streets of Palermo, Taormina, Catania, up to the Valley of the Temples it is easy to experience this mixture of history. But Sicily is also unique in its naturalistic features. From the wonders of the hinterland: from Etna, a volcanic peak that with its 3350m of altitude and 35km of diameter at its base is the largest active volcano in Europe, to the Madonie mountain complex running down the coast- a unique and diversified coastine overlooking the crystal clear emerald green waters surrounding the whole island But Sicily is also excellent food and wine. The popular tradition of fishermen, breeders and farmers has given birth to a delicious and inresistible enogastronomic background. You can savour the unique tastes of the street food along the markets, fall in love with the local pastry and the diary products and get inebriated by the historic sweet wines of the Marsala region or by the modern warm and structured wines produced on the slopes of the Etna. And last but not least, to visit Sicily means to familiarize with the enormous soul of the Sicilians whose hospitality goes beyond all expectations and goes straight to your heart. In your free time, don't miss some of the most beautiful and characteristic villages in the area: Erice, San Vito lo Capo, Sciacca, Selinunte, Scopello on the western side; the Alcantara caves, the Val di Noto, Pachino, Marzamemi and Vendicari on the eastern side.
9 days/ 8 nights- 2 pax minimum
Day 1: Arrival to Catania
Arrival to Catania and check-in at the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Trekking on the Etna volcano- Winery Tour- Tasting
The day will be dedicated to the discovery of Etna: one of the most impressive volcanoes in Europe, still active today. After meeting with the guide you will begin an easy trekking route of a maximum of 6 km along the buttonhole of the Sartorius craters or along the craters of the 2002 eruption. You will also have the opportunity to visit a lava flow cave (Grotta Corruccio or Grotta dei Thieves). The altitude difference you will cover during the excursion ranges from 1800 meters to a maximum of 2200 meters above sea level. The volcanic landscape is of considerable naturalistic and scenic interest. You will walk among woods, volcanic cones and lava flows, all punctually enriched by the explanations of your naturalistic guide. After the visit to Etna we will continue towards one of the many wineries in the area. The wines produced on the slopes of Etna are reclaiming their respectable position in the framework of Italian enology thanks to their incredible structure and minerality. You will have the opportunity to visit the winery and learn about the production process of these wines and then conclude the visit with a tasting of typical Sicilian wines and products. Return to Catania at the end of the tour and rest of the day free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Taormina and Castelmola
After meeting with the guide you will begin your half-day visit to the historic center of Taormina, walking along the characteristic narrow streets and elegant squares, going up and down the typical stairs to get to know the highlights of this enchanting place. Starting from Porta Catania you can proceed by visiting the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, the Piazza Duomo with the Norman Cathedral and the Fountain of the Centauress, symbol of the city for travelers of the Grand Tour and 'La Dolce Vita'. You can proceed towards Piazza Belvedere and then down towards the Naumachie to reach the enchanting public garden. The visit to the Ancient Theater is a must. At the end you will move towards Castelmola which boasts an excellent panoramic view and where the guide will greet you. Lunch and rest of the afternoon free to explore the area or relax on the beach.
Day 4: Catania
Meeting with the qualified local guide who will accompany you on a visit to the city of Catania and to discover local street food for the duration of the entire morning. It will be a walk through the historic center to discover Ancient and Baroque Catania.You will get to know and visit the most significant monuments of the Greco-Roman period (theater, amphitheater and thermal baths) with particular attention also to medieval history, from the first Byzantine churches to the Norman cathedral, from Frederick's castle to the Spanish conquests, up to the post-Roman reconstruction earthquake of its wonderful late Baroque style monuments which, since 2002, have contributed to the city of Catania being included in the World Heritage List (Unesco). The walk will continue to the Catania market where the guide will accompany you in tasting the local street food. Free lunch. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Arrival to Siracusa
Departure for Syracuse. Free day along the route to explore the area independently or relax on the beach. Arrival to Syracuse. Check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Siracusa vintage boutique tour- Ortigia boat tour
Start the morning in Syracuse with a tour to discover the small artisan shops that still remain as they once were. You will be able to chat with the old Sicilian artisans and discover the techniques for making the various products.Immerse yourself in the world of jewelers, leather artisans, ceramists, puppeteers, Sicilian artisan clothing and culinary art. A dive into the past between traditions, art and history. After this two-hour tour, free lunch. In the afternoon you will leave by boat which will give you the opportunity to circumnavigate Ortigia and see it from the sea.You will begin to see the majesty of the large port, which is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean, you will pass near the Foro Italico where you will admire the very luxurious yachts and above you will see a part of the facade of the cathedral the Duomo; immediately afterwards you will see from the sea the Aretusa fountain with its charm and the immense Maniace castle which indicates the exit of the port. Once in the open sea, you will continue to see the beautiful face of Ortigia seen from the sea, with its colorful facades, majestic churches and protective walls. After leaving the island, you will head towards the north coast of Syracuse where, sipping a good prosecco and tasting a platter of typical Sicilian products, you will wait for the sunset. After having refreshed yourself, you will visit the various caves inside: the Capuchin cave, the coral cave and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. As per tradition, you will stop in front of the cave of love: the heart-shaped cave, where you can take souvenir photos with your heart behind you. Return to the mainland. Free dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Marzamemi- Vendicari- Arrival to Ragusa
Departure from Syracuse towards Ragusa. Along the way you will have a stop for a day tour to discover the beautiful village of Marzamemi and the Vendicari Reserve.You will meet the guide in front of the entrance to the Vendicari oasis.Upon your arrival, you can begin your visit to the Vendicari reserve, a still uncontaminated place that offers the possibility of enjoying a naturalistic paradise of more than 1500 hectares, where an entire ecosystem lives undisturbed. Passing by the observation huts for birdwatching, this itinerary will allow you to see, in addition to the pink flamingos, herons and storks, also the Swabian Tower, the Tonnara and the very long golden beaches with a crystal clear sea. Here you can stop to immerse yourself in these heavenly waters.You will continue to reach Marzamemi, a small Sicilian jewel. An ancient village characterized by yellow stone houses arranged around two natural marinas; a fishing village considered a place of rest for the soul. You can walk through alleys full of colorful shops bordered by the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a tuna fishery and discover the ancient tradition of fishing and the processing of fish products and taste them, such as red tuna bottarga.Arrival to Ragusa. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ragusa- Modica- Noto Valley
You will meet your guide in the morning to begin your full-day guided tour of Ragusa, Modica and Val di Noto. You will start from Ragusa Ibla which houses baroque churches and characteristic alleys, you will visit the historic center of the city, one of the most fascinating in the Val di Noto, built into the rock to look like a small living nativity scene.You will visit the oldest district of the city, which is home to 14 of the 18 monuments now included in the UNESCO world heritage list.At the end of the visit you will continue towards Modica where you will visit the Duomo and the church of San Giorgio.During the guided tour you will enjoy a small chocolate tasting in a laboratory.Here you will have time to have lunch freely.Immediately after lunch we will continue towards Noto, a small city that houses all the most beautiful Baroque churches.During the journey you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes made up of large canyons, steep cliffs and wooded areas of olive and carob trees.Once in Noto the guide will take you to discover this splendid town, with an external visit to the churches.Once the visit is over, the guide will greet you and you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the typical local shops or bars. At the end of the tour return to Ragusa. Free dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Departure.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Catania: Hotel Katane Palace or similar
Siracusa: Unahotels One Siracusa or similar
Ragusa: Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar
A land of history, culture and cities of art and at the same time of natural wonders, traditions, folklore and food and wine, Sicily is one of the two main islands of our beautiful Country. In terms of richness from every point of view, a lifetime would not be enough to visit, live and enjoy the splendour of this land where folklore and popular traditions are alive and create an atmosphere, which seems suspended in a lost epoque, far away from modernity. Born as "Magna Graecia" for its strategic position of openness to the sea as an island, it was populated and colonized by the ancient Greek civilization, the population which gave birth to our modern civilization from every point of view: political, philosophical, artistic, etc.. The heritage of this civilization is still visible and recognizable, but the real beauty of this land is the melting pot of cultures which dominated the island during the centuries. After the Greek period, it has been subject of various dominations of peoples, from the Normans to the Moors and all of them have left their indelible mark. As a result today Sicily appears as a spicy mix of styles and traditions- a unique mosaic of different influences which make this land of of the most beautiful in the world. Walking through the streets of Palermo, Taormina, Catania, up to the Valley of the Temples it is easy to experience this mixture of history. But Sicily is also unique in its naturalistic features. From the wonders of the hinterland: from Etna, a volcanic peak that with its 3350m of altitude and 35km of diameter at its base is the largest active volcano in Europe, to the Madonie mountain complex running down the coast- a unique and diversified coastine overlooking the crystal clear emerald green waters surrounding the whole island But Sicily is also excellent food and wine. The popular tradition of fishermen, breeders and farmers has given birth to a delicious and inresistible enogastronomic background. You can savour the unique tastes of the street food along the markets, fall in love with the local pastry and the diary products and get inebriated by the historic sweet wines of the Marsala region or by the modern warm and structured wines produced on the slopes of the Etna. And last but not least, to visit Sicily means to familiarize with the enormous soul of the Sicilians whose hospitality goes beyond all expectations and goes straight to your heart. In your free time, don't miss some of the most beautiful and characteristic villages in the area: Erice, San Vito lo Capo, Sciacca, Selinunte, Scopello on the western side; the Alcantara caves, the Val di Noto, Pachino, Marzamemi and Vendicari on the eastern side.
9 days/ 8 nights- 2 pax minimum
Day 1: Arrival to Catania
Arrival to Catania and check-in at the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Trekking on the Etna volcano- Winery Tour- Tasting
The day will be dedicated to the discovery of Etna: one of the most impressive volcanoes in Europe, still active today. After meeting with the guide you will begin an easy trekking route of a maximum of 6 km along the buttonhole of the Sartorius craters or along the craters of the 2002 eruption. You will also have the opportunity to visit a lava flow cave (Grotta Corruccio or Grotta dei Thieves). The altitude difference you will cover during the excursion ranges from 1800 meters to a maximum of 2200 meters above sea level. The volcanic landscape is of considerable naturalistic and scenic interest. You will walk among woods, volcanic cones and lava flows, all punctually enriched by the explanations of your naturalistic guide. After the visit to Etna we will continue towards one of the many wineries in the area. The wines produced on the slopes of Etna are reclaiming their respectable position in the framework of Italian enology thanks to their incredible structure and minerality. You will have the opportunity to visit the winery and learn about the production process of these wines and then conclude the visit with a tasting of typical Sicilian wines and products. Return to Catania at the end of the tour and rest of the day free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Taormina and Castelmola
After meeting with the guide you will begin your half-day visit to the historic center of Taormina, walking along the characteristic narrow streets and elegant squares, going up and down the typical stairs to get to know the highlights of this enchanting place. Starting from Porta Catania you can proceed by visiting the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, the Piazza Duomo with the Norman Cathedral and the Fountain of the Centauress, symbol of the city for travelers of the Grand Tour and 'La Dolce Vita'. You can proceed towards Piazza Belvedere and then down towards the Naumachie to reach the enchanting public garden. The visit to the Ancient Theater is a must. At the end you will move towards Castelmola which boasts an excellent panoramic view and where the guide will greet you. Lunch and rest of the afternoon free to explore the area or relax on the beach.
Day 4: Catania
Meeting with the qualified local guide who will accompany you on a visit to the city of Catania and to discover local street food for the duration of the entire morning. It will be a walk through the historic center to discover Ancient and Baroque Catania.You will get to know and visit the most significant monuments of the Greco-Roman period (theater, amphitheater and thermal baths) with particular attention also to medieval history, from the first Byzantine churches to the Norman cathedral, from Frederick's castle to the Spanish conquests, up to the post-Roman reconstruction earthquake of its wonderful late Baroque style monuments which, since 2002, have contributed to the city of Catania being included in the World Heritage List (Unesco). The walk will continue to the Catania market where the guide will accompany you in tasting the local street food. Free lunch. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Arrival to Siracusa
Departure for Syracuse. Free day along the route to explore the area independently or relax on the beach. Arrival to Syracuse. Check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Siracusa vintage boutique tour- Ortigia boat tour
Start the morning in Syracuse with a tour to discover the small artisan shops that still remain as they once were. You will be able to chat with the old Sicilian artisans and discover the techniques for making the various products.Immerse yourself in the world of jewelers, leather artisans, ceramists, puppeteers, Sicilian artisan clothing and culinary art. A dive into the past between traditions, art and history. After this two-hour tour, free lunch. In the afternoon you will leave by boat which will give you the opportunity to circumnavigate Ortigia and see it from the sea.You will begin to see the majesty of the large port, which is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean, you will pass near the Foro Italico where you will admire the very luxurious yachts and above you will see a part of the facade of the cathedral the Duomo; immediately afterwards you will see from the sea the Aretusa fountain with its charm and the immense Maniace castle which indicates the exit of the port. Once in the open sea, you will continue to see the beautiful face of Ortigia seen from the sea, with its colorful facades, majestic churches and protective walls. After leaving the island, you will head towards the north coast of Syracuse where, sipping a good prosecco and tasting a platter of typical Sicilian products, you will wait for the sunset. After having refreshed yourself, you will visit the various caves inside: the Capuchin cave, the coral cave and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. As per tradition, you will stop in front of the cave of love: the heart-shaped cave, where you can take souvenir photos with your heart behind you. Return to the mainland. Free dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Marzamemi- Vendicari- Arrival to Ragusa
Departure from Syracuse towards Ragusa. Along the way you will have a stop for a day tour to discover the beautiful village of Marzamemi and the Vendicari Reserve.You will meet the guide in front of the entrance to the Vendicari oasis.Upon your arrival, you can begin your visit to the Vendicari reserve, a still uncontaminated place that offers the possibility of enjoying a naturalistic paradise of more than 1500 hectares, where an entire ecosystem lives undisturbed. Passing by the observation huts for birdwatching, this itinerary will allow you to see, in addition to the pink flamingos, herons and storks, also the Swabian Tower, the Tonnara and the very long golden beaches with a crystal clear sea. Here you can stop to immerse yourself in these heavenly waters.You will continue to reach Marzamemi, a small Sicilian jewel. An ancient village characterized by yellow stone houses arranged around two natural marinas; a fishing village considered a place of rest for the soul. You can walk through alleys full of colorful shops bordered by the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a tuna fishery and discover the ancient tradition of fishing and the processing of fish products and taste them, such as red tuna bottarga.Arrival to Ragusa. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ragusa- Modica- Noto Valley
You will meet your guide in the morning to begin your full-day guided tour of Ragusa, Modica and Val di Noto. You will start from Ragusa Ibla which houses baroque churches and characteristic alleys, you will visit the historic center of the city, one of the most fascinating in the Val di Noto, built into the rock to look like a small living nativity scene.You will visit the oldest district of the city, which is home to 14 of the 18 monuments now included in the UNESCO world heritage list.At the end of the visit you will continue towards Modica where you will visit the Duomo and the church of San Giorgio.During the guided tour you will enjoy a small chocolate tasting in a laboratory.Here you will have time to have lunch freely.Immediately after lunch we will continue towards Noto, a small city that houses all the most beautiful Baroque churches.During the journey you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes made up of large canyons, steep cliffs and wooded areas of olive and carob trees.Once in Noto the guide will take you to discover this splendid town, with an external visit to the churches.Once the visit is over, the guide will greet you and you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the typical local shops or bars. At the end of the tour return to Ragusa. Free dinner and an overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Departure.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Catania: Hotel Katane Palace or similar
Siracusa: Unahotels One Siracusa or similar
Ragusa: Hotel Poggio del Sole or similar
(if you skip this step, your seat will be assigned and communicated to you by one of our operators as soon as possible)