DAY 1 – CATANIA
Arrive in Catania and check in to the Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar) in Syracuse for 2 nights. Enjoy a welcome drink. Our travel specialists will be delighted to assist with flight arrangements if required.
Accommodation: Grande Albergo Alfeo
DAY 2 – SYRACUSE – NOTO
Tour Syracuse, including the Greek theatre, considered one of the most important examples of its kind; the Ear of Dionysius limestone cave; and Ortygia island. Continue to the UNESCO-listed city of Noto, renowned for its magnificent baroque architecture.
Accommodation: Grande Albergo Alfeo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 – CATAIA – CEFALÙ – PALERMO
This morning, drive to Catania to view the cathedral and Piazza Stesicoro. Continue to Cefalù to visit the Norman cathedral with its exquisite mosaics. Next, travel to Palermo and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar).
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 – PALERMO – MONREALE
This morning, drive to Monreale to visit the Norman cathedral, founded in 1172 and considered a leading example of Norman-Arab architecture. Return to Palermo for a city tour including the magnificent Arab-Norman cathedral; the Palatine Chapel, located within the Norman palace and covered in Byzantine influenced mosaics; and the historic old town. During an afternoon street-food experience and light tasting lunch learn how Palermitan cuisine has been shaped by the region’s history.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 – SEGESTA – ERICE – AGRIGENTO
Morning visit to the Archaeological Park of Segesta where you see one of Sicily’s best preserved Doric temples. Proceed to the town of Erice with its imposing fortified walls overlooking the city of Trapani. Stop at Grammatico, the world-famous pastry shop, for some marzipan and biscuit tasting. Drive to Agrigento and stay overnight at the Hotel Colleverde Park (or similar).
Accommodation: Colleverde Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6 – VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES – PIAZZA ARMERINA – TAORMINA
Morning visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most impressive ancient Greek sites. Afternoon drive to the elegant resort town of Taormina via Piazza Armerina to view the Roman mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Splendid (or similar).
Accommodation: Hotel Splendid
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 – MOUNT ETNA
Visit the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, for panoramic views. Stop for wine tasting at a local vineyard. Afternoon guided tour of the Taormina Amphitheatre. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Splendid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 – DEPART
Transfer to Catania airport, or begin your extension.
Meals: Breakfast
