BAROQUE SICILY TOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY
PRIVATE TOUR FROM CATANIA TO CATANIA
Day 1 : WELCOME TO SIRACUSA
Arrive at Catania International Airport where you’ll be met by your driver and travel to the splendid ORTIGIA Island, in SIRACUSA for a three nights stay at our exclusive central “HOTEL ROMA” or similar, which enjoys an excellent central location close to the city’s architecturally baroque treasures.Welcome dinner is included in a local restaurant nearby the hotel.Overnight in SIRACUSA
Day 2 : ORTIGIA, NEAPOLIS & HARBOUR CRUISE IN SIRACUSA
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the splendid UNESCO site of SIRACUSA, a major outpost of the Greek empire, which boasts an incredible historical heritage, starting from the Archaeological park, featuring the ancient Amphitheater where Palto once appeared. Much of the ancient city of Siracusa has now been obliterated by more recent buildings, but there are considerable remains of historic structures both in the archaeological area of Neapolis and on the promontory of Ortigia.You can also see numerous elegant Baroque town houses, rebuilt after the earthquake that severely damaged the city in 1693.After an included street food experience at the local market, you’ll cruise along the Ortigia Grand Harbor.Rest of the day and dinner is on your own. Overnight in SIRACUSA
Day 3 : BAROQUE TREASURES OF NOTO & RAGUSA
A full day’s journey today takes you south-east to witness the splendors of the Sicilian Baroque architecture, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.In 1693, in the wake of a mighty eruption of Etna, this corner of Sicily was devastated by an earthquake. Towns were rapidly rebuilt out of the glowing local limestone.We’ll visit the splendid UNESCO town of NOTO, with its remarkable architectural integrity.It presents a pleasing ensemble of honey-color buildings, strikingly uniform in style and a world famous domed Cathedral, an undisputed highlight of the extraordinary Baroque architecture.We then drive to the picturesque hill town of RAGUSA IBLA, famous for its labyrinth of crooked lanes,tiny squares and noble Palazzos.Dinner is on your own in one of the local taverns. Overnight in SIRACUSA
Day 4 : CATANIA, CYCLOPS COASTLINE & GIARDINI NAXOS
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to TAORMINA, one of the island’s most ancient towns and most beautiful destinations. On the way you’ll discover CATANIA, a city which owes its homogeneous Baroque architecture in gloomy black lava to the last quake of 1693. You may consider visiting the Cathedral Of St. Agatha, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed ,Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), the Bellini theater, the Villa Gardens and the lively fish market.Travel along the panoramic Cyclops Riviera to reach the charming fishing village of GIARDINI NAXOS,the site of the first Greek settlement in Sicily. After an included lunch in a seafood restaurant, you’ll be transferred to the splendid town of TAORMINA for your last 4 nights at the central hotel “VILLA PARADISO“or similar.Overnight in TAORMINA
Day 5 : TAORMINA DELIGHTS & HOME-HOSTED LUNCH
This morning we have arranged a guided tour of TAORMINA.Its origins goes back to the time of Dionysius in about 400 BC. It remained an important city during the Greek and Roman periods and the Theatre and Odeon still survive as reminders of those times. Taormina also boasts a number of elegant mansions and palaces dating back from the Middle Ages, and several interesting churches including the 15th century fortified cathedral, and St Pancras’, which incorporates part of a Greek temple.After an included visit to the ancient theater,you’ll enjoy some time at leisure followed by a drive to a small village where a Sicilian family will open the door of their house for an included lunch.Overnight in TAORMINA
Day 6 : MAJESTIC MT ETNA & WINERY EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, explore majestic MOUNT ETNA, known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky”- Mt Etna is the highest and largest volcano in Europe and one of the world’s most active.The peak changes in size over the years. It currently rises at 11,000 feet above sea level and literally towers above Sicily’s Ionian coast and since 1987. Its slopes have been part of the Etna Parkland, an area that encompasses both alpine forests and the forbiddingly black summit.You’ll ascend to 7,000 ft.and take a walk to visit the Silvestri Craters and new lava flow from recent eruptions. Following this, you’ll descend to the village of LINGUAGLOSSA for a tour of a well-known WINERY. Overnight stay in TAORMINA
Day 7 : UNKNOWN SICILY: SAVOCA & FORZA D’AGRO’
We begin our day with a short drive to the picturesque mountain village of SAVOCA. Surrounded by encroaching green peaks, the village seems unchanged since medieval times, with its gated walls, rustic stone cottages and haunting churches. It even has its own Catacombs, beneath a Cappucini monastery,where the macabre bodies of a few mummified bigwigs stand in a series of wall niches.The village’s main claim to fame is its association with the Godfather film- Michael Corleone’s marriage to Apollonia was filmed here. One of the locations used was the Bar Vitelli, a rustic bar located by the village entrance and a lovely spot for a cool lemon granita (crushed-ice drink). Afterwards, we continue to FORZA D’AGRO’, another charming Sicilian village boasting amazing views over the Ionian coast.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight stay in TAORMINA
Day 8 : ARRIVEDERCI SICILIA!!!
Transfer to Catania airport for your flight home
Sicily-An island touching different worlds Sicily is full of beguiling contrasts. The untamed west vies with the flawless Greek classicism of the east and every Mediterranean civilization has passed by, bequeathing marvels fit for the gods and a rich gastronomic heritage.Palermo has bustling markets and grand architecture. Sample fish couscous and the typically Sicilian atmosphere