THE PEARLS OF SICILY PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY
PRIVATE TOUR FROM CATANIA TO CATANIA
DAY 1: WELCOME TO SICILY & SIRACUSA
Arrive at Catania airport and meet your driver for a journey to SIRACUSA for a two nights stay in our central hotel, close to the city’s architecturally treasures.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in SIRACUSA
DAY 2: SIRACUSA- “TAPESTRY OF CULTURES”
In the morning, you’ll explore this major outpost of the Greek empire with a local expert guide.The city boasts an incredible historical heritage, starting from the Archaeological Park, featuring the ancient Greek Theater now used for classical performances, the Latomie del Paradiso, the largest quarry in the ancient urban settlement and the Ear Of Dionysus, a subterranean artificial cave quarry used as a prison. You’ll see numerous elegant Baroque town houses, rebuilt after the earthquake that severely damaged the city in 1693, the elegant Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral’s baroque facade and the Temple of Athena from the 5th century BC lying behind it.After a foodie experience at the lively market, you’ll enjoy the rest of the day on your own.Enjoy la Dolce Vita!!Overnight in SIRACUSA
DAY 3 : VOLCANIC CATANIA,ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS & AGRIGENTO
Your transfer to AGRIGENTO features a stop at the vibrant city of CATANIA, which owes its Baroque architecture in gloomy black lava to the last quake of 1693. During your free time,you might consider visiting the Cathedral of St. Agatha, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed, the cathedral square, the Bellini theater, the Villa Gardens or the lively fish market.Continue to the ROMAN VILLA ,one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, built in the first quarter of the 4th century. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.After time on your own for lunch,continue to AGRIGENTO for an overnight stay in a family-run hotel with an included dinner.Overnight stay in AGRIGENTO
DAY 4: VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES,BACKROAD ERICE & SPICY PALERMO
Today we begin touring Western Sicily with an included visit to the ancient city of AGRIGENTO, a UNESCO heritage site where a local expert will shed light on the VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES, an incredible concentration of Greek temples in varying states of ruin and reconstruction. This historic site was the heart of one of the most important cities in the ancient world and is the prime example of the magnificence of MAGNA GRECIA.Afterwards, we’ll be reaching the spectacular hill town of ERICE which combines medieval charm with astounding 360-degree views. It boasts a breathtaking setting high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, perfectly preserved medieval treasure and an impressive Castle with views over the Egadi Islands.Arrive in Palermo for your next two nights at our exclusive central hotel.Overnight stay in PALERMO
DAY 5: HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO & MONREALE CATHEDRAL
Start your day with a guided walking tour of PALERMO, a crossroads of history, being the world’s most conquered city and a melting pot of civilizations. The city was the seat of the Arab Emirate in the 10th century, and Middle Eastern influences can still be seen in the architecture of the churches and in the narrow streets and alleys of the old Arab quarter.Today we discover what this city is best known for the evocative PALATINE CHAPEL, dating back to the 12th century and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE. After a visit to the famous CAPO MARKET for a local street food experience, you’ll drive to the hills of Palermo to uncover the beauty of MONREALE, known for one of Sicily’s great sites – the stunning 12th century Norman cathedral literally wallpapered with golden mosaics that tell the stories of the bible. The remainder of the day is at leisure.Overnight in PALERMO
DAY 6: CAPTIVATING CEFALU’ & ROMANTIC TAORMINA
This morning drive takes you to visit the charming fishing village of CEFALU‘. The squares, streets and churches of this medieval town are so postcard-pretty that it’s no wonder director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso here. Most of Cefalu’ sites are found in the historic town center around Corso Ruggero and Piazza del Duomo, where you can visit the striking Cathedral, a mosaic-adorned outpost of Norman power and one of the jewels in Sicily’s Arab-Norman crown.After time on your own for sightseeing and lunch ,you’ll continue to the charming town of TAORMINA for your last two nights in a central hotel.Clamped to a rocky bluff planted with cypresses,pines and lush subtropical vegetation,the exquisitely maintained medieval town of TAORMINA is Sicily’s glitziest and most dramatically situated resort.Overnight in TAORMINA
DAY 7: IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNT ETNA & WINERY
Explore majestic MOUNT ETNA, 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.Descend to the village of LINGUAGLOSSA to visit a family run winery to taste some excellent wines.Overnight stay in TAORMINA
DAY 8 : ARRIVEDERCI BELLA SICILIA
Morning private transfers 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