Catania to Taormina

Individual arrival to your hotel in Catania (optional private transfer on request). Dinner on your own and overnight in Il Principe Hotel / Romano House Hotel or similar.

Start with breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The visit will start at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the impressive Greek Theatre, one of the largest and best preserved in the ancient world. The tour continues with the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomies of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysus., Continue to Ortigia, Syracuse’s historic center, where you’ll visit the Cathedral and Arethusa’s Fountain. Enjoy free time for lunch. In the afternoon, head to Noto, famous for its Sicilian baroque architecture. After some free time to explore, transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight at Mediterraneo Palace Hotel or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Ragusa Ibla, a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque with over fifty churches and numerous palaces. Known as the setting for Commissario Montalbano, Ragusa is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Modica, another baroque gem, starting with a chocolate tasting at Sabadì, famous for its I.G.P. certified chocolate. Enjoy a light lunch at Orti di San Giorgio, surrounded by the beauty of seven hanging gardens. In the afternoon, visit Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, renowned for its exquisite Roman mosaics. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Baia di Ulisse Wellness & SPA or similar. (B)

The day beigns at the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most impressive archaeological sites, to explore the ancient city of Akragas. Marvel at the Temple of Juno, the well-preserved Temple of Concord, and the ancient Temple of Hercules. Continue to Marsala, a city rich in history and known for its enological tradition. After exploring Marsala’s baroque streets, enjoy an exclusive visit to the historic Florio Cellars, and taste Marsala wine during a light lunch. Then, journey along the Salt Road, taking in stunning views of windmills, the Stagnone Islands, and ancient salt pans. Free time for dinner and an overnight stay at Mercure Palermo Centro / Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar.

Breakfast and then visit Monreale, home to the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, an Arab-Norman masterpiece. Explore the adjacent Cloister, known for its ornate columns and intricate stone inlays. Continue to Palermo, nestled at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, and discover its rich Arab-Norman heritage. Start with Palermo Cathedral, then visit the Martorana Church, famous for its Byzantine mosaics, and the Cappella Palatina in the Norman Palace. Lunch break before a stroll through Palermo's historic center. Highlights include the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, and Pretoria Square fountain. Free time for dinner and overnight stay at Mercure Palermo Centro / Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar. (B) 

After breakfast, head to Cefalu, a picturesque seaside village. Visit the Norman Cathedral with its stunning Byzantine mosaics, and enjoy free time to explore the village or visit the Mandralisca Museum. Continue to Catania, a city steeped in history at the foot of Mount Etna, known for its unique baroque architecture. Explore the UNESCO historic center. Duomo Square to see the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the iconic Lavica Stone Elephant. Walk through University Square and along Via dei Crociferi, famed for its baroque churches and the stunning S. Benedict Monastery. Pause at a historic bar for a traditional “granita & brioche.” Dinner on own and overnight at Il Principe Hotel / Romano House Hotel or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to Catania's vibrant fish market, the "pescheria," known for its authentic atmosphere. Then, depart for Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, to explore the UNESCO-listed Etna Park with its dramatic lava flows and craters. At Rifugio Sapienza, explore the "Crateri Silvestri," inactive volcanic cones. Enjoy a tasting of artisanal honey and local products before heading to Taormina, one of Sicily's most charming spots. After lunch in town, visit the Greco-Roman Theatre, offering views of Naxos Bay. Enjoy free time to explore Taormina or shop before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Hotel Villa Diodoro / Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA or similar. (B)

After breakfast, departure for Castelmola, near Taormina, with a wonderful landscape over the Ionian Sea. It is a small village characterized by narrow medieval alleys, little squares and ancient churches, officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Proceeding on, the excursion will continue to Savoca, also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and located over a rocky hill. Savoca treasures vestiges of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque origins in its territory. Visit the famous open-air set of the famous movie "The Godfather" by Francis Ford Coppola before returning to Taormina and free afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Villa Diodoro 4* / Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA or similar. (B)

After breakfast, free day in Taormina, defined by Goethe as the "paradise on earth". You can enjoy the Medieval village visiting its historical monuments, shop around, or relax by the sea. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Villa Diodoro / Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA or similar. (B)

Breakfast in hotel and end of services. (B)