Catania to Taormina Tour

Arrive and make your own way to the hotel in the charming city of Catania. Dinner on your own and overnight in Il Principe Hotel Romano House Hotel or similar. 

Breakfast in the hotel and departure for Syracuse to visit the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily, The Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Visit of the old town centre of Ortigia, with its stunning Piazza Duomo and Cathedral. Proceed to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque also called the “stone garden”, full of beautiful buildings and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Noto’s baroque architecture is a plethora of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and cherubs that adorn the façades of churches and monasteries. At the end of the visit proceed to Ragusa, check in hotel, dinner, and overnight stay in Mediterraneo Palace Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel before and visiting of Ragusa Ibla with its beautiful churches and the Ibleo garden. Continue to Modica, to admire its many baroque style treasures, also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stop to taste local products. Depart for Piazza Armerina and visit the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, a building from the late imperial period and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to Agrigento for dinner and overnight at Baia Di Ulisse Wellness & Spa or similar. (B, L, D)

After breakfast visit the famous Valley of the Temples, a jewel recognized by UNESCO. Here you can admire the Temples of Juno, Concord and Hercules. Continue on to Marsala, known for Garibaldi’s landing. Strolling through the historic center, you’ll be captivated by elegant palaces and baroque landmarks. Enjoy some wine tastings before a light lunch accompanied by wines. Next, explore the picturesque Salt Road, with views of the Stagnone Islands and ancient salt pans, among the oldest in the world and still active today. Arrive in Palermo this evening and overnight at Mecure Palermo Centro, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar. (B, L)

Depart for Monreale to visit the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the majestic Cloister. Return to Palermo for a visit to the Cathedral, a striking fusion of Gothic, Baroque, and Norman influences. Admire the beauty of the Martorana Church and the splendour of the Palatine Chapel, both richly decorated with golden mosaics. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties. In the afternoon, stroll through Palermo’s historic center to see the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, and the elegant Pretoria Fountain. Overnight at Mecure Palermo Centro, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar. (B, L)

The day begins with a visit to the charming seaside village of Cefalù, known for its impressive Norman Cathedral. Enjoy free time to wander the cobbled streets of the old town or explore the Mandralisca Museum. In the afternoon, depart for Catania. Enjoy a walk in the historic center, characterised by its unique late-Baroque style and use of Etna’s lava stone. Stroll through Duomo Square to admire the Cathedral of Sant’ Agata and the iconic lava stone Elephant, the symbol of the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel, Romano House Hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s lively fish market, the “Pescheria.” Then, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m). Its dramatic lunar landscape offers stunning views and a memorable experience. The Etna Park covers 59.000 hectares and is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. At Rifugio Sapienza, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, sample artisanal honey and other local products. Next, continue to Taormina, renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the old town, savouring regional specialties. Explore the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, boasting spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take free time to stroll Taormina’s picturesque streets, browse local craft shops, or simply relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA or similar. (B, L, D)

Morning departure for Castelmola, 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. Return to Taormina and enjoy a free afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Taormina at Hotel Baia Azzurra, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA or similar. (B, D) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in Taormina, famously described by Goethe as “paradise on earth.” Take time to explore this charming medieval village, visit its historic landmarks, or browse local shops for unique handmade crafts. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast make your own way to the airport.