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Sicily
Select
ITINERARY (7 nights/8 days):
Palermo (3 nights) Leonforte (1 night)
Taormina (3 nights)
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An amazing tour of
Sicily from Palermo, guaranteed scheduled departures, Limited to
maximum 15 people, English speaking only, Villa lodge experience,
First class properties, main Sicilian Highlights ... this is the tour you are
looking for...
Rate from
Eur 1.750,00
per person in double/twin occupancy
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Read all the details on the
PDF file
You will find: rate,
departure dates, optional excursions, airport transfers package, pre-post
nights tour, conditions. |
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Day 1 (Saturday): Palermo
Welcome to the warm, beautiful and pleasant island of Sicily! Upon arrival
at Palermo airport please proceed through the Passport Control and collect
your luggage inside the customs area. Outside of customs, you will find the
driver waiting holding a sign with your full name. Transfer to the hotel.
This evening, after a brief introduction made by your Tour Director, enjoy a
Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 (Sunday): Monreale & Palermo
After breakfast, our local guide will show us where the Arab-Norman art and
architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo,
launched in 1174 by William II. Scenes from the Old and New Testaments are
depicted in golden mosaics covering the interior. Then to the Palatine
Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of
William II’s grandfather, Roger II. We continue by seeing: Piazza Pretoria
and Via Maqueda with its “four corners” converging Palermo at a quartet of
Baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating back to
1560. Then we visit the Cathedral constructed in various architectural
styles throughout the Roman, Norman, Arabic, and Islamic dominations. This
afternoon time at leisure to explore the town on your own or OPTIONAL
EXCURSION (optional excursions details are available on
request) (BB)
Day 3 (Monday): Palermo/Erice Olive Oil Factory/Marsala
Winery/Palermo
Early departure to tour western Sicily where we will begin in Erice city
center. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice, which was an
important religious site associated with the goddess Venus. Wander through
its ancient streets and visit some of the famous homemade pastry
shops—world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and
pistachio pastries. Then to an olive oil factory & farmhouse to enjoy a
light lunch. In the afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala on the
Salt Way Road. We will tour the historic saltpan works where the ancient
tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced. We then
continue on to Marsala and visit a local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian
wines. Later back to Palermo. (BB L)
Day 4 (Tuesday) Palermo/Agrigento/Piazza Armerina/Leonforte
(Enna)
Today’s drive across the vast countryside showcases Sicily’s great variety
of sceneries. We soon arrive in Agrigento whose history dates back to 580
BC. A guided tour leads us through the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent
cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This afternoon we
continue to Piazza Armerina to view the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale.
The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity.
Later, we depart for Leonforte near Enna. This region boasts a rich
production of wheat, citrus fruits, and olive oil. Tonight, we lodge at
Villa Gussio, an old traditional Sicilian country hotel. The hotel is a
jewel set in the green heart of Sicily, a magic place where history and
nature blend to celebrate a spontaneous hymn to beauty. Dinner at the hotel.
(BB D)
Day 5 (Wednesday) Leonfonte/Syracuse/Taormina
Today we depart for Syracuse, founded by colonists from Cornith in 735 B.C.
and once the most important competitor to Athens. Our guided visit through
the Archaeological Park highlights the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre
and the Paradise Quarry. Later stroll through the streets of Ortygia Island,
the heart of the city center. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we
drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort town of Sicily,
known for its views and atmosphere. (BB L)
Day 6 (Thursday) Taormina/Mount Etna & Winery/Taormina
A short drive takes us to the main visitor elevation on the slopes of Mt.
Etna. Those interested in experiencing the Etna craters will have the option
to purchase cable car tickets on the spot (weather and volcanic conditions
permitting) to experience the lava fields and incredible landscape view from
Europe’s highest and most active volcano on their own. Then to a winery and
farmhouse. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and
artisan food. We indulge in a typical Sicilian light lunch at the farmhouse.
This afternoon, back to Taormina and time at leisure. Tonight we gather for
a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB L D)
Day 7 (Friday) Taormina
The day is yours to rest or explore the town on your own or OPTIONAL
EXCURSION (optional excursions details are available on
request) (BB)
Day 8 (Saturday) Taormina/Catania
Time to say goodbye to Sicily as we are transferred to Catania Airport (CTA)
for our return flight. (BB)
Meal Legend: BB Buffet Breakfast L
Lunch D Dinner
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