Day 1
Arrival at Catania Airport. Meet your driver and private transfer to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy a welcome cocktail. Dinner at your leisure this evening. Overnight in Catania.
Day 2
Following a buffet breakfast, consider a visit to Catania’s traditional fish market (closed on Sundays), and stop by the main square to view the Cathedral and the iconic Elephant Fountain, a symbol of the city. Proceed to Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a detailed tour of the Neapolis archaeological park, featuring the renowned Greek Theatre, the Latomia del Paradiso, and the Ear of Dionysius. The guided visit continues through Ortigia, the baroque historic center of Siracusa, including the Cathedral—built on the foundations of the ancient Temple of Minerva—the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Temple of Apollo. Lunch is on your own, followed by free time to explore Ortigia at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Ragusa where you will enjoy a free evening to enjoy dinner. Overnight in Ragusa. (B)
Day 3
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour of Ragusa Ibla, renowned for its baroque architecture, elegant palaces, and historic churches, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Modica, another baroque gem with a rich cultural heritage. Visit notable landmarks including the Cathedral of San Pietro and the Church of San Giorgio. The day concludes with a visit to an artisan chocolate workshop, where you will discover the traditional methods behind the famous Modica chocolate and enjoy a tasting. Return to your hotel in Ragusa. This evening at your leisure. (B)
Day 4
After breakfast, depart to Caltagirone, famous for colorful ceramics that adorn staircases, balconies, and facades. You will make a stop at the Santa Maria Staircase before continuing to Piazza Armerina for a guided visit to the Roman Villa del Casale (UNESCO), known for its incredible mosaics. You will proceed to Agrigento, a beautiful seaside town famous for its Valley of the Temples. Visit the Valley of the Temples with a guide, including the Temples of Concordia, Juno, and Heracles. Check-into your before enjoying dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Agrigento. (B)
Day 5
Breakfast is at the hotel, then drive to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic center including Martorana Church, Piazza Bellini, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Bologni, Palermo Cathedral (interior visit), and the exterior of the Norman Palace. Experience authentic street food at a local market. Your afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. In the evening, dinner is at your own pace. Overnight in Palermo. (B)
Day 6
After breakfast, depart to Monreale, situated on a hill just a few kilometers from Palermo. Visit the Cathedral and the Benedictine Cloister with a local guide. Continue to the seaside town of Cefalù, a former fishing village. Celafu is known for its charming streets, Arab-Norman Cathedral, and the medieval wash-house built in the rock. . Proceed to Taormina, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” Later today, you will check into your hotel before enjoying dinner at your own leisure. Overnight in Taormina. (B)
Day 7
Start the day with Breakfast at the hotel, before departing on a memorable excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Weather conditions permitting, ascend to 1,800 meters to explore the Sylvester Craters and admire panoramic views over the Ionian coast. If you wish, an optional ascent to 2,900 meters is available via cable car and jeep (supplement applies). Return to Taormina in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure for additional exploration or relaxation. Dinner is at your leisure. Overnight in Taormina. (B)
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Catania Airport for your departure.
