Mini Tour of Sicily from Catania to Palermo

Mini Tour of Sicily from Catania to Palermo

Take advantage of this itinerary to explore Sicily in a fully escorted tour, led by expert local guides to show you up the masterpieces of this unique region  The tours has been enriched with several wine and food experiences, visit of archeological parks and several meals included daily breakfast and dinner. 

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Catania 

Independent arrival at the hotel in the charming city of Catania (optional private transfer on request). Meet with our tour-leader; dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 2 - Siracusa,Noto 

After breakfast in the hotel we will visit Siracusa, the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily and World Heritage Site! The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius. We will continue visiting the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical center of Siracusa. In Ortigia, you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence.  From Piazza Duomo, you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa's Fountain, one of the most famous fresh-water sources of the Greek world. Free time for lunch.

Departure to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of open city, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18th-century architecture . Notos Baroque is, in fact, a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. We will visit Palazzo Nicolaci, a beautiful noble residence in Baroque style. Back to Catania for dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 3 - Ragusa,Modica,Piazza Armerina 

Today visit of Ragusa Ibla and its historical centre cradle of Sicilian Baroque. Used as a location of the extremely popular Police Inspector Montalbano Tv series, it is today stated among the 44 Italian World Heritage Sites.You will befascinated by its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful Dome square and you will love the “Giardino Ibleo”, the oldes tof the four main gardens in Ragusa.

The tour proceeds towards Modica chest of innumerable Baroque architectural treasures and for this reason stated Unesco World Heritage Site. Walking along the tiny streets of this charming town, you will have a stop to visit Sabadì, one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers whose chocolate has been awarded as the best Modica chocolate in the last 9 years! You will enjoy a multisensorial chocolate tasting discovering the authentic Sicilian perfumes… 

 The day goes on to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, Unesco World Heritage Site, to admire the splendid polychrome mosaics!This majestic villa, belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaicsrepresenting mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments: you will love it! Departure to Agrigento. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4 - Agrigento,Marsala,Palermo  

This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Among hundreds of almond trees you will admire the rests of the ancient Akragas. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple oConcordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”.

Proceeding on, visit of the charming and well-known town of Marsala, where Garibaldi went ashore in May 1860.Marsala is a Mediterranean modern city, divided between sea and land, featuring unforgettable colors: The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still sed for the refinement of Marsala wine.. After a thirty minute tour through the barrel vaults, you will reach the avant-garde tasting rooms named Donna Franca and Duca Enrico. You will enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience!

The tour will continue visiting the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife, and also as an  important site of industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight

Day 5 - Palermo,Monreale 

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry!

 Later we will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the Island for its history and art. . While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past: Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, XVIIth century squares, including an elegant opera house. We will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, mirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. 

Along the visiting day we will have a stop for a food surprise in the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. Free time for lunch. Continuing our walk we will admire the Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with XVI century sculptures. Dinner and overnight in hotel

Day 6 - Palermo,Departure 

After a buffet breakfast, private transfer to Palermo Airport. End of the tour and time to say bye bye Sicily. Possibility to extend your stay in Sicily with additional nights. 

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• 7 nights accommodation in double room a selected 4* Hotel

• Private driver/guide during the whole tour 

•  Daily Breakfast

• All Dinners 

• Welcome cocktail

• Tasting of typical Sicilian products chocolate in Modica 

• Tasting of local typical products in Selinunte (olive oil, black bread of Castelvetrano, olives)

• Visit of a Winery and Wine Tasting in Marsala 

• Private vehicle with driver during the entire tour 

• Transfer from Palermo Airport In/out 

• Porterage at hotels

Not Included : 

International flights 

Travel insurance 

All what not mentioned under "what's included"

Beverages

City tax where required

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Notes: 

The tour is completely private 

Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night

Guaranteed departures

The tour is suitable for couples, solo travellers,  seniors.