Tour of Sicily and Aeolian Islands - from Palermo

Tour of Sicily and Aeolian Islands - from Palermo

8  days 7 nights A unique Tour of Sicily to discover the beauties of this region in a fully escorted tour from Palermo to the enchanting Aeolian Islands,the journey will take you through several Unesco Heritage Sites, picturesque towns, panoramic views and the crystalline waters of the volcanic Aeolian Islands without forget the delicacies of the local  cuisine.

All the accommodation are in centrally located 4* Hotels.

The group size is variable all departures are guaranteed without a minimum number of participants.

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Palermo

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

Day 2 - Palermo,Monreale

Afer breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visitng 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 you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the
richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino, a
headland described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen.  Visit of the wonderful  Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatna, admirable example from an
historical and an artistic point of view, and a prove of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking
apparently incompatible can coexist.  During the
day, you will have a stop for a surprise to taste the local street food in the famous Antica Focacceria San
Francesco. Free time for lunch. Along the path you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated
fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with 16th century sculptures.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 3 - Palermo, Cefalu',Catania 

A&er breakfast transfer to Cefalù, charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit of its
stunning Norman Dome and free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known
Mandralisca Museum. Arrival in Catania and lunch. Later on the tour will continue visiting
Catania’s historical centre stated Unesco World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique
streets built with black lava stone. The colour scheme of the city-centre buildings is black and dark grey,
relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows.The walking
tour will start from the scenic Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue,
antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. Not far from here we will reach University Square and we will
have a walk along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi,,
where we will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, Unesco World Heritage Site. Continuing the visit
enjoy a break in a historical bar of the city centre to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. Dinner at the hotel or
in a restaurant nearby and overnight.

Day 4 - Etna, Taormina

This morning afer a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will
continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest
and most active in the world, nowadays Unesco World Heritage Site. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you heading to Rifugio
Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava
flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters, can extend across the whole
of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have a stop to enjoy the local
homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, charming
town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna. Free time for
lunch and in the a&ernoon visit of Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre which will leave you breathless for its
commading view on Giardini Naxos bay and the Etna mountain! Free time for a nice walk among the
picturesque Medieval typical narrow streets, to go shopping and looking around the local handicra&s (coral
jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more). The day will end with an overview of the beautiful
Riviera dei Ciclopi. Back to the hotel in Catania for dinner and overnight. 

Day 5 - Catania,Lipari 

Your holiday will continue with the Aeolian Islands extension without a tour leader. A&er breakfast, you will
have free time to enjoy the beautiful Catania.In the late morning,
private transfer to Milazzo. Boarding on the hydrofoil for Lipari island. Arrival at Lipari island and transfer to 4*
hotel. Free a&ernoon. Dinner and overnight in the hotel. 

Day 6 - Lipari,Salina

After breakfast, full day excursion to Lipari & Salina islands. Leaving the harbour, the boat will skirt Lipari coast
and you will have a view of the Castle of Lipari, the Monte Rosa and Canneto. You will have time to swim in the
crystalline blue water of Pumice Cave beach. Proceeding on to Salina, the captain will show you the famous
Acquacalda bay. First stop will be on Santa Marina Salina the biggest town of the island. Our tour goes on along
Salina east side, visiting from the sea, Malfa village, Capofaro town and its Malvasia wineries; you will also stop
inside the Pollara bay,. The boat will then stop in the
charming fishermen's village Lingua where you will have free time to visit the island, its Lago Salato or enjoy
typical restaurants.  Back to Lipari in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in
the hotel

Day 7 - Panarea,Stromboli

Breakfast in hotel and departure from Lipari harbour for a full day excursion to Panarea & Stromboli. The excursion will then
continue to Panarea, where you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful bay of Calajunco, above which
lies the prehistoric village of Cape Milazzese, and swim in Zimmari beach. Proceeding on, the boat will skirt
among the small islands nearby and you will have a stop in the charming Cava degli Innamorati. In Panarea,
you will have free time to have lunch, take a stroll through the elegant streets, or visit the prehistoric village
and have a nice swim. In the afernoon the excursion will continue to Stromboli. The first stop will be
Ginostra, a fascinating small fishing village. Once on the island, dinner and free time to stroll, take a swim or
doing shopping. In the warmer time of the year, among dips and long swims, it will be possible to enjoy
stunning beaches and volcanic caves. Back to the boat at sunset, you will admire Strombolicchio, a gigantic
rock and the Sciara del Fuoco, a stunning volcanic explosion of reddish lapilli creating lava rivers reaching the
sea!

Day 8 - Taormina

Breakfast in hotel, transfer to Lipari harbour to take the hydrofoil for Milazzo. Once arriving in Milazzo, there will be a driver waiting for you for a private transfer to Taormina.
Free day. You can enjoy the Medieval village visiting its historical monuments, or doing shopping buying some
of the local handicraft products. As an alternative you can relax by the sea and enjoy the colors and scents of
its Mediterranean vegetation... We suggest to visit Isola Bella, one of the most enchanting beaches in Sicily,
also called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" thanks to its particular location and vegetation: a perfect mix of
tropical plants and local flora! Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 9 - Taormina,Departure 

Breakfast in hotel and end of services. Private transfers or excursions available. 

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• 8 nights accommodation in double room at selected 4* Hotel

• Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide (English) for the whole tour (from the evening of the 1st day to the evening of the 4th day), local guides or audio-guides where necessary.

•  Visit of the main suggesve Unesco World Heritage Sites: Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania city centre, Etna

• Deluxe bus from day 2 to day 4
  

• Daily Breakfast 

• 7 dinners in hotels or local restaurants (dinner – 3 main courses fixed menu - beverages not included)

• 1 Lunch 

•  Packed lunch instead of dinner on the day of Panarea and Stromboli excursion
  

• Tasting of Sicilian typical products: Palermo (day 2)  local street food; Catania (day 3): tasting of Sicilian “granita &
  brioche” Etna (day 4) visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey tasting
  

•  Private transfer Catania Hotel - Milazzo Harbour 
  

•  Transfer Lipari Harbour – Lipari Hotel
  

• Private transfer Milazzo Harbour-Taormina hotel

• Private transfers Palermo airport/hotel in Palermo

• 2 Excursion by boat in Lipari,Salina,Panarea and Stromboli - group tour, without a guide 

• Hydrofoil back and forth Milazzo - Lipari -Milazzo
  

• Aeolian Islands city tax 

Not Included : 

International flights 

Travel insurance - ask us a quote 

All what not mentioned under "what's included"

Entrance fees at monuments/museums

Tour leader in Aeolian Islands

Transfer out 

Beverages

City tax where required

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Notes: 

The tour is a fully escorted group tour

Tour leader in English,Spanish,Italian language 

Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night

Guaranteed departures

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

NB: Please note the company is not responsible for any disrupon due to weather and sea condions
concerning all hydrofoil and ferry crossings among the islands.