Day 1 – Tuesday: PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
Arrival by own means at the hotel in the charming city of Palermo (private transfer available on request). In the late afternoon meeting with our guide for a short briefing, free dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Wednesday: MONREALE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is dedicated to the discovery of Monreale where we will visit the imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral defined as the eighth wonder of the world and the splendid Cloister, an admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture and semi-precious stone inlay! Continuation to Palermo. The city lies at the foot of Monte Pellegrino on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen. In Palermo, more than elsewhere in Sicily, the historical eras revealed by the different architectural styles overlap. Its millennial history has given it an artistic and architectural heritage that ranges from the remains of the Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas, noble palaces and seventeenth-century squares, to Baroque churches and neoclassical theatres. Residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period including the beautiful Cathedral, the Church of the Martorana, among the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy and the Palatine Chapel, the highest example from a historical point of view -artistic, of the coexistence between apparently irreconcilable cultures, religions and ways of thinking, since they were involved in the wise management of power by Ruggiero II, Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers. Along the way there is a stop for a typical lunch with local products. Afterwards you will be able to admire the splendid Teatro Massimo and the controversial Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, decorated with sixteenth-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. Free dinner and an overnight stay in hotel.
Day 3 – Thursday: CEFALÙ - CATANIA (hotel in Catania)
After breakfast departure in the direction of Cefalù, a charming seaside village with a medieval appearance overlooking the Mediterranean and embellished by the Norman Cathedral. Walk along the streets of the center and the possibility, for those who wish, to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Stop for lunch at a renowned restaurant. The tour will continue to Catania where we will dedicate ourselves to visiting the historic center of the city and its Baroque, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. There are countless hidden treasures in this fascinating city whose late Baroque architecture is made unique by the use of lava stone. We will cross the spectacular Piazza del Duomo with the splendid Cathedral and the lava stone elephant (symbol of the city) and continue up to Piazza Università. Walking through the streets of the center we will visit the beautiful Via dei Crociferi, the Baroque heart of the city where the Monastery of S. Benedetto is located, made famous by Verga's novel "Storia di una Capinera". Stop in a bar in the historic center to taste the typical granita with brioche. Accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - Friday: ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Catania)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will make a quick visit to the historic "pescheria" (ancient fish market) before setting off to discover Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 m) and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'Humanity. The Etna Park with its 59,000 hectares is unique for its extremely varied and rich flora and the protected species that inhabit it. Today vineyards, olive groves, pistachio groves, hazelnut groves and orchards surround the volcano, testifying to a widespread agricultural vocation in the area and characterized by the presence of local varieties. The first glimpses of interesting landscapes can be seen arriving at Rifugio Sapienza. From there we will add the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to 1888 now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows. The panorama that can be enjoyed through the multitude of craters is a truly unique spectacle! During the morning we will have the opportunity to taste the local artisan honey and various typical products of the area. Stop for lunch at a delightful restaurant. Continuation to Taormina, famous for its landscape
nature, the marine beauties, its historical monuments and its unforgettable panorama of the sea with a privileged view of Etna! Visit of the fascinating Greco-Roman theater from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the gulf of Naxos. Free time to stroll along the delightful medieval alleys of the center and go shopping taking advantage of the countless shops offering the best handicraft products of the whole island (lace, ceramics, coral jewels and splendid lava stone works, perfumes, sweets and much more ...). The day will end with an overview of the splendid Cyclops Riviera. Return to the hotel in Catania. Free dinner and overnight.
5th day - Saturday: CATANIA
Our mini tour of Sicily comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel our services are over. The program may undergo changes