Itinerary
Charming Sicily starts in Palermo on select Mondays & Wednesdays-
DAY 1
PALERMO
Arrival in Palermo. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. -
DAY 2
PALERMO
This morning, meet your guide at a designated meeting point for an exciting tour of Palermo to discover the art and food that this Sicilian capital has to offer, passing by the most evocative landmarks and tasting the most delicious specialties. Sample the island’s original street food snack – Arancini – cool down with an icy granita and indulge in a ricotta-filled cannoli. Pass by the Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, Palazzo deiNormanni and the Teatro Massimo, with your tour guide explaining the significance of each one over the three hours.Breakfast included -
DAY 3
ERICE / MARSALA
Upon meeting your guide at the designated meeting point, begin your full day small group tour areas outside of the Palermo. The first stop is the medieval hilltop village of Erice. Stroll through the narrow streets and find stumble across delightful little courtyards. Look out for viewpoints from where you can see out to the Egadi Islands and over Trapani. You will feel like you are traveling through time, surrounded by ancient beauty. We will enjoy a tasty break by tasting local Sicilian granita. Depart Erica and proceed along the west coast of Sicily to Marsala, a town famous for producing sweet wine. Here, olive oil is another special local product. You will have the chance to taste both of them, as we will stop for a full Sicilian lunch with a sample tasting of the best local wines and olive oil in a local winery or farm. The final stop on this tour is the natural landscape that connects land and sea. Marvel at salt windmills and basins, which are still in use today. The road you will follow is one of the most evocative routes in Italy and if you get out of your vehicle, you’ll be able to feel the salt in the air. And the end of this unique experience, you will return to Palermo for overnight.Breakfast and Lunch Included -
DAY 4
PALERMO / AGRIGENTO / SIRACUSA
After breakfast, depart Palermo for Siracusa. First stop is Agrigento for a guided visit of the Valley of the Temples. In ancient time, Agrigento was the Greek city of Akragas, settled by colonists from the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete. The town prospered and in 4068 B.C., Hannibal and the Carthaginians laid siege to the city. Today the Valley of the Temples is viewed as the best example of the ancient world because of how well the original settlement site has been preserved. After your visit, continue to Siracusa where you will arrive in the afternoon. Overnight in Siracusa.Breakfast included -
DAY 5
SIRACUSA
Today, we will take a guided walking tour of Siracusa, defined by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in Magna Graecia”. Still today, the echoes of its ancient grandeur reverberate from the streets, church and monuments. Siracusa is a destination no traveler should pass up and with Sicily’s Mediterranean climate, can be visited in any season of the year. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the city shows its ancient vestiges in every nook and cranny, from Classical to Baroque splendors, all within a landscape of enchanting beauty. This city was once the largest in the Western world. Ortigia, the small island off of the mainland, is the soul of Siracusa, filled with 2,500 years of history. After your walking tour, you will proceed to Taormina with your private driver. Overnight in Taormina.Breakfast included -
DAY 6
TAORMINA
Today is yours to explore and discover this hillside town at your leisure.Taormina, ‘the Mediterranean Pearl’, is situated on a natural terrace above the sea. One can only be charmed by the immense beauty of this place. You can visit the 3rd Century A.D. Greek Theatre, the city’s symbol. Standing among cypresses and prickly pears, its caves dug into the rock, this Hellenistic Theatre was transformed itno an arena by the Romans. It offers a spectacular view of the turquoise sea that runs to the Calabrian coast in the northeast, to Siracusa to the south and the smoking peak of Mt. Etna in the west. You can opt to join a private Taormina walking tour for an additional price.Breakfast included -
DAY 7
TAORMINA
Today, we will drive through typical Sicilian villages admiring local and authentic lava stone house, orange and lemon plantations, olives and almond trees while listening to charming stories about Sicilian culture, tradition and food. Proceeding 1000 meters above sea level, you will discover the breathtaking Etna territory. Here, enjoy views of beautiful vineyards surrounded by frames of lava stones. The first stop will be at a family-run winery for a glass of process, guides visit to the cellars and a wine tasting with typical, organic cold appetizers. Your second stop will be in an antique and unique farmhouse/restaurant close to the winery, where you will continue your food and wine tour on an open air terrace overlooking beautiful vineyards, farms and gardens. Here, the tasting will include local Etna wines, ricotta cheese and two choices of pasta with local ingredients. Continue your gastronomic experience with authentic Etna liquors. Return to your hotel in Taormina.Breakfast included -
DAY 8
TAORMINA / PALERMO
transfer from your hotel in Taormina to the Palermo airport for your flight home.Breakfast included
