Catania | Sicilian Splendor

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Embark on an 8-day exploration of Sicily, beginning in Catania and concluding in Taormina. This tour offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences, with accommodations in carefully selected 4-star hotels. Visit the lively fish market of Catania, the baroque beauty of Siracusa and Ragusa and the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.  Savour the unique flavours of Modica's chocolate and Palermo's street food. Discover the artistic ceramics of Caltagirone, the grandeur of Monreale’s Cathedral and the picturesque coastal town of Cefalù.  

Day 1 : Arrival in Catania

Arrival at Catania Airport, where you will be met by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Catania. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be at your leisure. Overnight in Catania. 

Day 2: Catania | Siracusa | Ragusa

After a buffet breakfast, visit the picturesque fish market of Catania (except Sundays). Stop in the main square to admire the Cathedral and the Elephant Fountain, the symbol of the city.  Depart for Syracuse (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and enjoy a guided visit of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, including the famous Greek Theatre, the Latomia del Paradiso, and the Ear of Dionysius. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the charming Baroque old town of Syracuse. Visit the Cathedral, built on the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethusa Fountain, and the Temple of Apollo.  Lunch will be at your leisure. Enjoy free time in Ortigia before your afternoon transfer to your hotel in Ragusa. Dinner at your leisure and overnight. (B)

Day 3: Ragusa

After a buffet breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of the enchanting historic centre of Ragusa Ibla, renowned for its stunning Baroque palaces and churches. Together with seven other towns in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Continue to Modica, a jewel of Baroque art in Europe. Known as the “city of 100 churches,” Modica boasts remarkable monuments such as the Cathedral of San Pietro and the Church of San Giorgio, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour then continues with a visit to an artisan chocolate workshop, where you will discover the traditional techniques behind the famous Modican chocolate.  Return to the hotel to relax. Dinner at your leisure and overnight. (B)

Day 4: Ragusa | Caltagirone | Agrigento

After a buffet breakfast, depart for Caltagirone, renowned for its production of artistic ceramics. The town’s colorful creations adorn not only shops—filled with plates, vases, and decorative pieces—but also bridges, balustrades, façades, and balconies. This rich tradition stems from the area’s abundance of clay, which has supported terracotta craftsmanship since the city’s earliest origins. Enjoy a short stop to admire the famous Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte.  Continue to Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the world-famous Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved mosaics depicting mythological scenes and hunting expeditions.  Depart for Agrigento, the hillside town known for the magnificent Valley of the Temples, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological area, including the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, as well as the temples of Juno and Heracles.  Arrival and accommodation at your hotel in Agrigento. Dinner at your leisure and overnight. (B)

Day 5: Agrigento | Palermo

After a buffet breakfast, depart for Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Enjoy a guided visit of the historic centre—one of the largest in Europe—including the Martorana Church, Piazza Bellini, Piazza Pretoria, and the famous Quattro Canti (the Four Corners). Stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the ancient “Cassaro,” and continue to Piazza Bologni. Visit the Cathedral (interior) and view the exterior of the Norman Palace.  During the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste Palermo’s renowned street food at a typical local market.  Dinner will be at your leisure. Overnight in Palermo. (B)

Day 6: Palermo | Monreale | Cefalu | Taormina

After a buffet breakfast, depart for Monreale, perched on a hill just a few kilometers from Palermo in a panoramic setting. Enjoy a guided visit of the Cathedral, one of the world’s most beautiful monuments, famed for its Moorish architecture and magnificent mosaics illustrating a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments. Continue with a visit to the Benedictine Cloister in the distinctive Arab-Norman style.  Proceed to Cefalù, once a traditional fishing village and now a charming seaside town. Enjoy a walk through the historic centre along the main street to the impressive Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse carved into the rock. Continue to Taormina, the enchanting town known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Dinner at your leisure and overnight. (B)

Day 7: Taormina

After a buffet breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure in Taormina for shopping or strolling through its charming narrow streets. You may wish to visit the Greek-Roman Theatre independently, renowned for its spectacular views over Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Alternatively, join an optional excursion (with supplement) to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Weather permitting, travel through a fascinating landscape of citrus groves, vineyards, and fruit trees, ascending to approximately 1,800 metres to visit the Silvestri Craters and admire sweeping views over the Ionian Sea. There is also the possibility to ascend further to about 2,500 metres by cable car, with optional continuation by jeep to approximately 2,900 metres.  Free time for lunch. Return to Taormina in the afternoon. Dinner at your leisure and overnight. (B)

Day 8: Departure

After a buffet breakfast, transfer to Catania Airport for your departure. End of the tour. (B)