AUTHENTIC EMOTION.

It's Sicily

PROGRAM
Mini-Tour | 5 Days | 4 Nights
PALERMO - CATANIA

CHOSEN AIRPORT > PALERMO
Individual departure from the chosen airport by scheduled flight. Upon arrival in PALERMO, transfer to the hotel. In the late afternoon, briefing with the tour guide. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

1st Day

2nd Day

MONREALE - PALERMO
After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to discover Monreale, where we will visit the impressive Arab-Norman Cathedral, known as the 8th wonder of the world, and the splendid Cloister, a remarkable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and inlay of semi-precious stones!
We will then continue towards Palermo. The city lies at the foot of Mount Pellegrino, on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen. In Palermo, more than elsewhere in Sicily, historical periods revealed by different architectural styles overlap. Its millennia-old history has given it an artistic and architectural heritage that ranges from the remains of Punic walls to Liberty-style villas, noble palaces, seventeenth-century squares, Baroque churches, and neoclassical theaters. As the residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments from the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful Cathedral, the Church of Martorana, one of the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and the Palatine Chapel, the highest historical and artistic example of coexistence between seemingly incompatible cultures, religions, and ways of thinking, thanks to the skilled power management of Roger II, involving Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin artisans. Along the way, there will be a stop for a typical lunch with local products. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to admire the splendid Teatro Massimo and the controversial Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, adorned with sixteenth-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. Dinner on your own and overnight stay at the hotel.

3rd Day

CEFALÙ - CATANIA
After breakfast, we will depart for Cefalù, a charming seaside village with a medieval appearance overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and embellished by the Norman Cathedral. We will take a walk along the streets of the center and, for those who wish, there will be the opportunity to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. We will have lunch at a renowned restaurant. The tour will then continue towards Catania, where we will dedicate ourselves to the visit of the historic center of the city and its Baroque architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catania hides countless hidden treasures, and its late Baroque architecture is made unique by the use of lava stone. We will cross the scenic Piazza del Duomo with its splendid Cathedral and the Elephant made of lava stone (the city's symbol), and we will continue to Piazza Università. While 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 St. Benedict is located, made famous by Verga's novel "Story of a Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her to Fly". We will take a break at a bar in the historic center to taste the typical granita with brioche. We will then check into the hotel, have dinner on our own, and spend the night.

4th Day

ETNA - TAORMINA
After breakfast, we will make a quick visit to the historic "pescheria" (ancient fish market) before setting off to discover Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 meters), also UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Etna Park, with its 59,000 hectares, is unique for its extremely varied and rich flora, as well as the protected species that inhabit it. The first glimpses of interesting landscapes can be seen upon reaching the Rifugio Sapienza. The panoramic view that can be enjoyed through the multitude of craters is truly unique! We will also have the opportunity to taste local artisanal honey and various typical products of the area.
Lunch break at a delightful restaurant. We will then continue to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, beautiful sea views, historic monuments, and its unforgettable panorama of the sea with a privileged view of Mount Etna! We will visit the fascinating Greek-Roman theater, which offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naxos. Free time to stroll along the delightful medieval alleys of the city center and go shopping, taking advantage of the countless shops that offer the best products of the island's craftsmanship (laces, ceramics, coral jewelry, splendid lava stone works, perfumes, sweets, and much more). The day will end with an overview of the stunning Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to the hotel in Catania.