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Holiday Italy - Tour of Sicily (Monreale, Palermo, Erice, Fontanasalsa, Marsala, Agrigento, Leonforte (Enna),Caltagirone, Syracuse, Taormina, Mount Etna, Santa Venerina)
Duration: 7 nights/ 8 days
1st day: Palermo
Arrival to Rome or Palermo and transfer by our coach to your hotel in Palermo, check-in and the rest of day is free at leisure. In the afternoon meeting with your tour leader and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
2nd day: Monreale & Palermo
After breakfast, your local guide will show you where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo, built in 1174 by William II, decorated on the inside with beautiful mosaics and 24-carat gold! The tour continues with the visit to Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of his grandfather Roger II. We continue to Piazza Pretoria, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini, all important landmarks in Palermo. There will be time to stop for lunch. At the very heart of the city we will visit the "Quattro Canti", the four corners, a quartet of baroque palaces reminiscent of the Spanish rule dating back to 1560. Our tour continues to the Cathedral, built during the Norman, Arabic and Islamic domination. Return back to our hotel in Palermo. Your evening is at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
3rd day: Erice - Fontanasalsa - Marsala
We have an early departure today to visit the Western side of Sicily, our first stop is the medieval town of Erice. We will reach the town by cable car ride, the ride offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is said that The Elymians civilisation settled in the area of Erice, then it was a very religious site associated with goddesses of fertility. In Erice, you will have time to explore the ancient streets and quaint alleys, visit some of the famous pastry shops, popular for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastry. There will be time to stop for lunch. Our next stop is to the pretty village of Fontanasalsa, we include a visit to a local farmhouse which produces olive oil, here will also enjoy a food tasting. In the afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala via the Salt Road, and you will see the salt pans and Sicilian windmills that this area is popular for. On arrival at Marsala, famous for its wines in particular the sweet Marsala wine, you will have the opportunity to visit the cellars of a local winery and sample some of the wines. Our tour ends here and we return back to our hotel in Palermo. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
4th day: Agrigento - Leonforte (Enna)
Today, we will drive across the vast countryside which will enable us to enjoy Sicily's great variety of sceneries. Upon arrival in Agrigento, where history dates back to 6th century B.C., we will visit the Valley of the Temples, some of the main temples include; Concordia Temple, Ercole Temple, Giunone Temple, Castor and Pollux Temples which represent the most beautiful examples of Greek Civilization in Sicily. There will be time to stop for lunch. Our tour will continue to Leonforte near Enna. This region boasts a rich production of wheat, citrus fruits and olive oil. During the late afternoon we arrive at our lodging which is a typical old-country hotel set in the heart of the beautiful Sicilian countryside. A typical local dinner is included. Overnight in hotel.
5th day: Enna - Piazza Armerina - Caltagirone
Our first stop is at Enna. It was a centre of great military importance under the Greeks and Romans. On the upper part of the town stands the Lombardia Castle, the most ancient and best preserved castle in Sicily. Continue to Piazza Armerina to see the ruins of a Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. There will be time to stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the baroque town of Caltagirone know as “the City of Ceramics”. Ceramics have been produced here for over 1000 years. Climb the Stairway of Santa Maria del Monte, the city’s symbol made out of 142 steps decorated with splendid glazed majolica tiles. You will have time for shopping. Our tour ends and we return to our hotel, dinner at hotel.
6th day: Syracuse - Taormina
After breakfast we depart for Syracuse, once the most important rival of Athens, was founded by settlers from Corinth in 735 B.C. Upon arrival, we will visit of the archaeological area which includes the marvelous Greek theatre, the Ear of Dionysius (type of large cave), a Roman amphitheatre and Latomie (stone-quarries). Our next visit includes a visit to the old picturesque town of Ortigia, here there will be time to stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we will drive along the coast to the beautiful mountain town of Taormina, probably the most popular town in the whole Sicily. On arrival at Taormina we will check-in to our hotel. This evening is at leisure and there is no better place than Taormina for a stroll through the quaint streets and alleys, admire the small curiosity shops before dining at one of the many restaurants in centre of town. After dinner take a stroll along and admire the incredible views overlooking the bay of Gardens of Naxos. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
7th day: Mount Etna - Santa Venerina - Taormina
A short drive takes us to the slopes of Mt. Etna. Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we experience the lava fields and incredible view of Europe's highest and most active volcano. Then to a winery and farmhouse located in the lovely village of Santa Venerina. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and home-made food. We indulge in a typical lunch at the farmhouse before heading back to Taormina, evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
8th day: Tour ends
After breakfast transfer by our coach to Catania airport .
Included:
- 3 nights in 3 Star hotel (in Palermo) accommodation on Half-board
- 2 nights in 3 Star hotel (in Enna) accommodation on Half-board
- 2 nights in 3 Star hotel (in Taormina) accommodation on Half-board
- 6 lunches during the visits
- 2 dinner in typical local restaurants
- DeLuxe Bus at disposal for the whole tour
- English-speaking Guide (where needed)
- Trip English Tour Leader (for the whole tour)
- Entrance fees
- Travel instructions and detailed
- Twenty four hours travel assistance of our staff
Not Included:
- Personal Extras
- Tips and Any other feature not mentioned in the “The price includes”
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