Catania to Taormina Tour

Individual arrival to your hotel in Catania (optional private transfer on request). Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar.

After breakfast, depart for Siracusa to visit the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily: the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, including the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise and Ear of Dionysius. Visit the old town centre of Ortigia, with its stunning Piazza Duomo, Syracuse Cathedral and Arethusa’s Fountain. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, proceed to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, also known as the “stone garden”, full of beautiful buildings and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the streets of the centre to admire the skill and ingenuity of local craftsmen. Noto’s Baroque architecture is a plethora of elegant curves, floral motifs, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and cherubs adorning the façades of churches and monasteries. Proceed to Ragusa for dinner and overnight at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 4* or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, depart for Modica, a beautiful Baroque town in the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto, known for its elegant churches, historic palaces, picturesque streets and panoramic views. Visit the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop for a tasting of its internationally awarded artisan chocolate. Lunch at a traditional local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its extraordinary Roman mosaics. Transfer to Agrigento for dinner and overnight at Baia Di Ulisse Wellness & Spa 4*, Hotel Kaos 4* or similar. (B, L, D)

After breakfast visit the famous Valley of the Temples, a jewel recognised by UNESCO. Here you can admire the Temples of Juno, Concord and Hercules. Continue on to Marsala, known for Garibaldi’s landing. Strolling through the historic center, you’ll be captivated by elegant palaces and baroque landmarks. Enjoy some wine tastings before a light lunch accompanied by wines. Next, explore the picturesque Salt Road, with views of the Stagnone Islands and ancient salt pans, among the oldest in the world and still active today. Transfer to Palermo in the evening, dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar. (B, L)

Depart for Monreale to visit the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the majestic Cloister. Return to Palermo for a visit to the Cathedral, a striking fusion of Gothic, Baroque, and Norman influences. Admire the beauty of the Martorana Church and the splendour of the Palatine Chapel, both richly decorated with golden mosaics. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties. In the afternoon, stroll through Palermo’s historic center to see the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, and the elegant Pretoria Fountain. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar. (B, L)

Morning departure for Cefalù, a beautiful medieval coastal village with its Norman Cathedral. Time at leisure to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Catania, located at the foot of Mount Etna, and explore its historic centre, characterised by late Baroque architecture built with lava stone. Visit Piazza Duomo, with the Cathedral and Elephant of lava stone, then continue to University Square and Via dei Crociferi, the heart of Catania’s Baroque district, including the S. Benedict Monastery. Stop at a historic bar to enjoy the local speciality granita & brioche. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Catania at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s lively fish market, the “Pescheria.” Then, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m). Its dramatic lunar landscape offers stunning views and a memorable experience. The Etna Park, covers 59.000 hectares and is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. At Rifugio Sapienza, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, sample artisanal honey and other local products. Next, continue to Taormina, renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the old town, savouring regional specialties. Explore the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, boasting spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take free time to stroll Taormina’s picturesque streets, browse local craft shops, or simply relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra 4*, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA 4* or similar. (B, L, D)

Morning departure for Castelmola, with a wonderful landscape over the Ionian Sea. It is a small village characterised by narrow medieval alleys, little squares and ancient churches, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Proceeding on, the excursion will continue to Savoca, also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and located over a rocky hill. Savoca treasures vestiges of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque origins in its territory. Return to Taormina and enjoy a free afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Taormina at Hotel Baia Azzurra 4*, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA 4* or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in Taormina, famously described by Goethe as “paradise on earth.” Take time to explore this charming medieval village, visit its historic landmarks, or browse local shops for unique handmade crafts. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra 4*, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA 4* or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, make your own way to the airport (optional private transfer on request). (B)