Experience the enchanting beauty of Sicily on our unforgettable 7-night tour which combines iconic destinations and hidden gems, ensuring you create lifelong memories.
Your adventure begins in Taormina, where you’ll explore the ancient Greek Theater.
Next, witness the raw power of Europe’s most active volcano: Mount Etna. In Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll explore Greek and Roman ruins and stroll through Ortigia‘s historic center.
Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples awaits, an archaeological marvel boasting well-preserved ancient Greek temples. Finally, in Palermo, Sicily’s bustling capital, you’ll dive into vibrant markets, explore historical sites like the Norman Palace.
The day will start with an exciting journey through Etna Park with our itinerary which combines 4×4 adventures with off-road routes and short walks.
We’ll also explore the remnants of lava flows that once threatened entire communities, visit dormant craters, and take in the breathtaking views from the Valle del Bove viewpoint.
We’ll descend into the heart of the volcano exploring a lava flow cave equipped with helmets and speleologist lights, which will give us a unique insight into the world of lava flows.
In the afternoon we’ll discover the grandeur of the Ancient Theater of Taormina, the largest show venue in the Italian Peninsula.
This Greek masterpiece, perched prominently, traces its origins to the III-II century B.C. in terms of layout. However, the monument we’ll behold today showcases its magnificent Roman imperial design, likely constructed during the reign of Emperor Trajan or Hadrian.
Located at the park’s eastern end, and separated by a narrow channel, Ortygia is filled with Greek temples, Christian churches, and Arabian streets. We’ll discover the Arethusa fountain and Piazza del Duomo, where the baroque palaces, such as Beneventano del Bosco Palace and Senate Palace are among the most beautiful in Sicily.
We’ll discover the Roman Villa Romana del Casale in the town of Piazza Armerina in Sicily, one of the most precious jewels left by the Roman civilization in Sicily. Enjoy a guided tour of the villa, which probably belonged to Valerio Massimiano, a powerful patrician of the empire. Admire the spectacular mosaics as you relive the history of the greatest empire with scenes of daily life, depictions of heroes and deities, hunting scenes, and games.
It is the best-preserved Archaeological Park in all of Magna Graecia. You will explore the site which extends over approximately 1,300 hectares. You will learn about a millenary history that began in the 6th-century BC with the foundation of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas, see the terraced levels of the site that used to be a center of the public life of the ancient Greco-Romans and marvel at the aqueducts and walk through the core of the archaeological site of Agrigento.
With our guide we’ll discover the historic center of the town, where you’ll be enchanted by its captivating Baroque architecture, winding streets, and the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Saint Thomas of Canterbury. Then, we’ll indulge our senses at a local winery, where we’ll delve into the world of Marsala wine, famous for its rich flavors.
Prepare for an adventure as we explore the captivating ‘saline‘ or salt pans, where we’ll witness the age-old art of sea salt harvesting set against a backdrop of picturesque windmills and crystal-clear lagoons.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Our journey continues with a delightful boat trip to the enchanting island of Mozia, nestled within the Stagnone Lagoon. Here, ancient Phoenician ruins await our discovery, including the extraordinary ‘Whitaker Museum‘ featuring the renowned ‘Youth of Mozia‘ statue.
To reach Erice the best way is to take the funicular from the parking and reach the top of this town. Here we’ll discover its narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and a remarkable collection of approximately 60 churches, each with its own unique history and architecture.
One of the highlights of Erice is the spectacular vista that awaits you from its hilltop location.
We’ll explore Palermo’s magnificent city center. We’ll visit the nearby Palazzo dei Normanni, housing the famous Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the renowned Cappella Palatina(entrance included).
This 12th-century chapel showcases a fusion of Western and Middle Eastern cultures, featuring Islamic designs, Byzantine mosaics, and golden decorations in the Arab-Norman-Byzantine style.
Our guide will show us one of the symbol of Palermo, Monreale, which is just 5 kilometers from Palermo.
The cathedral is an architectural masterpiece of the 12th-century, in which different styles are linked together: the architecture of northern Europe, Romanesque art and Arabic art. Outside, it is richly decorated by two bronze doors and the interior is illuminated by magnificent gold mosaics that culminate in the Christ Pantocrator in the apsidal basin as the highest expression of figurative art.
Optional (not included): Tickets of Turandot to Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is a grand neoclassical opera house renowned for its majestic architecture.
Designed by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile and inaugurated in 1897, it features a lavish interior with opulent decorations, excellent acoustics, and a seating capacity of over 1,300. It’s a cultural gem in Sicily, hosting opera, ballet, and classical music performances.
Price: Starting from 30 to 180 € per person (available for purchase from June 2024, tickets subject to availability at the time of booking)
Min. 26 participants
Included:
Not included: