Backroad Sicily Tour - 8 Days Small Group Tour Limited To 18/20 Participants

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to monumental Palermo

Stop At: Palermo, Palermo, Province of Palermo, Sicily
Arrive in Palermo for a two nights stay in our central hotel, close to the city's architecturally treasures. At 6.00 pm meet your tour director for a discovery orientation tour followed by dinner in a local restaurant
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Hotel Garibaldi or similar

Day 2: Highlights of Palermo & Monreale

Stop At: Palermo, Palermo, Province of Palermo, Sicily
Start your discovery of Sicily with a guided walking tour of PALERMO, a crossroads of history, being the world's most conquered city and a melting pot of civilizations. We have included today a visit to the Byzantine MARTORANA CHURCH, famous for its impressive Norman mosaics, the evocative PALATINE CHAPEL, dating back to the 12th century and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE. After a visit to the biggest one in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, we'll visit the famous CAPO MARKET. Live as a local!!! After an included street food experience, you'll drive to the hills of Palermo to uncover the beauty of MONREALE, known for one of Sicily's great sites - the stunning 12th century Norman cathedral literally wallpapered with golden mosaics that tell the stories of the bible. The remainder of the day is at leisure
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Street food experience (NOT A LUNCH)
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Hotel Garibaldi or similar


Day 3: Corleone & UNESCO Agrigento

Stop At: Agrigento, Agrigento, Province of Agrigento, Sicily
This morning's visit takes you south from Palermo to the small town of CORLEONE,well-known as the birthplace of several Mafia bosses. Here you'll learn about the MAFIA, during an informative discussion with a member of the community. After lunch on your own,continue to the ancient city of AGRIGENTO, a UNESCO heritage site for a self-guided visit of the VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES, an incredible concentration of Greek temples in varying states of ruin and reconstruction. This historic site was the heart of one of the most important cities in the ancient world and is the prime example of the magnificence of MAGNA GRECIA.Tonight you'll be staying at a central hotel with an included dinner
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Hotel Colleverde or similar


Day 4: Roman Villa Mosaics & Siracusa's elegance

Stop At: Piazza Armerina, Piazza Armerina, Province of Enna, Sicily
Your transfer to SIRACUSA features a self-guided stop at the ROMAN VILLA ,one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, built in the first quarter of the 4th century. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.Following a hearty included lunch in a family restaurant, your journey continues to the city of SIRACUSA  for the next two nights in the heart of the island of ORTIGIA.The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to make your own discoveries or simply wandering the colorful winding streets and alleys of elegant Ortigia.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Gargallo or similar

Day 5: The Splendors of Siracusa

Stop At: Syracuse, Syracuse, Province of Syracuse, Sicily
In the morning, you'll explore this major outpost of the Greek empire with a local expert guide.The city boasts an incredible historical heritage, starting from the Archaeological Park, featuring the ancient Greek Theater now used for classical performances, the Latomie del Paradiso, the largest quarry in the ancient urban settlement and the Ear Of Dionysus, a subterranean artificial cave quarry used as a prison.You'll see numerous elegant Baroque town houses, rebuilt after the earthquake that severely damaged the city in 1693, the elegant Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral's baroque facade and the Temple of Athena from the 5th century BC lying behind it. After a "foodie experience" at the lively market, you'll be enjoying the afternoon at leisure.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Gargallo or similar


Day 6: Catania, Cyclops coastline & Taormina

Stop At: Taormina, Taormina, Province of Messina, Sicily
This morning, depart for TAORMINA, one of the island's most ancient destinations in Sicily. On the way you'll discover the vibrant city of CATANIA, which owes its Baroque architecture in gloomy black lava to the last quake of 1693. During your free time,you might consider visiting the Cathedral of St. Agatha, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed, the cathedral square, the Bellini theater, the Villa Gardens or the lively fish market.Today, a Sicilian family will welcome you for a traditional home-hosted lunch, a delightful way to experience everyday life. Spend the last two nights in the charming town of TAORMINA or GIARDINI NAXOS in a central family hotel,with breakfast included.Clamped to a rocky bluff planted with cypresses,pines and lush subtropical vegetation,the exquisitely maintained medieval town of TAORMINA is Sicily's glitziest and most dramatically situated resort.Dinner is on your own this evening.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Continental or similar


Day 7: Mt Etna Volcano & its Wine

Stop At: Taormina, Taormina, Province of Messina, Sicily
Explore majestic MOUNT ETNA, the highest and largest volcano in Europe and one of the world's most active.The peak changes in size over the years. It currently rises at 11,000 feet above sea level and literally towers above Sicily's Ionian coast. Descend to the village of LINGUAGLOSSA to visit a family run winery to taste some excellent wine.We end the day with an included visit of the crowning Greek-Roman theater (entrance included),one of Sicily's great sights - a near-perfect ancient amphitheater with dramatic views over snow-capped Etna.In the evening celebrate your Sicilian adventure with an "Arrivederci dinner" sharing travel memories and toasting new friends.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Continental or similar


Day 8: Arrivederci Sicilia

Pass By: Taormina, Taormina, Province of Messina, Sicily
Morning group transfer to Catania airport or train station for your journey home.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.