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Sicily
Sicily 8-Day Tour: Catania, Taormina & Island Wonders
11520
Overview
The SICILIAN CAROUSEL TOUR is an amazing 8-day adventure that shows off the best of Sicily! This tour mixes visits to old historical sites with yummy food and wine experiences. It's perfect for people who want to see the real Sicily.
Get ready to see famous places like the Catania Fish Market, where you'll feel like you're part of the local life. You'll also have free time to shop and walk around each town. This tour is for small groups, with no more than 20 people, and it's only in English. Stay in nice hotels in the main towns, a fancy resort with pools and a spa, and a wine resort in the countryside of Marsala.
You'll visit many of Sicily's UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Ragusa, Siracusa, the Valley of Temples, Mount Etna, and Palermo with its beautiful cathedrals. Other places you'll see include Catania, Erice, Ragusa Ibla, the Salt Route, Cefalù, Palermo, and a view of the Messina strait. This tour includes local guides, lunch, dinner, breakfast, nice hotels, and tasty food and wine. It does not include transfers, entrance fees, or city taxes. 
Highlights
Explore UNESCO Sites: See amazing UNESCO sites like the Valley of the Temples and Mount Etna.
Taste Sicilian Flavors: Enjoy local food and wine, including a street food lunch in Palermo.
Stay in Charming Hotels: Relax in 4-star hotels, a resort with pools, and a wine resort.
Small Group Experience: Travel with a small group (20 people max) for a personal tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally loved the SICILIAN CAROUSEL TOUR for its comprehensive itinerary, excellent guides, and authentic Sicilian experiences. Some found the pace quick and the optional excursions pricey, but overall, the tour is highly recommended.
Customers enjoyed the well-organized itinerary and the variety of locations visited.
The tour guides were knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience educational and engaging.
Many reviewers appreciated the comfortable accommodations and the delicious food and wine included.
The small group size allowed for a more personalized and intimate experience.
Some customers felt that the pace was a bit rushed, with limited free time in certain locations.
A few reviewers mentioned that the optional excursions were quite expensive.
The Journey
Catania
Catania, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, welcomes you with its Baroque architecture crafted from volcanic stone. Dive into the city's heart with a welcome drink, savor a delicious dinner, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead in this historic Sicilian gem.
Syracuse
Step back in time in Syracuse, a city steeped in ancient history. Explore the Archaeological Park, home to a remarkably preserved Greek Theatre and a Roman Amphitheatre. Journey to Ortigia Island, Syracuse's captivating historic center, and discover the legendary Fountain of Arethusa and the majestic Cathedral, built upon the Temple of Minerva.
Syracuse Archaeological Park
Delve into the wonders of the Syracuse Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the remarkably preserved Greek Theatre, where ancient dramas once unfolded, and the imposing Roman Amphitheatre. Explore the Latomie of Paradise, ancient stone quarries, and listen for echoes within the 'Ear of Dionysius,' a cave renowned for its unique acoustics.
Ortigia Island
Discover Ortigia, the enchanting heart of Syracuse, a baroque jewel brimming with history and charm. Explore the stunning Cathedral, ingeniously built upon the ancient Temple of Minerva, and seek out the mythical Fountain of Arethusa. Wander through the Temple of Apollo's ruins, and lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets of this unforgettable island.
Catania Fish Market (A Piscaria)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Catania's fish market, 'A Piscaria', one of Sicily's largest and most authentic markets. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient market, a true reflection of Sicily's rich seafood culture. Wander through the bustling stalls, witnessing the lively banter and the freshest catches of the day.
Ragusa Ibla
Uncover the baroque splendor of Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning palaces and churches. Wander through its winding streets, admiring the intricate facades and ornate details of buildings rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake. Experience the charm and elegance of this enchanting hilltop town.
Agrigento's Valley of the Temples
Journey to Agrigento and explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Greek civilization. Marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, a symbol of architectural perfection. Explore the ruins of the Temples of Juno and Heracles, and imagine the grandeur of this sacred landscape in its heyday.
Marsala
Indulge in the flavors of Marsala, a coastal city celebrated for its sweet Sicilian wine. Visit Baglio Donnafranca, a beautifully restored nineteenth-century estate nestled in the Marsala countryside. Tour the wine cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and savor a delightful wine tasting experience with a light dinner as the sun sets over the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands.
Salt Route to Erice
Embark on a scenic journey along the 'Salt Route' to Erice, a captivating medieval town perched high on a mountaintop. Witness the unique landscape of salt pans, windmills, and traditional salt houses, where sea salt is still harvested using ancient Phoenician methods. Capture the breathtaking views and the timeless beauty of this coastal route.
Erice
Ascend to Erice, a charming medieval town offering panoramic views of the Sicilian coastline. Immerse yourself in the town's narrow cobblestone streets and savor local street food. Visit the Cathedral, a significant architectural landmark, and soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting hilltop village.
Palermo
Explore the vibrant city of Palermo, where history and culture collide. Stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, discover the Quattro Canti, a baroque square, and visit Piazza Pretoria with its stunning fountain. Explore the Church of Santa Caterina, and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this captivating city.
Monreale Cathedral
Journey to Monreale, a town perched on a hillside offering breathtaking views of Palermo. Explore the magnificent Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture. Admire the intricate mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, a testament to the fusion of cultures in Sicily.
Cefalù
Discover the coastal charm of Cefalù, a former fishing village with a rich history. Stroll through the city center, explore the Arab-Norman Cathedral, and visit the medieval washhouse, a testament to the town's ancient roots. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the picturesque views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Strait of Messina
Journey along the coastal road towards Taormina, passing through Messina and offering breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina. Admire the stunning scenery and the sparkling waters of this historic waterway, separating Sicily from mainland Italy.
Mount Etna
Embark on an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Journey through a landscape of citrus groves, vineyards, and fruit trees, ascending to the Sylvester Craters at 1800 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and marvel at the volcanic landscape, a testament to nature's raw power.
Taormina
Discover the charm of Taormina, 'the pearl of the Ionian Sea.' Enjoy leisure time for shopping and exploring its narrow streets. Visit the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre for breathtaking views of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this captivating hilltop town.
Sicily
Your tour of Sicily concludes after a delightful buffet breakfast, leaving you with cherished memories of ancient wonders, cultural treasures, and breathtaking landscapes. Farewell, and may the spirit of Sicily stay with you.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes local guides when needed, lunch, dinner, breakfast, six nights in 4-star hotels, and one night in a wine resort. You'll also enjoy cheese and Sicilian product tasting, a street food lunch in Palermo, and wine tasting in Marsala. An English-speaking tour escort will be with you, and you'll get a welcome drink on day one. Retevacanze staff assistance, a whispers kit (for groups over 10), a cellar visit in Marsala, mineral water at hotel meals, and porterage at hotels are also included. Almond pastries in Erice are a treat! Not included are transfers in/out, entrance fees to monuments, city tax, beverages, and anything not listed under 'rate includes.'
Hot Tip
Some people who went on the tour say to bring comfy shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Also, remember to bring some extra money for things like tips and souvenirs.
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