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Location Icon Sicily

Sicily 8-Day Tour: Catania, Etna & Island Wonders

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11520

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Sicily Tour: 8 Days and 7 Nights From Catania to Catania. This classic tour shows the real Sicily. It's a special trip to see the culture and art of the island. See open-air museums and old buildings from the Arabs and Normans. Spend 8 days discovering the amazing things, food, smells, and real Sicily. It's a trip full of history, art, and old ways.

See the best UNESCO places like Syracuse and Noto. Visit Ragusa, Modica, and Piazza Armerina. Explore Agrigento, Monreale, Palermo, and Cefalù. Walk around the old part of Catania and see Mount Etna. Taste yummy local foods like chocolate in Modica and wine in Marsala. Enjoy street food in Palermo and granita in Catania. Try honey from Mount Etna.

The tour includes a guide who speaks many languages from day 1 to day 7. Travel on a nice bus from day 2 to day 7. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and breakfast. Local guides will help at different places. Get picked up and dropped off at Catania Airport. Taste local foods. Use a radio to hear the guide clearly. Go inside the old sites. This tour does not include some meals, drinks, or tips. There is a small tax of about 2.5 Euro per day. The tour visits Catania, Syracuse, Archaeological Park of Neapolis, Ortigia, Noto, Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana del Casale, Agrigento, Valley of the Temples, Marsala, Cantine Florio, Via del Sale & Stagnone Islands, Palermo, Monreale, Palermo Cathedral, Church of the Martorana & Palatine Chapel, Teatro Massimo & Piazza Pretoria, Cefalù, Piazza del Duomo, Via dei Crociferi, Mount Etna, Taormina, and Riviera dei Ciclopi. With knowledgeable guides and carefully planned stops, this tour immerses visitors in Sicily's rich heritage. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Explore Sicily's UNESCO Sites: Visit amazing places like Syracuse, Agrigento, and Palermo, all protected by UNESCO.

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Taste Local Sicilian Food: Enjoy chocolate, wine, street food, and honey from Sicily.

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Travel in Comfort on a Deluxe Bus: See Sicily while relaxing on a comfortable bus during the day.

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Learn from Expert Guides: A multilingual guide will be with the tour to give important insight.

Sentiment Analysis

Quotes Logo

Overall, customers love the Sicily tour for its comprehensive itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and delicious food. Some find the optional costs high and the pace quick. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers say the tour is well-organized and covers many beautiful places in Sicily.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many reviewers enjoyed the historical sites and learning about the island's history.

    Positive Highlight Icon The tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience enjoyable.

    Positive Highlight Icon Tasting the local food and wine was a highlight for many customers.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some customers felt that the optional excursions were too expensive.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few reviewers mentioned that the pace of the tour was fast-paced.

The Journey

1

Catania

Begin your Sicilian adventure in Catania, a city brimming with Baroque architecture crafted from dark volcanic stone. Explore its vibrant historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of its bustling squares and ancient fish market, 'pescheria'. Catania offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

2

Syracuse

Journey to Syracuse, a city steeped in ancient Greek history. Explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius. Wander through the charming island of Ortigia, the historic center, and marvel at the stunning Piazza Duomo, where the Cathedral's Baroque facade conceals the columns of a former Doric temple. Don't miss the legendary Arethusa Spring.

3

Archaeological Park of Neapolis

Delve into the ancient world at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, where you can witness the impressive Greek Theater, once the stage for dramatic performances; the Roman Amphitheater, a testament to imperial power; and the Latomie del Paradiso, ancient stone quarries shrouded in myth, including the echoing Ear of Dionysius.

4

Ortigia

Explore Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse, an island connected by bridges to the mainland. Be captivated by the harmonious architecture of Piazza Duomo and the Baroque splendor of the Cathedral, built upon a Greek temple. Wander through its charming alleys to discover the mythical Arethusa Spring, a freshwater source by the sea, steeped in legend.

5

Noto

Discover Noto, the 'stone garden' and capital of Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This meticulously planned city, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, showcases the theatrical flair of 18th-century architecture. Stroll through its elegant streets, admiring the intricate floral weaves, perspective views, and cherubic decorations adorning the facades of churches and palaces.

6

Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata

Visit Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata in Noto, a magnificent noble residence showcasing pure Baroque style. Once home to Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture, this palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Sicilian aristocracy. Admire its elaborate balconies and ornate interiors, a testament to the city's artistic heritage.

7

Ragusa Ibla

Travel to Ragusa Ibla, the ancient heart of Ragusa and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning late Sicilian Baroque architecture. Made famous by the Inspector Montalbano TV series, this city boasts over fifty churches and numerous palaces in the Baroque style, nestled amidst the charming Ibleo garden, offering a truly enchanting experience.

8

Ragusa Ibla

Explore Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated as the cradle of the late Sicilian Baroque. Admire its exquisite churches and the idyllic Ibleo Garden. This ancient city, made famous by the Inspector Montalbano series, boasts over fifty churches and a plethora of Baroque palaces, creating a captivating historical ambiance.

9

Modica

Discover Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of Baroque architecture. Indulge in a tasting at Sabadì, a renowned chocolate shop with international acclaim. Visit the 17th-century Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi, offering spectacular views and a glimpse into the lives of Modica's nobility. Conclude your visit with a relaxing stroll through the Orti di San Giorgio, enjoying local cuisine amidst stunning panoramas.

10

Piazza Armerina

Continue your journey towards Piazza Armerina, preparing to explore the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics. This opulent villa offers an unparalleled glimpse into the life of a wealthy Roman aristocrat in the late imperial era.

11

Villa Romana del Casale

Visit the splendid Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This late imperial-era villa features a monumental entrance and a vast collection of intricate mosaics depicting hunting scenes, mythological episodes, and scenes from daily life, offering a unique insight into Roman aristocratic life.

12

Agrigento

Travel to Agrigento and prepare to explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the remains of ancient Akragas stand majestically among almond trees. Marvel at the Temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules, and immerse yourself in the mythology, history, and natural beauty of this extraordinary site.

13

Valley of the Temples

Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sicily's most iconic landmarks. Wander among the well-preserved ruins of ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Hercules, set against a stunning backdrop of almond trees and the azure sea.

14

Marsala

Discover Marsala, a vibrant Mediterranean city where Garibaldi landed in 1860. Explore its historic center, characterized by tuff-yellow buildings, blue seas, red sunsets, white salt flats, and green vineyards. Stroll through the streets lined with noble palaces, monuments, and Baroque churches.

15

Cantine Florio

Embark on a guided tour inside the historic Cantine Florio in Marsala, beginning with the majestic giant vats used for Marsala refinement since the late 19th century. Explore the fascinating barrel rooms, stretching 165 meters with 104 arches. Conclude your tour with a tasting of local wines and a delightful lunch in the avant-garde tasting rooms.

16

Via del Sale & Stagnone Islands

Journey along the famous Via del Sale (Salt Road) to admire the Stagnone islands and salt marshes, a protected lagoon teeming with fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and rich aquatic vegetation. Witness the ancient salt extraction industry, one of the oldest in the world, still thriving in this unique natural landscape.

17

Palermo

Arrive in Palermo, a city at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, described by Goethe as the most beautiful promontory he had ever seen. Discover a rich tapestry of historical eras revealed in the city's diverse architectural styles, from Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas, noble palaces, Baroque churches, and neoclassical theaters.

18

Monreale

Explore Monreale, and visit its imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral, often called the eighth wonder of the world, and the splendid Cloister, a masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stone inlay. Monreale offers a breathtaking display of Norman architecture and Byzantine artistry.

19

Palermo

Continue to Palermo, a city with a rich and layered history, reflected in its diverse architecture. As a former residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments from the Arab-Norman period, including the stunning Cathedral and the Church of the Martorana.

20

Palermo Cathedral

Visit the Palermo Cathedral, a stunning architectural monument showcasing a blend of styles that reflect the city's rich history. From its Norman origins to its Baroque additions, the Cathedral stands as a testament to Palermo's diverse cultural influences.

21

Palermo - Church of the Martorana & Palatine Chapel

Visit the Church of the Martorana, among the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy and the Palatine Chapel, the highest example from the historical-artistic point of view, of the coexistence between cultures, religions and apparently irreconcilable ways of thinking, since they were involved by the wise management of power by Ruggiero II, Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers. Enjoy a typical lunch with local products.

22

Palermo - Teatro Massimo & Piazza Pretoria

Admire the splendid Teatro Massimo, one of Italy's largest opera houses, and the controversial Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, adorned with sixteenth-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Palermo's artistic and cultural heritage.

23

Cefalù

Depart towards Cefalù, a charming seaside village with a medieval character overlooking the Mediterranean. Admire the Norman cathedral and stroll through the streets of the center. Visit the Mandralisca Museum. Lunch at a renowned restaurant.

24

Catania

Return to Catania and immerse yourself in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its late Baroque architecture crafted from lava stone. Discover hidden treasures throughout this captivating city.

25

Piazza del Duomo, Catania

Visit Piazza del Duomo in Catania, the heart of the city, and admire the splendid Cathedral and the lava stone elephant, the city's symbol. Continue to Piazza Università, surrounded by elegant Baroque buildings.

26

Via dei Crociferi, Catania

Wander through the streets of Catania's historic center and visit the beautiful Via dei Crociferi, the Baroque heart of the city. See the Monastery of S. Benedetto, made famous by Verga's novel 'Storia di una Capinera'. Stop at a local bar to taste the typical granita with brioche.

27

Mount Etna

Venture to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Etna Park with its diverse flora and protected species. Visit the Silvestri Craters, inactive volcanic cones, and taste local artisan honey and typical products. Enjoy lunch at a delightful restaurant with stunning views.

28

Taormina

Continue to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauty, historical monuments, and panoramic views of the sea with Mount Etna in the background. Visit the fascinating Greek-Roman theater, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naxos. Explore the medieval streets and shop for local crafts.

29

Riviera dei Ciclopi

Conclude your day with a panoramic view of the stunning Riviera dei Ciclopi, a picturesque coastal area north of Catania, known for its dramatic rock formations and charming seaside villages. Legend says these rocks were hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus in Homer's Odyssey.

30

Sicily

Conclude your tour of Sicily, filled with unforgettable experiences and memories of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes a guide who speaks many languages, lunch, a nice bus, dinner, and breakfast. It also includes local guides, airport transfers, food tastings, a radio to hear the guide, and entry to the old sites. It does not include some meals, drinks, tips, or a small city tax of about 2.5 Euro per day. Pick-up and drop-off are at Catania Airport.

Hot Tip

Some customers say the optional tours are expensive and the trip can be fast. Consider what's most important to see and do to enjoy the experience.

From €1990 Price

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