Day 1: Starting in Viagrande
Treasures of Sicily is about exploring and experiencing Baroque heritage sites in Noto and Ragusa Ibla, Siracusa, Agrigento, Selinunte, etc. We will start our journey by coming to Catania airport and then leaving Viagrande, a small town located north of Catania and about one hour from Taormina. It provides Mount Etna's beautiful, striking scenic views from its elevated position above the sea. The current old town centre was discovered in 1408; however, Viagrande's first settlement was discovered under Greek domination. The village is named after the ancient road which led to Messina. The most famous products are honey from Zafferana, prickly pears from Belpasso, and pistachios from Bronte. Etna wines are the products which are more popular than these products even outside the Etna countries.
DAY 2: Exploring Excursion on Mt Etna
We are exploring Excursions on Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, and wine tasting in the mid-day.
After having our first meal of the day, we will head towards Mt Etna on foot, Europe's highest active volcano in Europe today. We will pass through several old lava flows, some giving dramatic panoramic views and old craters from walking. Tourists are strongly suggested to have a waterproof/ windproof jacket and wearing long trousers and warm tops. And in the afternoon, we will have a mouth-watering cheese and wine tasting at one of the popular wine sellers in the area. Then, we will return to Viagrande.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Head towards Syracuse
Head towards Syracuse to stop by its archaeological site, on to the UNESCO Baroque town in Noto.
This morning we will start our journey to Syracuse, about 1 hour and 15 minutes driving. Syracuse is the most powerful city-state in the Greek World and the Byzantine Empire's capital. We will watch the excellent Neapolis Archaeological park with its splendid Greek theatre and the well-protected Roman amphitheatre with our guide. Then, we will again head start our journey to the UNESCO World Heritage located in Noto.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Visit to the Ragusa Ibla
Early morning visit to the Ragusa Ibla, a hilltop town, going to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.
After having breakfast, we will head to the Ragusa Ibla, a hilltop town, experiencing and feeling all those amazing mazes of winding streets dotted with remarkable baroque churches, ongoing up to Agrigento. In Agrigento, we will enjoy a guided visit to its most significant valley of temples, like the temple of Concorde, etc. One of the most protected Doric temples in all of the Greek World is the temple of Castor, the temple of Hercules and Pollux. Then we will stay overnight in Agrigento.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Exploring archaeological sites in the Mediterranean
We are going to the ruins of Selinunte, viewing the overwhelming Mediterranean, and then driving to the hilltop village of Erice.
Our morning begins with going to Selinunte to experience the beauty of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. We then go to the mountaintop village of Erice and then take time to view the well-known salt flats of Mozia, dotted with featured windmills. Once, we will also get time for a stroll through the narrow streets and will have the amazing almond cakes on the islands. Overnight stay at San Vito Lo Capo.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Exploring Zingaro Nature Reserve
Walking in the eye-catching Zingaro Nature Reserve; afternoon visit to Palermo.
This morning we will take a little break from the islands' amazing cultural highlights and will move towards the coast to look at one of the outstanding examples of idyllic Mediterranean landscapes. Stretching with the coast between watching eye-catching views like the village of Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, the Zingaro Nature Boasts spectacular views from the cliffs and pristine beaches. Then, we will have leisure time for about three hours on beautiful coastal trails with the opportunity to swim a little before the bus comes back. In the afternoon, we will head to Palermo, where we can have some free time to discover or explore the splendid historic centre and lively streets covered with bars, hotels and restaurants. We then stay overnight in Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Exploring Monreale Cathedral
This day is about morning exploration in Monreale Cathedral, a tour of Palermo and leisure time for all of us.
After a short visit to Monreale, we will watch the great cathedral, considered the most prominent example of Norman architecture. Then after heading to Palermo, our guide will guide us to show the most significant sites, including Pretoria Square, Marina Square, and Quattro Canti. In the afternoon, we will have leisure time to enjoy the electricity of Palermo city on our own. We then reside in Palermo overnight.
DAY 8: Second last day of the trip
Driving to the fishing village of Cefalu to explore its Norman Cathedral, on to outstanding Taormina.
This morning we will drive to reach Cefalu, a fishing village, where we will look at the cathedral, home to Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historical centre. Then, our tour will end at the beautiful town of Taormina, the most popular treasure of Sicily. We will also have the time for Greek theatre and explore the splendid views of Mt Etna and the sea. Then, we will stay overnight at Taormina.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: End of Treasures of Sicily tour
After breakfast, our service ends here. Also, if you want the details for other tour packages, click this link.
