1st day - PALERMO

Independent arrival of the participants at the Falcone Borsellino Airport of PALERMO.

Meeting with the tour leader / local guide, accommodation by coach and transfer to the hotel in Palermo for the accommodation in reserved rooms.

Lunch at one of the most famous Focaccerie in Palermo for the tasting of the typical street food of the Palermo-style kitchen: panelle, crocchè or cazzilli, boiled octopus, pani ca 'meusa, rice balls, sfincione.

In the early afternoon departure for the guided tour of PALERMO, to discover the rich historical, cultural, and gastronomic heritage of the city. We will start by visiting the ancient Mercato del Capo (Capo’s Market), with a real dive in the past, rich of colors, shouts (the vuci) of the sellers and the animation of the stalls. Then we head towards the Palazzo dei Normanni, seat of the Sicilian government inside which there is one of the great treasures of the city, the Palatine Chapel, the Palace’s chapel, which represents the highest example of the coexistence between what seemed to be irreconcilable cultures, religions, and ways of thinking. The tour will continue with the visit of the beautiful Cathedral and up to the beating heart of the city -the Four Canti (the intersection of the two oldest streets). From here, you can admire Piazza Pretoria -also known as Piazza della Vergogna (Shame’s Square), and both the San Cataldo and Martorana Churches.

In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Treatment: lunch in focacceria / dinner and overnight in a hotel in Palermo

2nd day. SALEMI. SEGESTA. ERICE. PALERMO

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion with local guide. In the morning guided tour of SALEMI,

one of "The most beautiful villages in Italy." A medieval city of Islamic origin, rich in monuments that testify to its long history, among which the most important are the mother church and the ancient castle of Greek-Norman origin.

Continue to SEGESTA where we will visit with a local guide to see the unfinished - end of the 5th century BC Doric Temple, which is built on a hill. We will also see the beautiful Greek Theater.

Transfer to a historic Villa transformed into a luxury agritourism (a farmhouse transformed into a hotel-restaurant) 200 meters above sea level and you will be welcomed by the staff with a guided tour of the ancient gardens of the villa, the 18th century church, the court with the Museum of peasant art (which collects a collection of old nail plows), and agricultural equipment dating back to 1800.

Tasting, Food Experience and lunch in the Villa.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided walk of ERICE, a wonderfully preserved medieval village overlooking the

west coast of Sicily with its ancient and narrow streets and the majestic Castle of Venus.

In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and stay overnight.

Treatment: breakfast, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel in Palermo.

Lunch in the Villa includes:

- Tasting of organic extra virgin olive oil on slices of freshly baked bread

- Tasting of typical cheeses with the Chef's jams

- Tasting of n. 2 local wines: Nero d'Avola and Grillo

- Food Experience: diners will be able to watch the preparation of the "Busiata" or "Couscous" created by skilled hands of the Chef of the Villa.

-  Lunch based on typical products of the Sicilian tradition with appetizers, first and second courses, desserts, mineral water, and espresso coffee.

3rd day. SAMBUCA OF SICILY. AGRIGENTO

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning departure for SAMBUCA DI SICILIA and guided tour of this splendid village of Arab origins, located in the wonderful Belice Valley. It was awarded in 2016 as Borgo dei Borghi and included among "The most beautiful villages in Italy"; today it has become so famous because many foreigners buy houses here

Latest to buy a house in Sambuca di Sicilia was Lorraine Bracco, the star of Hollywood that has transformed an old ruin -bought for 1 euro in the heart of the Arab quarter, into a jewel of white lime and exposed brick she said, "I will spend no less than three months a year here."

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=503435067490347

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w02HEbKWA8)

With the local guide we will visit the stone quarries under the main square, the characteristic Saracen Arab quarter, the Palazzo Panitteri with its important archaeological collection, and the church of Santa Caterina with its overflowing Rococo style.

Transfer to an agricultural estate a few meters from Lake Arancio where vineyards, olive groves and nature in its surprising splendor embrace the ancient 16th century glory. Visit of the vineyards and the cellar, tasting of wines and oils, lunch.

In the afternoon we will continue to AGRIGENTO. Hotel accommodation in reserved rooms, dinner and

overnight stay.

Treatment: breakfast in the hotel in Palermo / dinner and overnight in the hotel in Agrigento / Porto Empedocle

Lunch at the Estate:

- Guided tasting of n. 4 Menfi DOC wines paired with a selection of local specialties and products

- Guided tasting of n. 3 olive oils

- Guided tour of the vineyards and the cellar

- Lunch based on typical products of the Sicilian tradition

4th day. AGRIGENTO. SQUARE ARMERINA. CATANIA

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning meet with the local guide to prepare for guided tour of AGRIGENTO and the famous Valley of the Temples, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is where, among the almond trees, stand the remains of ancient Akragas, defined by the Greek poet Pindar as "the most beautiful city built by mortals."

After the visit to the Temples, most of which were built in the 5th century BC. and of which the best preserved is the Temple della Concordia with its splendid golden columns, walk along the central street of the city, the via Atenea.

Lunch in a typical restaurant with a menu based on local products.

In the afternoon departure for Catania, with a stop in PIAZZA ARMERINA, for a guided tour of the Roman Villa del Casale, one of the most precious jewels left by the Roman civilization in Sicily. This was built in the III-IV century A.D. and it has become a Unesco World Heritage Site above all for the vastness and beauty of its mosaics, which are famous throughout the world.

In the evening, accommodation in a hotel in the Catania area, dinner, and overnight stay.

Treatment: breakfast in the hotel in Agrigento-Porto Empedocle. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight stay in Catania area hotel.

5th day. SYRACUSE. PALAZZOLO ACREIDE. CATANIA

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning departure for SYRACUSE and guided tour of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis (from the Greek "new city"), which houses most of the classical monuments of Greek and Roman Syracuse:  The Greek theater used for classical performances, the Roman Amphitheater, the Latomie with the Ear of Dionysus, the Tomb of Archimedes, the Altar of Hieron.

Continuation of the guided tour of the island of Ortigia and the city’s historic center (Centro Storico)

where the most ancient finds, medieval buildings, and the richness of baroque reconstruction coexist.

Lunch in a Country resort with a menu of simple, tasty, and colorful Sicilian cuisine, with the use of raw materials of excellence and, naturally, typical of the Syracusan area (and even more so of the Iblei).

In the afternoon, a guided tour of PALAZZOLO ACREIDE, an enchanting Baroque city with ancient Greek origins.

Palazzolo Acreide is one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy", as well as a World Heritage Site since 2002.

During the guided tour you will relive the glories of the ancient city, visit the Greek Theater, the Bouleuterion, the Votive Shrines, the Latomie and the Necropolis, and then immerse yourselves in the baroque charm of the Church of San Paolo, the church of San Sebastiano and of the Caruso and Judica Palaces.

In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Treatment: breakfast, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel in the Catania area. Lunch in an agritourism (a farmhouse transformed into a hotel-restaurant) in Syracuse.

6th day. ETNA. RIVIERA DEI CICLOPI

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning departure in the direction of one of the most evocative stages of Sicily, the Mount ETNA, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the highest active volcano in Europe (3340 m - 11,000 ft).

Once at an altitude of 1900 meters (6,250 ft), you will enjoy a splendid panorama and will have the opportunity to visit the Silvestri Craters: these are small extinct volcanic cones surrounded by the lavas of the latest eruptions.

Transfer to the farm: welcome and guided tour to discover its suggestive underground barrel cellar.

To follow, tasting of 4 DOC wines representing different varieties, denominations, and types, produced by the Cantina dell’Azienda. Lunch at the Azienda's Osteria.

In the afternoon, a guided tour along the RIVIERA dei CICLOPI, where you can admire the seaside villages of Acitrezza and Acicastello, and, above all, the splendid historic center of Acireale.

Treatment: breakfast, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel in the Catania area. Lunch in the Cantina:

- Guided tasting of n. 4 DOC wines

- Guided tour of the cellar and underground barrel cellar

- Lunch with tasting menu consisting of four dishes, prepared with the best local raw material, and designed to enhance the typical flavors of the ancient Sicilian culinary tradition accompanied with wines chosen in combination by the Cantina's Sommelier.

7th day. SAVOCA. TAORMINA

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning guided tour of SAVOCA. This town is perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Ionian coast. Savoca, included in the circuit of "The most beautiful villages in Italy", is an art village that preserves vestiges of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque origin. The town is known for the mummies kept in the crypt of the Capuchin convent, as well as for having been chosen as the set of some very successful films, such as the award-winning “The Godfather” by Francis Ford Coppola.

Lunch in a farmhouse with a menu based on typical products.

In the afternoon is a guided tour of TAORMINA, the most famous Sicilian tourist resort, where you can visit the Greek-Roman theater, stroll through the historic center on the beautiful Corso Umberto I, and admire the splendid one’s glimpses of landscape ranging from the sea to Mount Etna.

Tasting of the best Sicilian granita, strictly accompanied by the local brioche.

In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Treatment: breakfast, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel in the Catania area. Lunch in a restaurant-farmhouse, tasting of Sicilian granita and brioche.

8th day. CATANIA

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning guided tour of CATANIA, the city of the Elephant. With the local guide we will discover its great architectures such as the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the church of San Nicola, we will walk along its elegant via Crociferi, we will discover 'in Piscaria, the ancient and picturesque fish market and we will know the rites of the feast of Sant'Agata.

Lunch in a restaurant / farmhouse with tasting menu.

Transfer to Catania airport and end of the services.

IMPORTANT:

Tour. This tour Is available throughout the year with a minimum of 8 people partecipation.

Tour extension. Upon request, your stay in Sicily or in another region of our beautiful Italy, can be extended

Group partecipation. 8 people minimum.group

Fees.

Terms and Conditions

The price includes:

-          Gran Turismo coach equipped with every comfort available for the whole tour as per program

-           accommodation in luxury facilities in double rooms with internal services

-           full board from lunch on the 1st day to lunch on the 8th day in typical restaurants / companies and hotel/restaurant farmhouses with menus based on                      typical local products + various tastings.

-          buffet breakfasts.

-          One lunch in Palermo in Focacceria with tasting of Palermo Street food

-          private guided tour + organic oil tasting + cheese tasting + wine tasting + food

-          experience + tasting lunch in Erice in historic Villa with typical products of the Sicilian tradition with appetizers, first and second course, dessert, mineral                      water, and espresso coffee

-          private guided tour of the vineyards and the cellar + wine tasting + oil tasting + lunch in Sambuca di Sicilia in an agricultural estate with a 4-course menu

-          one lunch in a restaurant in Agrigento with a 4-course menu based on typical products

-          one tasting lunch in Palazzolo Acreide in the Country Resort with 4-course menu

-          guided tour of the cellars and underground barrel cellar + wine tasting + tasting lunch on Etna in farm with four-course menu

-          one lunch in a farmhouse in Savoca with a 4-course menu based on typical products

-          tasting of Sicilian granita and brioche in Taormina in a historic bar

-          English speaking escort / guide services for the duration of the trip

-          full day guided tour to visit Palermo on the 1st day

-          full day guided tour to visit Segesta, Salemi and Erice on the 2nd day

-          half day guided tour to visit Sambuca di Sicilia on the 3rd day

-          full day guided tour to visit Piazza Armerina and Agrigento on the 4th day

-          full day guided tour to visit Syracuse and Palazzolo Acreide on the 5th day

-          full day guided tour for the excursion to Etna and along the Riviera dei Ciclopi on the 6th day

-          full day guided tour to visit Savoca and Taormina on the 7th day

-          half-day guided tour to visit Catania on day 8

-          Professional Civil Liability insurance

-          emergency insurance wherever you are - non-stop doctor - reimbursement of medical expenses and luggage – assistance during the trip ", in operation 24              hours a day

-          insurance of the coach used

-          room and board for the driver

-          motorway tolls, city and park bus entrances, VAT

The fee does not include:

-              Round Trip airfare to Palermo from any US airport.

-              Drinks

-              tickets for entrances to castles, monuments, museums, parks, etc.

-              tips

-              anything not expressly indicated in the item "The fee includes"

-              Optional supplements: single room are based on the availability of the accommodation facilities

Payment methods per person:

-              25% deposit upon booking. Balance one month before the departure date

Since tours are pre-booked and reservations guaranteed, should a withdrawal from the trip occur, regardless of the cause, the traveler is required to pay penalty as indicated below:

-              20% of the participation fee up to 45 days prior to departure

-              30% of the participation fee up to 30 days prior to departure

-              50% of the participation fee up to 15 days prior to departure

-              75% of the participation fee up to 7 days prior to departure

-              100% of the participation fee after these terms.

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