Transfer to hotel in Catania. Meeting with our tour-leader; dinner and overnight in hotel.

2^nd Day/Sunday: RIVIERA DEI CICLOPI - ETNA – TAORMINA – (hotel in Catania)

After breakfast, departure to the Riviera dei Ciclopi. Panoramic tour of the seaside towns of Aci Castello (which takes its name from its Norman Castle) and Aci Trezza, whose panorama is commanded by the “Faraglioni” (three tall, column-shaped islands that, according to Homer’s legend, where thrown to Ulysses in “The Odyssey”); it is also known for being the town where Giovanni Verga’s novel “I Malavoglia” is set.  Departure to Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. Those who wish to, may reach the top craters at the height of 2.900 mt by making an optional excursion by cable-way/jeep and mountain guide, to be paid on the spot. it will be possible to see the recent craters, originated by the eruptions on 2001/2002. Tasting of typical products and honey. Free time for lunch at restaurants in the neighborhoods. In the afternoon we will proceed to Taormina, charming town offering a lovely panorama of the Ionic Sea and Etna, famous for its fascinating Greek theatre, the ancient Cathedral and Palazzo Corvaja. You may have a nice walk among the typical small streets and go shopping (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, sweets and much more). Back to hotel in Catania for dinner and overnight.

3^rd Day/Monday: CATANIA – PIAZZA ARMERINA – (hotel in Palermo)

After breakfast in hotel we will leave to visit the historical centre of Catania with its original baroque style and its streets built with black lava stone from mount Etna. The walking tour will start across the “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) to reach the Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, symbol of the city. Not far from here you could also see the Teatro Massimo Opera House, the University and famous baroque streets such as Via Crociferi. We will continue with the Diocesan Museum, one of the most important museums in Italy, which preserves works of sacred arts coming from the 121 baroque churches in Catania, such as the “fercolo” (carriage) carrying the silver statue of Saint Agatha during the celebration of the famous Feast. The tour will be completed with the visit of Roman “Thermal Bath”. Transfer to Piazza Armerina and free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will admire the splendid polychrome mosaics of the famous Villa Romana del Casale, representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments. We ill proceed with the visit of the “Villa delle Meraviglie”, country residence of a noble family to admire the splendid collections recovered by the family over the years and to see how nobles used to live in 1700. We will proceed to Palermo for overnight. Dinner at the hotel or in a restaurant nearby.

4^th Day/Tuesday: PALERMO - MONREALE – (hotel in Marsala)

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting the capital of Sicily, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. We will visit the Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Quattro Canti, the Martorana Church, the Teatro Massimo Opera House and the fountain in Pretoria Square, adorned with sculptures. Food surprise. We will proceed to Monreale to visit its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will reach the top of Mount Pellegrino, where you will be stunned by a charming view of Palermo. Transfer to Marsala for dinner and overnight in hotel.

5^th Day/Wednesday: ERICE – MARSALA SALT ROAD – SELINUNTE (hotel in Agrigento)

Breakfast in hotel and departure to Erice, a small medieval village of ancient Greek origins, situated on a little hill (Mount St Giuliano), where it is possible to enjoy a fantastic view on the Egadi Islands. We will proceed to Marsala along the Salt Road: on the way you will see the nice Island of Mothia (situated at the centre of a large lagoon in Marsala, known today as 'Stagnone'), and the famous Salines and windmills all-over the coast between Trapani and Marsala. Free time for lunch. Stop in marsala to taste the typical wine, appreciated also by Giuseppe Garibaldi during its landing in 1860. Proceed to Selinunte to visit the largest Archaeological Park in whole Mediterranean: surrounded by a splendid landscape near the African Sea, we will walk among the rests of the ancient Greek city. Transfer to Agrigento. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.

6^th Day/ Thursday: AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA - MODICA – (hotel in Modica or Ragusa)

Breakfast in hotel and visit of the Valley of the Temples where, among hundreds of almond trees, the rests of the ancient Akragas rise. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Free time for lunch. Departure to Ragusa and visit of the historical centre (Ibla), with its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful square of the Dome. Proceed to Modica where, besides visiting the Church of San Peter you may taste the delicious chocolate, typical of this city, produced with an ancient and original Aztec recipe. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Modica.

7^th Day/Friday: NOTO – SIRACUSA – (hotel in Catania)

After breakfast in hotel we will reach Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Departure to Siracusa, the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon the visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Dyonisios “Ear”; it will continue with the visit of Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Siracusa. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral and the famous Arethusa’s Fountain. Transfer to Catania for dinner and overnight in hotel.

8^th Day/Saturday:  CATANIA

Breakfast in hotel and end of services. Transfer to airport or rail station.

Accommodation in 4 star hotels, transport service for the whole tour (from the 2^nd day to the 7^th), half board (dinner), driver escort/tour-leader for the whole tour (from the evening of the 1^st day to the evening of the 7^th day), local guides or audio-guides where necessary, honey tasting on Etna (on the 2^nd day), tasting of typical products in Marsala (on the 5^th day), chocolate tasting in Modica (on the 6^th day), 1 food surprise.