The Best of Sicily Tour – 12 days

Welcome to the warm, beautiful and pleasant island of Sicily!

Upon arrival at Palermo Airport (PMO) collect your luggage inside the customs area. Then transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon is at leisure to explore the town on your own.

Inclusions today:
>Arrival Transfer with private vehicle and Italian speaking chauffeur

Today we start a lovely walking tour to explore Palermo. Our first stop is at the Palatine Chapel, a finest example of Arab-Norman art in Palermo. Built by Roger II from 1130 to 1140, the chapel is adorned with extraordinary Norman-Byzantine mosaics. We then continue onto the Four Corners which is the junction in Palermo. Effectively, it is the centre point of the four areas of the old town centre. You will almost inevitably pass through it and it is worth stopping for five minutes to have a look at its sculptures which were commissioned by the Spanish Viceroy in 1611. The sculptures on each of the four corners depict a variety of themes, including the four seasons, four Spanish kings and the four patron saints of the old town areas. Going south-east down Via Maqueda you will come across Piazza Pretoria which is home not only to a splendid fountain but several other impressive buildings including, on the right, the City Hall. The fountain, known for generations as the “Fountain of Shame”, has an interesting history. The large central fountain is the focal point for sixteen nude statues of nymphs, humans, mermaids and satyrs. If you imagine this being erected during the Inquisition, it is quite easy to imagine why it received its epithet, the “Fountain of Shame”. The last but not the least is our stop at the Open Air Market a place overflowing with beautiful fresh fish, and local vegetables and cheeses.  Originating from the era when Sicily was occupied by the moors, this 1000 year old market has run much in the same manner for centuries.  It has strong Arab influences, resembling an eastern souk, and these influences are also evident in the merchandise itself.  Next to mounds of ricotta and caciocavallo cheeses, barrels of olives and fat slabs of swordfish sit saffron and other spices, as well as sacks of beans and gorgeous indigenous fruits and local vegetables.  Here you will have the opportunity to taste a typical palermitano dish, such as the famous Panelle (a thin paste of crushed ceci/garbanzo beans rolled into sheets, fried and served in pizza-like slices).

This afternoon is at leisure

Inclusions Today:
>Half Day English Speaking Guide
>Tasting of street food meals

 Not Included:
>Admission Fee
>Meals and Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today we drive to Cefalù, a gorgeous town located on the northern coast of Sicily and one of the major tourist attractions in the region. Built on a promontory dominated by a sheer cliff, Cefalù, still keeping its ancient print, has grown around the Cathedral wanted by Ruggero II. The Cathedral, began in 1131, is one of the most interesting medieval monuments of the island and boasts outstanding mosaics and a wonderful cloister. A large part of the town is pedestrian. Stroll through the medieval narrow street and admire the picturesque houses on the sea and the long beach of finest sand.

Time at leisure.

This afternoon we then continue to Monreale to see independently where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Dome. Launched in 1174 by William II, it represents the scenes from the Old and New Testaments all in golden mosaics.

Later we return to Palermo.

nclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver

Not Included:
>English speaking guide to visit the Dome in Monreale
>Half Day English Speaking Guide to visit Cefalù
>Admission Fee
>Meals and Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today departure for Marsala, the Arab “Marsa Allah” –Harbor of God–, is known in the whole world for one thing: Wine! The Marsala Wine comes from the western lands of Sicily and its name derives from the homonymous town. The Marsala is the oldest Italian DOC wine, with an average alcohol content of about 18 degrees.

Have a short walk in the city center of this lovely town before driving along the scenic Salt Way Road to admire the beautiful Saltpans where the sea-salt is still produced following the old Phoenician tradition preserved during the century.

Enjoy a light-lunch in a local Winery/Olive Oil producer Farmhouse including tasting of mixed local products

This afternoon departure for Erice uptown. The Elymians settled in the medieval town of Erice, which was an important religious site associated with the goddess Venus. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous homemade pastry shops—world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. At arrival, friendly walk along the city centre with stop at local pastry shop to taste some Sicilian local sweet.

Later we return to Palermo.

Inclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver
>One light-lunch in an Olive Oil/Winery Farmhouse with wine tastings
>Independent visit of Saltpans and Erice 

Not Included:
>Tips and Gratuities
>Admission Fee
>Beverages

This morning departure for Mazara. At the northwest corner of the historic centre, this multicultural maze of narrow streets was once the heart of the Saracen city. The main thoroughfare was Via Bagno, which still has its hammam (public baths). Today the area is rundown but interesting, in large part because it retains a strong Arab connection through the Tunisian immigrants who now live here.

Enjoy a Couscous lunch topped with seafood and served with an intensely rich fish stock seasoned with cinnamon, bay leaves, and almonds, it’s one of Sicily’s most famous—and delicious—dishes. Couscous has a long history in Sicily, specifically in Trapani area, a crescent-shaped province on the island’s western coast. The hours-long process of hand rolling durum wheat semolina with small amounts of water into grain-like pasta comes from North Africa, with origins most closely linked to Berber communities. Easy to make with few tools, couscous was likely introduced to Trapani when the Aghlabids—an Arab Muslim dynasty that ruled modern-day Tunisia and eastern Algeria—launched a full-scale invasion of Sicily in 827 A.D.

In the afternoon a short drive takes us to Selinunte, one of Sicily's great Greek archaeological sites, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated by the sea in the south-western corner of Sicily, the isolated ruins here have stood abandoned for most of their history. The lack of later development allows modern visitors to imagine the ancient town of Selinus as it would have been two and a half thousand years ago. The archaeological park at Selinunte is huge, incorporating Greek temples, ancient town walls, the ruins of residential and commercial buildings, countryside paths and zones not yet excavated. This is a very important site to visit, and the temples' setting close to the sea is wonderfully picturesque.

Inclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver
>One cous-cous tastings lunch experience
>Independent visit of Mazara del Vallo
>Half Day English Speaking guide to visit Selinunte

Not Included:
>Admission Fee
>Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today we enjoy the visit of Agrigento Valley of the Temples: two hours walking tour on the Valley of the Temples an important Unesco World Heritage site covers the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Zeus. Agrigento, according to legend, was founded by Daedalus and his son Icarus after they had fled from Crete “by air”. Historically, however, its origins date back to 582 B.C. when it was founded by Rhodian-Cretan colonist from the neighboring Gela who named their city Akragas after the nearby river. It rapidly increased in size, importance and military strength under Phalarides, the first tyrant, and later under Theron, who extended his way over northern Sicily as far as Himera. In conclusion, Agrigento was a city of artists and illustrious personages, amongst whom the philosopher Empedocles. Pindar defines it as “the most beautiful of mortal cities” and, in fact, in the Vth century B.C., those famous temples, whose beauty we still admire today, were built.

Later we drive on a very charming route of inland villages off-the-beaten-track between hills and country landscapes. Upon arrival we meet a local guy who indulge us to taste just made ricotta cheese, homemade biscuits and the famous pane-cunsatu, a delicious bread stuffed with cheese, organic olive oil, salt, tomatoes and anchovies. Then starts our lunch in picnic style with locals and our amazing and unforgettable experience of true Sicily.

Inclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver
>One lunch experience in picnic style
>English Speaking guide to visit the Valley of the Temples

Not Included:
>Admission Fee
>Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

This morning, indulge in the Baroque atmosphere of Ragusa-Ibla, with its breathtaking sights of houses, churches, and palaces that seem layered on top of one another. The view from the upper town over Ragusa Ibla on its own separate hilltop is quite breathtaking. One of the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily, Ragusa is also one of the principal filming locations for the Sicilian Detective Saga Il Commissario Montalbano (Montalbano Inspector), a series which has done wonders for publicising the beauty of this area.

Today our lunch indulge you to taste the local Ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and fresh tomato sauce.

After lunch, travel to Modica, known all over the world for its chocolate production. Modica is custodian of a 400 year tradition of Sicilian chocolate-making. Being part of the Spanish kingdom for so many years meant that Sicily was often one of the first recipients of the new foodstuffs being brought back from South America. Cacao was one of these and today Modica still specialises in making granulous chocolate, often flavoured with chilli pepper, cinnamon or vanilla, that is based on Aztec methods and recipes. Chocolate shops abound and, for the real chocoholic, it is sometimes possible to watch the “chocolatiers” at work. Tasting of Modica chocolate is a must.

Inclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver
>Independent visit of Ragusa and Modica
>One lunch in Ragusa Ibla in a rustic trattoria
>Aztec’s Chocolate Tastings

Not Included:
>Licensed English speaking Guide
>Admission Fee
>Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today visit this wonderful town with a professional guide who will lead you to the discovery of the most important beauties as well as the hidden treasures of Siracusa and Ortigia Island.

Transfer by taxi the Archaeological Park that highlights the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and, the Paradise Quarry. After we travel back to the Island of Ortigia by taxi to start the walking tour from the Aretusa Fountain, visit the incredible Dome of Siracusa built on top of a Greek Temple and today incorporated in a beautiful baroque church!!

Continuing the walk, the tour will end at Apollo Temples to permit you to get back independently to your accommodation.

This afternoon is at leisure.

Inclusions Today:
>Half Day Guided visit to the Archaeological Park and Ortigia
>Taxi service from Ortigia to the Archaeological Park and return to Ortigia

Not Included:
>Admission Fee
>Meals and Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today meet the driver at hotel and drive to Cyclops Riviera, a 12-kilometer long stretch of the coast located north of the beautiful city of Catania that goes from Acireale to Aci Castello. This amazing coastline was named after some legends about the huge rocks sprouting from the sea, in fact, there are different legends about these boulders all involving Cyclops Polyphemus, the giant son of Poseidon and one of the Cyclopes. According to a legend, Polyphemus threw these boulders in the sea to express his rage against Ulysses, whose story has been told by Homer's Odyssey.

Later the Etna Volcano slopes to join a local winery where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tastings.

Mount Etna is a mecca for gastronomes and wine enthusiasts. The towns and villages on the flanks of the mountain have numerous culinary specialities based on locally-grown or sourced ingredients. The northern and northeastern side of Etna is home to a flourishing wine area that has been called the New Bourgogne, for the excellent quality and characters of its wines, produced from both autochthonous grape varieties, such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

We then continue onto Taormina, the world famous resort town of Sicily.

Inclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver
>One lunch in Etna winery with wine tastings

Not Included:
>Licensed English speaking Guide
>Admission Fee
>Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today is at leisure for your independent walk in the Corso Umberto Street, the core of the town. From here you can join the Greek Roman Theatre, built for the most part of brick, and is therefore probably of Roman date, though the plan and arrangement are in accordance with those of Greek, rather than Roman, theatres;  It is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, so that Johann Wolfgang Goethe in his famous “Journey to Italy” wrote: “No theater audience has never had such a sight in front of him.” The highlight of today walking tour is for sure go up using the old steps up to the top of the theatre to admire an amazing view of the Taormina Bay and the Etna volcano, the view from here is amazing and unforgettable.

Inclusions Today:
>Independent visit of Taormina 

Not Included:
>Licensed English speaking guide
>Admission Fee
>Meals and Beverages
>Tips and Gratuities

Today departure for Piazza Armerina, situated deep in the Sicilian hinterland, at 721 metres above sea level. Upon arrival we visit the Roman Villa, built in the middle of the 4th Century AD as a hunting lodge by a Roman patrician. The Villa is home to some of the best preserved and extensive examples of Roman mosaics spread over around 3500mt and is one of the most luxurious of its kind. These extraordinarily vivid mosaics, probably produced by North African artisans, deal with numerous subjects, ranging from Homeric escapades and mythological scenes to portrayals of daily life, including the famous tableau of girls exercising in their “bikinis”.

This afternoon we then continue to Palermo.

Inclusions Today:
>Full Day Private Vehicle and English speaking driver

Not Included:
>Licensed English speaking Guide
>Admission Fee
>Beverages and Meals
>Tips and Gratuities

Time to say goodbye to Sicily!

Transfer to Palermo Airport and departure to your next destination

Inclusions Today:
>Departure Transfer with private vehicle and Italian speaking chauffeur