Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
You are greeted at Palermo airport and transferred to your hotel. Late in the afternoon after an orientation talk by your tour director, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
(Breakfast included)

Day 2: Palermo, Monreale
After breakfast, your local guide will show you where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo, built in 1174 by William II. Then, on to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of his grandfather Roger II. See Piazza Pretoria, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini, Via Maqueda with its "four corners": a quartet of baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating from 1560. Then, we visit the Cathedral with various style built through Islamic. Arab- Norman domination.
(Breakfast included)

Day 3: Palermo - Erice - Trapani - Marsala
Early departure to tour western Sicily. We will reach Erice city- centre by cableway. The mediaeval town of Erice was settled by the Elymians and was an important religious site associated with goddesses of fertility. Wander through its' ancient streets and visit some of the famous home-made pastry-shops, world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. In the afternoon, we will drive between Trapani and Marsala along the Salt Route to tour the historic saltpan works. Arrive in Marsala, visit a local winery's cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later, we'll return to Palermo.
(Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 4: Agrigento - Leonforte (Enna)
Today's' drive across the vast countryside enables us to enjoy Sicily's great variety of sceneries. Upon arrival in Agrigento, whose history dates back to 6th century B.C., guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we'll drive to Leonforte near Enna. The region boasts a rich production of wheat, citrus fruits, olive oil. Tonight, we lodge in the green heart of Sicily at Villa Gussio, a typical Sicilian old-country hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 5: Leonforte - Piazza Armerina - Caltagirone - Leonforte
Our first stop is at Enna. It was a centre of great military importance under the Greeks and Romans. On the upper part of the town stands the Lombardia Castle, the most ancient and best-preserved castle in Sicily. Continue to Piazza Armerina to see the ruins of a Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. In the afternoon, we visit the baroque town of Caltagirone known as "the city of ceramics". Ceramics have been produced here for over 1000 years. Climb the Steps of Santa Maria del Monte, city's symbol made out of 142 steps decorated with splendid glazed majolica tiles. Time at leisure. Return to our hotel for dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 6: Mount Etna - Santa Venerina - Taormina
A short drive takes us to the slopes of Mt. Etna. Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we experience the lava fields and incredible view of Europe's highest and most active volcano. Then to a winery and farmhouse located in the lovely village of Santa Venerina. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and home-made food. We indulge in a typical lunch at the farmhouse. In the afternoon, we will drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort of Sicily with its views and atmosphere.
(Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 7: Taormina - Syracuse - Taormina
Departure to Syracuse, once the most important rival of Athens, founded by settlers from Corinth in 735 B.C. Upon arrival, guided tour of the archaeological area: see the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. In the afternoon, we walk in Ortygia before returning to Taormina for a walking tour through the city centre. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 8: Catania departure
Transfer to Catania airport for departure.
(Breakfast included)

RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY EURO 1.600- SINGLE EURO 1.850

Rates include:
- Airport transfers
- Palermo: three nights accommodation in first class hotel, standard room
- Leonforte:two nights accommodation in Villa, standard room
- Taormina: two nights accommodation in first class hotel, standard room no sea-view
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Two visits to Sicilian cellars and Sicilian wine tasting
- Deluxe Van/mini-coach with Air Conditioning
- English speaking tour director/ driver as per program
- Welcome dinner with choice of 2 set-menus
- Farewell Dinner with choice of 2 set-menus
- Two dinners at hotel-villa with choice of 2 set-menus
- One light-lunch at an olive-oil press
. One light-lunch at a winery based on typical Etna dishes
- Natural mineral water with included meals
- All sightseeing, tasting and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Cablecar to Erice city centre (subject to weather conditions)
- Cablecar to Etna Volcano (subject to weather conditions)
- Admission fees for all sites and other activities as per itinerary
- Baggage Handling of one piece of luggage at hotel


Rates do not include:
- Intercontinental Flight
- Gratuities to Tour Director and Driver
- Gratuities to Local Guide
- Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program
- Travel Insurance

SUPERIOR FIRST CLASS HOTELS FOR THIS TOUR
Palermo Hotel Ai Cavalieri
Leonforte Hotel Villa Gussio Nicoletti
Taormina Hotel Villa Diodoro

Tour operator: Chat tours S.r.l.

further information and reservations