Discover Sicily - Itinerary
Spend every night of this unique itinerary in one of Sicily’s most popular resort towns, Giardini Naxos. Sometimes called the “crossroads of civilization,” this large Mediterranean island offers a wonderful climate, spectacular landscapes, historic towns, charming hilltop villages, and some of Europe’s finest archaeological sites. With your single hotel stay, spend your time touring and exploring rather than packing and unpacking. Climb high above the Ionian Sea to discover the beautiful and historical treasures of the small town of Taormina. Here you will see the Greek Theatre, the Duomo, and the public gardens, and you will have time to shop in its boutiques or dine in one of its charming sidewalk cafes.
Admire the magnificent Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, and view the stunning landscapes fashioned by fire on your drive up the mountain. Nearby, visit a local well-known winery to learn how wine is produced from grapes grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mt. Etna. Explore delightful villages where vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, and other local foods. Tour Caltagirone, capital of the Sicilian pottery industry, and visit Villa Casale where you’ll see an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics that date to the 3rd century B.C. Trace the path of Greek history on your visit to Siracusa and the Archaeological Park as you admire its grand collection of antiquities.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, offers a wonderful climate, spectacular landscapes, historic towns, charming hilltop villages, and some of the finest archaeological sites in Europe. You will enjoy this spectacular destination with a relaxing single hotel stay. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Catania.
Day 2: Catania, Sicily
Your tour begins in Catania, where a short journey will bring you to Giardini Naxos, perhaps one of the most popular resort towns in Sicily. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Taormina
Taormina is symbolic of the splendor of Sicily; history and beauty abound in this small town perched high above the Ionian Sea. Join a local guide to explore the many treasures of the town, including the Greek Theatre, the Duomo and the public gardens. Spend the afternoon dining at one of the many sidewalk cafes or shopping in the town’s boutiques. (B)
Day 4: Mt. Etna
This morning you will experience the natural majesty of Mt. Etna. Europe’s largest active volcano, Etna continues to release smoke and ash over Sicily. Travel up the mountain by coach to personally witness the spectacular landscapes sculpted by fire. This afternoon, visit a well-known local winery, famous for producing wines from grapes grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mt. Etna. This evening you will enjoy a traditional dinner of local specialties and wines, with traditional Sicilian folk music. (B,D)
Day 5: Day at Leisure or Optional Excursion
Enjoy a day at leisure to absorb the charm of Giardini Naxos. Or, perhaps you would prefer to join an optional excursion to the villages of Sicily. Your first stop is at Randazzo. Every Sunday the village hosts an outdoor market, where vendors sell fresh local produce and foods. Savor the colorful sights and enchanting aromas of Sicily as you wander among the market stalls. Your optional tour continues to the village of Floresta, famous for the production of local “Provola” cheese. A visit to a local producer will demonstrate how this local specialty is made and allow you to taste this unique cheese. Returning to the coast, your final stop of the day is in the town of Tindari to see the famed Sanctuary of the Black Madonna. (B)
Day 6: Piazza Armerina - Caltagirone
Journey inland this morning to the medieval town of Piazza Armerina, located in the beautiful Erei Mountains. A guided visit of nearby Villa Casale showcases an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics that date to the 3rd century BC. After lunch travel to Caltagirone, the capital of the Sicilian pottery industry. A visit to a local studio allows you to see first hand how these traditional designs are produced. (B, D)
Day 7: Siracusa
Walk in the footsteps of history and reflect on the grandeur of ancient Greece during an excursion to Siracusa. The city boasts as fine a collection of archaeological treasures as any island in Greece. A local expert guides you through the Archaeological Park, featuring an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Enjoy some free time in the historic old city before returning to Giardini Naxos. (B)
Day 8: Giardini Naxos
A full day at leisure allows you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps you will enjoy a stroll along the local beaches, or some last minute shopping in nearby Taormina. Gather with your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner and share unforgettable memories of a spectacular stay in Sicily. (B, D)
Day 9: Giardini Naxos - Catania - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Catania. (B)
