7 Day Fantasia Siciliana Tour – 7DFSCA

Day 1

Palermo

Arrive in Palermo and make your own way to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead. Overnight in Palermo. (Dinner)

Day 2

Palermo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits as well as for its fine Nor­man architecture.  Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy some shopping for local delicatessen and souvenirs. Returning back to Palermo we continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like the Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside this impressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mo­saics – with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3

Palermo – Erice – Marsala (Wine tasting and light lunch in a historical winery) – Agrigento

Early breakfast then departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth centu­ry and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Afterwards we’ll set off to Marsala whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You’ll take part in a sensorial experience as you will visit a tradi­tional tavern and taste regional products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Return to your coach and travel to Agri­gento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check into your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4

Agrigento – Ragusa Ibla – Ragusa

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical center “Ibla”, the lower and older part of the town with its stunning Baroque palaces and churches. Together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we  visit the Church of San Giuseppe, a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini Palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive at the hotel for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 5

Ragusa · Noto · Siracusa · Taormina

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fish­ing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the            Ca­thedral of San Nicolò recently restored after an earthquake and then have a nice walk in the town’s center. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. On arrival in Syracuse, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia – the most ancient part of Syra­cuse – home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check into your hotel in Taormina and enjoy dinner. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 6

Taormina

Breakfast at your centrally located hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activi­ty and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). Afterwards re­turn to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Arrive in Taormina in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 7

Taormina

Enjoy one final breakfast before the tour comes to an end. (Breakfast)