8D/7N - 2020 Sicily: The Highlights small group

day 1 Taormina: Evening Food and Wine Tour

Upon arrival at Catania airport you will be greeted by your driver, who will transfer you to your charming hotel in Taormina. Meet your local guide in the town center and discover ideal places to get a real taste of Taormina. Savour its delicious food, soak in its vibrant culture, and meet the people who keep so many wonderful Food and Wine traditions alive. Just follow your expert guide through the town and eat and drink like the locals. Your tour will finish at around 21.00 in the heart of Taormina so after you can still enjoy the town at night.
day 2 Godfather-Lunch-Greek Theatre
After breakfast meet your guide and start a half-day trip to the inland ancient villages Savoca and Forza d’Agro. See the places where the most famous scenes of Godfather movies were taken. Find out the secrets of moviemaking as well as true facts about mafia. Take refreshing aperitif in the most famous sicilian bar “Vitelli” and enjoy the lunch with typical seasonal food on amazing terrace. Return to your hotel for a brief rest.
Join your local guide who will reveal Taormina’s culture, architecture, natural and political history and tell stories about the Sicilian people and their traditions. Conquered by the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Byzantines and Normans, Taormina boasts a rich and fascinating history and a robust mix of styles. Discover narrow alleys and hidden corners that give Taormina a special charm. Visit the magnificent Greek Theatre and get immersed directly in the life of your first location.
day 3 Mt Etna-Lunch-Winery
Today start your adventure with drive to Mt Etna. Firstly you will reach the base camp Refuge Sapienza, located at 1,900m. See the marvelous extinct Silvestri craters and take in the surrounding views. There is free time to walk on the old lava flows. Then continue ascent until 3000m by cable car and Jeep to the main authorized craters area (optional). You will be accompanied by an English speaking Alpine Guide. A 45-minutes visit in this lunar landscape is memorable.
After hiking continue your tour to a renowned Winery located on the slope of Mt Etna famous for its unique vulcanic wines and organic food. After guided visit of estate and cellars enjoy wine tasting (at least 5 wines) pairing with cold appetizers and light lunch. Evening at leisure in Taormina.
day 4 Taormina-Lunch Noto-Siracusa
After breakfast meet your driver and transfer to Noto. Enjoy an easy walk with your local guide in the centre of Noto a UNESCO heritage baroque jewel. Taste the renowned Modica chocolate and delicious ice-cream. Lunch at a family managed, rustic tavern. Then continue to your charming hotel in Siracusa and enjoy this romantic town at night.
day 5 Ortigia
Meet your local guide for a 2 hours walking tour of Ortigia, Siracusa’s old town. Admire the majestic Temple of Apollo before heading down Via Cavour, one of the most colorful streets in Ortigia. See the Archimede Fountain on the way to the Jewish district founded in the 3C bC. When you reach Piazza Duomo, you’ll be at the heart of Ortigia. One of the most beautiful squares in Italy centred by the stately Duomo and the Church of St Lucia. Your guide will also share with you about lifestyle, traditions and the local’s habits. Free afternoon and evening to explore Siracusa.
day 6 Siracusa-Agrigento Lunch-Palermo
This morning we travel towards Palermo, stopping at the Valley of the Temples. On arrival meet your local guide for a 2 hour guided visit of this UNESCO heritage site. After visit enjoy a fresh seasonal lunch at a typical tavern. We continue our drive to Palermo and at leisure on arrival at your hotel.
day 7 Palermo-Streetfood-Tour
On this day sample the best of Sicilian streetfood during a 3 hours walking tour of Palermo. This food tour, led by a local expert guide, explores the fascinating culinary world of Sicily’s capital and includes visit of the famous and bustling Vucciria and Mercato del Capo outdoor markets, tasting five different Sicilian treats along the way, including ‘panelle’ (chickpea fritters) and ‘arancine’ (deep fried rice balls). Stroll through the historic centre of Palermo, see the most important highlights as your gruide provides the details and the history. Evening at leisure in Palermo.
day 8 Palermo-Departure
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast with your transfer to Palermo airport
Inclusions: 3/4* charme hotels (3nts in Taormina, 2nts in Siracusa, 2nts in Palermo), professional local guides for all activities, breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 1 dinner, activities and all other food and wine tastings as per detailed itinerary (vegetarian, gluten/lactose free on request), transportation by 8 seater Mercedes minivan for all tours and activities, arrival/departure transfers, small group (maximum 8 participants).

Excluding: entry fees into monuments, city taxes, gratuities