Fifteen Days To Discover The Hidden Corners Of Sicily: Taormina, Etna, Siracusa, Alcantara Gorges, Siracusa, Noto, Modica, Ragusa,

 

1° day – TAOMINA - ALCANTARA GORGES

Walking tour of Taormina. Settled on a hill it offers a breathtaking and memorable view on the sea and on the volcano, and as soon as you arrive you will feel the magical, mythical atmosphere spread all around which has enchanted visitors from all over the world for years and years. Guided tour of the most interesting monuments and time at leisure.

After lunch continue to the Alcantara river that, originated on the Nebrodi mountains runs for about 50 km untill the Ionian sea. Located about 20 km from Taormina, the gorges are real canyons made ​​of black lava walls up to 50 meters high, in the typical shape of a prism that the rocks have taken during the cooling process.

2° day – ETNA

Departure to Mount Etna (Unesco world site), the highest active volcano in Europe. Driving along the roads that cut the lava flows occurred in the years, we will rich the Rifugio Sapienza ( mt.1920). Here you can take a walk around the Silvestri craters (ancient secondary craters) and through the lava flows of 2001 and 2002 or take the cable car and off-road vehicles to a height of approximately mt.2900 (optional excursion , about € 63,00).

Lunch in a winery with local products and wine tasting .

3° day – SIRACUSA/NOTO

Departure to Syracuse (Unesco world heritage), the richest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. Visit of the Archaeological Park (where are some of the major monuments of the Greek and Roman city) , and of Ortigia , a small island on which was settled the first city in the Greek era, today historic centre of Syracuse. Opportunity to take a boat tour from the port of Siracusa, to see the town from the sea (light lunch on board).

After lunch departure to Noto (Unesco world heritage) baroque jewel perched on a hill. Called "the capital of the Sicilian baroque", Noto is known especially for its majestic cathedral. Tour in the historic centre with its majestic palaces built in the local limestone.

Overnight in the area of Noto/Modica

4° day – VENDICARI / MARZAMEMI/ MODICA

First stop of this day will be the natural reserve of Vendicari “Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari” instituted in 1984 it has an extension of 1512 hectares: dense vegetation, wonderful landscapes and archaeological statements, beautiful sandy beaches.

Continue to Marzamemi, in the deep south-east of Sicily, is one of Sicily's prettiest seaside villages. It was the Arabs of the 10th century who put Marzamemi on the map. Free walk through the village, chance to taste the products derived from tuna fishing.

Modica (Unesco world heritage), like the other towns in the Val di Noto, was badly damaged in the 1693 earthquake and largely rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style. The old town is divided into two parts, “higher Modica" and “lower Modica", which are connected by numerous flights of steps. But the town is famous also for an extraordinary and unique product: the chocolate of Modica, produced with an ancient and original Aztec recipe.

5° day – RAGUSA - CASTELLO DI DONNAFUGATA

In the morning walking tour in Ragusa, from Ragusa Superiore to the heart of Ragusa Ibla. One of the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily, Ragusa is also one of the principal filming locations for the TV series Il Commissario Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano).

After lunch a short ride will take us to the Castle of Donnafugata, rich country residence that the baron of Donnafugata, Corrado Arezzo built in the second half of the 19 ° century. Also the castle was the location for some episodes of the "inspector Montalbano".

. 6° day – MORGANTINA - PIAZZA ARMERINA - AGRIGENTO

Depature to Morgantina. The ancient town offer to the visitors a sight on more than one thousand years history, from the settlement of the town in prehistoric age until its decline in roman imperial.

After lunch visit of the Roman Villa (in Piazza Armerina), rural residence, dated to the last years of the empire, that for the exceptional richness of architectural and decorative elements , in particular for its floor mosaics , is considered to be an important witness of Roman civilization and for this since 1997, is protected by UNESCO.

Departure to the hotel in the area of Agrigento.

7° day – AGRIGENTO / ERACLEA MINOA

Close to the town of Agrigento ( the ancient Akragas of the Greeks, described by the poet Pindaro as "the most beautiful town of immortals "), there is one of the most enchanting archaeological areas in Sicily know as "the Valley of the temples", witness of the richness and glory of the Greek town

After the visit of the archaeological area departure to Eraclea Minoa. Which name remember us the myth of the passage, in really ancient Sicily, of the half -god Heracles and of the king Crete Minos.

The archaeological excavation put in evidence part of the town, including the theatre.

On the way photo stop at the so called "Scala dei Turchi, a rocky cliff cut by wind and water in the shape of a staircase.

In the evening transfer to the hotel (area of Selinunte).

8° day – TOUR EGADI ISLANDS

Transfer by bus to the port of Trapani and departure by boat to the small archipelagos of the Egadi islands, situated in front of the nord west corner of Sicily, few miles from Trapani. The islands are surrounded by incredible clear waters with a rich and variegated flora and fauna.

Return to the hotel.

9° day MOZIA –MARSALA SALT WORKS - SELINUNTE

Departure to the "Imbarcadero storico" (landing -stage) to take the small boat on which we will do the circumnavigation of Mozia. This small island in the lagoon called Stagnone, Laguna dello Stagnone, was chosen by Phoenicians to settle an important colony.

Bus sightseeing tour along the saline di Marsala (salt - works).

After lunch visit of the archaeological park of Selinunte. Situated at the mouth of the river Selinon, where still growth the wild parsley that gave the name to the river and to the town (selinon means parsley in ancient Geek), Selinunte thanks to its position had rich trades especially with Phoenicians who leaved in west Sicily.

Back to the hotel.

10 day ERICE - SEGESTA

Departure to Erice, a small medieval village, perched on the top of Mount San Giuliano, at about 750 mts above sea level (2100 feet). From Erice you have a breathtaking view on Trapani, its salt - works and the coast. Tasting of the local pastries.

After lunch departure to Segesta. Settled like Erice by Elimyans, today Segesta is an interesting archaeological park with a very well preserved temple built on a hill, in a lonely position and a theatre.

In the evening arrival at the hotel in Palermo.

11° day – PALERMO

The morning will be dedicated to the discover of Palermo. The town has a history that goes back for thousands years that enriches it with an incredible artistic and architectonic heritage.

A tour in the town will allow you to discover the most important monuments of the town: the cathedral, the Palatine chapel, piazza Pretoria, the four corners.

After lunch departure to Monreale, which cathedral, wonderful example of Arab- Norman architecture, is famous all over the world for the mosaics that cover all its interior.

Since 2015 the Arab - Norman tour in Palermo, with the catthedrals of Monreale and Cefalù, is a Unesco World Heritage.

12° day – CEFALU’ / SANTO STEFANO DI CAMASTRA / TINDARI / MILAZZO

Departure to Cefalù and walking tour of the picturesque village settled at the bottom of a high and impressive rock. Rich of narrow streets to discover and sea views, Cefalù is proud on its ancient cathedral, beautiful example of Arab- Norman architecture in Sicily.

After lunch departure to Santo Stefano di Camastra (village famous for its ceramic prodauction and for the many workshops along its streets) and to Tindari to admire the Santuario della Madonna nera (the Sanctuary of black Mary) and to visit the archaeological area.

Overnight in the area of Milazzo/ Furnari

13° day – ISOLE EOLIE

Transfer by bus to the port of Milazzo and departure for a full day excursion to the Eolian islands by motor-ship. It will be possible to visit the most intresting areas of Lipari and Vulcano and to admire the most beautiful beaches of the islands.

Overnight in the area of Taormina/ Catania

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14° day– CATANIA

Full day dedicate to the visit of Catania, today second town of Sicily, settled by Greeks under the shadow of Mount Etna. Also if it preserves many archaeological evidences, nowadays it is famous for its black and white palaces built after the devastating earthquake that in 1693 destroyed the town till its foundations. Visit of the city centre and of its famous fish market. Many museums enrich the town.

Opportunity to take part of a cooking class to discoer the secrets of some Sicilian traditional dishes.

15° day – RIVIERA DEI CICLOPI - PARTENZA

After breakfast check out and departure to the small villages of the so called Riviera dei Ciclopi (Cyclops coast): Acitrezza, Acicastello, Acireale.