Exclusive: Small Group Tour with Maximum of 18
Note: While the tour is organized by a local tour operator, Tommaso Pantè will be the Tour Guide/Director. For additional information about this tour (including rates, dates, etc.), do not hesitate to contact him via E-mail: sunway.it@gmail.com.
Day 1 – Catania
Independent arrival at the hotel in Catania. Welcome drink. Meet Tommaso Pantè, an experienced guide and also a native of Sicily, and the other tour members. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 2 – Catania, Siracusa, and Catania
After a buffet breakfast, depart to Siracusa to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Neapolis. This archaeological area includes the famous Greek theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the “Dyionisios Ear.” Continue to the nearby island of Ortigia, the small, old Baroque city centre of Siracusa. Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Cathedral (built upon the site of the Doric Temple of Minerva), the legendary Arethusa’s Fountain, and the Temple of Apollo. Free time to stroll through the streets of Ortigia and to shop. Return to the hotel in Catania. Free evening to dine in one of the many authentic and delicious restaurants in the city centre and to experience the city’s nightlife. Overnight.
Day 3 – CATANIA (Fish Market & Street Food) and RAGUSA (Cheese Tasting)
After a buffet breakfast, take a pleasant walking tour of Catania. Stroll through the city centre with Tommaso, who will charm you with the history of the city. Visit the famous A Piscaria, one of the largest and most exciting fish markets in Sicily. As old as the city itself, the authentic atmosphere of the market provides a unique experience the abundant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily. Here you will also have the chance to taste the typical street food of Catania.
Now depart to Ragusa to visit Ibla, its enchanting historical centre with stunning baroque palaces and churches. Ragusa is listed among as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with 7 other nearby cities in the Val di Noto. Since Ragusa is also renowned for its cheese production, you will enjoy a tasting of its artisan cheeses. Then return to the hotel, with free time to relax by the swimming pool or in the spa. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 4 – Ragusa, Agrigento, and Marsala (Wine Tasting & Marsala at Night)
After a buffet breakfast, depart to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit to the Valley, enjoy free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, depart to Marsala, a city on the western coast, famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Soon after arrival at the hotel, depart for a tour of one of the resort’s wineries and taste 3 different fine wines. Then return to the hotel to relax by the swimming pool. In the evening, walk around Marsala’s historical city centre and have free time for dinner. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
Day 5 – Marsala, Salt Route, Erice (Tasting Traditional Pastries), and Palermo
After a buffet breakfast, depart to Erice, via the spectacular Salt Route, a road flanked by the salt pans, windmills, and the “salt houses,” where sea is still extracted as the Phoenicians did centuries ago. Once in Erice, a hill town overlooking the city of Trapani and the Egadi Islands, walk through its tiny, characteristic streets. Of course, stop for a tasting of delicious pastries and marzipan. Free time for lunch.
Depart to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Visit Il Duomo di Palermo, one of the capital’s most important architectural monuments. Continue walking to the I Quattro Canti di Città, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini. Next visit La Chiesa della Martorana, another spectacular church. Now head to the Ballarò Market, one of the most famous and historical markets of Palermo, to experience the authenticity of this lively and colorful city. The market tour will include tasting Palermo’s typical street food. Return to the hotel. Free time for shopping and for dining in one of Palermo’s many delicious restaurants. Overnight.
Day 6 – Palermo After a buffet breakfast, the tour ends. Say Arrivederci to tour members and Tommaso, who hopes that everyone will return to see more of Bella Sicilia!