DAY 1: TAORMINA AREA
Arrival at Catania airport. After picking up the rental car, departure for the Taormina area. Overnight stay
DAY 2: CASTIGLIONE DI SICILIA, FRANCAVILLA & ALCANTARA GORGES
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you are free to relax and explore the surroundings or have a swim at the beach or visit Castiglione di Sicilia and the Alcantara Gorges.
Suggested itinerary: Head to Castiglione di Sicilia, a small medieval town also known as the "wine city", where you can admire its legendary castle, noble palaces and churches. "Cannizzu" - a watchtower split in two after being struck by lightning - is truly impressive. The church of Santa Domenica is also worth a visit, a rare and precious example of a Byzantine building with a 7th-century dome. Then discover Francavilla di Sicilia, a beautiful town in the Alcantara valley, where in the 16th century a violent battle took place between the Spanish and the Austrians. Here you can also visit the Capuchin monastery, founded in the 16th century. Then head to the Alcantara Gorges. The river water is always cool and attracts hundreds of people who want to take a refreshing swim on hot summer days. To go down into the gorges you can take the stairs or there is a lift that will take you down 50 meters to the river. The small beach area is perfect for soaking your feet, sunbathing or, if you wish, there are areas where you can dive in. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY 3: ETNA & TAORMINA
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you are free to relax and explore the surroundings or have a swim at the beach or visit Etna and Taormina
Suggested itinerary: Reach Mount Etna, the highest peak in Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The area surrounding the volcano forms the "Etna Park", one of the largest protected areas in Italy: you will be amazed by the great variety of vegetation and landscapes you will encounter along the way before reaching the "Silvestri Craters" (about 1,900 meters). From here you will have the chance to continue the excursion by jeep and cable car. Continue to Taormina. As you walk and discover the astonishing city of Taormina, you will see beautiful ancient buildings, including 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and an ancient Greco-Roman theatre, the second largest classical theatre in Sicily. Discover the medieval area of the city with its narrow streets and old shops. Return to the hotel and overnight stay
DAY 4: CATANIA & SYRACUSE
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you are free to relax and explore the surroundings or have a swim at the beach or visit Catania and Syracuse.
Suggested itinerary: Go to Catania for a walking tour through the streets of Catania's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its baroque palaces and incredible monuments. Visit the open-air fish market, famous for its unique colors. Then continue to Syracuse, one of the island's most interesting archaeological sites with its Archaeological Park, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, the Cave of the Cord Makers, Ortigia Island, the oldest part of the city with its beautiful cathedral. Return to the hotel and overnight stay
DAY 5: THE TOUR ENDS AFTER BREAKFAST
THE RATE INCLUDES:
THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
The Gold insurance includes
Platinum insurance (upon request)