DAY 1: PALERMO
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Arrival at Palermo airport. After picking up the car, reach Palermo. Free time to explore the city on your own.
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Suggested itinerary: Start with the Teatro Massimo, the third largest opera house in Europe. Then enter the popular market "Il Capo," which resembles an African souk; at the end of the market, if you wish, you can taste the typical Sicilian "Arancina" in a bar, a local street food specialty. Continue the visit in the old part of the city with the Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the Palatine Chapel. Overnight in Mondello/Palermo. Mondello is part of the municipality of Palermo and is 7 km from the center. Originally a fishing village, it has now been transformed by the tourism industry into a famous seaside resort, with elegant Art Nouveau villas from the early 20th century. Today Mondello is definitely the trendiest beach in the Sicilian capital, where locals and tourists come to swim on the beautiful sandy beach and in the evening to eat good fish in the many restaurants of the enchanting gulf. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 2: MONREALE & CORLEONE OR SWIM IN MONDELLO
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Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can swim at the splendid Mondello or visit Monreale and Corleone.
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Suggested itinerary: Drive to Monreale, famous for its Cathedral with polychrome mosaics on a gold background, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament. Conclude the visit with the cloister, a place of incomparable beauty that, together with the Cathedral, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Reach Corleone, known as a symbol of mafia power, hometown of the boss of bosses Totò Riina. Today it is home to associations that carry out activities against the mafia living in properties confiscated from mafia bosses. Their activities are inspired by ideas promoted by men like Placido Rizzotto, a native of Corleone, trade unionist and Italian politician killed by the mafia for his commitment to the peasant movement for land occupation. It is possible to visit the Laboratory of Legality, where paintings by Sicilian artist Gaetano Porcasi illustrate some key moments in the history of the mafia and anti-mafia. Return to Palermo. Overnight stay.
DAY 3: ERICE, SEGESTA & SWIM AT SAN VITO LO CAPO/SCOPELLO
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can discover the evocative Erice, the Greek Erice, and swim at the splendid beach of San Vito lo Capo or Scopello.
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Suggested itinerary: Drive to Monte San Giuliano. Erice, the medieval town on the top of Monte San Giuliano. Here you can admire the Venus Castle (outside) and the Cathedral. Meanwhile, we suggest stopping at a pastry shop to taste the typical almond pastries of Erice. Continue to San Vito Lo Capo for a swim on the beautiful sandy beach. On the way back to Palermo, you can visit Segesta, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Sicily, where a visit to the Doric temple is a must, whose majestic appearance and dominant position give great nobility to the landscape. Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 4: AGRIGENTO & SWIM AT THE SCALA DEI TURCHI
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Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can swim at the beautiful and unique Scala dei Turchi and visit Agrigento.
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Suggested itinerary: Departure for Agrigento where you will visit the Valley of the Temples, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia (one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the entire Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Castor and Pollux. You will have time to reach the fantastic white sandy beach of Scala dei Turchi for a refreshing swim. Continue to Ragusa and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5: CHIARAMONTE GULFI, VITTORIA, SCOGLITTI & SWIM IN PUNTA SECCA/MARINA DI RAGUSA
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Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can reach the beautiful sandy beach of Punta Secca or Marina di Ragusa for a swim and you can do the "Inspector Montalbano tour".
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Suggested itinerary: Departure for Chiaramonte Gulfi, a beautiful ancient village called the "Balcony of Sicily" for its splendid panoramic position. Walking through the streets of the historic center, you visit the beautiful church of Santa Maria La Nova (Cathedral Square) and the church of San Giovanni. Chiaramonte Gulfi is famous for the production of excellent DOP extra virgin olive oil and for Nero d'Avola, Insolia, or Cerasuolo DOCG wine. Continuing towards Vittoria, the streets are rich in elegant Art Nouveau architecture mixed with Baroque and Neoclassical monuments, creating a harmonious balance. It is also famous for Cerasuolo di Vittoria - a wine tasting can be done locally at a winery. Continue the "Inspector Montalbano Tour" heading to Punta Secca, a hamlet of Santa Croce di Camerina, for a short stop to see the town, the beach, and Montalbano's house, and then to Scicli, a beautiful town known as "Vigata," a name invented by the writer where the police station of "Vigata" is located. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY 6: MODICA & RAGUSA “INSPECTOR MONTALBANO TOUR” or SWIM AT DONNALUCATA/MARINA DI MODICA
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Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can swim at the beautiful Marina di Modica/Donnalucata or visit Modica and Ragusa.
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Suggested itinerary: Today you can discover the lesser-known part of Sicily, Modica, also famous for the TV series "Inspector Montalbano." Start your visit in Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage city, known especially for its chocolate and its wonderful buildings. You will be free to visit the oldest pastry shop in Sicily (founded in 1880); during the tour in the workshop, you will witness the entire chocolate-making process. The visit is followed by a tasting of typical products, offered to guests in personal boxes (extra charge €20 per person). We recommend wandering through the alleys, always moving upward; once you reach the highest part of the hill, you can admire a splendid panorama of the city. Continue to Ragusa to admire the historic center of Ragusa "Ibla," characterized by numerous churches and Baroque-style palaces, as well as splendid domes dominating the city. Ragusa has been included in the UNESCO list, with 18 sites declared World Heritage. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 7: MARZAMEMI & SYRACUSE or SWIM AT PORTO PALO & VENDICARI/FONTANE BIANCHE
- Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can swim at the beautiful Porto Palo di Capo Passero - Marzamemi - Calamosche Vendicari, Fontane Bianche, or visit Marzamemi and Syracuse.
- Suggested itinerary: Drive to Porto Palo Capo Passero. The island of Capo Passero is a natural jewel, offering sandy areas in front of the village of Porto Palo that can be easily reached "on foot," crossing the sea when the water is low, or by a small fishing boat that transports people to and from the island throughout the day. Continue to Marzamemi, a beautiful fishing village famous for its tuna farms, and walking through the streets of this fishing village you can admire the fishermen's houses located near the sea. In Pachino, it is possible to stop and visit a winery of the famous Nero d'Avola, the most famous red grape variety of Sicily. Continue to Syracuse, one of the most interesting archaeological sites on the island with its Archaeological Park (extra cost), the Roman Amphitheater, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, the Cordari Cave, the Island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city with its splendid cathedral (entrance tickets not included) and its picturesque alleys. Continue your tour going to Noto, included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage sites in 2002. Cross the famous Arch, stroll through the center admiring the splendid noble palaces with the famous decorated balconies, the sumptuous churches rich in decorations, the Cathedral with its staircase, and the city theater, all built in Baroque style. Continue to Acireale/Mascali and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 8: SNORKELING or MONTALBANO ELICONA & ARGIMUSCO MEGALITHS
- Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can go snorkeling in Giardini Naxos or visit Montalbano Elicona and the Argimusco megaliths.
- Suggested itinerary: By car, venture into the Sicilian hinterland, up to the wonderful village of Montalbano Elicona, awarded in 2015 as the most beautiful village in Italy. A maze of streets leads to the castle, which dominates the historic center. You will be enchanted by the splendid view over the lush vegetation. Take a short tour of the town and continue to the Argimusco Megaliths. Here you can admire megaliths (rocks) from prehistoric times and at the same time enjoy splendid views of Etna, the Aeolian Islands, the unusual mountains Rocca Salvatesta and Montagna di Vernà, Capo Tindari, Capo Calavà, and Capo Milazzo. Overnight at the hotel.
- Snorkeling in Giardini Naxos: It is the best way to discover the coasts of one of the most beautiful islands in Italy. Simple and fun! You can admire some magnificent panoramas such as Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto and snorkel along the vertical walls in the bay of the Blue Grotto and in the marine park of Isola Bella, surrounded by a wide variety of flora and fauna. The morphology of the coast and seabeds is unique. All our tours include interesting and detailed explanations about the history of the area, as there are numerous archaeological traces from the Greco-Roman period. During the tour, refreshments are offered to all guests, and the staff will create a friendly atmosphere so you can fully enjoy the magical atmosphere of this wonderful island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best activities to admire the wonderful seabeds of Taormina: the corals and marine plants are unmissable! Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 9: ETNA, CASTIGLIONE DI SICILIA, ALCANTARA GORGES & TAORMINA BY NIGHT or SWIM AT TAORMINA MARE
- Breakfast at the hotel. This day you can relax and swim at the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi, or visit Etna and Taormina.
- Suggested itinerary: Departure for Etna, the highest peak in Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes 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 route before reaching the "Silvestri Craters" (about 1,900 meters). From here on, an optional excursion by jeep and cable car up to 3,000 meters is available (extra cost). Reach Castiglione di Sicilia, a small medieval town now called the "City of Wine," with a walk through the town and a visit to the ancient castle. Continue to the Alcantara River. The play of light and shadow on the steep walls of the gorge creates an illusory world: you can see the shape of an open fan in the rock outcrops or even think of a Gothic cathedral! The river water is always cold and attracts hundreds of people seeking refreshment on hot summer days. The Alcantara Gorges allow walking or swimming in the gorges. Continue to Taormina, where there are splendid ancient buildings, including the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman theater, the second largest classical theater in Sicily - Over the centuries, the city has always been a popular destination. From the Greco-Roman amphitheater, you can admire the bay of Giardini Naxos, the Etna volcano, and the Calabrian coast. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 10: THE TOUR ENDS AFTER BREAKFAST
- Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at 10:00. Drive to the airport, return the car, and end of our services or, if you are not tired of visiting beaches and cities, you can stay a few more days in the Taormina area or discover the beautiful beaches of the Aeolian Islands or Cefalù. Thank you and goodbye!
- Acireale/Mascali: Wave Hotel/Kings House or similar (*)
- Ragusa/Syracuse: Mediterraneo Palace/Panorama or similar (*)
- Palermo: Astoria Palace, San Paolo Palace or similar (*)
(*) The indicated hotels may be replaced with others of the same category. Accommodations are located in the indicated cities or in different cities where it will be possible to carry out the program.
- Norma Vacanze only handles the mediation between the customer and the car rental company. In case of disputes with the renter or accidents, the rules established in the contract signed at the airport between the customer and the renter will apply, without any involvement of Norma Vacanze.
- Each customer can independently choose whether to follow the suggested itinerary or create one based on their own needs. However, it is essential to follow the schedule regarding the cities where overnight stays are planned.
- Cars are subject to availability and your category may not be available at all times. If category C is not available at the time of booking, a higher category will be offered with an additional charge that will be communicated before confirming each reservation.
- Hotel parking is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to find parking nearby.
- The rate includes the rental of a category C car for the duration of the stay with the "GOLD" insurance package; with an extra charge, it is possible to book the Platinum insurance.
- Drivers must have a credit card for check-in.
- Norma Vacanze reserves the right to modify the excursion itinerary if deemed appropriate or due to force majeure.
- Norma Vacanze is not responsible for accidents, delays, damage or loss of luggage or personal belongings, nor for damages caused by third parties or others such as floods, storms, landslides, earthquakes, political unrest, epidemics, terrorist attacks, strikes, etc.
The rate does not include:
- Tourist tax to be paid locally
- Lunches and dinners unless mentioned
- Tips and personal extras
- Porter service
- Fuel
- Highway tolls
- Parking fees
- Tickets for planes, ships, trains, or buses to reach the airport
- Entrance fees to monuments and archaeological parks
- Anything not expressly indicated under "the rate includes".
- The car must be returned to the same airport, otherwise an additional cost will apply to be agreed with the rental company.
- Each rental day is a 24-hour period fraction; the vehicle must be returned on time or within 59 minutes afterward.
- Car pick-up and return at the airport will take place during the opening hours of the rental company (every day from 08:00 to 22:30); after these hours, the rental company will charge an additional fee. Please check before booking your flight.
Entrance tickets
- To avoid lines at museums or archaeological parks, advance booking is required: Advance booking of entrance tickets is mandatory on the first day of the tour.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
THE RATE INCLUDES:
- Category C car, unlimited mileage;
- 22% VAT;
- Airport, railway, and car fees;
- Car liability insurance - civil liability for the car;
- Gold Plan insurance - eliminates deductibles for theft and damage. Also covers damage to windows and tires.
- Additional driver
THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Fuel,
- Fines,
- Notification fees,
- Rental for drop-off at another airport,
- Child seat,
- GPS navigator,
- Fuel recovery service, a surcharge of €30.00 will be applied if the car is returned with more than 5 liters of missing fuel.
- There is a tolerance of 59 minutes, after which a full day will be charged.
- At the time of booking, the car category is guaranteed, not the model.
Gold insurance includes
- With Gold, the deductible amount will not be charged. The "Gold" package eliminates the deductibles for damage and total theft and allows the elimination of the deductible also for damages to parts of the vehicle not covered by the "Silver" package and includes coverage for windows and tires. Partial theft, attempted theft, roof damage, damage to the underside of the vehicle, interior damage, and those caused by vandalism, riots, etc., are excluded.
Platinum Insurance (on request)
- If the customer purchases a "Platinum" package, the amount of deductibles for theft (including partial theft and attempted theft) and damage (including damage to the roof, underside of the vehicle, and interior) will be eliminated, and the PAI services (which cover the driver in case of death, permanent disability, and accidents, with a maximum coverage of up to €100,000) and "Road Assistance Plus" 24h roadside assistance (covers all towing costs in case of an accident with fault and for any other event occurring during the rental) will be provided.
