Day 1: PALERMO (KM 30)
- Arrive at Palermo airport. After picking up the car, drive to Palermo. Free time to discover the city on your own.
- Suggested itinerary: You begin with the Teatro Massimo, the third biggest opera theatre in Europe. Then you enter the popular market “Il Capo”, that looks like an African souk; at the end of the market if you wish you will taste in a bar the typical Sicilian “Arancina”, a speciality of the local street food. You will 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 a part of Palermo and is 7 km far from the centre. It was originally a fishing village, but now the tourism industry has transformed it into a famous seaside town, with elegant Art Nouveau villas, by the early 20th century. Today Mondello is definitely the trendiest beach in the Sicilian capital, where people from Palermo and tourists come for swimming in the beautiful sandy beach and in the evening for eating good fish in the many restaurants in the enchanting gulf of Mondello. Overnight.
Day 2: MONREALE & CORLEONE or SWIM IN MONDELLO (KM 65/KM 5)
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Mondello or you can visit Monreale and Corleone.
- Suggested itinerary: Today you will visit Monreale, famous because of its Cathedral with polychrome mosaics on a golden background, representing scenes of the Old and the New Testament. You will end the visit with the cloister. Drive to Corleone, known for being a symbol of mafia power, hometown of the boss of the bosses Totò Riina. Today it is the seat of associations that carry out activities against the mafia that lives in assets seized from mafia bosses. Their activities are inspired by the ideas carried out by men like Placido Rizzotto, Corleonese, trade unionist and Italian politician who was killed by the mafia for his commitment to the peasant movement for land occupation. You can visit the Laboratorio della Legalità where the paintings of the Sicilian painter Gaetano Porcasi illustrate some highlights from the history of the mafia and anti-mafia. Come back in Palermo. Overnight
Day 3: ERICE, SEGESTA & SWIM IN SAN VITO LO CAPO/SCOPELLO
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of San Vito lo Capo or Scopello.
- Suggested itinerary: Drive to mt. Erice, the medieval town on the summit of Monte San Giuliano. Here you can admire the Venus Castle (exterior) and the Cathedral. In the meantime we suggest you to have a stop at a bakery to taste the typical almond pastry of Erice. Continue to San Vito Lo Capo for a swimming in the beautiful sandy beach. Return to Palermo and you can visit Segesta, one of the most beautiful archeological sites of Sicily, where you should visit the Doric temple whose majestic appearance and dominating position bestows great nobility to the landscape. Overnight in Palermo.
Day 4: AGRIGENTO & SWIM IN SCALA DEI TURCHI
-
Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Scala dei Turchi and you can visit Agrigento.
-
Suggested itinerary: Drive to Agrigento where you will visit the Temples’ Valley, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde (one of the best preserved Doric temples in the whole Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Castor and Pollux. You have a time for a swim in fantastic white sandy beach Scala dei Turchi. Continue to Ragusa and overnight in hotel.
Day 5: CHIARAMONTE GULFI, VITTORIA, SCOGLITTI & SWIM IN PUNTA SECCA/MARINA DI RAGUSA
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Punta Secca or Marina di Ragusa and you can do “Commissario Montalbano tour”.
- Suggested itinerary: Departure to Chiaramonte Gulfi, beautiful old village called “Balcony of Sicily” because of its splendid panoramic position. Walking through the small streets of the historic centre we 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 the excellent extra virgin olive oil PDO and for the wine Nero d' Avola, Insolia or Cerasuolo DOCG. Drive to Vittoria, the streets are full of elegant Art Nouveau architecture mixed with Baroque and Neoclassical monuments, creating a harmonious equilibrium. Is famous also for the Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine from the Planeta winery – You can have a wine tasting on site in a winery. Continuation of the “Commissario Montalbano Tour” proceeding to Punta Secca district of Santa Croce di Camerina for a short stop to see the city, beach and house of Montalbano, and to Scicli, beautiful city known as “VIGATA” name invented by the writer where is the Vigata police station. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 6: MODICA & RAGUSA “COMMISSARIO MONTALBANO TOUR” or SWIM IN DONNALUCATA/MODICA BEACH
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Noto Marina/Donnafugata or you can visit Modica and Ragusa
- Suggested itinerary: Today it will be possible to discover the less known part of Sicily, Modica and also known for the television series of "Commissario Montalbano". Start your visit from Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage city especially known for its chocolate as well as for its wonderful buildings. You will be free to visit the oldest confectionery shop in Sicily (established on 1880); during the tour in the laboratory you will witness the entire chocolate processing cycle. The visit is followed by a tasting of typical products, offered to guests in personal boxes (supplement euro 20,00 p.p.). We advise you to wander through the alleys, always moving upwards, once you reach the highest part of the hill you can admire a wonderful panorama of the city. Continue to Ragusa to admire the historic center of Ragusa "Ibla", characterized by the numerous churches and palaces in Baroque style, as well as by the characteristic domes that dominate the city. Ragusa has become part of the Unesco list, with 18 sites declared World Heritage Sites. Overnight in hotel.
Day 7: MARZAMEMI & SYRACUSE or SWIM IN PORTO PALO & VENDICARI/FONTANE BIANCHE
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Capo Passero -Marzamemi - Calamosche Vendicari , Fontane Bianche, or you can visit Marzamemi and Syracuse.
- Suggested itinerary: Drive to Porto Palo Capo Passero. The island of Capo Passero is a naturalistic jewel, offers sandy areas in the part 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 all day long. Continue to Marzamemi, beautiful seaside village famous for its tuna farms, and walking through the streets of this seaside village, you can admire the fishermen's houses located near the sea. In Pachino you can stop and visit a winery of the famous Nero d'Avola, the most famous red grape variety in Sicily. Drive to Syracuse, one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island with its Archeological Park (extra cost) the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari, Island of Ortigia, the most ancient nucleus of the city with its stunning cathedral (entrance tickets not included) and picturesque alleys. Continue your tour by going to Noto, included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2002. Cross the famous Arco, stroll in the center admiring the wonderful aristocratic palaces with the famous decorated balconies, the sumptuous churches full of decorations, the Cathedral with its staircase and the city theater, all built in Baroque style. Drive to Taormina area and overnight in hotel.
Day 8: SNORKELING or MONTALBANO ELICONA & MEGALITHS OF ARGIMUSCO
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can go Snorkeling in Giardini Naxos or vist Montalbano Elicona & Megaliths of Argimusco.
- Suggested itinerary: Drive into the Sicilian hinterland, to the wonderful village of Montalbano Elicona, awarded in 2015 as the most beautiful village in Italy. A labyrinth of small roads conducts to the castle, which dominates the historical centre. You will be enchanted by the splendid views of the luxurious vegetation. Take a small tour of the town and continue to the Megaliths of Argimusco. Here you can see megaliths (rocks) from prehistoric periods and at the same time enjoy wonderful views of Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, the unusual mountains Rocca Salvatesta and Montagna di Vernà, cape Tindari, cape Calavà and cape Milazzo. Overnight in hotel.
- Snorkeling in Giardini Naxos: is the best way to discover the coasts of one of Italy’s most beautiful island. Simple and fun! You can admire some magnificent views such as “Isola Bella” and “Grotta Azzurra” and you can snorkel along the vertical walls in the bay of the blue cave and in the marine park of Isola Bella, surrounded by a vast variety of flora and fauna. The morphology of the coast and the sea beds is unique in its kind. All our tours consist in interesting detailed explanations of the area’s history because there are many archaeological traces of the Greek/Roman period. Refreshments are offered to all guests during the tour and the staff will create a friendly feeling so that you can fully enjoy the magical atmosphere of this wonderful island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best activities to admire Taormina’s wonderful sea beds – the coral and sea grass are not to be missed! Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: ETNA, CASTIGLIONE DI SICILIA, ALCANTARA GORGES & TAORMINA BY NIGHT or SWIM IN TAORMINA BEACH
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Riviera dei Ciclopi, or you can visit Etna and Taormina.
- Suggested itinerary: Drive to the Mt. Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes the “Park of Etna”, one of the largest protected areas in Italy: You will be astonished about the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that we will meet along the way before arriving at the “Silvestri Craters” (about 1.900 mt). From here on you will have the optional excursion by jeep and cableway till 3.000 mt (extra cost) Drive to Castiglione di Sicilia, a small medieval town now called the "City of Wine", a walk through the town with a visit to the old castle. Drive 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 consider a Gothic cathedral! The water in the river is always cold, attracting hundreds of refreshment seekers on hot summer days. The Alcantara Gorges permit you to walk or to swim in the gorges. Continue to Taormina. where there are splendid ancient buildings, including the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the Greek-Roman theater, the 2nd largest classical theater in Sicily - Over the centuries, the city it has always been a popular destination. From the Greek-Roman Amphitheater you can in fact admire the bay of Giardini Naxos, Volcano Etna and the Calabrian coast. Overnight.
Day 10: DEPARTURE and “ARRIVEDERCI”
- Breakfast in the hotel. Check out at 10:00. Drive to the airport, release of 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. Grazie e arrivederci!
- Acireale/Mascali: Wave Hotel/Kings House or similar (*)
- Ragusa/Syracuse: Mediterraneo Palace/Panorama or similar (*)
- Palermo: Astoria Palace, San Paolo Palace (*)
(*) The hotels indicated may be replaced with others of the same category. Accommodations are located in the indicated towns or in a different cities where will be possible to realize the program
- Norma Vacanze only deals with the intermediation between the customer and the car rental company. In the event of disputes with the rental company or accidents, the rules established in the contract signed at the airport between the customer and the rental company shall apply, without any involvement of Norma Vacanze.
- Each customer will be able to choose independently whether to follow the suggested itinerary or, instead, to create one according to its needs. However, it is essential to follow the program concerning the cities where to overnight
- The cars are subjected to availability and your category may not be available on all periods. In case the C category will not be available at the time of your booking, a superior category will be offered with a supplement that will be communicated before the confirmation of each reservation.
- Parking in hotel is not guaranteed, it will be possible in the surrounding area
- The rate includes Category C car rental for the duration of your stay with the "GOLD " insurance package; with extra charge possibility to book Platinum insurance
- The drivers must have the credit card for the check in.
- Norma Vacanze is entitled to change the itinerary of the excursion if it considers it 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 like floods, storms, landslides, earthquakes, political unrest, epidemy, terrorists attacks, strike
The rate does not include:
- City tax to be paid on spot
- Lunches and dinners where not mentioned
- Tips and extras of a personal nature
- Porterage service
- Gasoline
- Motorway tolls
- Parkings
- Tickets for plane, ship, train or bus to reach airport
- Entrance to monuments and archaeological parks
- Anything not expressly indicated in "the rate includes"
- Car must be delivery at the same airport or there will be an additional cost to be agreed with the rental company
- Each rental day is a fraction of 24 hours, the vehicle must be returned on time or within the next 59 minutes
- The pick-up and drop-off of the car at the airport will be during the opening hours of the company Noleggiare (everyday from 08:00 to 22:30); after these hours the rental company will charge an extra fee. Please inquire before booking your flight
Admission Fees
- In order to skip the queues in the museums or in the archeological parks we need to make the reservation in advance: Pre-bookings of entrance tickets are 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 automotive charges
- Motor TPL policy - auto civil liability
- Gold Plan Insurance -resets deductibles for theft and damage. It also covers damage to glass and tyres
- Additional driver
The rate does not include:
- Fuel
- Fines
- Re-notification fees
- Rental to leave in another airport
- Baby Seat
- Satellite Navigator
- Fuel recovery service, an extra charge of €30,00 will be applied if the car is returned with more than 5 litres of fuel missing
- There is a tolerance of 59 minutes, after which a full day will be charged
- At the time of booking, the car group is guaranteed, not the model
Insurance Gold includes
In Gold the amount of the deductible will not be charged. The "Gold" package clears the deductibles provided for damages and total theft and allows you to eliminate the deductible also for damages occurred to the parts of the vehicle not covered by the "Silver" package and the coverage of windows and tires is provided. Partial theft, attempted theft, damage to the roof, damage to the lower part of the vehicle, damage to the interior and damage caused by vandalism, riots, etc. are excluded.
Insurance Platinum on request
If the customer purchases a "Platinum" package, the amount of the theft deductibles (also for partial theft and attempted theft) and damages (also for damage to the roof, the lower part of the vehicle and the interiors) will be zeroed and the PAI services (which guarantees the driver in the event of death, permanent disability and accidents, with a ceiling of up to € 100,000) and “Road Assistance Plus 24h road assistance (covers all towing costs in the event of an accident with fault and for any other event that occurred during the rental period)
