DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Arrival at Catania airport. After picking up the rental car, drive to the Acireale area. No planned activities for this day. Free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in the Acireale area.
DAY 2: ETNA & TAORMINA (KM 150)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can choose to visit Etna and Taormina.
Suggested itinerary: In the morning, depart 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, you will have the option to continue the excursion by jeep. We suggest stopping at a local beekeeper to taste quality honey and enjoy a wine tasting while seeing how it is produced. In the afternoon, visit Taormina, located on a plateau at the foot of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian coast from Capo Sant'Andrea to Capo Taormina. You can visit the Greek-Roman theater, the second largest classical theater in Sicily. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Acireale area.
DAY 3: FORZA D’AGRO', SAVOCA, MONTALBANO ELICONA & MEGALITHS OF ARGIMUSCO
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we suggest visiting Savoca, Forza D'Agrò, and Montalbano Elicona.
Suggested itinerary: Reach Forza D'Agrò, a charming village located on a hill overlooking Taormina and the Ionian Sea. Visit the village with its splendid views, the Durazzesco arch, and the church, the location chosen to film one of the most romantic scenes in the movie The Godfather, Michael Corleone's wedding. Then continue to Savoca, a village famous because some of the famous parts of the film "The Godfather," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, were shot here. It is the place where Michael Corleone married Apollonia. The buildings and monuments from the film are still here, such as the famous Bar Vitelli, the same used for filming The Godfather. Continue inland to the wonderful village of Montalbano Elicona, awarded in 2015 as the most beautiful village in Italy. A labyrinth of narrow streets leads to the castle, which dominates the historic center. You will be enchanted by the splendid view of the lush vegetation. Take a small tour of the town and continue to the Megaliths of Argimusco. 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. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Acireale area.
DAY 4: CATANIA & SYRACUSE
After breakfast, depart for Catania, a city nestled on the slopes of Etna, rich in sumptuous and magnificent buildings.
Recommended itinerary: It is recommended to visit the typical fish market (closed on Sundays) and stroll through the city center which, for its historic and typically Baroque buildings, has been declared, along with other cities in the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the city, continue to Syracuse, one of the most interesting sites on the island, where you can visit the Archaeological Park, famous for the Roman amphitheater, the Greek theater, and the Ear of Dionysius. Continue your visit by going to the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city, characterized by its narrow alleys, sea views, and the wonderful square with its splendid cathedral. Accommodation in a hotel and overnight stay in the Ragusa/Syracuse area.
DAY 5: RAGUSA, MODICA & NOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we suggest spending the day visiting the Baroque cities of Modica and Noto.
Suggested itinerary: Today you will discover the lesser-known part of Sicily, dominated by the sumptuous and majestic Baroque style of the buildings, characterized by numerous UNESCO sites and also known for the TV series "Inspector Montalbano." Start your visit from the historic center of the city of Ragusa, "Ibla," characterized by numerous Baroque churches and palaces, as well as the characteristic domes that dominate the city. Ragusa has been included in the UNESCO list, with 18 sites declared World Heritage. Continue to Modica, a UNESCO heritage city, known especially for its chocolate as well as its wonderful buildings. We recommend wandering 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 your tour by 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 wonderful aristocratic palaces with their famous decorated balconies, the sumptuous churches rich in decorations, the cathedral with its staircase, and the city theater, all built in Baroque style. Return to the hotel in the Ragusa/Syracuse area and overnight stay.
DAY 6: INSPECTOR MONTALBANO TOUR: CHIARAMONTE GULFI, VITTORIA, PUNTA SECCA & SCICLI
Breakfast at the hotel. On this day you can choose to visit the symbolic places of the TV series "Inspector Montalbano."
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, visit the beautiful church of Santa Maria La Nova (Cathedral Square) and the church of San Giovanni. Chiaramonte Gulfi is famous for producing excellent DOP extra virgin olive oil and Nero d'Avola, Insolia, or Cerasuolo DOCG wines. Continue to Punta Secca, a hamlet of Santa Croce di Camerina, with a short stop to see the town, the beach, and the house of Inspector Montalbano, then continue to Scicli, a beautiful city known as "VIGATA," a name invented by the writer, where the Vigata Police Station is located. Continue to Ragusa/Syracuse. Overnight stay.
DAY 7: AGRIGENTO
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
*Full coverage for damage and theft (no deductible)
*Insurance protection against personal accidents
*Plus roadside assistance (taxi reimbursement up to €120)
(*) It may happen, and in case of problems, the indicated hotels may be replaced with others of the same category located in the same cities or up to 30 km away where the program can be carried out. In case of fully booked hotels, we reserve the right to reverse the tour and/or confirm the reservation in a mid-range hotel with a reduction of 5 euros per person per day. The name of the hotel will be sent to you 21 days before arrival.
The rate does not include:
THE RATE INCLUDES:
THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Platinum Insurance includes: