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Sicily and the Aeolian Islands-The charm of volcanoes (8 days/7 nights)

The en­chant­ing land where Archi­medes taught and Saint Paul preached was a Greek colo­ny, a Roman prov­ince, an Arab emirate and a Norman king­dom. The Phoe­ni­cians, Car­thagin­ians, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese and Jews made this unique island their own, leaving behind an eclectic history that you can still touch today. And Sicily will touch you. Sicily is Eu­rope, Afri­ca and Asia on one island. And God created Sicily. The place where the moun­tains meet the sea. Si­cilia,the is­land in the sun, is home to Heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and Europe’s greatest natural won­der, Mount Etna. Sicily’s coasts are gold with orange and lemon orchards. Each scenic region offers some­thing dif­ferent.

ITINERARY

1.day: Palermo
Arrival at the airport of Palermo. Transfer to a hotel in the region of Palermo. Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

PALERMO
As its name suggests, the city was a meeting point between East and West. In fact “Panormus” means large port. Highlights of the city: The Cathedral which houses the tomb of the Norman Kings and the Swabian Emperor Federico II, the Royal Palace or Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel, and the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti.

2.day: Segesta – Agrigento
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Segesta. Guided visit of the archaeological sites. After it, continue with a guided visit of the Valley of the temples and the acropolis. In the evening, accommodation in the hotel in Agrigento or surroundings. Dinner and overnight.

AGRIGENTO AND THE VALLEY OF TEMPLES
The valley of Temples boasts one of the greatest treasures that Greek civilization created in the ancient city of Acreages during its most glorious period (5th century B.C.). The most important  temples are dedicated to the Goddesses Juno and Concordia, the Legend of Hercules, Olympic Jupiter and the twins Castor and Pollux.

3.day: Piazza Armerina – Siracusa – Region of Catania
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Catania. In the morning it is possible to visit Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Arrival in Siracusa with a guided visit of the archaeological sites and the Ortiga Island in the afternoon. In the evening, accommodation in the region of Catania. Dinner and overnight.

SIRACUSA
This is a unique city thanks to its history and the riches and grandeur of its archaeological findings. The city is now divided into two parts, Isola d’Ortigia (the old centre) and Neapolis (the archaeological site). Highlights of the Greek city (Neapolis): the Greek theatre (carved from the rock with extraordinary precision), Latomie (now transformed into lush gardens), Dionysus’s Ear (an artificial cave) and the Roman amphitheatres, which dates from the 3rd century A.D.

CATANIA
The city is situated in a magnificent position at the foot of Etna. Highlights of the city: the fish market, Piazza Duomo (the very heart of the city with its emblem, Fontana dell’Elefante, at its centre), the Cathedral (which houses Saint Agatha’s chapel and the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini), Via dei Crociferi (one of the most interesting streets in the city), Via Etna, with its elegant boutiques, and Villa Bellini with its huge gardens.

PIAZZA ARMERINA
About 3km from where the town is now situated is Villa del Casale – a luxurious residence, adorned with fabulous mosaics, dated back from the Roman Imperial period.

4.day: Etna – Taormina
After breakfast, departure to Etna, the biggest active Vulcan in Europe, high about 3321 m. Possibility to go for a visit till the crater. In the afternoon the visit continues to Taormina for a visit of the city: Greek Theather, Corso Umberto, the Nuamachia. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

ETNA
This is the most active Volcano in Europe. The transfers normally take visitors up to 1950 meters above sea level so that they can enjoy an unforgettable botanical experience and thrilling walks on lavic soil to the edge of the Silvestri craters.

5.day: Aeolian Islands – Stromboli – Lipari
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Milazzo. Boarding for a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands. First stop on Panarea for visiting the small centre and free time for shopping. In the afternoon the visit continues to Stromboli, with its small white houses and the colored boats, which catch the eye thanks to the black lava sand. Visit of the “Sciara del Fuoco”. Dinner on board. In the evening accommodation on Lipari Island. Overnight.

6.day: Aeolian Islands – Lipari – Region of Palermo
Breakfast in the hotel and visit of Lipari with its historical centre and the beach. Leisure time for shopping. In the afternoon boarding to return to Milazzo. After it goes to Palermo. Accommodation in the hotel in the region of Palermo. Dinner and overnight.

7.day: Palermo – Monreale
Breakfast in the hotel. Leisure time. Transfer to the airport of Palermo and farewell.

 

The price includes:
– accommodation in the hotel in the cities listed in program
– half board treatment from the dinner on the first day till breakfast on the 8th day
– transfers as listed in the program
– half day guide Segeste
– half day guide in the Valley of the temples
– half day guide in Siracusa
– full day guide for visiting Etna Vulcan and Taormina
– boat trip as mentioned in the program to Panarea and Stromboli
– half day guide in Palermo
– half day guide in Monreale

The price does not include:
– drinks to the meals
– entrees fees
– city tax
– personal insurance
– every service or extras not listed

 

All offers will be considered tailor-made. Therefore please do not hesitate to contact us for the best possible price.