Itinerary

DAY 1 (SUNDAY) USA  -CATANIA

Departure from USA by scheduled air service.  Contact our office for a quotation of the lowest cost airfares for your dates.

DAY 2 (MONDAY) - CATANIA - TAORMINA

Upon arrival to Catania airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Taormina, Sicily's world-famous resort town.  The remaining of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 3 (TUESDAY) - TAORMINA

After breakfast the day is yours to relax or shop in this enchanting resort town. Tonight enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 4 (WEDNESDAY) - TAORMINA - SYRACUSE

This morning departure to Syracuse.  Upon arrival walk to the island of Ortygia, the picturesque and densely built original center of Syracuse.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.  This afternoon we will visit the magnificent Archaeological Park where we will admire the 5th -century BC Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry.  Return to Taormina and the evening is at your leisure.

DAY 5 (THURSDAY) - TAORMINA - PIAZZA ARMERINA - AGRIGENTO - PALERMO

Following breakfast depart for Piazza Armerina to view the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale.  The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars.  Continue to Agrigento.  On arrival enjoy a light lunch at a farmhouse.  In the afternoon visit the finest of all ancient Greek sites, the Valley of the Temples with the complete Doric Temples.  Continue to Palermo, the capital of Sicily.

DAY 6 (FRIDAY) - PALERMO - MARSALA - ERICE

This morning we will depart for the western side of Sicily beginning with Marsala. Here we will visit a local winery's cellar to sample local Sicilian wines.  Then, journey between Trapani and Marsala to the Salt Way Road and tour the historic saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced. Next we will visit an olive oil producer to enjoy our light-lunch.  Proceed to the medieval hill-town of Erice, an important religious site associated with goddesses Venus.  Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the pastry shops famous for local marzipan and other delicacies.  Return to Palermo and the evening is at your leisure.  

DAY 7 (SATURDAY) - PALERMO - MONREALE - CEFALU'

Following breakfast our first stop will be Monreale where Arab Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreals Duomo (cathedral), launched in 1174 by William II and depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments in golden mosaics.  Continue to Palermo to visit the Palatine Chapel, the Piazza Pretoria and via Maqueda with its "four corners" representing the quartet of baroque palaces remaining from the Spanish rule of 1560.  Light lunch at a local restaurant.  This afternoon depart to Cefalu' a charming coastal town with a massive Norman Cathedral with beautifully preserved mosaics.  Visit the city center and enjoy a walk along the main street to reach the Cathedral.  The remainder of the evening is at your leisure in Palermo.

DAY 8 (SUNDAY) - PALERMO - USA

This morning you'll be transferred to the Palermo airport in time for your return flight to the USA.