Day 1

Welcome to Sicily!

Upon your arrival into Palermo Falcone e Borsellino airport, you will be met by your chauffeur and driven to your centrally located hotel, approximately a forty five minutes away. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 2

Norman Architecture & Glittering Mosaics in Palermo

Take a private guided morning tour of Palermo’s magnificent cathedral, with tombs of many of the kings and queens of Sicily. Continue with a visit to Palazzo dei Normanni, the royal palace, to see the exquisite 12th-century Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Day 3

Go beyond Palermo to see the mosaic-famed Monreale Cathedral

Meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and travel to Monreale. The small hill town is located a short ride from Palermo. It's famous all over the world for the golden mosaics in its cathedral and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Discover Monreale and its rich Arab and Norman heritage visiting the cathedral and the 12th-century cloister before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 4

The Medieval Town of Erice & the Greek Temples of Segesta

Depart to the walled town of Erice in western Sicily. Wander through its cobbled streets filled with wafting aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and toasted almonds from the confectioneries. Visit some of the local homemade pastry shops world-famous for marzipan candies and almond-based pastries. Later experience a typical Sicilian lunch in a local farmhouse-olive oil and wine producer. Spend the afternoon at Segesta, one of the best-preserved and most beautiful of all the Greek archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Then, settle back into your private minivan for a scenic drive back to the hotel.

Day 5

Departure from Palermo to Taormina via Cefalù

Transfer to Taormina, the world- famous resort town of Sicily stopping en route in the picturesque fishing village of Cefalù. Over the centuries, the town has been under Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman rule, all of which have influenced the architecture and culture. Enjoy some free time to see the massive Cathedral and stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic center with its shops and restaurants. Then, continue on to Taormina where you will be staying for 3 nights.

Day 6

Mount Etna Hike & Wine from Taormina

Your private driver will pick-up you with a 4×4 jeep for a comfortable drive up the slopes of Europe's tallest active volcano to a height of 6,000ft above sea level. From this point, you will proceed to the highest possible point on one of the active craters, continuing on foot over the lava streams to observe the latest volcanic phenomena. After exploring the Etna off-road and on foot, you will visit a wine cellar on the slopes of the volcano tasting local DOC wines before returning to your hotel.

Day 7

Discover Taormina Highlights

Get the most out of your time spent in Taormina and in the company of a local guide visit the amazing Greek Theater set on a hill overlooking the sea. Also enjoy free time to stroll Taormina’s bougainvillea-lined backstreets and local shops. The historical center full of local colors and culture is rich in luxurious boutiques, so feel free to do some shopping before returning to your hotel.

Day 8

Departure from Taormina to Siracusa via Ragusa & Modica

Transfer to Syracuse Ortygia island by a private minivan. Stop en-route at the historical town of Ragusa filled with splendid Baroque churches and palaces recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Modica, nearby, is also a World Heritage Site, with its 100 Baroque churches forming a series of backdrops in a maze of tiny up-and-down streets, like theatre settings. Modica is also famous for chocolate. The technique was brought over by the Spaniards. It is still made the same way the Aztecs made chocolate in Mexico and its tradition dates to the 16 century. After, continue to Siracusa.

Day 9

Explore Syracuse a city with 2,700 years of history

In Syracuse Ortygia island, were Greek heritage meets the splendors of Baroque, you will enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s venerable highlights including the Archaeological Park with its ancient Greek Theatre and two limestone cave sites: The Ear of Dionysius and Latomia del Paradiso filled with orange and olive trees. Then stroll through the streets of Ortygia Island, the heart of the city center lined with a fascinating collection of ancient sights. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 10

Departure from Catania

Today it’s time to bid a fond ciao to Sicily. Take a private transfer to Catania airport today in time for your onward journey. The transfer should take approximately 45 minutes.