Itinerary

Day 1 Palermo

Few places in the world can match Palermo's alluring mystique. Sicily's largest city is flanked by rocky peaks and straddles an azure sea along the rim of the Conca d'Oro and the Gulf of Palermo. At street level, the Sicilian capital is a busy and exciting metropolis that reflects 3,000 years of history as the Mediterranean's most important cultural crossroads. Its urban fabric is rich with baroque palaces from the Bourbon reign, mosaics, museums and colorful outdoor fish markets. Unlike any other, the city straddles past and present and north and south.

Avail of a private Airport (Falcone Borsellino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy a 4 hour private walking tour of Palermo. This diverse crossroads of Mediterranean and northern European civilization is more than a museum. It's a vibrant city whose unique culture has been forged and molded by three millennia of history emerging from three continents. There's no other place on earth like Palermo, and to discover the history of this singular city is to experience something of the diverse worlds that have created something which has evolved into its own culture.The streets of old Palermo are mixture of intriguing outdoor markets, subtle niches and long-forgotten secrets. After nine centuries street markets still evoke the atmosphere of Arab souks. Only the Baroque churches and palazzi on the same narrow streets remind you that you're in Italy. Sicily --ruled from Palermo as a Fatimid emirate and then as a Norman kingdom-- transcends this by many centuries. Let your Guide know your particular interests and he/she will help you discover the city in a new way. Your Guide will meet you at your hotel. Please note that one should wear comfortable shoes and a hat; and that this tour is suitable for children.

The Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) in Palermo is a restored 19th century palazzo with art nouveau features, within 150 meters of the Politeama and Massimo theatres. The guestrooms feature traditional décor and antique wood furnishings; all include balconies and satellite TV. The Liberty Hall Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and features 19th century décor. Having being completely restored in the year 2005, this historic building now houses one of the most impressive hotels in Palermo. Located beside the Giardino Inglese, Villa Garibaldi and Villa Trabia the property is perfectly suited to visiting the city's many sites.

 

Overnight at Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*).

Day 2 Palermo

You will be picked up with your private vehicle for a nice visit to The Tasca D'Almerita estate, situated in the Sclafani countryside, between the provinces of Palermo and Caltanisetta, near the former stronghold of Regaleali. 400 vineyard hectars alternate between landscapes of almond trees and olive trees, and among this expanse are wheat, oat and eucalyptus plants, all of which paint a rural landscape of rare charm and beauty. You will visit an olive grove and a vineyard and will have a tasting in both. Lunch is included with light appetizers, a first course (pasta), main dish with vegetables and dessert. At the end of the tour, you will be brought back to your hotel in Palermo.

Meet at your hotel and depart for an interesting overview of the city by night and get a different perspective of the city. With all of the lights magically lit up, itis a sight to be seen!

Overnight at Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*).

Day 3 Palermo

There are lots of great sites within easy distance from Palermo allowing you to get out of the city and do an excursion for half the day or longer. Places you may consider visiting in the company of a professional driver and Guide are: Cefalu - an enchanting small village on the sea, which offers a beautiful artistic view of colours and lights as well as the Osterio Magno, a fortified building possibly of Norman origin; Monte Pellegrino & Mondello - at Monte Pelligrino, you can visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia and enjoy a spectacular view of the bay of Palermo. If you feel like traveling futher afield, consider a day trip to Agrigento - where you can visit the Magnificent Valley of the Temples, which was erected by the Greeks in the course of the 5th century BC. Other sites (designated a UNESCO world heritage) in the area include the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules. You could also visit the Roman Villa del Casale, a luxurious roman dwelling, and one of the most important roman vestiges in Sicily. Segesta, Erice and Trapani all located south east of Palermo are places of historical and natural beauty. Mont Etna is a popular day trip, though better accessed from Taormina. If you feel like doing some hiking in the Capo Gallo Natural Reserve or taking a stroll through a local market, enjoying a cooking lesson followed by a lunch (which you have a had a hand preparing), these can all be arranged - just ask your Sales Advisor.

Overnight at Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*).

Day 4 Taormina

The natural beauty of the medieval mountaintop town of Taormina is so great, that despite overdevelopment in the last 50 years, it has not spoiled its grandeur. The view of the sea and Mt Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get, especially on clear days when the snow-capped volcano's white puffs of smoke are etched against the blue sky.

Enjoy a private transfer by road from Palermo to Taormina.

Enjoy a 4 hour walking tour of the historical centre of Taormina, famous for its Greek-Roman amphitheatre and its enchanting view of the Ionic sea and Mt Etna. Let your Guide know your particular interests and he/she will help you discover the city in a new way.

Monte Tauro (4*) is a modern designed hotel built into the Taormina cliffs 300 metres from Corso Umberto and 400 metres from the city centre and the Greek Theatre. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature custom-designed contemporary decor with sea-facing balconies; all have high speed Internet access. Guests at Monte Tauro Hotel can relax in the sun with a drink from the poolside bar, and enjoy Mediterranean dining in the panoramic restaurant.

Overnight at Monte Tauro (4*).

Day 5 Taormina

Your private driver will collect you from your hotel in Taormina for a full day archaeological exploration of Siracusa. You will be met by your local English speaking guide at the designated location in Siracusa, for a sightseeing tour on foot of the archaeological area. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Taormina. (Please note that your driver may only speak the local language).

Overnight at Monte Tauro (4*).

Day 6 Taormina

Enjoy a full day tour with your private vehicle and driver to the Mt. Etna area, visiting the Craters of Silvestri. This tour takes you first to the Alcantara, a natural wonderland of scenic gorges. Continue to the medieval town of Randazzo. The journey continues up to the Craters of Silvestri (at 1,900 metres) and to the slopes of Mt. Etna. You will also be given an opportunity to ascend to the area of the main crater by cable car and jeep which takes around 2 hours (Not included in tour price, approximately 40 euro per person). The tour includes transporation and English speaking escort.

Overnight at Monte Tauro (4*).
    
Day 7 Taormina - Catania

Includes private transfer to Catania (airport) from your Taormina hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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