Surprising Sicily: September 26 – October 9, 2021
Sunday, September 26: Leave USA for Catania, Italy.
Monday, September 27: Arrive Catania. Spend a restful day discovering the area around your hotel and recovering from your flight. Overnight Catania.
Tuesday, September 28: The tour begins with a visit to the historic center of Catania and its famed fish market. Then we will arrive by van into the ancient Greek center of Syracuse called Ortigia. Lunch in the market of Ortygia, and then we take a walking tour of the fascinatingly ancient island of Ortigia. Overnight Ortigia.
Wednesday, September 29: Today we travel to the most beautiful Baroque cities of eastern Sicily: Noto (famous for cannoli, cassate, and a most excellent coffee; Scicli; Modica (famous for its chocolate), and Ragusa Ibla. We will discover a marvelous corner of Sicily with an important history. Overnight Ortigia.
Thursday, September 30: Today we transfer to Taormina and check into our hotel. Then we will have a morning visit to Etna and have lunch in a rifugio on Etna north. In the afternoon we arrive back at Taormina for a visit of the center and the Greek theater to watch the sunset over Mt. Etna. Overnight Taormina.
Friday, October 1: After breakfast we visit the beautiful island and marvelous gorges and ravines of the Alcantara river. Then we enjoy a wine tasting of the famous wines of Mt. Etna. In the late afternoon we return to Taormina to enjoy another magnificent sunset. Wine tasting included. Overnight Taormina.
Saturday, October 2: Today we transfer to Cefalù after first visiting the beautifully artistic ceramics of Caltagirone. In the afternoon we tour the amazing Roman Villa of Casale at Piazza Armerina with its world-famous mosaics. Overnight Cefalù.
Sunday, October 3: Today we dedicate the entire day to touring Cefalù, visiting the magnificent central historic cathedral and the Museum Mandralisca displaying the rare painting of Antonello da Messina. The more daring ones of us may climb La Rocca and obtain an incredible view of the coastline. Overnight Cefalù.
Cefalù cathedral
Monday, October 4: After breakfast we depart for the archeological site of the Valle dei Templi at Agrigento. After visiting the site, we will lunch at Da Vittorio, a special restaurant on the sea. Lunch included. Overnight Erice.
Tuesday, October 5: Today we will visit the Pasticceria of Maria Grammatico, the Castello di Venere, the Duomo, while enjoying the views over the sea from our 750 meters high cliff. Overnight Erice.
Wednesday, October 6: Free day in Erice, or take the funicular to explore the town of Trapani below, or take an optional tour of Segesta. Overnight Erice.
Thursday, October 7: Today after transferring to Palermo we will tour the historic center including the Cappella Palatina and the Teatro Massimo. Overnight Palermo.
Friday, October 8: Today will will tour Monreale in the morning with a free afternoon in Palermo for last-minute shopping. Overnight Palermo.
Saturday, October 9: Transfer to the airport of Palermo for departure.
Maximum number of participants in this tour is 7. Reservations will be made according to the date the deposit is received.
Price of the tour: $6185 in double occupancy. $450 single supplement.
What the price includes:
12 nights in comfortable, well located hotels, 12 generous breakfasts, private guiding and van provided by Michelangelo Marsili whose wit and knowledge make him a most sought-after guide, lunch at Da Vittorio, wine tasting, entrance fees, guiding, and tips.
What is not included:
transfer to airport, airfare, most lunches and dinners, private use of taxis, optional tours.
Deposit
A $400 non-refundable deposit holds your place. Mail deposit and Registration Document which can be found on the first page of this website at the top under “Registration” to Inside Italy Tours, 216 River Place, Jackson, MS 39211.
Optional travel insurance plans can be found on the home page. Scroll down to the insurance icon.