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Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is blessed with magnificent nature and the same cultural testimonies from three millennia. Also, the Etna , the Lord of the island and Europe's largest volcano, about 3,330 meters offers already. Not only Greeks and Romans have left their mark here. The Byzantines, Arabs, Spaniards and above all the Normans, whose cathedrals in Monreale and Cefalù are still centers of religious life, also show importance. The temples of Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta , the remains of the once mighty Syracuse and the mosaics of Villa Casalewill inspire you. In order to grasp Sicily with all your senses, you can drift around the fish or vegetable markets and experience the delicious Sicilian cuisine in a rustic trattoria.
Arrival at Palermo or Catania airport Once you have arrived here, you will be greeted by your tour guide and taken to your hotel. Overnight stay in the Giardini Naxos area.
You start your trip in Sicily with a highlight: a visit to the Etna volcano.At 1,900 meters above sea level, you will experience a mystical black crater landscape. Use the opportunity of an optional ascent to the crater area (not included, to be paid on site). From here you have a fantastic view over the Ionian coast. But please take care of wearing shoes and warm clothing! When you get back down, you visit the Gambino winery, where you can taste typical Sicilian specialties. Then visit the beautiful Taormina with the Greek Theater (admission optional, not included). Take a stroll through the picturesque streets. Overnight stay in the Giardini Naxos area.
Today you visit Catania, the port city on the east coast of Sicily, located directly at the foot of Mount Etna. You will visit the center, the old town and the famous fish market before continuing to Syracuse, one of the most important cities of ancient Greece. When you arrive in Syracuse, visit the cathedral and the old town of Ortygia with the Arethusa spring, the only place in Europe where wild papyrus bushes still grow. At the end of the day you will visit the Roman amphitheater with the Paradiso quarries and the famous Ear of Dionysus, an artificial grotto 65 meters long and 23 meters high. Overnight in the Syracuse area.
On the day of your trip you will explore the Villa Romana del Casale near the town of Piazza Armerina, famous for its floor mosaics, which extend over an area of over 3,000 m². In 1997, UNESCO declared the Villa Romana del Casale a World Heritage Site. You will then visit the impressive Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, which with the famous Juno Temple, the Concordia Temple and the Temple of Zeus and Pollux is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily (admission optional, not included). Overnight stay in the Castelvetrano / Trapani area.
Today you will focus on Palermo, capital of the autonomous region of Sicily and Italy's fifth largest city. The city on the north coast of Sicily was once a great Arab center and political capital of the Normans. You will see the cathedral and the Cappella Palatina (admission optional, not included), the palace chapel, which was built around 1135 AD in the Norman-Arabic-Byzantine style. Then you continue to Monreale, where you visit the Norman cathedral (admission optional, not included). In the afternoon you dedicate yourself to the beautiful city of Cefalù. The medieval city was built on a cape. When you arrive here, you will visit the Norman cathedral. Overnight in the Giardini Naxos room.
Today you have the opportunity to book an optional excursion to the wonderful Aeolian Island The Aeolian Islands or Aeolian Islands are an archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily and are of volcanic origin. During your excursion you will visit Lipari, the largest of the seven islands with 37.5 km², and Vulcano. Return in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in the Giardini Naxos area.
Transfer to the airport and return flight.
