SICILIAN HERITAGE 8 Days 7 Nights (Code CNT)
Sights, Tastes and Scents of this Mediterranean Civilization
 ITINERARY
Day 1: Palermo
You are greeted at Palermo airport and transferred to your hotel. Late in the afternoon after a brief introduction made by your Tour Director, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2: Monreale/ Palermo
After breakfast, your local guide will show you where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo and it's gold mosaics, launched in 1174 by William II. Then to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of his grandfather Roger II. See also Piazza Pretoria, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini, Via Maqueda with its four corners, a quartet of baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule, dating from 1560. Then visit the Cathedral with various styles built through the Greek-Roman, Norman, Arabic, Islamic domination. (BB)
Day 3: Palermo/Erice/Trapani/ Marsala
Early departure to western Sicily. Reach Erice centre by cableway. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice, an important religious site associated with goddesses of fertility. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous home-made pastry shops, world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastry. Then to an olive oil and farm house located in the lovely village of Fontanasalsa to enjoy a light lunch. In the afternoon, travel between Trapani and Marsala to the Salt Road, to tour the historic saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced. Arrive in Marsala and visit a local winery's cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Return to Palermo. (BB/L)
Day 4: Agrigento/Leonforte (Enna)
Today's' drive across the vast countryside enables us to see Sicily's great variety of sceneries. Arrive in Agrigento whose history dates back to 580 BC. A guided tour of Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, depart to Leonforte near Enna, boasting a rich production of wheat, citrus fruits, olive oil. Lodge in Villa Gussio, a typical Sicilian old-country hotel set in the green heart of Sicily, a magic place where history and nature blend to celebrate a spontaneous hymn to beauty. Dinner at the hotel. (BB/D)
Day 5: Leonfonte/Piazza Armerina/Caltagirone/Leonfonte
First stop is Enna, once a centre of great military importance under the Greeks and Romans. On the upper part of the town stands the Lombardia Castle, the most ancient and best-preserved castle in Sicily. Continue to Piazza Armerina to see the ruins of a Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. In the afternoon, visit the baroque town of Caltagirone know as the city of ceramics. Ceramics have been produced here for over 1000 years. Climb the Stairway of Santa Maria del Monte, city's symbol made out of 142 steps decorated with splendid glazed majolica tiles. Time for leisure. Return to hotel for dinner. (BB/D)
Day 6: Leonforte/Syracuse/Taormina
Today, departure to Syracuse, once the most important competitor to Athens colonists from Corinth founded in 735 B.C. On arrival we walk on Ortygia Island, the heart of the city centre. In the afternoon our guided visit through archaeological area shows the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. After, we drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort of Sicily for its views and atmosphere. (BB)
Day 7: Taormina/Mt Etna/Santa Venerina/Taormina
A short drive takes us to the slopes of Mt. Etna. Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we experience the lava fields and incredible view of Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Then to a winery and farmhouse located in the lovely village of Santa Venerina. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and artisan food. We indulge in a typical light-lunch at the farmhouse. This afternoon back to Taormina and time at leisure. Tonight we gather for a Farewell Dinner at local restaurant. (BB/L/D)
Day 8: Catania
We are transferred to Catania Airport for our return flight. (BB)
Meal Legend: BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner
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