The cradle of civilization - sunny Sicily

Tour start date(s):	06-05-2024, 23-09-2024, 14-10-2024
Duration:	8 days
Location:	Catania (arrival by 13:00!) - hotel by the sea near Taormina (7 nights) - Castelmola - Taormina - Mount Etna - Savoca - Messina - Milazzo - Marzamemi - Noto - Ortigia in Syracuse - Cefalù - Monreale - Palermo - Catania (departure)
Price (including tax):	Double - $1,780.00 USD / Single - $2,440.00/

"We offer you to discover the sunny and hospitable Sicily

with a unique tour of 14 landmarks!

Imagine a bar in the corner of a shady square, where old men, holding their cigars, weave tales like knots on an old ship's rope. The aroma of strong Sicilian espresso mixes with the tangy scents of orange groves. You walk through narrow streets where the walls of ancient buildings are steeped in history like manuscripts. You discover the pristine Catania, the center of the Cyclops Riviera, marvel at the lace-like Baroque of Noto, climb to the top of the smoking Mount Etna, taste tuna roe in a 10th-century Arab settlement, sip almond wine, admire the golden Monreale Cathedral, stroll through Palermo and Cefalù - welcome to Sicily, the key to Italy and the cradle of civilization!

• Accommodation in a 4-star hotel on the seafront on the east coast of Sicily near Taormina,
• Maximum number of cultural visits (14 landmarks in one tour!) and two free days for relaxation
• Ascent to the snowy volcano Mount Etna to a height of 2000 meters,
• Excursion to the locations of The Godfather - all about the Italian Mafia,
• Visiting the Baroque gem - Noto, (Wine, honey, and olive oil tasting on the slopes of Mount Etna, Tasting almond wine, cookies, and chocolate in Noto, Tasting typical Sicilian arancini with meat and wine in the center of Taormina, Excursion to Messina (the gateway to Sicily) and Milazzo Castle, Tasting almond liqueur in a unique bar in Castelmola with phallic allegories, Visiting the UNESCO monument - the golden Norman Cathedral in Monreale and Palermo, Visiting the kingdom of tuna and caviar - Marzamemi (NEW for the Sicily tour!)

Day 1 - Catania, center of the Cyclops Riviera

Arrival at Catania airport on the island of Sicily by 1:00 PM!

Meeting with a guide. We drive to the center of Catania, a UNESCO heritage city and the center of the Cyclops Riviera, as described by the great Homer. Catania is the most vibrant and colorful city on the eastern coast of Sicily, like no other city, life here boils like lava. The city is located at the foot of the volcano, its fate is endlessly linked to the constantly active Mount Etna.

After the tour, transfer to a hotel by the sea. Night at a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 2 - Taormina - the pearl of the Mediterranean and Castelmola

After breakfast at the hotel, we have a tour of Taormina, the "Pearl of the Mediterranean". We will walk along the main street Corso Umberto from the gates of Porta Messina to the gates of Porta Catania, see the Corvaja Palace, ancient churches, the narrowest street in the city, Vicolo Stretto, from the April 9th Square, enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the smoking Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, visit the main Cathedral on the Cathedral Square and get acquainted with the symbol of Taormina - the fountain, representing a centaur with a female head, see the Greek Theater (visit optional with payment on the spot), the pride and symbol of the city. Then we go to try the famous Sicilian arancini, rice balls with meat, and local wine, and also see how they are handcrafted. Free time in Taormina.

Then we go to Castelmola - an ancient town on the top of Mount Tauro above Taormina. Here you will stroll through the fabulous medieval streets, see the ruins of the 12th-century Norman castle, ancient churches, and visit a unique bar, where you will taste almond liqueur and see phallic allegories. Night at a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 3 - Conquering Mount Etna, tasting, and tour following The Godfather in Savoca

After breakfast, departure from the hotel at 9:00 AM. Arrival at 10:30 at Mount Etna. For the ancient Greeks, Etna was the home of giants and monsters. We climb to the tourist platform at an altitude of 1900 meters, from where amazing panoramas open up. Lunch at the top of the volcano (for an additional fee), after which we descend from the slopes of the volcano and stop for a tasting of wines, olive oil, and unique honey from Etna. You will be able to purchase various local delicacies.

Then we will stroll through the picturesque Savoca, where Francis Ford Coppola shot most of the scenes of his famous movie. We will see the Vitelli Bar, where Michael Corleone met his future wife Apollonia's father, and the Church of St. Lucy, where they were married. The guide will introduce you to the real history of the Sicilian Mafia, you will learn about the modern mafia and the clan wars of the mafia for control of the territory. Night at a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 4 - Messina - The Gates of Sicily and Milazzo Castle

After breakfast, departure from the hotel at 9:00 AM and arrival in Messina, the Gates of Sicily. Messina was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BCE and has a rich ancient heritage. It is one of the oldest cities in Sicily. In Messina, we will visit the magnificent cathedral, see the clock tower, and witness the traditional performance with the "Bronze Horses." The clock tower of Messina, also known as the "Torre dell'Orologio," served as the precise timekeeping unit in Sicily until the mid-19th century.

Messina is famous for its mussels, and we will have free time for lunch, where you can taste both the freshest mussels and other seafood delicacies.

After lunch, we will travel to Milazzo, where we will see the 13th-century Norman castle, which is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Sicily. Overnight stay in a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 5 - Tuna Kingdom - Marzamemi, Baroque Noto, and Ortigia Island in Syracuse

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Marzamemi, one of the most charming fishing villages in Italy, founded by the Arabs in the 10th century. This is where the capital of tuna fishing in Italy is located, as well as the production of bottarga, a unique dry tuna roe used by locals to make excellent pasta Alla bottarga. The former fishermen's houses here have been converted into restaurants and cafes. We will have free time for lunch with local seafood delicacies and for buying souvenirs.

Next, we will tour the city of Noto - the pearl of Italian Baroque, taste almond wine and cookies, as well as chocolate.

Then we will visit Syracuse, which Cicero called the most beautiful city in the world. We will explore the ancient fortified island of Ortigia. We will discover the mythical Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza Duomo, the fortification walls, and stunning Baroque churches and palaces. Overnight stay in a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 6 - Golden Cathedral of Monreale, Palermo, and Sicilian Paradise - Cefalù

At 7:00 AM, we depart from the hotel with a guide to Monreale. This 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral attracts tourists from all over the world!

We will see the extraordinary golden glow that characterizes the cathedral's amazing mosaics. It was this effect of glow that the creators of the cathedral in the 12th century tried to achieve to show divine presence. We will see how these mosaics were created and learn the secrets of past masters. Then we will move to the center of Palermo, where we will not only take a walk through the historical center but also visit the main cathedral of the city. Our next stop is the charming town of Cefalù.

The name "Cefalù" comes from the ancient Greek word "Kephaloidion," meaning "head" or "rock." This term refers to the nearby mountain La Rocca, which resembles a head shape. The nature surrounding Cefalù, mountains, and the azure sea rightfully gave Cefalù the second name: Sicilian Paradise. Overnight stay in a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 7 - Sea Relaxation

After breakfast at the hotel, a free day at the hotel by the sea. Night in a hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina.

Day 8 - Departure

Transfer to Catania Airport.

The tour includes:

Accommodation for 7 nights in a 4-star hotel by the sea on the coast of Taormina. Breakfasts. Visits to Catania, Castelmola, Taormina, Mount Etna, Savoca, Messina, Milazzo, Marzamemi, Noto, Ortigia Island in Syracuse, Cefalù, Monreale, Palermo. Licensed tour guide throughout the tour. Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. Wine, honey, and olive oil tasting on the slopes of Mount Etna. Almond wine, cookies, and chocolate tasting in Noto. Tasting of typical Sicilian arancini with meat and wine in the center of Taormina. Tasting of almond liqueur in a unique bar in Castelmola with phallic allegories. Headphones for the entire tour.

The tour does not include:

City taxes at the hotel: €2.00 per person per day. Entrance ticket €4.00 to the cathedral in Monreale. Entrance ticket €10.00 to the Greek Theater in Taormina.

DBL $1,780.00 SNG $660.00

Hotels:

Park Hotel Silemi 4 stars in Letojanni www.parkhotelsilemi.com or similar in Letojanni or Giardini Naxos

Continuation of the tour to Malta (optional):

MALTA: THE KNIGHTS ISLAND AND THE ISLAND OF GOZO WITH 2 EXCURSIONS (4 days/3 nights)

Monday: Arrival on the island of Malta from Catania

(air ticket is booked independently)

Transfer to the hotel. Night at a 4-star hotel in Malta

Tuesday: Group excursion in Russian for the whole day to the main attractions of Malta "Discover Malta: Mdina + Mosta + Valletta"

Wednesday: Group excursion in Russian for the whole day to the island of Gozo (ferry cost included)

Thursday: Transfer to the airport

Departure from Malta to the destination country (booked independently)

The tour to Malta includes:

Transfers to and from Malta airport

Accommodation in a 4-star hotel for 3 nights

Hotel meals - buffet breakfasts

Full-day excursion to Malta

Full-day excursion to the island of Gozo

City tax at the hotel in Malta

Tour cost from 2 persons:

½ DBL $840.00

Single - $1220.00