Sicily and Eolic Islands (2024)

Jour 1

Welcome to PALERMO, transfer to the hotel. Free time afterwards. With more than half a million inhabitants Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant city, full of life and contrasts that offers impressive architecture, combining Arab, Norman, Aragonese and Baroque influences. Its mild climate all year round, its lively atmosphere and its rich gastronomy make it a city that leaves no one indifferent.

Jour 2

Today with a local guide we will have a city tour of Palermo. We will admire the cathedral with its mix of styles and its royal tombs inside (admission included); the Norman Palace (the former royal palace), its fountains, its markets and gardens. During the visit we will also go to MONREALE, its cathedral (admission included) has been declared a World Heritage Site for its impressive golden mosaics that cover the interior. Free time in the afternoon.Note: Sometimes, if the number of travelers is very limited, the visit may not be private but rather carried out with a regular excursion provided by local companies.

Jour 3

We will leave Palermo, following the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Beautiful landscapes. CEFALU, a charming coastal city. Its Norman cathedral with its original architecture and mosaics has been declared a World Heritage Site, the historic center is of great beauty with its small streets, its views over the sea and its commercial and tourist life. After lunch time we continue towards the interior of the island. CASTELBUONO, a small and picturesque town between mountains that shows us the tranquility of the inland towns, with its walls, castle and picturesque streets in the center. We continue again along the coast towards TINDARI, at the top of a mountain, dominating the sea, stands the Sanctuary of Tindari, a famous pilgrimage site, with its relic of the Black Madonna and its great views. Very close to the sanctuary are the remains of the ancient Greek polis. We continue to MILAZZO, a port city full of life in front of the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Jour 4

We will have a day full of emotions. We will visit two of the islands of the AEOLIAN archipelago, declared World Heritage Sites for their continuous volcanic activity. We will take a ferry to LIPARI, the largest of the Aeolian Islands and the most pleasant city of the archipelago, with its historic center, its castle and its tourist life. Time for lunch and a walk. After that we will take another ferry that in less than 30 minutes takes us to VULCANO, where we will be impressed by the smell of sulfur that permeates the entire island and the active fumaroles. On this island, dominated by its crater, we will admire its hot water beaches. We recommend trying baths in the sulfurous thermal waters (its mud is considered very beneficial for the skin). Don´t miss this unique experience. After that we return by ferry to Milazzo (just over an hour´s journey) and from there continue towards TAORMINA, arriving at the end of the day. Note: In summer or on special dates, accommodation may be provided in Messina instead of Taormina.

Jour 5

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Lunch and dinner will be included.

Jour 6

We’ll journey to Syracuse, a city that once rivaled Athens and Rome in power and splendor. You’ll have time to explore its magnificent historic center and have lunch. Then, we’ll head to Noto, a charming city frozen in time, renowned as the Baroque jewel of Sicily. After, we’ll continue to Agrigento, where we’ll admire the stunning Valley of the Temples from the coach. Dinner will be included.

Jour 7

We’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we’ll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we’ll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.

Jour 8

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.