Sicily is quintessentially Mediterranean, and a crossroads of trade and commerce since ancient times,and a mix of many civilizations.Is famous for the hospitality of its inhabitants,for the folklore and,above all,for its food,that is part of the culture:pasta alla norma,anelletti al forno,cannoli and cassata have become a symbol and the ambassadors of a culture of the sea and the sun. Wine is deeply rooted in Sicilian culture,with local vineyards producing excellent wines. During out trip we will discover historic Palermo ,the winery in Marsala,ancient Agrigento with beautiful Valley of the Temples,antique - baroque Siracusa,Etna,the highest active volcano in Europe and charming Taormina.
1 DAY Warsaw- Palermo
Meeting with the tour leader at the airport of F. Chopin in Warsaw. At 13:25 departure by Alitalia flight to Palermo ( via Rome) , at 18:15 arrival in Palermo and transfer to hotel.Dinner and overnight in hotel in Palermo or surroundings .
2 DAY Palermo – Salt Road - Marsala
The morning will be spent visiting the capital of Sicily- Palermo,one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art.We will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina mirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Continuing our walk we will admire the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with XVI century sculptures. Afterwards we are going to Marsala.We will visit the Donnafugata winery. The winery grew out of the commitment of a family in Sicily that has always believed in the extraordinary enological potential of its land and has 150 years of experience in producing premium wines. We will meet with the grower who will show us the techniques of viticulture and we will taste the famous Marsala wine. On the way from Palermo to Marsala we will admire The Salt Road and its Salt Pans located on the coastline between the cities of Trapani and Marsala.Locals extract the salt from the seawater following the same procedure used by the ancient Greeks and Phoenicians who once colonized this part of the Sicily.Once extracted from the water and dried,the salt is heaped into mounds and covered in tiles so the rain won't melt the salt before it's packed.Dinner and overnight in hotel in Agrigento.
3 DAY Agrigento –Siracusa
In the morning visit of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento , stated World Heritage Site from Unesco, where among hundreds of almond trees, the rests of the ancient Akragas rise.It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Transfer to Siracusa , the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily.The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis,with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Dyonisios “Ear”.Then we will visiting the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Siracusa. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral and the famous Arethusa’s Fountain.Dinner and overnight in hotel in Taormina or in surroundings.
4 DAY ETNA - TAORMINA
Departure to Etna , the highest active volcano in Europe.We will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows.* Then we will proceed to Taormina,charming town offering a lovely panorama of the Ionic Sea and Etna.We will visit Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre,and then we will have free time for a nice walk among the picturesque typical narrow streets and go shopping and looking around the local handycraft (coral jewels,precious laces,ceramics,sweets etc). Back to hotel, dinner.
*It is possible to explore Etna by 4-wheel drive vehicle ( jeep tour).We will see the Etna landscapes and wildness,endemic flora and geological features explaining the surrounding fragile environment.Having care of it,we'll take you following off-road itineraries through Etna's lava fields always driving on tracks,exploring caves,and walking to reach the "Valle del Bove" Caldera's rim,immense theatre of some major last eruptions.
5 DAY Catania- Warsaw
Transfer to Catania Airport. At 08:00 departure to Warsaw ( via Rome) .
Arrival in Warsaw at 12:25. The end of service