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DISCOVER ENCHANTING SICILY…

12 DAYS A LAND OF CONTRASTS

SMALL GROUP TOUR

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF SICILY: A LAND OF CONTRASTS

A wonderful journey to discover the beauty of Sicily travelling from west to east, through the magical interior of this paradise island.

Travel to Sicily with its idyllic climate, its archaeology treasures, dramatic vistas and hearty cuisine that embodies all things Sicilian.

Extravagant scenic beauty, a multicultural crossroads with a history that dates back to 3,000 years, an exuberant and richly layered culture

and a tradition of food and wine that is celebrated the world over…all converge here in sunny Sicily!. On this small group journey, you’ll

delve into one of the most fascinating and coveted regions in Italy.

Stare face to face with some of the world’s best Byzantine mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale – a literal Bible in gold. Sit in Taormina’s

Greek theatre looking out at still-smouldering Mt. Etna and you can’t help but feel goosebumps. Marvel at the rich archaeological ruins of

Siracusa dating to the 5Th century BC. Explore the brilliant Roman floor mosaics in the Villa del Casale. Enjoy an Italia evening Opera in

Taormina and more. The Greek influence is particularly strong in the south of Italy – we’ll see better preserved temples here than in Greece

itself!

Sicily has some of Italy’s best beaches and on this tour we make sure that you’ll have time to enjoy them. The cuisine of Sicily varies from

one province to the next as do the wines. Sicily is a world apart, an island separated from the rest of Italy not only by the sea but also by

centuries of history and cultural experience.

The land of the “Mezzogiorno” is a land of surprises and we are excited to discover this gem of an island with you all.

We have a real passion for Sicily and look forward to sharing it with you!

Thanks for travelling Secret Italia Tours

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A LAND OF CONTRASTS TRAVEL ITINERARY

TOUR LIMITED TO 12/14 PARTICIPANTS: FROM PALERMO TO CATANIA DAY 1: WELCOME TO SPICY PALERMO

Arrive in Palermo International Airport and travel to the city centre for a three nights stay in our central boutique hotel” CENTRALE PALACE”

(or similar), close to the city’s architecturally treasures. At 6.15 pm meet your tour manager for a welcome drink followed by a Sicilian feast

at a lively restaurant. Overnight in Palermo

DAY 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO & MONREALE

Breakfast in hotel. Start your discovery of Sicily with a guided walking tour of PALERMO, the Sicilian capital. A crossroads of history,

Palermo holds the distinction of being the world’s most conquered city and a melting pot of civilizations ranging from the Phoenicians,

Romans and Byzantines to the Arabs and Normans. We have included today a visit to the Byzantine MARTORANA CHURCH, famous for

its impressive Norman mosaics; the bustling open market of BALLARO‘ located in the ancient Arabic quarter of the city; the striking and

evocative PALATINE CHAPEL, dating back to the 12th century featuring amazing mosaics and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE.

After a wonderful visit to the famous Ballaro’ market, we’ll attend a guided tour of the “OPERA HOUSE MASSIMO” the biggest one in Italy

and one of the largest of Europe. Following lunch with typical Sicilian antipasti in a local tavern, we’ll drive in the hills south of Palermo to the

town of MONREALE, known for one of Sicily’s great sites – the stunning 12th century Norman cathedral literally wall-papered with golden

mosaics that tell the stories of the bible. Evening is on your own. Overnight in Palermo. Walking: Moderate

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DAY 3: SEGESTA, ERICE & TRAPANI SALT PANS EXPERIENCE

Breakfast in hotel. Western Sicily has always been more African than European and the first known settlers were the Elymians, probably

Trojan refugees, about whom little is known. This morning we take a short drive to SEGESTA, a unique archaeological site famous for its

magnificent 5th century Doric temple. Though never completed it is one of the best preserved examples of a Greek temple. Afterwards, we’ll

be reaching the hill-top town of ERICE by a 10 mins panoramic cableway ride from TRAPANI a town which lies below the headland

of MOUNT ERICE and covers a land of gear natural beauty, including a coastline that has many long beaches of white sand.

Step back in time in the fairy-tale town of ERICE with its breathtaking setting high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, a perfectly preserved medieval

treasure. The views are just magnificent! Erice’s roots dates as far back as the Carthaginian Empire. It also boasts an impressive

CASTLE with views over the EGADI ISLANDS. After an included lunch at the best typical tavern in ERICE and some Marsala wine, we

continue our Sicilian adventure travelling along the SALT ROAD, passing SALT PANS and WINDMILLS and learning about the history and

process of salt harvesting at the MUSEUM OF THE SALT. Enjoy the rest of the evening on your own. Overnight stay in Palermo. Walking:

Light/Moderate

DAY 4: MAFIA LECTURE IN CORLEONE & VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES IN AGRIGENTO

After breakfast, this morning’s drive takes you south from Palermo to the ancient city of AGRIGENTO, where you’ll visit the VALLEY OF

THE TEMPLES, a UNESCO world heritage site. The first highlight of the day will be a visit to the small town of CORLEONE, located in the

province of Palermo, well-known as the birthplace of several Mafia bosses. Here you’ll learn about the MAFIA, during an informative

discussion with the son of a Corleone couple. After some time on your own for lunch, we’ll then visit the VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES in

AGRIGENTO, an incredible concentration of Greek temples in varying states of ruin and reconstruction. We’ll explore the major temples of

the Valley with a local expert who will shed light on these monuments to the Golden age of Tyranny. This historic site was the heart of one of

the most important cities in the ancient world and is the prime example of the magnificence of Magna Grecia. After taking in the stunning

ruins, you’ll enjoy an exclusive visit to the SCALA DEI TURCHI (TURKISH STAIRCASE) a rock face (crag) which rises above the sea along

the coast of Realmonte. Tonight you’ll be staying at the first-class boutique hotel “BAGLIO DELLA LUNA” or similar located a short drive

from the Temples where to enjoy a candlelight dinner .Overnight stay in Agrigento. Walking: Moderate

DAY 5: ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS & SIRACUSA’S ELEGANCE

Your transfer to SIRACUSA features a stop to the VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE near Piazza Armerina. A Roman villa built in the first

quarter of the 4th century. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. It is one of the 44

UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. The villa was a luxurious hunting lodge used (some believe) by the Roman emperor Maximian. After

being abandoned in the 1200s, the villa was covered by a mudslide that protected the mosaics until systematic excavation in 1880s.

Following lunch on your own, your journey continues to the city of SIRACUSA. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to make your own

discoveries, maybe viewing the Greek Temple of Apollo, the legendary Fountain of Arethusa or simply wandering the colorful winding streets

and alleys of elegant ORTIGIA. You’ll be spending the next three nights at the beautiful 19th century “ROYAL MANIACE HOTEL“(or similar)

in the heart of Ortigia island. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Siracusa. Walking: Moderate

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DAY 6: DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF SYRACUSE

In the morning, you’ll explore SIRACUSA, another UNESCO World heritage site, a major outpost of the Greek empire. The city boasts an

incredible historical heritage, starting from the ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, featuring the ancient GREEK THEATRE now used for classical

performances, the LATOMIE DEL PARADISO, the largest quarry in the ancient urban settlement and the EAR OF DIONYSIUS, a

subterranean artificial cave quarry used as a prison. Once in ORTIGIA, you ‘ll also see numerous elegant Baroque town houses, rebuilt after

the earthquake that severely damaged the city in 1693, the elegant PIAZZA DUOMO, dominated by the cathedral’s baroque facade that is

subdivided by columns and the TEMPLE OF ATHENA from the 5th century BC lying behind it. After an included street food experience with

“local specialties” at the lively market, we’ll be sailing around the fascinating Ortigia GRAND HARBOUR (weather permitting) or being

entertained by SICILIAN PUPPETS SHOW. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Overnight in Siracusa. Walking: Moderate

DAY 7: ENCHANTING BAROQUE CITIES OF RAGUSA & MODICA:

A full day’s journey today takes you south-east to witness splendors of the Sicilian Baroque architecture, part of a UNESCO World Heritage

Site. We’ll visit first the splendid ancient RAGUSA IBLA, one of the most charming and picturesque hill towns in Sicily, famous for its

labyrinth of crooked lanes, tiny squares and noble PALAZZOS. Today we’ll tour the main church in IBLA SAN GIORGIO, with its imposing

facade and flight of steps, an exceptional example of the Baroque style in Sicily and the neoclassical PALAZZO AREZZO, rebuilt after the

1693 earthquake that destroyed the city. After time on your own for lunch and an included taste of RAGUSAN cheese, we drive to MODICA,

the splendid “one hundred churches town” where you’ll visit a popular local confectionery to sample the CHOCOLATE MODICANO whom

the town is worldwide famous for. Rest of the day is on your own. Overnight stay in Siracusa. Walking: Light

DAY 8: CATANIA, CYCLOPS RIVIERA & GIARDINI NAXOS

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to TAORMINA, one of the island’s most ancient towns and most beautiful destinations. On the way

you’ll discover CATANIA, a city which owes its homogeneous Baroque architecture in gloomy black lava to the last quake of 1693. During

your free time, you may consider to visit the CATHEDRAL OF ST.AGATHA, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed, PIAZZA

DUOMO (Cathedral Square), the TEATRO BELLINI, the VILLA GARDENS BELLINI and the lively FISH MARKET. We’ll also travel along

the panoramic CYCLOPS RIVIERA for a photo stop at the small fishermen village of ACITREZZA with its imposing, spiky shards of black

lava that rises up from the water. After an enjoyable included lunch on the golden sandy beach of GIARDINI NAXOS, the site of the first

Greek settlement in Sicily, you’ll arrive in TAORMINA for your last 4 nights at the central “HOTEL VILLA PARADISO” (or similar) with

breakfast included. Overnight stay in Taormina. Walking: Light

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DAY 9: TAORMINA, CASTELMOLA & HOME HOSTED FAMILY LUNCH

This morning you’ll experience chic TAORMINA and fairy-tale CASTELMOLA. Taormina’s origin goes back to the time of Dionysus in about

400 BC. It remained an important city during the Greek and Roman periods and the Theatre and Odeon still survive as reminders of those

times. Taormina also boasts a number of elegant mansions and palaces dating back from the Middle Ages, and several interesting churches

including the 15th century fortified cathedral, and St Pancreas’, which incorporates part of a Greek temple. It is also a wonderful setting in

which to practice the “Dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing) while strolling the charming medieval city center and enjoying the

stupendous views. CASTELMOLA is an enchanting hamlet perched above Taormina from where to enjoy fabulous views over Taormina and

the bay of Naxos. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of “Vino alla mandorla” (almond wine) at Bar Turrisi. At 12.30 our coach will take you to a

village located near the ALCANTARA GORGES where a Sicilian family will celebrate you with an included lunch. Rest of the day and

evening is on your own. Overnight stay in Taormina. Walking: Light/Moderate

DAY 10: MAJESTIC MOUNT ETNA & WINERY VISIT

Explore majestic MOUNT ETNA, known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky”- Mt Etna is the highest and largest volcano in

Europe and one of the world’s most active. The peak changes in size over the years. It currently rises at 11,000 feet above sea level and

literally towers above Sicily’s Ionian coast and since 1987. Its slopes have been part of the Etna Parkland, an area that encompasses both

alpine forests and the forbiddingly black summit. You’ll ascend to 7,000 ft. and take a walk to visit the Silvestri Craters and new lava flow

from recent eruptions ( optional ascend by cable car & land rover jeep to be paid locally). After a tasting of local liqueur wine, we’ll descend

to the village of LINGUAGLOSSA to visit a well-known Sicilian winery where to taste some local wine and enjoy a light lunch. Rest of the day

is on your own. Enjoy an ITALIAN OPERA EVENING in beautiful TAORMINA. Overnight stay in Taormina. Walking: Light

…..The best tour we have ever been in our life…all PERFETTO!!!

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Meet the staff: Charming tour manager Rosaria and driver Marco

“We would like to thank Rosaria again for making our trip to Sicily so special. We enjoyed every minute

of the trip and her knowledge, charm, and concern for each member of the tour group played a major

part in making that happen. We are still speaking with our hands, know when the big earthquake

occurred, and we will never be quite the same when we hear “Volare”…..

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Great local tour managers who will entertain you

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Divine food and local wineries

DAY 11: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GODFATHER

We’ll begin our day with a short morning drive to the picturesque mountain village of SAVOCA, set on the foothills of the Peloritani

Mountains. The site served as a setting for Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia drama the GODFATHER .Here you’ll visit the 18th century BAR

VITELLI, one of Coppola’s favorite spots and the church of ST.LUCIA. Afterwards,we continue to FORZA D’AGRO’, another charming

Sicilian village boasting amazing views over the Ionian coast. Enjoy an included taste of Sicilian “Granita”. Afternoon is on your own to enjoy

Taormina.Tonight we’ll celebrate you with an “ARRIVEDERCI DINNER” in a local restaurant, sharing travel memories and toasting new

friends. Salute! Overnight stay in Taormina. Walking: Light.

DAY 12: ARRIVEDERCI SICILIA

Morning transfers to Catania airport for your flight home. Arrivederci from all of us and thanks for travelling Secret Italia Tours!!

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Wonderful Alfresco meals….

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Guaranteed departures group travel: small, friendly group limited to 12/14 participants only!

More than 15 included sightseeing tours and cultural experiences

VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES & TURKISH STAIRCASE in AGRIGENTO

visit to SEGESTA TEMPLE and unspoilt ERICE

NA with included WINE TASTING in local wine estate

-HOSTED MEAL” near the TAORMINA

ZO in RAGUSA

THANKS FOR TRAVELLING SECRET ITALIA TOURS!!!!