www.secretitalia.it Page 1

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

www.secretitalia.it Page 2

www.secretitalia.it Page 3

A LAND OF CONTRASTS TRAVEL ITINERARY

TOUR LIMITED TO 12/15 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

www.secretitalia.it Page 4

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 time on your own for lunch 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: 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, 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 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 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. Tonight you’ll be staying at the lovely hotel “BAGLIO DELLA LUNA” (or similar) located a short drive from the Temples where

to enjoy a candlelight dinner .Overnight stay in AGRIGENTO

DAY 5: ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS & SIRACUSA’S ELEGANCE

Your transfer to Siracusa features a stop at the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina 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 an included lunch in a

country Osteria, your journey continues to the city of Siracusa. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to make your own discoveries, maybe viewing

the Greek Temple of Apollo, the legendary Fountain of Arethusa or simply wandering the colourful winding streets and alleys of

elegant Ortigia. You’ll be spending the next three nights at the 19th century “ROYAL MANIACE HOTEL“ (or similar) in the heart of the island

of Ortigia. Overnight stay in SIRACUSA

www.secretitalia.it Page 5

DAY 6: DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF SYRACUSE

In the morning, you’ll explore Siracusa, a major outpost of the Greek empire with a local expert. The city boasts an incredible historical

heritage, starting from the Archaeological Park, featuring the ancient Greek Theater 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. You’ll 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 at the lively market with local cheese, you’ll be sailing around the

fascinating island of Ortigia and its prehistoric caves (weather permitting).Dinner is included in a local tavern. Overnight in SIRACUSA

DAY 7: BAROQUE RAGUSA & MODICA- PALAZZO AND OLIVE OIL

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. In 1693, in the wake of a mighty eruption of Etna, this corner of Sicily was devastated by an earthquake. Towns were rapidly rebuilt out

of the glowing local limestone. We’ll visit first the splendid “one hundred churches town” where you’ll attend a demonstration of how the well-

known Cioccolato Modicano is made. The day continues with a short drive to 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. Free time to visit the main church

of San Giorgio, with its imposing facade and flight of steps, an exceptional example of the Baroque style in Sicily and a

neoclassical Palazzo, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake that destroyed the city. Before returning to Siracusa, we’ll have the opportunity to

visit an exclusive Olive Estate where to taste the best Sicilian extra virgin Olive oil, meeting the owners and visit the farm, the olive tree

groves and the oil press. Overnight stay in SIRACUSA

DAY 8: FROZEN CATANIA, HOME-HOSTED LUNCH & ALMOND WINE IN CASTELMOLA

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. You may

consider visiting the Cathedral of St. Agatha, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed, Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), the Bellini

Theater, the Villa Gardens and the lively Fish Market. We’ll then travel along the panoramic lemons riviera to reach a quaint village at the

foot of the volcano where a Sicilian family will celebrate you with an included lunch. Following this, we’ll visit the hamlet of Castelmola

perched above Taormina from where to enjoy fabulous views over the bay of Naxos and MT Etna.Do not forget to try “Vino alla

Mandorla”(almond wine) at Bar Turrisi.Spend the last 4 nights of your Sicilian tour experience in Taormina at the charming “HOTEL VILLA

SCHULER“ (or similar) with breakfast included. This evening dinner is on your own in one of the local trattorias. Overnight stay in

TAORMINA

www.secretitalia.it Page 6

DAY 9: CHARMING SAVOCA, LUNCH ON THE BEACH AND TAORMINA DELIGHTS

This morning tour takes you to visit the picturesque mountain village of Savoca, set on the foothills of the Peloritani Mountains. Here you’ll

visit the 18th century Bar Vitelli, one of Coppola’s favorite spots and the church of St. Lucia. Lunch is included today on the sandy beach

of Giardini Naxos, the site of the first Greek settlement in Sicily. In the early afternoon we continue to Taormina for a walking guided tour and

a unique visit to the Greek theater. Clamped to a rocky bluff planted with cypresses, pines and lush subtropical vegetation, the exquisitely

maintained medieval town of Taormina is Sicily’s glitziest and most dramatically situated resort. Taormina’s origin goes back to the time of

Dionysus in about 400BC. It remained an important city during the Greek and Roman periods and the Theater and Odeon still survive as

reminders of those times. Taormina also boasts a number of elegant mansions and palaces dating back to 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 where to practice the “Dolce Far Niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing)while strolling the charming medieval city center

and enjoy the stupendous views. The evening is on your own. Overnight stay in TAORMINA

DAY 10: MAJESTIC MOUNT ETNA, WINERY VISIT AND OPERA EVENING

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. 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 (further ascend to highest levels to be paid locally). Afterwards, you’ll descend to the village of Milo to visit a well-

known Sicilian winery where to taste some local wine and products. In the evening Secret Italia Tours invites you for a magical Italian Opera

evening in a private theater. Overnight stay in TAORMINA

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

www.secretitalia.it Page 7

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”…..

www.secretitalia.it Page 8

Great local tour managers who will entertain you

www.secretitalia.it Page 9

Divine food and local wineries

DAY 11: MORNING PIZZA MAKING EXPERIENCE & ARRIVEDERCI DINNER

Enjoy the morning on your own for further explorations of this beautiful town or join us for an optional late morning pizza making experience

in an ancient villa dating back to the 600’s where a professional “pizzaiolo” (pizza chef) will be waiting to give you an introduction to the

history of pizza and how to make it. The rest of the day is on your own. In the evening we’ll celebrate you with an “Arrivederci dinner” sharing

travel memories and toasting new friends. Salute! Overnight stay in TAORMINA

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!!

www.secretitalia.it Page 10

Wonderful Alfresco meals….

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Guaranteed departures group travel: small, friendly group limited to 12/15 participants only!

of CATANIA with its FISH MARKET

& TURKISH STAIRCASE in AGRIGENTO

PUPPETS SHOW

Visit majestic MOUNT ETNA with included WINE TASTING in local wine estate

-HOSTED MEAL” near the TAORMINA

Neoclassical PALAZZO AREZZO in RAGUSA

THANKS FOR TRAVELLING SECRET ITALIA TOURS!!!!