Hidden Secrets of Sicily from Catania to Taormina small group tour – 8 days escorted tour

Independent arrival at your hotel in Catania, followed by check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel before settling in for your overnight stay.

After a buffet breakfast, we depart for Syracuse to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Neapolis. Here, you’ll explore the famous Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the striking Ear of Dionysius.

The journey continues to the island of Ortigia, the charming baroque heart of Syracuse. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral, built upon the ancient Doric Temple of Minerva, the legendary Fountain of Arethusa, and the Temple of Apollo.

In Ortigia, we’ll savour a light street food lunch in the historic centre, followed by free time in the afternoon to wander its enchanting streets, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or shop for local treasures.

We then return to Catania. The evening is yours to experience the city’s lively atmosphere and perhaps dine at one of its typical restaurants. Overnight stay in Catania.

We then return to Catania. The evening is yours to experience the city’s lively atmosphere and perhaps dine at one of its typical restaurants. Overnight stay in Catania.

Free time for lunch. Departure to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared Unesco World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of “open city”, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18^th century architecture whose local limestone has been burnt gold by the sun. Noto’s Baroque is a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. Visit of Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, beautiful noble residence in Baroque style. Free time for a walk along the town. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel.

After a buffet breakfast, we begin the day with a leisurely walk through Catania’s city centre, including a visit to the lively fish market “A Piscaria”, one of the largest in Sicily. As old as the city itself, this vibrant market offers a true immersion into Sicily’s rich fishing traditions and authentic daily life.

We then depart for Ragusa, a town renowned for its fine cheese production. Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy a tasting of artisan cheeses and Sicilian specialties, served as a light lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a charming panoramic tour of Ragusa Ibla, the historical baroque centre, aboard the “Baroque Train.” Here, you’ll marvel at magnificent palaces and churches that, along with seven other cities of the Val di Noto, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Afterwards, we continue to our reserved hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax by the swimming pool or unwind in the Spa. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.

After a buffet breakfast, we depart along the spectacular “Salt Route”, a scenic road lined with ancient salt pans, traditional windmills, and historic salt houses where sea salt is still harvested today, just as in Phoenician times.

We then arrive in Erice, a charming hilltop town overlooking Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Here, we’ll wander through its narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, and picturesque streets, pausing to enjoy a tasting of the town’s famous biscuits.

The journey continues toward Monreale, with a light lunch of local specialties en route. Perched on a hill just a few kilometres from Palermo, Monreale is home to the world-renowned Cathedral, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. Inside, we’ll admire its extraordinary cycle of Byzantine mosaics, depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments in splendid Arab-Norman style.

We then proceed to Palermo for hotel accommodation. The evening is free to enjoy shopping or dinner at leisure. Overnight stay in Palermo.

After a buffet breakfast, we begin with a walking tour of Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Strolling along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, we reach the famous Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini. We’ll visit the majestic Cathedral, one of the city’s most important architectural treasures, before continuing to one of Palermo’s historic markets—an explosion of colours, aromas, and authenticity that truly captures the soul of the city.
Our journey then takes us to Cefalù, once a humble fishing village and now a picturesque coastal town. We’ll explore its charming centre, walk along the main street, and visit the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral as well as the medieval washhouse carved into the rock. You will have free time to explore the town at your own pace, shop, or enjoy lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we drive along the scenic coastal road to Taormina, passing through Messina, where we’ll admire the breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time for dinner. Overnight stay in Taormina.

After a buffet breakfast, we set out on an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We’ll ascend to 1,800 metres, reaching the Silvestri Craters, where a breathtaking panorama opens over the Ionian Sea.

On the eastern slopes of Etna, we’ll stop at a renowned winery for a guided visit to its prestigious cellar. Here, we’ll enjoy a tasting of fine local wines, paired with traditional cheeses and cured meats.

In the afternoon, we return to Taormina, often called “the Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” You’ll have free time to wander its charming narrow streets, shop for local treasures, or, if you wish, visit the famous Greek-Roman Theatre on your own. Dinner is at leisure, followed by an overnight stay in Taormina.

After a buffet breakfast, your unforgettable journey comes to an end. Please let us know if you would like assistance with post tour arrangements in Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, or anywhere in the world.

Please note that the itinerary may be adjusted for organisational reasons or in cases of force majeure