Sicily & Costiera Amalfitana with Capri

Description

Day 1 - Saturday: CATANIA (hotel in Catania) Individual arrival to the hotel in the charming city of Catania (optional private transfer on request). Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 2 - Sunday: SYRACUSE – NOTO (hotel in Ragusa) After breakfast in hotel, departure for Syracuse, an old city full of history and art. You will admire the famous Archaeological Park of Neapolis, a site that offers a glorious past of Sicily. Inside the park, you will visit the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, ancient stone quarries used as prisons. Walking among these fascinating rocks formations, you will arrive at the Ear of Dionysius. The tour continues to Ortigia, the ancient heart of Syracuse, where you will admire Piazza Duomo, full of history and beautiful architecture and the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, built on the remains of a Greek temple. From Piazza Duomo, you will reach the port and the Arethusa’s Fountain. Free lunch. In the afternoon, departure for Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque. Here you will admire the architectural masterpieces of the eighteenth century, which make this city a real jewel. Walking through its streets, you will be enchanted by the decorated facades, imposing churches and elegant palaces. Free time to explore Noto, transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 3 – Monday: RAGUSA IBLA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA (hotel in Agrigento) The morning the tour continues to Ragusa Ibla, one of the pearls of the Sicilian Baroque. This charming city is famous for its many churches, more than fifty, for the splendid “Giardino Ibleo” and for its beautiful baroque palaces. Walking through the cobbled streets, you will lose yourself in an atmosphere of yesteryear. Ragusa Ibla is also famous for being the set of the famous fiction "Il Commissario Montalbano". Proceeding on and visit of Modica, another baroque gem of Sicily. Here, you will stop at the renowned chocolate shop Sabadì, known internationally for its unique chocolate, I.G.P. certified and Slow Food praesidium. Lunch break in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, depart towards Piazza Armerina to visit the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale. You will walk through the rooms of the villa, admiring vivid representations of hunting scenes, mythology and daily life, which will offer a fascinating look at the life of yesteryear. Transfer to Agrigento, dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4 – Tuesday: AGRIGENTO – MARSALA - SALT ROAD (hotel in Palermo) The day begins with a visit of the majestic Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most important and fascinating archaeological sites of the ancient world. You will explore the remains of the old city of Akragas. You will walk among the iconic monuments, such as the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Hercules. Then, departure towards Marsala, famous for the landing of Garibaldi and its noble palaces. Walking through the streets of the centre, you will admire the baroque monuments that adorn this city rich in history and culture. The tour continues with an exclusive visit of the Florio Cellars, an icon of Sicilian oenology. Here, the visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats of the 19th, which are still used for the refinement of Marsala wine, and the three suggestive wineries. Light lunch accompanied by the wines produced by the company. In the afternoon, the walking tour along the suggestive Salt Road, to discover the salt pans of Marsala, among the oldest in the world. You will admire the islands of Stagnone and the white expanses of salt flats, which still represent an important industry for salt extraction. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Wednesday: MONREALE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo) Breakfast in hotel and visit of Monreale, famous for its magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the Byzantine mosaics that decorate the interior of the cathedral. Then, visit of the Cloister, with its finely carved columns. The tour continues to Palermo, located at the foot of Monte Pellegrino. This charming city is full of diverse architectural styles, due to the overlapping of different historical eras. The first stop will be the Cathedral, an imposing building that reflects Norman, Arab and Baroque influences. You will continue with the visit of the Martorana Church, famous for its splendid mosaics and the Cappella Palatina, known for its extraordinary golden mosaics, an exceptional example of Norman art. Lunch break in a local restaurant. Proceeding on, you will admire the Teatro Massimo and the fountain in Pretoria Square, with its elaborate statues and its Renaissance architecture. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 6 – Thursday: CEFALU’- CATANIA (hotel in Catania) The day begins with a visit of the beautiful Cefalù, picturesque coastal town famous for its Norman Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that will immerse you in the medieval Sicilian history. Free time to walk along the streets of the old town. Lunch stop in a local restaurant. Departure for Catania, located at the foot of Mount Etna. Catania is a vibrant city, rich in history. The old town is characterized by late baroque architecture built with the use of lava stone, which gives the buildings a characteristic dark color. You will cross Duomo Square, where you will admire the Cathedral and the Elephant of lava stone, symbol of the city. You can admire splendid palaces and churches, including the S. Benedict Monastery. Stop in a historic bar in the center to enjoy one of the local specialities: granita & brioche. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 7 - Friday: ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Catania) After breakfast in hotel, a short visit of the famous "Pescheria" of Catania, the lively fish market. Following, departure for Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Etna offers spectacular landscapes with lava flows, craters and rich biodiversity. During the tour, there will be the opportunity for a tasting of artisanal honey and other local products. Proceeding on and departure for Taormina, one of the pearls of the Mediterranean. Lunch in a restaurant in the old town. You will then visit the fascinating Greco-Roman Theatre which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and Mount Etna, creating a perfect combination between art, history and nature. Free time to walk along the narrow streets of the historic center of Taormina or to go shopping in local craft shops. Back in Catania for dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 8 – Saturday: CATANIA - NAPLES (hotel in Naples) After breakfast in hotel, enjoy free time in Catania before the private transfer to the airport, according to the flight schedule, and departure to Naples. Private transfer directly to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the city and enjoy an optional tour. Dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 9 - Sunday: NAPLES – POMPEII - SORRENTO (hotel in Sorrento) After breakfast, you will proceed to Pompeii for a private guided tour of the archaeological excavations. This ancient Roman city was destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and buried it, preserving it under a sea of volcanic ash for nearly 1700 years. At the end of the visit, transfer to Sorrento, famous for its picturesque old town center and characteristic fisherman’s village of Marina Grande, one of the most authentic treasures of the city. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 10 - Monday: SORRENTO – CAPRI - SORRENTO (hotel in Sorrento) Breakfast in hotel. Today’s tour brings you to the fascinating island of Capri, home of the “Dolce Vita” and international VIPs, also known as the “World living room”. Since the 50s, this town has been the summer holiday location of international jetset and a source of inspiration for designers and poets, thanks to the beauties this island can offer. Sail to Capri by traditional Gozzo Sorrentino. Enjoy a boat trip around the island and the possibility to swim into its crystal– clear waters. You will continue by minibus to discover it and reach the legendary Piazzetta, the vibrant heart of the island. Spend some free time exploring Capri at your own pace. Return to the port to head back to Sorrento. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 11 - Tuesday: SORRENTO – POSITANO - AMALFI (hotel in Amalfi) After breakfast in hotel, depart towards Amalfi to discover the stunning Amalfi Coast. The exceptional cultural and natural value, with a stunning Mediterranean landscape, have included the Amalfi Coast among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the way, enjoy a 2-hour stop in Positano, a picturesque village famously known as the "Pearl of the Amalfi Coast" for its extraordinary beauty. Nestled among the mountains, Positano boasts a mild climate and spectacular views, including the renowned Belvedere. Positano has been considered a summer holiday location since the Roman Empire. After leaving Positano, you will reach Amalfi, a town rich in history that gives its name to the entire coastline. Check-in at the hotel and free time at your disposal. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Day 12 - Wednesday: AMALFI (hotel in Amalfi) Breakfast in hotel and a day at leisure to explore Amalfi. Founded by the Romans, it is popular for being one of the four Italian Maritime Republics. Its historical center is justly considered an outdoor museum, and preserves, almost intact, architectural and urban excavations from its rich past. You can have the possibility to add an optional tour to visit the Amalfi Coast, such as a walking tour of Ravello. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the authentic essence of the Amalfi Coast by visiting all Limoncello production phases in a real panoramic Limonaia, a gorgeous lemon garden. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 13 - Thursday: AMALFI - NAPLES Breakfast in the hotel and check out. Morning at leisure in Amalfi. Direct transfer from Amalfi to Naples at around 3:30 p.m. and end of our service.

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