The beauty of Sardinia and Sicily
What a great opportunity to visit the most gorgeous islands of Europe in 21 days trip! Unleash your italian in this fully immersion relaxing tour
DAY 1: CATANIA-TAORMINA
Arrival at Catania airport and transfer to 4 * hotel In Taormina . Welcome dinner & overnight.
DAY 2 – MT ETNA TOUR WITH VISIT AT BENANTI WINERY
After breakfast transfer to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. It is one of the main attractions of Sicily. Etna is famous not only for its volcanic phenomena, but also for the breathtaking views of its paths and for the variety of flora and fauna found there. At the end of the Etna tour, we will visit a local winery Benanti, including wine tasting and soft lunch, based on typical Sicilian products. Free afternoon, Overnight in Taormina
DAY 3 – CATANIA – RIVIERA DEI CICLOPI – ACIREALE - TAORMINA
After breakfast transfer to Catania, ancient capital of Sicily. Visit Piazza di Duomo with Cathedral, Crocifieri Street, Fontana dell'Elefanti (Elephant fountain), Town Hall, Palazzo dei Chierici and Benedictine Monastery. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, visit Riviera dei Ciclopi, the Riviera of the Cyclops, a legendary stretch of coast north from Catania. It passes through several charming villages. We will visit Aci Castello, Azi Trezza, the setting of the famous novel “The Galatea Sea” by the Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga, and Acireale, a small but beautiful Baroque city between volcano Etna and the sea. In the afternoom visit Taormina where we will meet the professional guide for our city tour. The Sicilians founded this historic city in 1300 BCE. Later the Greeks and Romans settled there. Here we will visit the Greek-Roman amphitheater, the cathedral of Taormina, the small theater Odeon, the Corvaia Palace and we can also take a walk on the main road “Corso Umberto". Free Afternoom, Overnight in Taormina
DAY 4 – SIRACUSA
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Syracuse. Encapsulating Sicily’s timeless beauty, Syracuse is a dense tapestry of overlapping cultures and civilizations. In the morning, you’ll explore this 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 Dionysus, 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, you’ll be sailing around the fascinating island of Ortigia to discover some of its prehistoric caves (weather permitting). Overnight in SIRACUSA
DAY 5 – MODICA – FARM COS VITTORIA- RAGUSA IBLA
After breakfast meet with the guide to visit the city of Modica. This is another impressive baroque city that we find in the fiction of "Commissioner Montalbano". You will visit the Church of San Pietro and the Cathedral of San Giorgio. Experiencing the sight of their walls and interiors is worth spending the energy needed to climb the long steps that lead to these wonderful churches. After this excursion, we will go to Visit to the farm Cos di Vittoria, followed by a wine and oil tasting is a typical Sicilian lunch.After lunch You will visit Ragusa. In its “Vigata Square”, is a must to admire the Mather Church in the fiction: St. Giorgio Chatedral. We will then continue to the Conversation Club, featured in the episode "The smell of the night" and where Montalbano goes to see Doctor Pasquano at that time playing cards. Continuing on Via XXV Aprile, at some point you’ll see Piazza Pola, in front of the Church of St. Giuseppe which, in recent episodes of the fiction, represents the location of the police station in Vigata. It will be Impossible not to notice, the number of photographers capturing this location. Dinner and Overnight in Taormina
Return to the hotel in Syracuse. Overnigt.
DAY 6 –NOTO
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Noto, the Baroque Capital of Sicily and a UNESCO Heritage Site, for a guided tour. Along its main axis, we will admire imposing landmarks such aspalaces, churches and convents, which characterize the historical center of this amazing city. Some of those landmarks are: The Cathedral, Nicolaci Palace, Villadorata and Ducezio Palace.Return in hotel in Siracusa.
DAY 7 –SIRACUSA – PIAZZA ARMERINA - COOKING CLASS IN PARK CULTURAL FARM FAVARA - AGRIGENTO
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Piazza Armerina known worldwide for the mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, proceed to Agrigento, accommodation at the hotel and late afternoon, transfer to Park Cultural Farm Favara. This experience has guests spending a morning at the Farm Cultural Park of Favara (Agrigento). The British travel blog, Purple Travel has placed Favara and Farm Cultural Park at sixth in the world as a tourist destination for lovers of contemporary art, preceded by Florence, Paris, Bilbao, the Greek Islands and New York. Program : welcome drink, fresh homemade lemonade served with typical Sicilian snacks;
Program:
Cooking course lasting about three hours, using fresh, local organic produce; guests will receive instructional hands-on lessons in the preparation of three traditional Sicilian dishes;
Tour of the art gallery and courtyards (the gardens, current exhibits, museum shop, etc.);
lunch consisting of the dishes prepared during the course, served in the museum’s “black space” or “n’zemmula” with locally made wine and seasonal fruit. Return in hotel in Agrigento. Overnight stay.
DAY 8: AGRIGENTO / BORGO DI SANT’ANGELO MUXARO / VALLE DEI TEMPLI
After breakfast we will travel to reach the hinterland of Agrigento. On the hill near the center of the river Platani, was born a small village called Sant'Angelo Muxaro. Our professional tour guide will take us to a pastry shop to enjoy homemade biscuits; then, we will visit a shepherds' house to taste the soft, still warm pecorino and ricotta cheese. We will also enjoy a family lunch. After lunch we will go to Agrigento. Here, a professional guide will lead us into the Valley of the Temples: the UNESCO Heritage Site, which recently (March 2017) was recognized by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage as the winner of the best project for the protection and enhancement of the Italian landscape. From a vast expanse of almond trees (already in bloom in February), stands the rest of the old Akragas, (city of Agrigento) defined by Pindar "the most beautiful city of mortals". Here you will admire more temples: Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Zeus. In the evening dinner in a traditional rural country house, where between Sicilian music and food of the ancient Sicilian traditions, in a familiar and festive atmosphere we spend the evening. Overnight in Agrigento.
DAY 9: SCALA DEI TURCHI - CEFALÙ - PALERMO
After a buffet breakfast, transfer for the Scala Dei Turchi, a living cliff made of a spur of white marl prominently on the sea, whose stratifying layers add a very suggestive aspect.
Continue for Cefalù, a charming coastal town, a former fishing village that also houses a breathtaking Norman Cathedral. Take a walk to the city center and along the main road to reach the Cathedral and the medieval wash house built into the rock. After Lunch to Cefalù, proceed to Palermo. Overnight hotel Palermo
DAY 10: FOOD MARKET - PALERMO & MONREALE TOUR
After breakfast transfer to the “Capo” market. We will begin immediately to explore the Sicilian culture and cuisine. The itinerary begins with a visit to the Capo market, the oldest market in Palermo, where we will see and taste the famous street food: panelle, arancine, croquettes and bread. You will admire the small and colorful shacks that characterize the wealth of fruit, fish and meat and the sellers, who scream, to attract your attention. Later you will visit Palermo, which extends along the beautiful bay of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Founded by the Phoenicians in the seventh and eighth centuries BC, it was conquered by the Arabs in 831 AD. We will visit the main attractions of the city such as the Norman section, I Quattro Canti (the four corners of the city), the Baroque square of the Cathedral. In the afternoon departure for Monreale, visiting the impressive Arab-Norman cathedral with its masterpieces of art, (famous for the rich Byzantine mosaics that beautifully decorate inside) its beautiful cloister, sculptures and inlays. Typical Sicilian dinner at the restaurant and overnight in Palermo.
DAY 11- SCOPELLO / SAN VITO LO CAPO / ERICE / TRAPANI
After breakfast, accommodation in the private bus and transfer Scopello, walk through the center of the picturesque village and proceed to San Vito Lo Capo. After the walk where we will admire the white and crystalline sea, we continue to Erice, located about 1000 meters high, from which we can see the archipelago of the Egadi Islands. Late afternoon hotel in Trapani overnight at the hotel.
DAY 12 - MARSALA / MOTHIA / SALINE / TRAPANI
After breakfast Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Marsala, meeting with the guide and walk in the historic center and visit the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum. Afterwards we will visit the Saline of the Stagnone di Marsale and the island of Mothia. Continue to Trapani where you can admire the Cathedral. In the evening return to the hotel, dinner in a restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Trapani.
DAY 13 - PALERMO / OLBIA (1)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Palermo airport for boarding the flight to Olbia. Arrival in Olbia, accommodation by minibus and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Olbia
DAY 14: CALAGONONE-CRUISE CAVE BLUE MARINO - DORGALI AND NURGAGHE SERRA ORRIOS
Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to Calagonone and boarding on motorboat for the excursion to the Cave of Bue Marino. Return to Calagonone and transfer to Dorgali with the visit. In the afternoon transfer to the nuragic village of Serra Orrios, one of the most important and best preserved of Sardinia Nuragica, composed of about 100 huts, two small temples and two megalithic tombs. Returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Olbia
DAY 15: NUORO - ORGOSOLO AND LUNCH WITH I SHEPERDS
Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to Nuoro, visit of the city and its Museum of ancient Sardinian costumes. Lunch with shepherds based on "purceddu" and typical products. Total immersion in the ancient Sardinian culture together with a folklore show as a complement. In the afternoon visit the murals of Orgosolo. Returning to the hotel. Overnight in Olbia
DAY 16: SANTA TERESA OF GALLURA - CANNIGGIONE (BAJA SARDINIA) - ARZACHENA
Breakfast at the hotel Transfer and visit to Santa Teresa di Gallura, visit of the historical center, of the tourist port and of the famous Tower of Longosardo. Transfer to Costa Smeralda and visit of the Baja Sardinia, its famous promenade and exclusive roads. Lunch during the excursion. In the afternoon, walk along the seafront of Canniggione and visit of Arzachena. Return to the hotel, overnight in Olbia
DAY 17: PALAU - CAPRERA AND MADDALENA
Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to Palau and boarding for La Maddalena. Transfer to the island of Caprera, with entrance to the Casa Museo "the hero of the worlds" Giuseppe Garibaldi. A fascinating journey through the places remained unchanged, where the hero spent the last years of his life. Returning to La Maddalena, a typical fish meal. In the afternoon visit of "La Maddalena" the largest of the islands that are part of the homonymous archipelago. I'm going back to the hotel. Overnight in Olbia
DAY 18: COSTA SMERALDA: POLTU QUATU - PORTO CERVO - PORTO ROTONDO - CAPO CODA CAVALLO - ALGHERO
Breakfast at the hotel Day dedicated to discovering the most beautiful places of the Costa Smeralda. Starting from Poltu Quatu (from the Sardinian means "hidden port", thanks to its natural form), we will follow with Porto Cervo, one of the main popular tourist destinations of the VIPs, finally Porto Rotondo, all the places of the island of great splendor and charm. Returning, we will stop at Capo Coda Cavallo, where we will admire, from a privileged position, the island of Tavolara and its beautiful natural pools. Follow-up to Alghero. Dinner and overnight Alghero
DAY 19: GROTTE DI NETTUNO - SASSARI - ALGHERO
Wake up and breakfast and transfer to the neptune caves for a boat excursion of about 2.30 hours. Lunch during the excursion and Continuation towards Sassari for a guided tour of the city. Return to Alghero for a guided tour, known for its historic paved center and its Catalan Gothic style buildings. Dinner and overnight in Alghero
DAY 20: TEMPLE PAUSANIA - CASTELSARDO - BEACH LI COSSI
Wake up and breakfast From the structure at 08.00 on time. Transfer to Tempio Pausania and short tour of the resort known for the production and craftsmanship of cork. Continuation towards Castelsardo, visit of the beautiful resort that develops on a beautiful promontory. Lunch during the excursion. Farewel Dinner in a typical restaunt and overnight. Alghero
DAY 21 : OLBIA OR ALGHERO
Breakfast and return to headquarters
Sicily
The price includes:
• Private air-conditioned Minivan Mercedes , as scheduled, including the transfers from apt / htl / apt
• N. 12 Breakfast and Overnight in Hotel 4*;
• 3 nights Hotel a Taormina: Excelsior Palace hotel or Hotel Diodoro or similar
• 3 nights Hotel a Siracusa: Hotel Royal Maniace or similar
• 2 nights Hotel Agrigento : Hotel della Valle or similar
• 2 nights Hotel Palermo: Palazzo Sitano or similar
• 2 nights Hotel Trapani or Marsala Area : Villa Zina Park or similar
• Guided tours:
• Mt. Etna , Catania , Riviera dei Ciclopi, Acireale, Siracusa, Modica & Ragusa Ibla, Noto, Piazza Armerina, Valle dei Templi, Cefalù, Palermo & Monreale, Scopello , San Vito Lo Capo, Erice, Trapani, Marsala ,Mozia.
• Visit Benanti Winery and Wine tasting & Lunch
• Home Restaurant da Salvina second day.
• Soft Lunch F.lli Burgio Siracuse, with typical Sicilian products
• Boat Excursion Ortigia island
• Wine Tasting & typical Sicilian lunch to Farm Cos Vittoria.
• Cooking Class Farm Cultural Farm
• Excursion Sant’Angelo Muxaro and soft lunch with a typical product
• Dinner in rural country house to Agrigento.
• Typical Sicilian dinner to Palermo
• Typical Sicilian dinner Trapani Area.
• Tkt Boat for Mothia
Sardinia
The price includes:
- English speaking tour escort from start to finish
- Accommodation in Hotel **** in double or twin rooms with private bathrooms
- 5 nights hotel 4* Olbia – For You Hotel o similar
- 3 nights hotel 4* Alghero – Porto Conte Hotel o similar
- Overnight stays and meals as scheduled: 8 bb with 3 dinner at the hotel + 1 firewel dinner in restaurant + 4 lunches in the restaurant as scheduled
- Drinks included (1/4 wine + 1/2 mineral)
- Buffet breakfast
- 1/2 mineral)
- Buffet breakfast
- Excursion to the Caves of Neptune
- Excursion by boat to the Grotta del Bue Marino - Included entrance
- Entrance to the Giuseppe Garibaldi House Museum (Caprera)
- Entrance to the Costume Museum (Nuoro)
- Entrance to the Nuragico Sierra Orrios Village
- Transfer by ferry from Palau to La Maddalena A / R with 12 MT bus pass
- Bus following the tour for 8 nights and 9 days MAX 30 SEATS (including room / driver accommodation)
- Accompagnatrice / guide in English for the whole duration of the tour (inclusive board / lodging)
The tour does not include:
- Tourist tax to be paid locally
- Inputs during visits not specified in the fee includes
- Tips and personal extras in general
- Anything not expressly indicated under the heading '' The individual parti
- City Tax, Porterage, tips, flights, extra at hotels, and anything not listed under “the price includes”