Spectacular Sicily
Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Castelbuono, Taormina, Siracusa, Ortigia
10 days 9 nights
9 breakfasts
6 delicious lunch/dinner experiences.
Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean delights visitors on many levels. With it’s sun, sea, sandy beaches and mountains combining with it’s multi-cultural history, art, architecture and of course fabulous food. It is a perfect destination for a truly Spectacular Journey!
"To have seen Italy, without having seen Sicily, is not to have seen Italy at all. For Sicily is the clue to everything, (Goethe)
September 21 - 30, 2023
$4750 per person
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Day 1
Benvenuti a Palermo!
Join us for a wonderful welcome dinner.
Day 2
Today we immerse in the beauty and culture of Palermo. We will stroll through the historical city center while marveling at the many magnificent sites concentrated in this area. We will be stopping at the famous markets for the delicious traditional street food offerings.
Day 3
Transfer to Charming Cefalu an incredible seaside destination with a walkable historic city center. On the way we stop to visit Monreale Cathedral. Dating back to 12th century, it is one of the greatest examples of Arab-Norman architecture. UNESCO World Heritage site Duomo di Monreale will amaze you, from its bronze carved door to the 2200 kg of pure gold mosaic masterpieces.
Day 4
Free day
Enjoy the stunning aqua waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea right outside your hotel room. Relax on a private beach, take a walk through the historic center. Don’t forget to grab some gelato or a cannoli.
Day 5
Today our private driver takes us to Castelbuono, located in the hills south of Cefalu. Castelbuono is part of the Parco delle Madonie area. This lovely hilltop town has a castle dating back to the 14th century and a wonderful piazza with the Fontana della Venere Ciprea a Renaissance era fountain where families gather weekly in it’s surrounding piazza after attending one of the dozen beautiful churches. There are beautiful streets and alleys to explore, Castelbuono is very authentic town where you will truly experience the local culture. After our visit we will head to a farm to table lunch in another area in the Mediterranean mountain area of Parco delle Madonie. Sure to delight your palate and amaze you with stunning vistas.
Day 6
Today we transfer to Taormina, on the way we will do the classic Godfather tour. While this tour includes sites featured in the iconic movies, more importantly they are stunning hillside towns with views of Mt. Etna and beautiful valleys. We will visit Savoca Forza d'Agro and Castelmola, prior to heading to Taormina we will enjoy a wonderful lunch with a view.
Day 7
Free Day.
Right outside your hotel room is a beautiful private beach and saltwater pool with unrivaled views of the Mediterranean Sea. Relax and enjoy! Join us early evening for a Taormina Food and Wine walking tour of this iconic balcony city
Day 8
Today our private driver whisks us off the to historically important ancient towns of Siracusa and Oritgia. We will be guided through the stunning seaside areas brimming with Greek and Roman architecture, history and local culture. On our way back we enjoy a winery lunch together in a magnificent setting.
Day 9
Today we are off to Giardini Naxos for a private boat tour to Isola Bella, Mermaid Bay and the Blue Grotto. We will have swim and snorkel stops in these stunning locations for those who enjoy swimming. We will then enjoy our farewell lunch prepared onboard including fresh fish, mixed Sicilian appetizers: meat, cheese , local specialities, pasta or risotto, mussels, marinated anchovies, Sicilian pastry dessert and fruits.
White and red vine, beer, soft drinks, water. Some lively music and perhaps a dance party as we sail back to Naxos.
Day 10
Time to pack up our amazing memories as we enjoy our final Sicilian breakfast and transfer to Catania airport. If you choose to spend a day or two in Catania we can recommend a lovely hotel.
Buon Rientro!