Day 1: Arrive Palermo
Arrive Palermo. Afternoon: introduction to the city — Palatine Chapel, Cathedral, Quattro Canti, and the vibrant Ballarò market. Welcome dinner at a traditional trattoria. Overnight Palermo.
Day 2: Monreale & Cefalù
Morning: Monreale Cathedral’s golden mosaics and Arab-Norman cloister. Afternoon: Cefalù — the Norman Cathedral with its Christ Pantocrator, climb La Rocca, swim at the beach. Return to Palermo. Overnight Palermo.
Day 3: Erice & Marsala
Morning: Erice, the medieval hill town at 750m with cobbled streets and almond pastries. Afternoon: Marsala wine tasting at Florio Cellars, then visit the Stagnone salt pans with their ancient windmills and flamingos. Return to Palermo. Overnight Palermo.
Day 4: Agrigento — Valley of the Temples
Full-day excursion to Agrigento. Walk among eight monumental Greek temples from the 5th century BC. The Temple of Concordia is a masterpiece. Sunset over the temples is unforgettable. Overnight Agrigento.
Day 5: Piazza Armerina to Ragusa
Morning: Villa Romana del Casale — 3,500m² of Roman mosaics. Afternoon: drive to Ragusa Ibla (UNESCO baroque), visit Duomo di San Giorgio and Giardino Ibleo. Continue to Modica for Aztec-inspired chocolate. Overnight Ragusa/Modica.
Day 6: Noto & Syracuse
Morning: Noto — the ultimate Sicilian baroque town, a UNESCO “stone garden.” Afternoon: Syracuse’s Neapolis Archaeological Park — Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre. Overnight Syracuse.
Day 7: Syracuse Ortigia
Morning: Ortigia island — Temple of Apollo, Cathedral (built around Athena’s temple), Arethusa Spring. Free afternoon to explore, swim, or relax in a piazza café. Overnight Syracuse.
Day 8: Catania & Mount Etna
Morning drive to Catania. Visit the fish market and baroque center. Afternoon: Mount Etna excursion — cable car to 2,500m, walk the Silvestri Craters, visit a volcanic winery. Overnight Catania.
Day 9: Taormina — The Pearl of the Ionian
Full day in Taormina: Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto, Public Gardens, Isola Bella beach. Farewell dinner with Etna views. Overnight Taormina/Catania.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Catania Airport for departure.
