2027084 Culinary Journey through Sicily

DAY 1

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO EUROPE
Today board your overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2

ARRIVE PALERMO, SICILY
Arrive in Palermo, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your Palermo hotel for a two-night stay. The vibrant and colorful capital of Sicily captivates with its illennia-old history, tasty street food markets and art that unites diverse cultures. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner with a Cannoli Dessert, the classic Italian pastry which originated in Sicily.

DAY 3

MONREALE .. PALERMO
After breakfast travel to the nearby hilltop town of Monreale to visit the Norman Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with its interior of glittering 12th century Byzantine mosaics. Return to Palermo for a Palermo Walking Tour of the ancient Old City with its incredible mix of architectural styles including its magnificent Cathedral. This afternoon, discover Palermo on your own with its bustling street food scene and winding alleyways. Perhaps join the optional tour to the charming seaside town of Cefalu, distinguished by its medieval setting and delightful Fisherman’s Village.

DAY 4

ERICE .. MARSALA .. SELINUNTE
Depart Palermo this morning. Make your way west and stop for a cable car ride up to the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Situated 2,500 feet above sea level, Erice features impressive defensive walls, a castle, breathtaking coastal views and landmark windmills. Enjoy an Almond Cookie Tasting and some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Later drive to the coastal town of Marsala to enjoy an included lunch and Wine Tasting of the famous Marsala wines. Then visit a Marsala Salt Mill to learn about one of the oldest industries of the region. Continue south for an overnight stay in Selinunte along the southwestern coast.

DAY 5

SELINUNTE .. AGRIGENTO .. RAGUSA
This morning sit back and enjoy the scenery enroute to Agrigento. Upon arrival discover Agrigento’s celebrated Valley of the Temples, the largest and best-reserved temple ruins outside of mainland Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour this magnifi cent archaeological park that consists of eight Greek temples, built between 430 and 510 B.C., all majestically positioned in the same area on rocky crests near Agrigento. This afternoon arrive in hilltop Ragusa for a two-night stay. Enjoy a Ragusa Walking Tour to take in the Baroque atmosphere of Ragusa-Ibla (Old Town) with its maze of narrow streets, ancient palazzos, and imposing churches. Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Ragusa this evening.

DAY 6

MODICA .. MARZAMEMI .. RAGUSA
Today visit Modica and stop for a Chocolate Factory & Tasting experience. Then drive to Marzamemi, a tiny, picturesque fishing village which is among the most photographed spots in Sicily. Enjoy an included lunch with a view of the historic Tonnara, an ancient tuna fishery and city landmark in the main square. Return to Ragusa which is dramatically split into two fascinating districts connected by steep staircases and panoramic bridges. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

DAY 7

NOTO .. SYRACUSE .. TAORMINA RIVIERA
This morning motorcoach to Noto, famous for its Baroque architecture & another UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a Noto Walking Tour along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a central pedestrian street, and admire San Nicolò Cathedral, the crown jewel of the town. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the yracuse Archaeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus. Then visit Syracuse’s little island of Ortigia, connected to the mainland by two short bridges and famous for Greek mythology. Then continue your journey north to the Taormina Riviera for a three-night stay. Renowned for its stunning, cliff-studded stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea in northeastern Sicily, the Taormina Riviera is famous for its dramatic volcanic backdrop of Mount Etna, clear blue waters, and upscale Mediterranean charm. After a fascinating day, dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

DAY 8

MT. ETNA .. FARMHOUSE TASTING
Begin the day with a visit to the lava-crusted slopes of Mount Etna, dominating the region’s landscape. Standing at 11,000 feet above sea level, it’s the most active volcano in Europe. Ascend Mount Etna to reach the Silvestri Craters and step carefully on the varied layers of lava which have solidified over the centuries. Learn about Etna’s impact on the surrounding area and its unique geology. After the breathtaking scenery enjoy a Farmhouse Tasting Experience of local products like jams, honey, wine, and of course pistachios. Thanks to its unique climate, rich volcanic soil, and abundant citrus groves, Sicily produces some of Italy’s mostcelebrated agricultural gems. Return to your hotel for an evening at your own pace.

DAY 9

TAORMINA .. FAREWELL DINNER
This morning enjoy a Taormina Walking Tour including its vibrant main street, Corso Umberto, and the massive Greek Theater, one of the largest in Sicily, from where you can admire remarkable panoramas of the city and countryside. Spend .. me at leisure in the upper town of Taormina to enjoy the many elights in this marvelous city. The afternoon is free to relax, dine, explore, shop, and people watch from a sidewalk cafe. Tonight enjoy a Farmhouse Farewell Dinner experience with Wine Tasting & other local speciales. Share memories and stories from the week with your fellow travelers.

DAY 10

CATANIA AIRPORT .. FLIGHT HOME
Fly home with wonderful memories of Sicily or join the Malta Extension.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner