THE TAMING OF SHREW ISLAND
Sicily ... It is like vintage wine made of the rarest varieties of the Ethnian grapevine, as the most exclusive and exquisite item in an expensive antique shop.
This is a miraculously survived island of authenticity, patriarchy and ancient traditions in the stormy ocean of globalism, averaging and cheap momentary consumer goods.
Is there at lease anyone who is not in love with it? Such a real, eternal and unshakable in its values?!
Up to this day, like many hundreds of years ago, people here bake bread according to age-old recipes, all the same dry fresh pastry prepared by a caring hostess on the linen ropes, and on the holidays all the members of the huge Sicilian families gather at infinitely long table.
Discover this paradise with incredibly hospitable people, as bright and warm as the sun shining over this island 365 days a year.
FIRST DAY
Arrival to Catania.
Transfer to Syracuse, accommodation at the hotel.
SECOND DAY
Let start to study Trinakria with a small baroque pearl, namely the glorious town of Noto.
The town consists of only two streets and a couple of squares, but walking along it gives an impression that you are in a museum where you want to wander like in a labyrinth.
The cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas strikes with its scale.
First, we will admire the wonderful panorama that opens from the church of Santa Chiara and then will return to the town of the great Greek Sicilian Archimedes, who was born and according to legend, died tragically in Syracuse.
The fountain of Artemis and Arethusa, the Cathedral of Saint Lucia, the archaeological park of Neapolis - these are the visiting cards of the ancient town, which we will not ignore for sure.
Night at the hotel in Syracuse.
THIRD DAY
Breakfast at the hotel.
We are going to the glorious Etna that from the ancient times attracted the attention of writers and artists. Bright green, curved coastline, maroon tops of the roofs change each other brightly creating the illusion of a kaleidoscope. There is something mysterious in these purple volcano hills. We will make our own small walking route here.
Then we will continue the tour in Taormina. In May 2017 the G7 summit was held here so the high and mighties of this world have definitely an excellent taste.
The town is surrounded by greenery of olive gardens, with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. And the famous amphitheater will not leave anyone indifferent.
In the afternoon - return to Syracuse.
FOURTH DAY
Excursion to Modica and Ragusa.
Modica is inseparably associated with two things: Sicilian baroque and chocolate, made according to ancient technology.
Ragusa is another medieval town located on the Iblei mountains with white houses cascading down the slope. The Duomo of Ragusa and the countless facades of numerous temples are incredibly impressive.
In the afternoon, return to Syracuse. Night at the hotel.
FIFTH DAY
Departure to Palermo.
The city of beautiful palaces and cathedrals; the valley where lemons blossom; mafia capital; marzipan paradise; pearl of the Mediterranean. And all these epithets are equally valid for the capital of the Sicilian island.
We will visit the whole historical district, look in the basilica of San Domenico, approach the truly great theater of Massimo, admire the architecture of the four districts and for sure admire the main cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
Free time. Rest at the hotel.
SIXTH DAY
Today, we have to find out why Montreal is called a golden shell, why the medieval Erice was chosen by physicists from all over the world, where the processing and storage of captured tuna (Tonnara Scopello) takes place, whether Segesta is the most romantic temple of the peninsula.
Evening check in Mondello. Dinner by the sea. Return to the hotel.
SEVENTH DAY
Departure to Cefalu.
The town of turquoise sea, monuments of antiquity, quiet cozy coves, olive groves and fragrant oranges, as well as the delightful cathedral of the Transfiguration.
The highlight of the town is the small houses on the coast, standing almost at the sea. Due to the fact that they are located directly on the beach, it is very interesting to swim there spying on the lives of local citizens.
Signora Francesca comes out on the balcony to hang linen, hunchbacked Giuseppe smokes his pipe, jealous Fazio scolds again his Gabrielle, and little Giovanni and Vittorio try to launch a kite. This is the unique Sicilian flavor.
Lunch in one of the coastal restaurants. Return to Palermo.
EIGHTH TO ELEVENTH DAYS
There is one charming place in Sicily, where age-long rains and winds have formed natural staircases whose white color becomes even more dazzling under the rays of the sun.
This snow-white pearl on the background of the blue clear sea is called the Turkish staircase or the Scala dei Turchi.
The abundance of this place is complemented by the numerous beaches of the Mediterranean coast, where we offer you to relax and rest for a few days.
TWELFTH DAY
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport.
INCLUDED IN COST
-
City tour of Noto and Syracuse
-
City tour of Etne and Taormina
-
City tour of Modica and Ragusa
-
City tour of Palermo
-
City tour of Montreal, Erice, Tonnar Scopello, Segesta, Mondello
-
Transfers along the route
-
Insurance
-
Accompanying on a trip
-
Flight of the airline Alitalia Kiev-Catania/Palermo-Kiev (minimum tariff is laid)
-
Accommodation
ADDITIONAL PAID
-
Entrance tickets to the archaeological park of Neapolis, to the park of Tonnaro Scopello and cathedrals
-
Lunches, dinners in restaurants