DAY 1 - SUNDAY: ARRIVAL – WELCOME TO SICILY
Arrival with your own car at the hotel in Taormina area (or rent a car ). Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 2 - MONDAY: OPTIONAL EXCURSION TAORMINA
Breakfast in the hotel. This morning you are free to relax and explore the city or go for a swim on the beach. In the afternoon Transfer to Taormina. As you walk and discover the amazing town of Taormina, hear tales about the history and the evolution of Sicilian culture. Pass by beautiful old buildings, including the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and an ancient Roman theatre the 2nd largest classical theatre in Sicily (Admission fee €10 not included). Discover the medieval area of the town with its narrow strest and old shops. Re-entry at your hotel. Overnight.
DAY 3 – TUESDAY: OPTIONAL CATANIA AND SIRACUSA
Breakfast in the hotel. Departure to Catania for a walking tour through the streets into Catania’s UNESCO-listed historical center with its Baroque palazzi and amazing monuments and visit of the open-air fish market, famous for its particular colours. Continuation to Syracuse to discover one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island with its Archeological Park, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari We will then visit the Island of Ortigia, the most ancient nucleus of the city with its stunning cathedral. Re-entry in hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight.
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY: OPTIONAL ETNA - CALABRIA
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to the Mt. Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes the “Park of Etna”, one of the largest protected areas in Italy: You will be astonished about the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that we will meet along the way before arriving at the “Silvesti Craters” (about 1.900 mt). at the base station Rifugio Sapienza, and then enjoy roughly three hours at leisure to trek independently around the foothills of Mount Etna. The area is covered with hiking trails that zigzag in all directions, and your host will happily point you in the right direction for the Monti Silvestri Craters – two small, yet impressive, craters near the base station. On request and at extra cost (€60 not included), instead of spending three hours at leisure to trek independently around the foothills of Mount Etna, there is the possibility to get Mount Etna’s summit (3000 mt) by cableway and jeep with alpine guide. Return to Taormina and than departure to Messina port. Enjoy the 30 minutes journey through the Strait of Messina and continue to drive in Calabria to the. Overnight.
DAY 5 -THURSDAY: OPTIONAL TROPEA, PIZZO AND CAPO VATICANO
Breakfast in the hotel. Full day day excursion Tropea, Pizzo and Capo Vaticano Tropea, Pizzo and Capo Vaticano are the most precious jewels of the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria.Tropea is the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The name of this town was mentioned for the first time by Pliny The Older in the first century A.D. In the centre of this town it is possible to admire the Church St. Mary of the Isle from a terrace on the sheer cliff top. Originally this church was a Basilian system of the 11th century and it still belongs to the Abbey of Montecassino. The cathedral, which was built in Norman times, is among the oldest buildings of the historical centre there is. In the course of the centuries it was rebuilt many times and today for the most part it is in the baroque style. Inside this church there are some artistic works, a picture by Lippo Benivieni, this is the wellknown Our Lady of Romania, who is one of the patron saints of Tropea. Pizzo Calabro is one of the most beautiful and famous fishing village with an historical centre, which is characterized by narrow streets and small squares. Here you will visit the small church of Piedigrotta which is excaveted in the tufa stone and above the sea. Then you will go to visit the Aragonese Castle, where Joachim Murat was shot. At the end of this trip you will stop off to taste the famous Tartufo ice cream, which is well-known in the whole world, and here you will have some time for the shopping. Back to the hotel with a stop in Capo Vaticano. The promontory of Capo Vaticano, which is made of white granite, dominates the coast and beautiful sandy beaches. It offers many views over the Aeolian Islands and the Straits of Messina. Overnight.
DAY 6 - FRIDAY: OPTIONAL ZUNGRI
Breakfast in the hotel. Full day day excursion Zungri and tasting of typical products
This excursion will let you know the Calabrian countryside Departure to Zungri, a municipality situated about 571 metres from sea level on the north slope of the plateau of Poro. Zungri is one of the most interesting of the agricultural centre of this area. Its historical centre is characterized by simple architectures and it represents a social model of peasant life, which is developed in the time, but it still keeps some aspects of poor building. Here we will visit a small family farm, which produces small quantity of onion, nduja (typical salami from Calabria), wine, cheese and vegetables. Typical products tasting with the possibility to buy them. After visiting the hospitable farm you will see of the Caves of Zungrì and the Church of Our Lady of the snow. Overnight.
DAY 7 – SATURDAY: OPTIONAL SCILLA AND REGGIO CALABRIA
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Scilla and Reggio Calabria.
Departure to Scilla, the characteristic little town in the enchanting scenery of the Costa Viola. Here you will visit the old fishing village which is known as Chianalea. The second stop is Ruffo Castle and St. Rocco’s church. After you will go to Reggio Calabria, an elegant city in Liberty style, which belongs to the Italian Art Nouveau period. Here you will also visit the National Archeological Museum which holds the richest collection of Magna Grecia finds and the Bronzes of Riace. Then you will take a walk on the seafront promenade which was defined by Gabriele D’Annunzio as “The most beautiful kilometre in Italy” and then you will visit the Roman Baths, the Greek walls and the cathedral. Free time for shopping.
Transfer to Villa San Giovanni to take the ferry to Messina.Overnight in Messina- Taormina/Catania area.
DAY 8 – SUNDAY: TOUR OVER AFTER BREAKFAST
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out at 10:00. This morning you are free to relax and explore the city or go to the airport to release the car: ARRIVEDERCI !
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