Gran tour of Sicily with Pantelleria

DAY 1 : TAORMINA AREA

Arrive at Catania Airport. After having collected your luggage, optional group transfer to the hotel. On this day there are no planned activities, the rooms will be ready after 14:00 and enjoy the city. At the hotel you will find the program.

Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 : ETNA (INCLUDED) - TAORMINA (OPTIONAL)

Breakfast in the hotel and departure with the tour escort 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 “Silvestri Craters” (about 1.900 mt). From here on you will have the optional excursion by jeep and cableway (extra cost).

After having tasted some local Sicilian speciality come back in hotel. TAORMINA (OPTIONAL) Walking you will 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 Greek 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.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

DAY 3 : SYRACUSE

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Syracuse, one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island with its Archeological Park (extra cost) the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari, Island of Ortigia, the most ancient nucleus of the city with its stunning cathedral. Re-entry in hotel.

Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 : AGRIGENTO

Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with tour escort and departure to Agrigento where you will visit the Temples’ Valley, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde (one of the best preserved Doric temples in the whole Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

Dinner and overnight in Palermo.

DAY 5 : ERICE, RISERVA DELLO STAGNONE & MARSALA WITH WINE TASTING

Breakfast in the hotel. Departure to Erice, the medieval town on the summit of Monte San Giuliano. Here you can admire the Norman Castle (exterior) and the Cathedral. In the meantime you will have a stop at a confectionery to taste the typical almond pastry of Erice.

On to Marsala and Stop in The Riserva dello Stagnone, a magical place, with a striking natural landscape of rare beauty for its white salt pans with windmills. On to Marsala famous for the production of wine and visit a winery with wine tasting. Re-entry in hotel in late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight in Palermo.

DAY 6 : HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO & MONREALE & PANTELLERIA OVERNIGHT

Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning visit of Palermo starting from Teatro Massimo (from outside) continue the walk through the famous 'u Capo' local market and taste some Sicilian specialities as Arancina or drink the famous 'AUTISTA" ‘explosive' lemonade. Arrive at the Cathedral. Inside the Cathedral are several precious works of art, such as the altar of the crucifix where the suffering of Christ is celebrated. Also among the treasures is the 17th century ciborium decorated with lapis lazuli. In the Treasury rooms there are paraments, sacred silverware, and other furnishings. Walk to “I Quattro canti”.

Continue to Monreale, a lovely town on the slopes of Monte Caputo overlooking Palermo. Monreale was named for the once numerous citrus orchards that dotted the fertile La Conca d’Oro valley below. Walk with your guide to Monreale Cathedral, considered one of the finest Norman constructions in the world.

Transfer to the aiport and at 17:00 fly to Pantelleria; arrival and transfer to your hotel and have a relaxing extension to Pantelleria or do optional excursions to discover the island.

Overnight.

DAY 7 : PANTELLERIA – GADIR & MURSIA (OPTIONAL & MURSIA)

After breakfast we'll head off for a tour of Gadir, whose name – derived from Arabic – means 'water basin'. A traditional fishing village with a long history, here you can bathe in the thermal waters of the Bay of Gadir in tanks that have been dug into the rock. Temperatures rise to 40- 55℃ and numerous therapeutic minerals enrich the waters to ease aching muscles and soothe mind and body alike.

On a stroll you might see fisherman weaving their 'nasse' – traditional fish traps made from rushes – before we pass by the Arch of the Elephant, a stunning rock formation that gives the impression an elephant is dipping its trunk into the sea. We'll then tour the Bronze Age archaeological site at the village of Mursia, where the necropolis features fascinating circular tombs dating back more than 4,000 years.

DAY 8 :  PANTELLERIA - MIRROR OF VENUS LAKE & PANTELLERIA (OPTIONAL)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before we leave for today's first truly special destination – one of the many jewels of this island that make it so unique. The heart-shaped 'Mirror of Venus' Lake stands out from the middle of the island like a blue-green gem, with a stunning aquamarine hue that changes throughout the day. For an unforgettable natural spa experience, cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud here before bathing in the wonderfully warm volcanic waters of the lake.

This afternoon, the museum of Punta Spadillo offers a fascinating insight into volcanology, telling the story of Pantelleria's turbulent geological past and present.

Later, we'll visit Pantelleria's imposing, sandcastle-shaped castle, the Castello di Barbacane. Built entirely of lava stone, it's thought to date back to the 13th century, with impressive 15th century bastions and a distinctive central circular clock tower. It houses some of the archaeological finds found during excavation campaigns on the island, as well as various permanent exhibitions. An astonishing Roman acropolis at the archaeological site of San Marco and Santa Teresa is also in our sights today – a unique reminder of Pantelleria's ancient past as the island of Cossyra. Its strategic position, between Africa and Italy in the central Mediterranean, means the island has always been a sought-after destination. Here, in 2003, the heads of Roman statues dating back to the first century AD were found.

DAY 9 : PANTELLERIA – ISLAND CRUISES (OPTIONAL)

Breakfast in the hotel The best way to appreciate Pantelleria's wild, rugged coastline is by sea, and that's just what we'll do today on a cruise that also includes lunch. We'll head to the port of Pantelleria to board our boat, and you can expect to see dazzling white pebble beaches, hidden inlets only reachable by boat and numerous caves, including the Grotto of Love and the caves of Macasinazzi, where impossibly blue waters meet smoothed-out, lava-grey rock.

We'll stop and swim in the warm waters at Nika and at Scarpetta di Cenerentola – a creek called 'Cinderella's shoe '. After a swim, you can soak up the sun on the boat's sun deck, or retreat to a shady spot on board as you admire the hidden, unspoilt beauty of this island gem4 hrs

DAY 10 : PANTELLERIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK & BENIKULA CAVE L(OPTIONAL AND NATIONAL PARK & BENIKULA CAVE

Breakfast in hotel Join your travelling companions for an exciting adventure in the heart of Pantelleria Island National Park today. Spend the morning learning about the challenges of farming this rugged landscape at a traditional farm – you'll have noticed the ingenious terracing farmers have created for crops as we tour the island. Pick the locally-grown capers or grapes before enjoying a farmer's lunch and cookery demonstration.

This afternoon, the wildness of the island will be brought vividly to life as we travel to an area of outstanding beauty, where no human intervention has ever occurred. We'll take an ancient mule track to Benikulà cave, where we'll enjoy the unique phenomenon of a natural sauna. Sit on the lava-stone seats and enjoy the healing underground vapours – the deeper into the cave you venture, the hotter the vapours become. You're sure to emerge feeling rejuvenated! We'll also learn about the medicinal Mediterranean herbs that grow in the area.

DAY 11 : PANTELLERIA – FAVARE (OPTIONAL)

Breakfast in hotel Spend today at leisure enjoying the hotel's seawater swimming pools, or why not take an optional trip to experience the famous Favare of Pantelleria. These steam emissions come out of the rocks, reaching temperatures of up to 100℃. We'll take a short hike along a rocky path to reach them, through lush vegetation abundant with wildlife and flowers.

When we arrive, you'll be treated to some fantastic views. Admire the deep red-brick colour of the rocks at this amazing location, affected by the sulphurous gases released here, and learn about the ingenious systems farmers have put in place to utilise the steam, providing water for their animals.

Later, we'll head to a restaurant where we'll taste some local delicacies. Pantelleria is known for its delicious caper pesto, pasta with tomatoes and pistachios, luscious ricotta cheese and sweet passito wine, made from Zibibbo grapes dried in the sun.

DAY 12 : PANTELLERIA - TAORMINA AREA

Breakfast in hotel Transfer to airport and departure to Catania airport , Transfer to Taormina area and overnight .

DAY 13 : “TAORMINA COAST TO COAST BY BOAT” (OPTIONAL)

Breakfast in the hotel. This day you are free to relax and explore the city or go for a swim on the beach or have an optional excursion by boat “TAORMINA COAST TO COAST BY BOAT” (*). On this tour you will discover the natural beauty of the coastline Giardini/Naxos – Taormina. The meeting will be at the port of Giardini Naxos.

You will start the tour in a comfortable characteristic boat (max. 12 persons), to explore the Ionian Coast. From here you’ll have a fantastic view of mount. Etna and its area’s most breathtaking sights. On the way you can discover caves, including the visit of the well known “Grotta Azzurra” (due to weather conditions and currents), rock formations and the beautiful Nature Reserve of Isola Bella. Dinner and overnight.

(*) Pickup/end of the excursion in Giardini Naxos Port – The excursion is subjected to reconfirm according to weather conditions
SATURSDAY SICILY GODFATHER TOUR (OPTIONAL)
Breakfast in hotel SICILY GODFATHER TOUR (OPTIONAL)

Breakfast in the hotel. Departure to Forza D'Agrò a charming village located on a hill overlooking Taormina and you will have a tour with an eye to the cinema visiting the villages made famous by the film The Godfather Walking along the narrow streets of this small town, in addition to the breathtaking views, it will be possible to admire the Durazzesco arch and the Cathedral, a place chosen to set one of the most romantic scenes of the Godfather's film, the wedding of Micheal Corleone.

From the Panoramic Square you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the coast. After visiting this little gem, continue for Savoca. This village is famous because here have been shouted some of the famous parts of the movie “The Godfather”, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The buildings and the monuments of the movie are still here, like the famous Bar Vitelli, the same bar used to shoot The Godfather.

Back to hotel and overnight.

DAY 14 : DEPARTURE 

Breakfast in the hotel. Check out at 10:00; Optional group transfer to Catania airport.

End of our services.