Day 1, Saturday– Welcome to Sicily!
Arrive and check in at the five star Verdura Resort! Unwind and meet for a welcome dinner at Amare restaurant where we will begin immersing ourselves in Sicilian culture and fare.
(D)
Day 2, Sunday –The World of Planeta
This morning we will visit the Donnafugata Winery in Marsala and tour the beautiful lush property and taste their organic red and white wines.
For lunch we will visit Planeta Ulmo in Menfi where we will enjoy a private tour, tasting and a traditional Sicilian lunch al fresco.
(B,L)
Day 3, Monday – Relax and Enjoy
Today is a free day to do what you wish. Enjoy a day on the golf course, relaxing at the spa, pool or beach.
At 8pm we will meet for cocktails at Torré bar followed by a Sicilian fare at Liolá.
(B,D)
Day 4, Tuesday – Agrigento – Valley Of Temples
Following check out we will traverse the island leaving the West heading to the East side of the island. We will stop in Agrigento and have a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples a UNESCO World Heritage Site. .
We end our journey at the Diodoro private garden in the Valley of Temples. Enjoy a typical Sicilian picnic among citrus groves and aromatic herbs. The authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine are enhanced by the delicious wines of the land. The citrus garden in which the picnic is served is part of the agricultural area of the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park, which covers 1,400 hectares. This citrus grove dates back to 1740, and it is mentioned in ancient maps that the Cistercian Monks who sought to plant the most colorful and productive trees on the island!
We will arrive to our next hotel in Siracusa Maniace Boutique Hotel
We will meet around 8 pm for a lovely Sicilian dinner nearby.
(B,L,D)
Day 5, Wednesday – Ortigia
Today we will have a 2 hour private tour of the most important cultural sights on the island of Ortigia: The Temple of Apollo (a Greek temple of the IV century BC), the Duomo Square with its baroque palaces, the Cathedral/Temple of Athena and the charming Arethusa’s Spring.
The rest of the time you can spend walking around town exploring on your own or have a dip in the Mediterranean at a small beach right in front of our hotel.
(B)
Day 6, Thursday – Etna Experience
This morning we will bid farewell to Ortigia and head to Mt. Etna the largest active volcano in Europe!
The fast and simplified hike option to the summit of the volcano, from the North side, reaching the base of the active craters with mechanical vehicles.
This tour and hiking trip is meant for hikers who want to reach the highest point of Etna in half a day, using 4×4 vehicles to get to 2900m before gaining 400m of altitude on foot and getting to the edges of the always steaming, hot and unresting craters of the summit area. Hikers will be instructed about and inevitably see, smell and hear the features of this evolving, dynamic location.
This is an intermediate level for those who have some hiking experience, can deal with high altitudes and in good physical and health condition.
We will then head to the Tenuta Tascante Winery where we will tour the amazing vineyard amongst lava infused soil with a stunning view of Mt. Etna. Then we will enjoy a wine tasting and delicious lunch prepared by Nunzia.
Check in at our final destination Moniace Delle Terre Nere
(B,L,D)
Day 7, Friday – Sicily from the Sea
This morning we will take a boat ride admiring the East coast from the sea. Admire Taormina, Isola Bella, Grotta Azzura, go into a cave and more on this 4 hour adventure. We will have drinks and snacks on board and we can also enjoy a swim.
Back to the the hotel in the mountain oasis for a wine tasting and dinner al fresco.
(B,L,D)
Day 8, Saturday – Toarmina
Today we are visiting the beautiful midieval hilltop town of Taormina. We will have a private guide and learn all about the Greek Teatro Anitco and later wander around the town center exploring all the sites and amazing views and of course stopping for gelato or a cannoli.
Later we will have our last meal together at Nunziatina
(B,L,D)
Day 9, Sunday – Arrivederci!!!
Enjoy our last breakfast together as we say Ciao to our old and new friends.
For those who want to extend their trip in Italy please let me know. I also have a great Malta extension for another amazing 4 day experience. Contact me for details.
Ciao and I look forward to our next adventure!