You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance. Below are just some examples of what you will see, do and have on this tour:
► Cooking Class at a Local Eatery
► Exploring 3 of Southern Italy’s Prettiest Towns
► Swimming in Clear Water Alongside a White Cliff
► Hiking Around a Mighty Volcano
► Structures Designed by Greeks Thousands of Years Ago
► Rich Culture
► Delicious Food
And Much, Much More…
Our tour to Sicily starts in the coastal city of Catania. After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we are taken via a quick drive to and visit a castle called Aci Castello. It is situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea. We are then taken via an even quicker drive to Aci Trezza. Off the coast of this coastal village are three tall geological formations called ‘sea stacks’. The day ends back in Catania, where we are provided with a guided tour. The nightlife in Catania is among Sicily’s best. The city is best appreciated in the evening, with its energy and excitement felt within the entire downtown area.
We make a daytrip from Catania first to the mountain town of Noto and then to the coastal town of Syracuse. Noto is famous for its buildings from the early 18th century, many of which are considered to be among the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style. Noto is arguably the best preserved of all historic towns in Sicily. Once the largest city in the ancient world, today Syracuse is one of Sicily’s most authentic destinations. Since 2005, the entire town of Syracuse was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, whereas Noto received the same title in 2002.
We relocate from Catania to the vibrant resort town of Giardini Naxos. Today we visit (A) a nice beach called Letojanni (for swimming), (B) a village called Forza D’Agro (for its viewpoint), another nice beach called Sant’ Alessio Siculo (for its viewpoint), a village called Savoca (it affords beautiful views and a nice church), a hilltop village called Castelmola and not least, the charming coastal town of Taormina.
Before relocating to the coastal village of Cefalu, we make a daytrip today as well as explore in and around Taormina. Firstly, we are taken by land and then by helicopter to the tallest active volcano in Europe. Mount Etna’s current height is 3,357 meters (11,014 feet). This is also one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Mount Etna is in an almost constant state of activity. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain. In June 2013, Mount Etna was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Next, we are taken to Alcantara Gorge (a.k.a. Gole dell’Alcantara). There we go on a scenic hike as well as go swimming. Several thousand years ago, the river bed was blocked by a lava flow from Mount Etna. As the lava was cooled much more quickly by the water than it would have done otherwise, the lava crystallized in the form of columns. Over the next millennia, the river naturally eroded a channel through these columns, resulting in impressive gorges and ravines. Before relocating to Cefalu, we return to Taormina so we can purchase lunch as well as walk around town freely. Replace the website with this *Note that due to weather, from November 4 to March 1, the flightseeing tour to Mount Etna is replaced with a jeep tour to Mount Etna. Also, note that the Alcantara Gorge is closed from November 1 to March 31.
We are provided with a guided walking tour of Cefalu. We are also taken to the hilltop château. Despite its size, every year this coastal village attracts millions of tourists from all over Italy and elsewhere in Europe. It is a postcard perfect village.
We relocate from Cefalu to the coastal city and island capital, Palermo. There we are provided with a guided tour. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy. Palermo is over 2,700 years old. Our evening ends with a cooking class at a local eatery followed by dinner, which is included.
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport or port in Palermo.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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