City Break Sicily: Palermo - Catania - 5 Days

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an enriching journey. Your morning will be dedicated to exploring Monreale, renowned for its magnificent Norman Cathedral, hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Delve into the intricate beauty of its Arab-Norman style Cloister, a captivating fusion of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stone marquetry.

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Later, venture into the captivating city of Palermo, a treasure trove of history and artistry. Nestled on a bay overlooked by the majestic Mount Pellegrino, Palermo mesmerizes visitors with its diverse architectural landscape. While Baroque architecture flourishes, traces of various epochs echo the city's multicultural heritage: remnants of Punic walls, Art Nouveau mansions, stately palaces, and 17th-century squares, including a graceful opera house.

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Explore the eclectic Cathedral, the mesmerizing Martorana Church, and the awe-inspiring Cappella Palatina, each a testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures, religions, and ideologies. Ruggero II's visionary patronage brought together Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin artisans, shaping Palermo's unique identity.

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Indulge in a leisurely stopover for a delectable lunch featuring local delicacies along your route. En route, marvel at the renowned Teatro Massimo and the controversial fountain adorning Pretoria Square, adorned with intricate 16th-century sculptures, nestled within the ancient Kalsa district.

Overnight stay in Palermo

Commencing the day after a satisfying breakfast, we embark on a transfer to the captivating medieval enclave of Cefalù, nestled along Sicily's northern coastline. Our journey begins with a visit to the remarkable Norman Dome, a testament to the town's historical allure. Guests are granted leisure time to meander through Cefalù's charming streets or explore the renowned Mandralisca Museum, steeped in cultural significance. A pause for a delectable lunch awaits at a distinguished restaurant before we proceed to Catania.

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Upon arrival, Catania welcomes us with its UNESCO-designated historical center, characterized by its distinctive Baroque architecture fashioned from black lava stone. The cityscape, predominantly adorned in shades of black and dark grey, accentuated by white limestone accents, exudes a striking elegance. Embarking on a walking tour, we commence from the picturesque Duomo square, home to the resplendent Cathedral and the iconic Liotru statue, a revered symbol crafted from ancient lava stone.

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Our exploration continues as we traverse University Square, followed by a leisurely stroll along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, a quintessential 18th-century thoroughfare. Here, we encounter the renowned S. Benedict Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, amidst a backdrop of architectural grandeur. An interlude beckons at a historic city-center bar, offering a tantalizing taste of the traditional granita & brioche pairing.

Overnight stay in Catania or Acitrezza

Our journey commences with a brief exploration of Catania's renowned pescheria, the ancient fish market, before we venture onwards to the majestic Mount Etna. As the highest volcano in Europe standing at approximately 3350 meters, and recognized as one of the largest and most active globally, Mount Etna proudly holds UNESCO World Heritage status.

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The encompassing regional park spans 59,000 hectares, safeguarding a treasure trove of unique geology, flora, fauna, villages, and age-old practices in forestry, beekeeping, wine production, stonemasonry, and carpentry. En route to Rifugio Sapienza, the awe-inspiring landscapes will captivate your senses, leading you to the enchanting Crateri Silvestri, dormant volcanic cones embraced by ancient lava flows.

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Gazing beyond the mountain's myriad of subsidiary cones and craters, panoramic vistas stretch across Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria, offering a truly unparalleled spectacle. Indulge in locally crafted honey and regional delicacies before savoring a delightful lunch at a charming restaurant.

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Our journey then unfolds towards Taormina, a picturesque town renowned for its captivating perch above the sea, offering unrivaled views of the majestic Etna. Explore Taormina's captivating Greek theater, where the commanding panorama of Giardini Naxos bay and Mount Etna will leave you in awe.

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Enjoy leisurely moments amidst the winding medieval streets, indulging in shopping escapades and discovering local handicrafts, including coral jewelry, intricate laces, ceramics, and delectable pastries. As the day draws to a close, behold the breathtaking beauty of the Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania.

Overnight stay in Catania or Acitrezza

Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services.