Excursion «Enchanting Sicilia. spicy, enchanting, colorful»

Day 1 December 24, Sunday Direct flight from Tel Aviv to Catania. 11:35-13:55 Wizz Air Check-in at the hotel. Christmas dinner - optional: additional fee applies

Day 2 December 25, Monday Breakfast. Syracuse / Catania Visit to the Archaeological Park of Syracuse. Explore the ancient Greek theater built in the 5th century BCE, "Ear of Dionysius" limestone caves - a series of caves including the famous "Ear of Dionysius" where, according to legends, prisoners of war captured by the Greeks in various battles were held, Roman amphitheater, and sacrificial altar. Transfer to the historical center located on the Ortigia Island. Guided tour of this part of the city, where you'll see the ruins of the 6th-century BCE Temple of Apollo, visit the Cathedral built on the foundations of the ancient Greek Temple of Athena from the 5th century BCE, see the beautiful Artemis Fountain and the ancient Arethusa Spring, located a few meters from the sea but containing fresh water. Walking tour through the historical center of the city, known as the "Black Daughter of Mount Etna". Visit the Cathedral of St. Agatha, explore the square with two fountains, stroll down Crociferi Street where no longer functioning monasteries from the 17th-18th centuries are located, walk along Via Etnea, built on a lava stream from the eruption of the volcano in 1669. We'll also visit the famous university square and take a café break at the historic café Prestipino. If time permits, we will visit the Catania fish market with its abundance of seafood.

Day 3 December 26, Tuesday Breakfast. Departure to Taormina. Guided tour of the historic part of the town known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea". Built on Mount Tauro by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BCE, it offers breathtaking views of the Ionian coastline and picturesque bays. Visit the city garden, featuring structures resembling miniature palaces, stroll through narrow streets and avenues, visit panoramic viewpoints, and explore architectural structures from different periods, such as the Corvaja Palace dating back to the Arab period of the 9th century, the 13th-century clock tower, the 13th-century Cathedral, the Centaur Fountain from the 16th century, and more. Transfer to Savoca. Walk through the town center, which has preserved the atmosphere of medieval Sicily. This atmosphere captured F.F. Coppola, and it was here that he filmed scenes from the famous movie "The Godfather". 

Day 4 December 27, Wednesday Breakfast. Departure to Modica. Guided tour of the historic part of the city, protected by UNESCO, known as the city of 100 churches and chocolate. Explore the historical area of the city situated on the slopes of the Hyblaean Mountains. Visit the Cathedral of St. George, a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque, and the Cathedral of St. Peter. Take a stroll through the characteristic streets of this unique town. Taste the famous Modica chocolate, made according to ancient indigenous recipes, and other local delicacies.

Transfer to Ragusa. Tour of Ibla, the historic area of the city known as the "island within an island" due to its unusual location on a plateau amidst the canyons of the Hyblaean Mountains. Visit the city garden, created at the behest of the city's aristocratic families, and take a walk along the central street adorned with beautiful baroque facades of local aristocratic houses.

Day 5 December 28, Thursday Breakfast. Excursion to Mount Etna. Mount Etna - southern slope. Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, with a height of 3350 meters. Bus ride to an altitude of 2000 meters, where the tourist center is located. Walk to the Silvestri craters, optionally ascend higher to an altitude of 3000 meters (cable car + off-road vehicle). Return from the volcano. Free evening.

Day 6 December 29, Friday Breakfast. Transfer to Palermo. Outlet Village - shopping on the way. This is the place for sales of the best luxury brands at affordable prices. Guided tour of the Roman Villa. The ancient Roman Villa del Casale (4th century CE) is located in the center of Sicily, near the town of Piazza Armerina. The villa is famous for its magnificent mosaics, including the famous bikini girls. These mosaics (total area of about 3,300 square meters) are one of the richest collections of ancient Roman art. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Check-in at the hotel in Palermo.

Day 7 December 30, Saturday Breakfast. Walking tour of the main squares, streets, theaters, and markets of Palermo. Special attention is given to the Old Town and the monuments of the "Arab-Norman" route, also under the protection of UNESCO. Visit the Cathedral and the central-dome church of Martorana, located in the heart of the Old Town, not far from the Baroque Quattro Canti and the Shame Square. Street food in Palermo will perfectly highlight the taste of Italian cuisine. Sample arancine, sfincione, panini with panelle and cazzilli, cannoli - these are vibrant representatives of this culinary genre with their aromas that will make the taste of our journey memorable.

After exploring the main attractions of Palermo, proceed to Monreale, a small town about 10 km from Palermo, and its 12th-century Cathedral, also protected by UNESCO (total area of golden mosaics is about 7,000 square meters). Return to Palermo.

Day 8 December 31, Sunday Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel and departure to Catania. 06:50-10:45 Wizz Air

The cost is 1450 euros per person for double occupancy.

The specified itinerary sequence may be altered due to weather conditions and other force majeure circumstances.

Price includes:
• Flight with 20 kg of baggage
• 7 nights in 2-star tourist-class hotels
• Breakfast every day
• Comfortable bus transportation along the route
• Russian-speaking guide from Israel
• Excursions and sightseeing as per the program

Price does not include:
• Activities and entertainment offered to tourists during free time
• Mandatory medical insurance
• Christmas dinner (90 euros)
• City tax at hotels
• Single room supplement
• Tips for the guide

Cancellation terms: • From the moment of booking up to 45 working days before the start of the trip - 350 euros (non-refundable) • 44 - 14 working days before the start of the tour - 75% • Less than 13 working days - 100% • (Working days do not include Saturdays and public holidays)