POLYPHEMUS

Upon your arrival in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you comfortably and quickly to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax and begin enjoying Palermo at your own pace.

In the evening, we have included dinner at your hotel.

Greca Tip: As a culmination of your gastronomic experience, try cannoli, the king of traditional Sicilian desserts.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day with a visit to Monreale, renowned for its imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral. Inside, we’ll be amazed by the dazzling Byzantine mosaics that depict biblical scenes with a golden brilliance like no other. We will also explore the Cloister, with its finely carved columns evoking the delicacy of medieval art.

We will then head to Palermo, the Sicilian capital nestled at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. This city is a true melting pot of cultures, reflected in its unique architecture that blends Arab, Norman, Gothic, and Baroque influences.

Our visit begins at the Cathedral of Palermo, an architectural gem that encapsulates centuries of history. We will continue to the Church of La Martorana, famous for its exquisite mosaics, and to the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Norman art, with a carved wooden ceiling and radiant golden mosaics.

At midday, we’ll enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant, perfect for savoring the aromas of island tradition.

In the afternoon, we will admire the elegant Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, and the Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, known as the “Fountain of Shame” for its nude statues and Renaissance design.

The day concludes with free time for dinner and return to your accommodation.

Greca Tip: To experience Palermo like a local, try a panelle or an arancina at one of the historic markets such as Ballarò or Vucciria—a truly authentic bite in the heart of the city!

After a rich breakfast, you will leave for Cefalu, a small and beautiful fishing village, famous for its Norman cathedral, its medieval old town, its archaeological museum, and its gastronomy loaded with seafood.

You will stroll through the charming streets of the center and you will have the possibility of visiting the famous Mandralisca Museum that exhibits one of the most beautiful and mysterious portraits of Antonello Da Messina, the portrait of the "Unknown Man", whose enigmatic smile seems to have inspired the Mona Lisa of Leonardo da Vinci.

You will have a stop to have lunch in a famous restaurant.

Then you will continue to Catania, a city that was not lucky in terms of the countless invasions in the course of history, but that was able to find a balance in the beauty of its historical center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Once in Catania, you will walk through the historical center passing through the old fish market in Plaza Alonso de Benedetto until reaching the Plaza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Santa Agata, rebuilt after the earthquake in 1693, and then the fountain with a stone elephant holding an obelisk on his back (symbol of the city).

We will make a stop at a very cozy bar where you will taste the typical sweet granita with brioche.

After this amazing tour, we will have accommodation in Catania.

Greca Tip: If you like taking panoramic photos, go up to the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Ágata.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day by visiting Catania’s traditional fish market—a lively and colorful place where we can observe up close the daily routines of the locals and the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Next, we’ll head to the impressive Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe at 3,350 meters above sea level. We will explore Etna Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches over more than 59,000 hectares of volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity. We’ll reach Rifugio Sapienza and from there explore the Silvestri Craters, dormant cones since 1888, offering us unforgettable views. We’ll take a short break to taste artisanal honey and other local specialties.

We will then continue our journey to the charming town of Taormina, known for its elegant architecture, romantic atmosphere, and breathtaking sea views. We’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant in the historic center and later visit the iconic Greco-Roman Theater, which offers a spectacular panorama of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast. Free time will follow to explore the town, stroll its charming streets, and shop for local crafts.

At the end of the day, we’ll return to Catania for overnight stay. In the evening, you’ll have free time to dine wherever you prefer.

Greca Tip: In Taormina, don’t miss a sunset walk along Via Teatro Greco—every corner feels like a postcard come to life.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have the day free to explore Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, at our own pace. This resilient city is steeped in history and charm.

Over the centuries, its streets have welcomed Greeks, Normans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Spaniards. Catania has also endured numerous natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes—it has been destroyed seven times. Despite these hardships, the city has found beauty and balance in its remarkable historic center.

You’ll be able to visit some of its more than 70 churches and palaces, wander through its narrow alleys, or simply soak in its lively atmosphere.

In the evening, you’ll have free time to dine wherever you prefer and return to your accommodation.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss Via Crociferi at sunset—its succession of baroque churches is simply breathtaking.

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave for Syracuse, the most important ancient Greek city in Sicily that extends along the sea, next to the island of Ortigia, a World Heritage Site and connected to the rest of the city through two bridges: the Neapolis Archaeological Park.

The visit will begin with the oldest Doric temple in Italy, the Greek Theater, and the Roman Amphitheater and will continue with the Latomy of Paradise (a series of artificial caves that were formed by using the rock as a quarry and later used as a prison) and the Ear of Dionysus, the main cave of the Latomy of Paradise. You will also visit the historic center of Ortigia, with the magnificent Duomo Square and its Cathedral.

You will then head towards Noto, a city that like a Phoenix rose from its ashes after the earthquake of 1693, becoming the summit of Baroque in Italy. A majestic city declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.

You will have free time to walk through the streets of the center to marvel at the splendor and fine work of its architecture in which the Municipal Square stands out, flanked by imposing buildings such as Noto Cathedral, the most striking building, the Landolina Palace or the Ducezio Palace, headquarters of the town hall.

Vittorio Emanuele Street, barely a kilometer from end to end, is a veritable baroque marvel. You will have some time free to walk in its streets and then you will leave for Ragusa, where you will enjoy dinner and spend your night.

Greca Tip: In Noto and at Cafe Sicilia you can taste the best granita in all of Sicily.

After a delicious breakfast, you will visit the city of Ragusa Ibla, a delight for baroque lovers, full of churches and palaces that leave visitors speechless and is also a World Heritage Site. Many of the Baroque buildings date from the reconstruction after the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1963.

The Cathedral of San Giorgio stands out, a symbol of the city with its neoclassical dome and stained glass windows, and the Ibleo Garden, is the oldest garden in Ragusa and an oasis of peace.

Then you will head to Modica, whose old town is considered a baroque treasure along with its alleys and historic shops, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and also known as "the city of chocolate". You will end the visit by tasting some typical products of the area.

Next, we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

You will continue to Piazza Armerina, a splendid artistic city, in the heart of Sicily, where we will visit the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale. A building from the late imperial period and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the exceptional collection of mosaics it houses, perfectly preserved thanks to a layer of mud, the result of a landslide in the 12th century.

You will then depart for your hotel in Agrigento for dinner and a good night's sleep. 

Greca Tip: Take the opportunity to buy fresh fruit in the street markets as the price is much lower and the products come from the farmers themselves.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day with an unforgettable visit to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the classical world. We will explore the remains of the ancient city of Akragas, walking among majestic temples such as those of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules, where history and architecture blend in a truly unique setting.

Later, we will continue to Marsala, a city rich in history, renowned for Garibaldi’s landing and its elegant noble palaces. Strolling through its charming historic center, we will admire beautiful Baroque monuments and experience its Mediterranean soul.

The tour continues with a wine experience at the renowned Cantine Florio, a symbol of Marsala wine production. There, we will discover historic cellars with massive 19th-century barrels still in use today. We’ll enjoy a light lunch paired with local wines in an atmosphere full of tradition.

In the afternoon, we will explore the evocative Salt Route, visiting the ancient salt flats of Marsala, where white mounds of salt reflect on the shallow waters of the Stagnone Lagoon, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly.

Finally, we will arrive in Palermo, where you’ll have free time to dine at the restaurant of your choice and return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: Looking for the perfect sunset photo? The salt flats of Marsala, with their windmills and pink-tinged waters, offer one of the most magical views in all of Sicily. Don’t forget your camera!

After breakfast, we will head to Erice, an ancient city founded by the Elymians, at 751 meters above sea level on Mount San Giuliano.

It is a small village with an unchanged ancient charm, characterized by narrow streets, medieval arches, and courtyards. Thanks to its altitude, we will be able to enjoy a splendid panorama: on one side, the Gulf of Trapani, the salt pans, and the Egadi Islands; on the other, the immense Mount Valderice, Custonaci, and the surrounding fields. We will visit the historic center, the mother church, and the castle of Venus of Erice.

In the afternoon, we will visit Segesta, an Elymian colony dominated by the presence of an elegant and solitary Doric-style temple. The landscapes around, the hills destined for cultivation or grazing, and the modest reliefs animated by a few trees, seem the same as a thousand years ago.

The recently built buildings do not affect the exceptional beauty of these places. We will visit the temple and the theater, located 400 meters above sea level, built in the 3rd century BC.

After the visit, we will return to Palermo where we will have free time for dinner.

Greca Tip: Sicily is famous for its pistachios, and Erice is no exception. Try ice cream, pastries, or even savory dishes that include these delicious nuts.

After having a filling breakfast, and at the time indicated, you will be transferred to Palermo Airport to board your departure flight.

From Greca we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Greca Tip: You can extend your stay at Step 1 of your reservation!