Flavours of Sicily Self Drive

Pick up your rental car at Catania Airport, then depart for Mount Etna, the symbol of Sicily. The overnight stay is scheduled in a splendid area on the slopes of the volcano, a wine resort surrounded by vineyards and fully equipped with all comforts. After arriving you are greeted with a tasting of local wines. Rest of the day at leisure to visit the Etna area. Overnight stay at a farmhouse. 

Breakfast at the farmhouse, then departure to discover Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350m). You can drive up to approx 2,000m freely by car and reach the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by the most recent lava flows. Those who want to get even closer to the top of the volcano can continue by cable car and then by a 4x4 car, accompanied by an expert mountain guide. Alternatively, you can stop at a local winery, with a visit to the vineyards, tasting of 5 wines and light lunch with local products (not included). The afternoon is dedicated to the enchanting Taormina, suspended between the rocks and the sea, famous for its natural landscape, historical monuments and the unforgettable panorama with Mount Etna in the background. In addition to strolling through the delightful alleys of the medieval centre and shopping at the artisan shops, we recommend that you do not miss a visit to the famous ancient theatre. At the end, return to the farmhouse and give yourself a nice overnight rest. (B) 

Breakfast at the farmhouse, then departure for Syracuse, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. We recommend starting the visit with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which preserves a magnificent Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre, remains of temples and tombs, and several caves, including the one called “the Dionysus' Ear“. In the afternoon you can explore the islet of Ortygia on your own, the heart of the city, with its splendid Baroque cathedral and the historic Aretusa Fountain, one of the most famous freshwater springs in the Greek world. Overnight stay at a hotel in Syracuse. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Noto, the “capital of the Sicilian Baroque”, with its richly decorated churches, its magnificent noble palaces and elegant iron wrought balconies. A typical “granita” is to be tried in one of the many bars on the main street, not only to cool off from the heat, but also to discover an unforgettable flavour. In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the typical seaside village of Marzamemi, “out of time” and away from the crowds, and then relaxing on one of the splendid beaches of south-eastern Sicily, where the sea is crystal clear. The most beautiful may be found in the Vendicari Marine Reserve (Calamosche and Cittadella dei Maccari), in Marzamemi (San Lorenzo and Spinazza) and in Portopalo (Carratois). At the end of the day, return to Syracuse for overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Ragusa, the cradle of the Sicilian late-baroque style, which houses 18 buildings protected by UNESCO. Not to be missed is a tour of the Ragusa Ibla quarter, the oldest in the historic centre, with its churches, the 18th century buildings and the luxuriant Ibleo Garden. Just outside the city, the majestic Donnafugata Castle is also worth a stop, with its huge park and an amusing stone labyrinth. Widely renowned wines are produced in this area, such as the Nero d'Avola and the Cerasuolo di Vittoria. For those who wish, we can organise a visit to a local winery cellar with wine tasting and a light lunch (not included). Continue to Agrigento for check in at the hotel and overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then whole morning dedicated to the visit of the Valley of the Temples, included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The archaeological area preserves 11 Doric temples of the 5th century BC, caves, necropolises and tombs, in a landscape embellished with hundreds of almond trees. Leaving Agrigento, proceed north westwards to Alcamo. An overnight stay is scheduled at a wine resort surrounded by greenery. In this area, wine and olive oil are produced according to organic agriculture methods. The underground cellars of the wineries, with cool temperatures all year round, offer the ideal climate conditions for the production and storage of wine, and house dozens of large barrels. A tasting of organic wines is included. Overnight stay at a farmhouse. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Marsala, on the western coast of Sicily. This area is rich in salt marshes and since ancient times has developed an intense activity of extraction of salt from the sea water. Trapani salt flats well testify to this, with their characteristic windmills, and the interesting Salt Museum. For lunch, a wine tasting at a historic winery in the area is included, combined with local gastronomic products. In the afternoon, the centre of Marsala is also worth a visit, with its baroque churches and the contrast between the yellow of its houses, the blue of the sea and the green of the vineyards. At the end, return to the farmhouse in Alcamo Area for overnight. (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Palermo and whole day dedicated to the visit of the Sicilian capital, rich in history and monuments of different architectural styles, which reflect the island's multicultural past. A tour of the city on an 'Ape Calessino' (a 3-wheeled vehicle) is scheduled to discover the treasures of Palermo: the beautiful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, Pretoria Square with the large Pretoria Fountain, and the frenetic Vucciria Market, animated by the sellers shouts. An artistic-gastronomic walk is also included, with a series of stops to taste the typical products of the Palermo street cuisine, such as “arancine” (stuffed and fried rice balls), the “panelle” (chickpea flour fritters) and the potato croquettes. In the afternoon we recommend driving to Monreale nearby, to admire the splendid Cathedral with its polychrome mosaics and the wonderful cloister in Arab-Norman style. Overnight stay at a hotel in Palermo. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and free time depending on your flight departure. Drop off the car at the Palermo Airport. (B)