Sicily & Aeolian Islands Tour

Arrive and make your own way to the hotel in the charming city of Palermo. Dinner on your own and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar.

Depart for Monreale to visit the magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the majestic Cloister. Return to Palermo for a visit to the Cathedral, a striking fusion of Gothic, Baroque, and Norman influences. Admire the beauty of the Martorana Church and the splendor of the Palatine Chapel, both richly decorated with golden mosaics. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties. In the afternoon, stroll through Palermo’s historic center to see the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, and the elegant Pretoria Fountain. Overnight at Mecure Palermo Centro, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar. (B, L)

The day begins with a visit to the charming seaside village of Cefalù, known for its impressive Norman Cathedral. Enjoy free time to wander the cobbled streets of the old town or explore the Mandralisca Museum. In the afternoon, depart for Catania. Enjoy a walk in the historic center, characterised by its unique late-Baroque style and use of Etna’s lava stone. Stroll through Duomo Square to admire the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the iconic lava stone Elephant, the symbol of the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel, Romano House Hotel or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s lively fish market, the “Pescheria.” Then, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m). Its dramatic lunar landscape offers stunning views anda memorable experience. The Etna Park, covers 59.000 hectares and is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. At Rifugio Sapienza, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, sample artisanal honey and other local products. Next, continue to Taormina, renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the old town, savouring regional specialties. Explore the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, boasting spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take free time to stroll Taormina’s picturesque streets, browse local craft shops, or simply relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Return to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel, Romano House Hotel or similar. (B, L)

Breakfast in the hotel and free time to enjoy Catania city center. The tour continues to the Aeolian Islands without a tour leader. Private transfer to Milazzo in the late morning. Transfer by hydrofoil to the island of Lipari. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Bougainville or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, full day excursion to Lipari & Salina islands. Leaving the harbor, the boat will skirt Lipari coast, and you will have a view of the Castle of Lipari, the Monte Rosa and Canneto. You will have time to swim in the crystalline blue water of Pumice Cave beach. Proceeding on to Salina, the captain will show you the famous Acquacalda bay. First stop will be on Santa Marina Salina the biggest town of the island. The boat will then stop in the charming fishermen’s village Lingua where you will have free time to visit the island, its Lago Salato or enjoy typical restaurants. Back to Lipari in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Bougainville or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast in the hotel and departure for the port of Lipari for a full-day excursion to Panarea and Stromboli. Before leaving Lipari, there will be a short stop at the pumice caves. Proceed to Panarea, to visit the Cave of Lovers and the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese. Time at leisure for lunch. The boat then continues to Stromboli, passing through the little islands surrounding it, and discovering from the sea the village of Ginostra. On Stromboli time at leisure. Return to Lipari and overnight stay at Hotel Bougainville or similar. (B, Packed Lunch)

Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the port to leave for Milazzo by hydrofoil. Private transfer to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, historical monuments and an unforgettable view of the sea and Etna. Time at leisure to stroll along the charming medieval streets of the center and go shopping, buying some of the best home-made products of the entire island. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra, Hotel Caparena Wellness & Spa or similar (B, D)

After breakfast make your own way to the airport. (B)