1st day - Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Taormina
Upon your arrival, you will clear passport control, and pick up your luggage from the baggage carousel. Upon clearing customs, you will exit the luggage hall, your private English speaking driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name to welcome you in Sicily. Transfer to your hotel in Taormina.
2nd day - Syracuse
Breakfast in your hotel, then meet your private driver in the lobby of your hotel and drive through the internal road up to Syracuse. This magnificent town, one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily, was founded by Greeks in 734 BC. Its growth was rapid. Syracuse soon became one of the most important towns in Sicily. The city has been declared UNESCO WHS for the archaeological park and the islet of Ortigia.
Start the visit of this area called “Neapolis” and, the highlights of which are: the Roman amphitheatre, constructed in the second century A.D. during Roman Imperial age was partly carved out from the rock. In the centre of the area is a rectangular space which was used for the scenic machinery; the Greek theatre, whose cavea is one of the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks: carved out of solid rock and excellently preserved, it has 67 rows, divided into nine sections with eight aisles.
The edifice, still used today, was modified by the Romans, who adapted it to their different kind of spectacles, including also circus games; the rope makers’ grotto, the Dionisyus’ ear, aritificial grotto resembling an earlobe, used as a prison during the war against Athens.
Then take a pleasant walking tour of this charming islet on which the original city was founded. Stroll through Pancali Square, the ruins of the Apollo’s temple, Corso Matteotti, the main and most elegant shopping area, Archimede Square with the fountain of Artemis, Cathedral square and Arethusa fountain, overlooking the bay, on a large terrace. Afterwards lunch at a Local restaurant. In the afternoon you come back to your hotel in Taormina.
3rd day - Etna-Winery Breakfast at your hotel.
Meet your private driver for an excursion on Trapani area. En route, you'll make a number of stops, beginning with the historic city of Segesta, where you will make a visit of the Greek Theater and Doric Temple ruins.
The stone-built theater dating back to the 3rd century BC is rewarded with a location on the summit of Monte Barbaro, offering a stunning view out over rural green pastures and adjacent mountains. Discover the 5th century BC Temple of Segesta, considered one of the best preserved in the world, which is said to have been abandoned before it was ever completed.
Afterward, head to Erice, a wonderful and mysterious medieval town made famous in ancient times as the supposed birthplace of Venus. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the town, smelling a variety of aromas emanating from the numerous pastry shops for which Erice is famous.
You'll visit the ruins of the town's hilltop Norman Castle, a 12th century construct dedicated to Venus. Make a stop at the world famous Pastry shop by Maria Grammatico to taste almond sweets, genovesi and nougat matched with Marsala wine. Rejoin your driver and drive to the historic Salt Road, with its numerous salt pans and Dutch-style windmills and you conclude the day coming back to your hotel.
4th day - Godfather tour-Castelmola
Pick up by your driver, before proceeding to the two little hilltop towns, where Francis Ford Coppola filmed many parts of the ‘The Godfather’ movies.
Enjoy an introduction to the real Sicily, exploring the towns of Savoca with their quiet streets and peaceful atmosphere, are surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery, and have several fascinating old churches and the famous Bar Vitelli. You will take a walk on the panoramic promenade to the famous church of Sant’Nicolò or better called Santa Lucia which was used in the Godfather movie for the marriage of Michael Corleone and Apollonia Vitelli. A taste of lemon granita is a must!
Depart to visit Forza D’Agrò. Among the most interesting places, the church of Sant’Agostino, with the convent located on the hill that was the set of the scene in which Vito Corleone flees to the United States persecuted by Don Ciccio's men.
After you will proceed to the lovely hilltop town of Castelmola, recently voted one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Arrived in the town square you will be enchanted by the breathtaking view of the Sicilian Ionian coast, from where you can admire Taormina and its Roman amphitheater.
A little above the square is the splendid medieval castle of Mola, where the ancient fortifications can still be seen. Walking through the narrow streets of the medieval town you will arrive at the famous and eccentric Turrisi bar, where you can taste the renowned almond wine and enjoy the splendid view of the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. Come back to your hotel in Taormina
5th day - Departure
Pick up by your English speaking driver and relax on your private transfer to Catania airport from your hotel. Airport, about 50 mins
