Sicily Driver Guide, 5 days Tour Package

Hotel Accommodation: this package is LAND only and doesn't include hotel accommodation. You have to provide these service on your own OR you can inquiry us for a special deal or you can surf on our web-partner at BOSHotels.com.

This tour is PRIVATE, land only, organized using a Driver Guide.

You have to enter inside the monuments alone. The Driver-Guide is able to provide basic historical tourist information only and he cannot escort you inside the sites because this is not allowed by Italian Rules. In case you need a Licensed Local Guide (Licensed Local Guide: are the only professionals with a Regional license permitted to conduct visits and tours in all sites and museums within a city) you must pay a surcharge and we will arrange for local guide to meet you directly on the spot.

Day 1: Monreale & Palermo

This morning we will visit where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo, launched in 1174 by William II.  Scenes from the Old and New Testaments are depicted in golden mosaics covering the interior.  Then on to Palermo to Then on to Palermo to explore the fascinating Capuchin Catacombs. The Catacombs outgrew their original cemetery in the 16th century and monks began to excavate the crypts below it. The bodies were dehydrated on the racks of ceramic pipes in the catacombs and sometimes later washed with vinegar. Monks were preserved with their everyday clothing and sometimes with ropes they had worn as a penance. The catacombs contain about 8000 mummies that line the walls. The halls are divided into categories: Men, Women, Virgins, Children, Priests, Monks, and Professionals. We continue by exploring the lively Open Air Capo Market, a large open street market that captures the flavour of Palermo's Saracen Arab past. Capo is a blend of general confusion and a jumble of vendors' stalls, winding toward the old gate (Porta Carini) of what used to be the city wall. This afternoon we continue by seeing Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda, whose “four corners” converge Palermo at a quartet of baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating from 1560.

Day 2: Palermo/Marsala Winery/Salt Way Road/Olive Oil Factory/Erice/Palermo

Early departure to tour western Sicily. Our first stop is in Marsala famous for sweet wine exportation. On arrival we will visit a local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian wine and our Sicilian snack. Later, we travel between Marsala and Trapani on the Salt Way Road.  We will tour the historic saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced.  Than to an Olive Oil factory to indulge in our typical light-lunch. This afternoon we will continue to Erice uptown. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice, which was an important religious site associated with the goddess Venus. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous homemade pastry shops—world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. Later back to Palermo (L).

Day 3: Palermo/Caltagirone/Ragusa

Today departure to the baroque town of Caltagirone, home to the best ceramic artists in Sicily (from pre-historic times to today). Caltagirone is a definite must for anyone interested in ceramics. The many architectural beauties of the city just serve to complete a very compelling picture. Time at leisure for shops. This afternoon we will continue to Ragusa province driving through narrow, country roads from Vittoria to Ragusa. Tonight dinner at local trattoria to taste the famous Ravioli with Ricotta and fresh tomato sauce. (D)

Day 4: Ragusa/Modica/Noto/Syracuse

This morning’s walk through the historical town of Ragusa Ibla highlights the wide array of Baroque architecture in Sicily, including several stunning palaces and churches.  Later we depart for Modica. The city is situated in the Iblean mountains and, along with Val di Noto and Ragusa, it is part of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Sicily.  The main economy of the area revolves around dairy cheese & agricultural products like olives, carobs, legumes, and grains.  The famous Chocolate of Modica, is absolutely unique and produced from an ancient, original Aztec recipe. This afternoon we will continue onto the lovely Noto,  famous for its honey colored buildings of the early eighteenth century.  Noto is considered a masterpieces of the Sicilian Baroque style.  Time at leisure.  Later depart for Syracuse, founded by colonists from Cornith in 735 B.C. and once the most important competitor to Athens.

Day 5: Syracuse/Taormina

This morning stroll through the streets of Ortygia Island, the heart of the city center. Later independent visit through the Archaeological Park highlights the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry.  Afterward, we drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort town of Sicily, known for its views and atmosphere.

MEAL LEGEND: L (Lunch), D (Dinner), S (Snack)

RATE PER PERSON (besed on a minimum 2 people): available on request