After the breakfast at the hotel, it's time to move on to Monreale to visit its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! 

Later you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino, a headland described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past: Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, 17th century squares, including an elegant opera house.

Visit of the wonderful eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, admirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, and a prove of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Ruggero II employed Bizantyne, Muslim and Latin workers. During the day, you will have a stop for a surprise to taste the local street food in the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. 

Free time for lunch on your own. Along the path you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with 16th century sculptures. 

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Palermo.

Other available suggested experiences:

Palermo Walking Tour and Street Food 

Follow an expert guide through Palermo's old town and indulge all your senses on a walking tour of Palermo's rich street food traditions. Sample Palermo's famous street foods, such as arancini. Join a knowledgeable guide for a walk through the historic part of the city and its vibrant outdoor markets. Sample some of Palermo's unique street foods, such as 'panelle' and 'meusa.' Watch the lively scenes all around you, observing what seems like another time.  Stop at Teatro dell'Opera dei Pupi, a particular type of puppet theatre, which emerged in southern Italy and particularly in Sicily in the early 1800s, is Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The historical city open-air markets of Palermo

Palermo is famous for its historical city markets: Borgo Vecchio, Vucciria, Ballarò, Capo. Starting from Porta Carini, this tour will guide you on a stroll through few of them:  Capo, Ballarò and Vucciria. They provide a spectacle to see, including an impressive kaleidoscope of scents, flavors, sounds, and colors. Try some of the world-renowned street food, besides the numerous stalls that sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafted items.

Teatro Massimo tour in Palermo

Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Europe and as impressive inside as it is on the outside. You will find out a lot about its history and even be escorted to the stage and the royal box, admire the dazzling Murano chandelier and the Pompeian Hall which is known for its circular design that helps to enhance the sound of the music playing in it. You will also get up to the roof terrace from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Giardino Garibaldi in Palermo

The Giardino Garibaldi is a stunning villa bordered by ancient trees whose massive roots you can see almost floating out of the ground. In fact, the city’s oldest tree (150 years old) is located here. Despite its peaceful appearance, the spot was once the location where executions took place in the city. However, today, it serves as a tranquil site to take a stroll or go shopping at the flea market which is hosted here during the weekend.

After breakfast transfer to Cefalù, charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit of its stunning Norman Dome and free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum. 

Arrival in Catania and free time for lunch. 

The city of Catania is the second largest Sicilian city after Palermo. The city is like most coastal cities, has a natural port and has a beach that one would want to laze around on soaking in the sun. If you are looking for a vacation off the beaten path, then this is it.  The culture of the city of Catania is well represented on the global stage with opera composer Vincenzo Bellini being born in the city.  Catania is also a gourmet paradise. Dishes such as Pasta alla Norma, Granita, Blood Oranges and Horses meat are the local delicacies.Later on the tour will continue visiting Catania’s historical centre stated Unesco World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The colour scheme of the city-centre buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows. The effect is extremely elegant! The walking tour will start from the scenic Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. Not far from here we will reach University Square and we will have a walk along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, the most representative 18th century street in Catania, where we will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, Unesco World Heritage Site. Continuing the visit enjoy a break in a historical bar of the city centre to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. 

Dinner at the hotel or in a restaurant nearby.

Overnight at the hotel in Catania.

Other available suggested experiences:

Catania Walking Tour and Street Food 

Discover the street food and snacks of Catania on a daytime walking tour around the city. Visit the main piazza, and the elegant Via dei Crociferi or Benedettini enclave, learning about Catania’s food and its place in Sicilian culture as you stroll. Sample treats at market stalls and bakeries, and then leave armed with tips for the best places to eat in town. Visit the historic fish market and learn about Sicilian seafood, sample a seasonal dessert toward the end of your food walking tour, collect stamps for your food passport as you explore Catania. A food 'passport' is included so you can keep track of your favorite bites along the way. Stop at a ' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce Walk among the banches, learn about local cuisine.

After the breakfast the day starts with a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania. Then the tour will continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, nowadays Unesco World Heritage Site. Its regional park protects 59.000 hectares of unique geology, flora and fauna, villages and farms, and traditional methods of forestry, bee-keeping, wine manufacture, stonework and carpentry. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you heading to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters, can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have a stop to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. 

The tour continues towards Taormina,the beautiful Taormina, defined by Goethe as the "paradise on earth", charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna.  

Free time for lunch on your own. 

In the afternoon visit of Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre which will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos bay and the Etna mountain! Free time for a nice walk among the picturesque Medieval typical narrow streets, to go shopping and looking around the local handicrafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more). 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Catania.

Other available suggested experiences:

Taormina Food and Wine walking tour  

Spend an evening immersed in Sicilian cuisine and led by a local guide, travel to the city’s top spots to sample fresh fish, bruschetta, sweet Sicilian cakes, and other regional specialties. As you walk and taste, learn more about the city's culinary history from your guide. Sip a glass of Prosecco and taste four fresh fish dishes, accompanied by a glass of local white wine, taste three varietals of Sicilian red wine, paired with tasty bites and Italian liqueur in an atmospheric wine bar and learn more about Sicily’s culinary heritage and cooking culture from the guide. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Your last day in the beautiful Italy has arrived!

Pack your bags and head to the hotel entrance for the transfer to the airport of Catania. It may be the end of your trip, but you'll have memories from your amazing vacation in Italy that will last you a long time!