DAY 1: ARRIVAL
DAY 2: ETNA
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Riviera dei Ciclopi/Catania or you can visit Etna.
Suggested itinerary: In the morning drive to Mt. Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes the “Park of Etna”, one of the largest protected areas in Italy: You will be astonished about the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that we will meet along the way before arriving at the “Silvestri Craters” (about 1.900 mt). From here on you will have the option to continue the excursion by jeep. We suggest you to make a stop at a local beekeeper to taste quality honey and have a wine tasting and to see how he is produced. In the afternoon visit of Taormina, situated on a plateau on the slopes of the steeply dropping Monte Tauro, dominating the Ionian coast from Capo Sant’Andrea to Capo Taormina. Possibility, to visit the Greek-Roman theatre, the 2nd largest classical theatre in Sicily. Re-entry in hotel. Overnight.
DAY 3: SANT'ALESSIO SICULO OR TAORMINA, FORZA D'AGRO & SAVOCA
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Sant’Alessio Siculo or visit Taormina/Forza d’Agrò/Savoca. Suggested itinerary: Departure to Forza D'Agrò a charming village located on a hill overlooking Taormina and you will have a tour with an eye to the cinema visiting the villages made famous by the film The Godfather Walking along the narrow streets of this small town, in addition to the breathtaking views, it will be possible to admire the Durazzesco arch and the Cathedral, a place chosen to set one of the most romantic scenes of the Godfather's film, the wedding of Micheal Corleone. From the Panoramic Square you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the coast. After visiting this little gem, continue for Savoca. This village is famous because here have been shouted some of the famous parts of the movie “The Godfather”, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The buildings and the monuments of the movie are still here, like the famous Bar Vitelli, the same bar used to shoot The Godfather. Bar Vitelli, which became famous thanks to the film ‘The Godfather’, has a unique atmosphere and a history linked to cinema. There are many photos of the actors Possibility to have a drink at Bar .In the afternoon OPTIONAL “TAORMINA COAST TO COAST BY BOAT”. On this tour you will discover the natural beauty of the coastline Giardini/Naxos-Taormina. You will start the tour in a comfortable characteristic boat (max. 12 persons), to explore the Ionian Coast. From here you’ll have a fantastic view of mount. Etna and its area’s most breathtaking sights. On the way you can discover caves, including the visit of the well known “Grotta Azzurra” (due to weather conditions and currents), rock formations and the beautiful Nature Reserve of Isola Bella.
DAY 4: CALAMOSCHE & FONTANE BIANCHE OR SYRACURSE & NOTO
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Calamosche (Vendicari), Fontane Bianche or you can visit Syracuse & Noto.
Suggested itinerary: Departure for Syracuse and Noto. Syracuse is one of the most interesting archaeological sites on the island with its Archaeological Park, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari and the Island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city with its splendid cathedral and picturesque alleyways. An optional one-hour tour of the island and the sea caves. you will see the island of Ortigia, which you will probably have already explored on foot. you will catch a glimpse of the façade of the cathedral, the Duomo. ,the Arethusa Fountain with the Maniace Castle, which marks the exit of the harbour. After this wonderful excursion, drive to Noto, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Pass through the famous gate, stroll through the centre admiring the wonderful noble palaces with their famous ornate balconies, the sumptuous ornate churches, the Cathedral with its staircase, and the town theatre, all built in the Baroque style. Overnight in Taormina area.
DAY 5: LETOJANNI
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Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Letojanni that for 2025, will once again be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag BANDIERA BLU , an international recognition that certifies the environmental quality and excellence of our beaches and services.
Suggested itinerary: Aeolian islands are the patrimony of humanity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Departure by bus with a tour leader to the port of Milazzo and proceed by private motorboat to the island of Lipari. Stop at the ground with the opportunity to visit the old town with the archaeological park and the cathedral. Free shopping time in the local shops on the island. Back on board and sail along the "Faraglioni" and the "Horse’s Cave". Continue by boat to Vulcano and stop on the island with the possibility to make sulfurous mud baths in a dedicated area paying the entrance fee. Mud prohibited to pregnant women and children. After returning by sea, sailing along the coast viewing the " Rock of the Little Mermaid”. Eco-tax to be paid on board the bus not included. Overnight.
(**) In case of bad weather condition the excursion to Lipari & Vulcano will be replaced with an alternative excursion.
DAY 6: SCALA DEI TURCHI OR AGRIGENTO
- Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Scala dei Turchi or you can visit Agrigento.
Suggested itinerary: Morning departure for Agrigento and start a walk from the Cathedral of San Gerlando, built in 1054, the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci, and thanks to the glass floor of the church, you can admire the base of the Doric columns. You can see the seat of the Diocesan Museum of Agrigento, the Monastery of Santo Spirito, where the cloistered nuns still produce almond sweets that are very famous throughout the world, the Civic Museum . We continue with a visit to the Valley of the Temples, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord (one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the entire Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Castor and Pollux. We then enter the Garden of the Kolymbethra, an archaeological site of great natural and scenic importance, located in a small basin in the heart of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. Cared for by the FAI, it has become one of Sicily's and Italy's most important archaeological/natural sites. Return to the hotel in Letojanni and overnight stay.
DAY 7: GIARDINI NAXOS OR MONTALBANO ELICONA
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Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Giardini Naxos or visit Montalbano Elicona.
Suggested itinerary: Drive into the Sicilian hinterland, to the wonderful village of Montalbano Elicona, awarded in 2015 as the most beautiful village in Italy. A labyrinth of small roads conducts to the castle, which dominates the historical centre. You will be enchanted by the splendid views of the luxurious vegetation. Take a small tour of the town and continue to the Megaliths of Argimusco. Here you can see megaliths (rocks) from prehistoric periods and at the same time enjoy wonderful views of Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, the unusual mountains Rocca Salvatesta and Montagna di Vernà, cape Tindari, cape Calavà and cape Milazzo. In the afternoon included tasting of 3 wine varieties of Etna in Albatros beach hotel served with typical cold cuts and cheeses, bruschetta from 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast in the hotel. Check out at 10:00; and departure to Catania or Palermo airport. Release of the car at the car rental desk. End of our services.
- Taormina Area: Albatros Beach Hotel, Olimpo/Le Terrazze or similar (*)
(*) It could happen and in case of problems the hotels indicated may be replaced with others of the same category located in the same towns or up to 30 km distance where will be possible to realize the program. The name of the hotel will be sent to you 21 days before the arrival.
- Each customer can independently choose whether to follow the suggested itinerary or create one based on their own needs. However, it is essential to follow the schedule related to the cities where overnight stays are planned.
- Parking at the hotel is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to find it nearby.
- Norma Vacanze reserves the right to modify the excursion itinerary if deemed appropriate or due to force majeure.
- Norma Vacanze is not responsible for accidents, delays, damage or loss of luggage or personal belongings, nor for damages caused by third parties or others such as floods, storms, landslides, earthquakes, political unrest, epidemics, terrorist attacks, strikes, etc.
The rate does not include:
- Tourist tax to be paid locally
- Lunches and dinners unless mentioned
- Tips and personal extras
- Porter service
- Fuel
- Highway tolls
- Parking fees
- Tickets for planes, ships, trains, or buses to reach the airport
- Entrance fees to monuments and archaeological parks
- Cinque Terre Card (1 day €115 per person)
- Anything not expressly indicated under "the rate includes".
THE RATE INCLUDES:
- Category C car, unlimited mileage;
- 22% VAT;
- Airport, railway, and car fees;
- Car liability insurance - car civil liability;
- Platinum Insurance - eliminates all deductibles for theft and damage. Also covers glass and tire damage and theft attempts. Personal accident insurance. Plus roadside assistance.
- Additional driver
THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Fuel,
- Fines,
- Notification fees,
- Rental for drop-off at another airport,
- Child seat,
- GPS navigator,
- Fuel recovery service, a €30.00 surcharge will be applied if the car is returned with more than 5 liters of fuel missing.
- There is a 59-minute grace period, after which a full day will be charged.
- At the time of booking, the car category is guaranteed, not the model.
Platinum insurance includes:
- With Platinum insurance, the deductible amount is not charged. The "Platinum" package eliminates the deductibles for all damages, partial, attempted, and total theft, including glass, tires, roof damage, and damage to the underside of the vehicle. Interior damages and those caused by vandalism, riots, etc. are excluded.
