• 8-day package (7 nights) for a completely independent trip to discover Etna

• 8-day package (7 nights) for a completely independent trip to discover Etna

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

• Arrival at Catania airport, rent Electric middle car and departure for the the eco-sustainable hotel: Welcome cocktail. • Orientation tour around the hotel • Optional dinner KM 0 – Overnight.

DAY 2: ETNA

• Breakfast in the hotel. Suggested itinerary: Volcano Excursion and Nature. Etna, is 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 optional excursion by jeep and cableway (extra cost). Departure eith cable way and ascent up to 3,000 meters with a naturalist guide available upon request. Visit to the summit craters (conditions permitting). Walk among lunar landscapes and volcanic formations. Explanations about geology and local flora.. Free lunch with local products. In the afternoon visit to the historic center of Zafferana Etnea or another traditional village, focusing on artisan shops and typical products. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 3: RIPOSTO OR GIARRE

• After breakfast in the hotel. Suggested itinerary: Drive to Riposto or Giarre and take the Circumetnea dell'Etna with a 24-hour ticket, which will allow you to stop at several locations, and we suggest to stop in Linguaglossa: strolling through this charming town is like getting lost inside a jewel with countless facets—the beauty of art, the allure of history, the majesty of nature, and the genuine Sicilian spirit all make this village a true gem worth exploring on foot. What are some must-see sights in Linguaglossa during your walk? Immediately eye-catching are the fantastic, colorful murals that enliven the streets of the town center. These artworks have been commissioned since the 1990s by the local administration with the goal of enhancing the town's identity and giving it an instantly recognizable character. Today, there are approximately 50 murals created by 24 different artists, each with unique styles and ideas, all united by the artistic purpose of telling the story and spirit of the volcano, its territory, and the folklore of the people who live under its shadow. Continue to Bronte The city extends along the western slopes of Mount Etna and is a municipality belonging both to the Etna Park and the Nebrodi Park. In short, Bronte is a true gem to visit and discover, perhaps while snacking on some excellent pistachios as you stroll through its main streets! Today, Bronte is primarily known for its vast orchards, which grow on volcanic rocks and soils, producing an exceptionally high-quality fruit—the pistachio, or "green gold," as the residents of Bronte call it, and not only them. We are talking about the famous local pistachio that proudly bears the D.O.P. Come back to Riposto, get the car and drive to the hotel.

DAY 4: ALCANTARA GORGES

•  Breakfast in the hotel. Suggested itinerary: Naturalistic Excursion at the Alcantara Gorges Experience the wild nature and the distinctive volcanic cliffs (basalt columns) of the canyon, which are the main attraction of the botanical and geological park. By exploring independently the first section of the gorge, you can enjoy a landscape characterized by ancient lava flows and small waterfalls—just be prepared to face the icy waters of the river! Walking downstream along the riverbanks, in about five minutes, you can reach quieter stretches of the river away from the crowds. The lush river vegetation, mixed with citrus trees on the terraces, creates bucolic and relaxing scenic views.
  We recommend visiting the nearby villages: Castiglione di Sicilia is located 15 km from the Gorges. This charming hilltop town is recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, situated within the Etna wine district, with several wine shops in town.Motta Camastra is a picturesque hilltop village offering splendid views of the Alcantara Valley. The Arab castle, a ruin dating from the Arab-Norman period, is situated on a hill with breathtaking views of the lush Alcantara Valley. The trail leading to the castle is about two kilometers from the Gorges.Overnight in hotel.

DAY 5: TAORMINA

• Breakfast in hotel. Suggested itinerary: 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. Possibility to have a coking class lesson in Taormina. Meeting with the chef and enjoy a morning in Taormina learning how to prepare delicious Sicilian recipes with a master chef. After cooking, you will taste your creations and discuss them over a cheerful lunch. The day starts with a guided tour of the town's market and buying the ingredients for the class with an explanation from the chef. The market is within walking distance from the Porta Messina Arch meeting point. Back at the restaurant, coffee break. Then the chef will explain the dishes that you will make featuring hand-made pasta, and you will start to prepare and cook the food. After all the food is prepared, you will get to taste what you have created, accompanied by wine. Before leaving, you will receive an official certificate and an apron as a souvenir of this special day.

DAY 6: SYRACUSE AND NOTO

• Breakfast in hotel. Suggested itinerary: Syracuse and Noto. Syracuse is one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island with its Archeological Park the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari and the Island of Ortigia, the most ancient nucleus of the city with its stunning cathedral. and picturesque alleys. Continue your tour by going to Noto, included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2002. Cross the famous Gate, stroll in the center admiring the wonderful aristocratic palaces with the famous decorated balconies, the sumptuous churches full of decorations, the Cathedral with its staircase and the city theater, all built in Baroque style. Optional Wine tasting in a famous winery Terre di Noto. Back to hotel and overnight.

DAY 7: MOUNT ETNA

• Breakfast at the hotel. Optional excursion: Start the day with a hearty, energizing breakfast, then embark on a bike tour (preferably electric) across the landscapes of Mount Etna. Cycle through vineyards, orchards, and volcanic scenery, with stops at scenic viewpoints to admire the views and take photos.Afternoon relax in hotel and have a tasting olive oil including a walk in the olive grove, a story about the estate, and a tasting of bread, oil, olives, and homemade product and certified organic oil.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

• Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Catania airport. Release of the car at the car rental desk. End of our services.

• 7 overnights in a 4-star hotel in Etna area on BB basis
• 1 dinner at the hotel, including products from the estate and organic garden (drinks excluded)
• 1 4-course dinner with 4 wines from selected wineries
• 1 wine tasting of 3 types of wine to Hotel win
• 1 olive oil in hotel including a walk in the olive grove, a story about the estate, and a tasting of bread, oil, olives, and homemade product and certified organic oil
• Donation of € 25 to Plasticfree Onlus Association
• 24 hours train ticket Circum Etnea around Mont Etna
• 1 bottle complimentary water in the room
• Category E-car middle class and “PLATINUM insurance” included (*)

• Lunches
• Beverage
• Tips and extra
• City tax
• Entrance to monuments and archaeological parks
• Porterage service
• Anything not expressly indicated in "the rate includes”

• Shared Cooking Class in Taormina
• Cooking Class at Neroli Bio Relais
• Wine Tasting
• Etna 3000 mt

• Etna Area: Neroli Bio Relais (*)

(*) 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 E 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.

• Cancellations up to 120 days before departure with full refund.
• Cancellations from 119 to 15 days before departure: penalty of €50 per person.
• Cancellations from 14 to 8 days before departure: 30% penalty.
• Cancellations from 7 to 4 days before departure: 50% penalty.
• In case of cancellation within 3 days of departure: 100% penalty.
• No refund is provided in case of no-show or voluntary interruption of an already started trip.