Starts in Catania, ends in Messina

Highlights of Sicily

8 days

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, fascinates with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural influences. The island is characterized by an impressive diversity: from the ancient Greek temples in Agrigento to the baroque treasures in Palermo to the picturesque coastal villages, Sicily offers a unique mix of history, art and natural beauty.

What you'll see

Itinerary & map

After your arrival you have the choice: relax in the hotel and recover from the trip, or plunge into the adventure on your own and explore the enchanting city of Catania. Stroll through the lively streets, admire the famous Elephant Fountain, a distinctive landmark of the city, and be awed by the baroque splendor of the cathedral. Catania, with its rich history and unique charm, offers a wealth of sights and authentic flair. Enjoy the southern atmosphere, taste local specialties in the cozy cafés or explore the markets to experience the lively hustle and bustle of the city up close.

Syracuse - an ancient and unforgettable dream. Cicero praised the city where Plato taught and Archimedes worked as the largest and most beautiful of all Greek cities. Our day begins with exploring the archaeological park. In the 'Teatro Greco' the audience once listened to the tragedies of Aeschylus and Sophocles. The Ear of Dionysius, an artificial grotto, impresses with its unique acoustics, and spectacular gladiator fights once thrilled the crowds in the Roman amphitheater. We go to the old town of Ortigia and stroll from the remains of the Temple of Apollo via the Piazza Archimede with its Fountain of Artemis to the Cathedral, which was integrated into the famous ancient Temple of Athena. Today the city's youth relax at the Arethusa spring. Upon our return to Catania, we wander around the city and take a look at some of its landmarks. The boulevard Via Etnea offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and is lined with numerous restaurants and shops. In the evening you have the opportunity to choose a restaurant according to your wishes.

Let's start the day exploring the Roman Villa Casale, located inland near the town of Piazza Armerina! This wonderful residence of the ancient upper class impresses with richly decorated rooms and fantastic mosaics. Here we immerse ourselves in stories from everyday life in the Roman granary, learn about courtly life, mythology and hunting adventures. We then continue our journey to the picturesque south coast to Agrigento. An absolute highlight of this trip awaits us there: the majestic columns of the temples of Agrigento can be seen from afar. The shrines of the gods appear as if lined up on a chain, especially the Temple of Concordia, one of the best preserved in the ancient world

Haben Sie schon einmal von der größten griechischen archäologischen Stätte Siziliens gehört? Heute bieten sich uns die Gelegenheit, Selinunte zu erkunden. Dort bewundern wir die beeindruckenden griechischen Tempel aus dem 6. und 5. Jahrhundert vor Christus sowie die bezaubernde Akropolis. Durch die malerischen Weinberge des Nordwestens fahren wir weiter nach Segesta. In dieser idyllischen Landschaft erhebt sich im Tal der einsam gelegene Tempel aus dem 5. Jahrhundert vor Christus. Östlich des Tempels entdecken wir auf einem Hügel das antike Theater, von dem aus unser Blick über die Berge und die herrliche Küste schweift. Am Abend erreichen wir Palermo, die Hauptstadt Siziliens, und lassen den Tag gemeinsam bei einem köstlichen Pizzamahl ausklingen.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC. BC and called Panormus by the Greeks, Palermo is now the fifth largest city in Italy. Our journey takes us to Monreale, where we visit the famous 12th century cathedral and the impressive cloister. In Palermo Cathedral we admire the Staufer sarcophagi and the unforgettable medieval facade. There is a lot to learn at the grave of Frederick II: about his struggle with the papacy for power in Europe, about the Crusades and the religious tolerance at court. In the Cappella Palatina we are amazed by the valuable gold mosaics from the 12th to 14th centuries. At lunchtime we taste the typical street food of Palermo at the lively market. A digestive walk through Maqueda Street to Quattro Canti square in the old town of Palermo rounds off our Palermo experience.

We stroll through the characteristic, narrow streets of this old fishing village of Cefalù. First you will admire the beautiful 'Porta Pescara' before continuing to the 'Lavatoio Medievale', a public washing place from the Middle Ages. Our walk then takes us to the city's main square, where the majestic Norman-Arab Cathedral stands. After this visit we will take a short break in the piazza in front of the cathedral to enjoy a delicious Sicilian ice cream. Our drive along the north coast gives us a brief look at the strait near Messina before we finally reach our next hotel on the east coast of Sicily.

We set off towards the highest and most active volcano in Europe, Etna. At an altitude of around 1,900 meters we stand at the Silvestri crater, surrounded by solidified lava masses. On the way to Taormina we visit an authentic beekeeping at the foot of Mount Etna, taste the delicate Sicilian honey and enjoy lunch at a traditional farm. Our destination today is Taormina in the afternoon. In Taormina we stroll through the picturesque streets to one of the most beautiful Greco-Roman theaters of antiquity. This theater sits prominently overlooking the deep blue sea and the often snow-capped Mount Etna. And if you feel like it: Corso Umberto with its numerous small shops is perfect for strolling!

Arrivederci Sicilia! Wir nehmen Abschied von Sizilien und dem majestätischen Ätna! Von Catania aus fliegen Sie zurück nach Hause – es sei denn, Sie haben sich für ein paar zusätzliche Urlaubstage entschieden. In diesem Fall wünschen wir Ihnen eine wunderbare und erholsame Zeit!

map
Included
  • Round trips/excursions in a typical local minibus or coach with air conditioning
  • Transfers on arrival and departure days*
  • 7 nights including local taxes (bath or shower/toilet)
  • 7x breakfast, 1x lunch, 5x dinner
  • German-speaking qualified Gebeco study tour guide
  • Magna Graecia in Syracuse and Selinunte
  • Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
  • Palermo and Monreale
  • Norman Cathedral in Cefalù
  • Majestic Etna
  • Taormina Theater
  • Use of audio devices
  • All entrance fees
  • Travel literature to choose from
Not included
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Optional excursions
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