The Sant’Agata special mini tour of Sicily includes the arrival by own vehicle at the hotel in the fascinating city of Catania (private transfer available on request). Late afternoon meeting with our guide, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Siracusa, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily: the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. The visit will begin with the splendid Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and follow the Latomie of the Paradise and the suggestive Orecchio di Dionisio. We will continue with the historic centre of Ortigia, where you will be enchanted by the splendid Piazza Duomo and its Cathedral whose face in perfect Sicilian Baroque style was in the past a sacred temple in Doric style. Afterwards, continuing along the delightful lanes of the centre, you will admire the famous Arethusa source, of mythological memory, facing the sea. Free lunch. The day will continue towards Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque called "stone garden", full of beautiful buildings and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Inspired by the Baroque ideals of "open city", it is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of the theatrical tastes of 18th century architecture. Visit to Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a marvelous noble residence in a purely baroque style once the home of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture. Return to Catania and chance to watch the famous pyrotechnic-musical show known as "I Fuochi del 3" in Piazza Duomo. From this moment on, the party goes live: legend has it that the fires, fired a few hours earlier by the awaited Aurora Mass, serve as an alarm clock for Sant’Agata to adorn and prepare for its exit through the streets of the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for Castelmola, a village that over the centuries has preserved all the magic of the Middle Ages and is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. We will have the opportunity to walk among the characteristic narrow streets, paved with lava pebbles and, looking out from the belvedere, enjoy a magnificent view of the sea. Then we will continue to the nearby Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, its marine beauties, its historical monuments and its unforgettable sea view with a privileged view of Etna. Lunch in a delightful restaurant in the historic center where we will attend an interesting show-cooking lesson for the realization of some typical dishes of the Sicilian culinary tradition! Afterwards, visit of the fascinating Greek-Roman theater where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naxos. Free time to stroll along the delightful medieval streets of the center and go shopping buying some of the best handicraft products from all over the island. In the evening, return to the hotel with dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, departure to discover Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 m) and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Etna Park with its 59,000 hectares is unique for its extremely varied and rich flora and the protected species that inhabit it. We will reach the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to 1888 now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows. The view that can be enjoyed through the multitude of volcanic cones and craters extends as far as the Aeolian Islands and Calabria: a truly unique spectacle! Wine tasting stop with visit to a renowned wine cellar, immersed in the Etna countryside, with lunch included and continuation to Catania, which today celebrates its patron saint. Countless the hidden riches of this fascinating city whose late-baroque architecture is made unique by the use of lava stone. We will cross the historic "Pescheria" (ancient fish market) to reach the scenic Piazza del Duomo with the splendid Cathedral and the lava stone elephant (symbol of the city) and we will continue to Piazza Università. Afterwards we will visit the splendid and baroque Via dei Crociferi, where the famous Monastery of St. Benedict is located, made known by Verga's novel “Storia di una Capinera” and Unesco Heritage. Stop in a lovely bar in the centre, to taste the typical cannolo. The visit of the city is even more impressive thanks to the warm atmosphere of the Festival. On February 5, the Fercolo moves around the city. Throughout the day, the reliquary bust of the Saint, adorned with splendid "ex voto" jewels and escorted by candelore and numerous votive candles, meets the prayers of the faithful along the most famous places in Catania, including Piazza Duomo, Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro and Via San Giuliano. Free time, dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
The Sant’Agata Special Mini Tour is coming to the end. After breakfast at the hotel our services are finished.
