Tour of Sicily from Palermo Special New Year’s Eve

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in ArabNorman 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. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past. 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 and religions can coexist. During the day, you will have a stop to enjoy a typical lunch with local food. Along the path you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, adorned with 16th century sculptures. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel. * You will greet the arrival of the new year in the wonderful city of Palermo which, decorated for the occasion with lights and colors, will celebrate the event with music and concerts in the main squares of the city centre.

 We will welcome the first day of the year visiting the famous seaside village Cefalù and then the lovely inland town on the Madonie, Castelbuono! After breakfast transfer to Cefalù, charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit of its stunning Norman Dome, free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum. For lunchtime we’ll move towards Castelbuono, where you will taste the famous Fiasconaro panettoni, historical company which has revisited in a Sicilian key the typical dessert of the Milanese Christmas tradition. Ingredients are carefully selected among the PGI and PDO local products such as the Bronte pistachios; the PGI Sicilian red oranges; the delicious Modican chocolate, Avola almonds and the precious Manna (sweet sap extracted from ash trees). In the afternoon you’ll have time to visit the famous Ventimiglia Castle and its charming chapel and to have a walk around to enjoy the local Christmas markets, concerts and exhibitions. Transfer to Catania, accommodation in hotel, free dinner and overnight.

This morning after a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, 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 the chance to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, where you will have lunch in a lovely restaurant in the historic center of the city. Taormina is a charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna. 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. The day will end with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Back in Catania for dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Our special New Year’s Eve Tour comes to an end. Breakfast in hotel and end of services. Goodbye Sicily!