Sicily Tour
Personal Tour
Many beautiful places of Sicily are not always reachable by the sea. A Personal Assistant will wisely guide you to discover the secret places hidden to foreigners. Personal Tour is a service highly customized. The time of departure and return are arranged with your Personal Assistant ready to satisfy any wish or need.
The Baroque experience by sea
from 6.00pm of saturday until 10.00am of saturday
A project that allows visitors to admire all the splendor of the Sicilian Baroque while enjoying the flavors of the sea. A week with the combination boat/car to gather in a single experience the peculiarities of our Island. Sps staff will be at your disposal.
Tour Type: “The baroque experience”. Deluxe. The tour will be escorted by an English Speaking Driver/ Skipper + Hostess. Tour starts and finishes on a Saturday; other arrival days can be arranged on request. . Embarkation and check-in from 5 PM o’clock and disembarkation and check-out at 9 AM o’clock
Occupancy: From 2 to 6 people.
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights. Sailing/Power Boat from Catania port (7 nights).
Destination: Sicily South East and East Coast.
Activities: Sightseeing, cultural tour, snorkelling, typical food tasting.
Boats: We have a selection of Sailing and Powerboat depending on number of people booked and on guests’ preference.
Highlights: All transfers are included. An English Speaking Hostess is always available on board of our boats. Soft drinks, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are always included on board of our boats.
Season: May, June, July, August, September and October.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Catania
You are greeted at Catania airport and transferred to your boat. The Skipper will make sure you are comfortable on board and welcome you with a refreshing cocktail. Depending on time of your arrival we will either weight the anchor and sail around the nearby coast for a visit of the coastal area or take you directly on a chauffeured tour of Catania. Catania is the second biggest town in Sicily and a true lively town with a Baroque-style. The driver will take you to the most exclusive places. A delicious welcome dinner in one of the most characteristic restaurants in town will be arranged for you (included in the price). After dinner we will return to your boat. Overnight on board.
Day 2 – Catania / Syracuse
We will leave Catania early in the morning and while having your breakfast on board the skipper will sail towards Syracuse. On the way to our destination we will stop at Brucoli beach and have lunch aboard. After lunch we will sail to Syracuse. At arrival guests can walk on Ortygia, a small islet that is Syracuse’s city centre. Dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Day 3 – Syracuse / Marzamemi
After an early breakfast on board, a guided tour of the archaeological areas of Syracuse is included. Area visited: Greek theatre, The Roman amphitheatre and the Paradise quarry. We will then take you back on board for lunch and sail towards Marzamemi, a real fishermen village whose main activity consists in fishing and processing tuna fish and its by-products including a precious “bottarga”(dried fish eggs). Dinner can be organized in one of the restaurants of the delightful old settlement of the central square or aboard. Time at leisure and overnight on board.
Day 4 – Marzamemi / Noto / Modica
Early in the morning we will leave our boat in Marzamemi and by chauffeured car travel inland towards one of the most beautiful Baroque villages in Sicily: Noto. Since 2002 Noto has been part of the UNESCO heritage site and it is a pleasant little town. We will stroll around the centre admiring the crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses and stop for a “Granita”, a Sicilian delicacy, in one of the most famous bars/patisserie in the area “Caffe Sicila”. After Noto we will be heading towards Modica another great example of Baroque architecture. We will be visiting the interesting church of St. Peter and the splendid cathedral of San Giorgio one of the most important religious monuments in Sicily. Before returning to our destination we will stop at the “Antica Pasticceria Bonaiuto” and buy chocolate from the most known chocolate producer in town. We then return to our base Marzamemi and enjoy a dinner on board of our boat. Overnight aboard.
Day 5 – Marzamemi / Vendicari / Acitrezza
After breakfast we will sail towards the Natural Reserve of Vendicari for snorkelling and swimming. This reserve, a narrow strip of marshy coastline, is a protected habitat for migratory species of birds and a peculiar kind of sand-loving Mediterranean vegetation. A path skirting the marshland leads to the so-called Torre Sveva (Swabian Tower) where the fish tanks that date back to the Greek period can be seen. Lunch on board and in the afternoon we will travel towards our next destination: Acitrezza. The village of Acitrezza has a long history of maritime activity and it is particularly known for the three tall, column-shaped islands, known as the Islands of the Cyclops. According to the legend, these great stones are the one thrown at Odysseus in the Odyssey. Free time and visit of the village while the hostess will prepare for you dinner aboard. Overnight on board.
Day 6 – Acitrezza / Taormina
Early in the morning we will leave Acitrezza and sail towards Taormina. During our journey we will sail along the Natural Reserve of “La Timpa” a long cliff of lava flows seven kilometres long overlooking the sea and covered by beautiful vegetation. We will stop few times for bathing and lunch. We will arrive in Taormina in the late afternoon and treat ourselves to an aperitif and enjoy the mind-boggling views of Taormina bay. After dinner on board, free time and evening at your leisure.
Day 7 – Taormina
After breakfast, if requested, our driver will be there for you and take you to Taormina, a fashionable little resort with lots of nice boutiques, stunning views and one of the most striking Greco-Roman theatres, facing the sea and Mount Etna. The driver will be then drive you back to your boat to relax and enjoy your lunch on board while visiting the coastal area of Taormina (included in the price). Alternatively, we could arrange a guided tour to Mount Etna with departure at 9.00 am and return at around 14.00(extra cost). Please ask your hostess for full details of our guided tours. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 8 - Catania airport
Time to say goodbye to Sicily, as you are transferred by chauffeured car to Catania airport for your return flight.
PLEASE NOTE
Note that the tour may be subject to changes depending on weather conditions and on your arrival and departure times. Whenever possible, it is our commitment to always endeavour to satisfy your requirements. The above-mentioned timetable is just a suggestion. Our clients can agree on board a different timetable with the captain.
Class Consulenza in Viaggio
Via Felice Paradiso 9 - 95024 Acireale
Ph.Fx: 0039 0952860478 - Mobile: +393395873421
Email: info@classconsulenzainviaggio.it - booking@classconsulenzainviaggio.it
Land & Sea treasures
Embark on board to explore the beauty of the east sicilian area to visit the opulence of Catania and the remains of ancient greece in Syracuse. The tour includes the comforts of the best hotels in Taormina discovering the "Pearl of Mediterranean".
Tour Type: Land and Sea Treasures. Deluxe. The tour will be escorted by an English Speaking Driver/ Skipper + Hostess. Tour starts and finishes on Saturday; Other arrival days can be arranged on request.
Occupancy: From 2 to 6 people.
Destination: Sicily South East and East Coast
Activities: Sightseeing, cultural tour, snorkelling, typical food and wine tasting.
Boats: We have a selection of Sailing boats and Powerboats depending on number of people booked and on guests’ preference.
Hotels: We feature a selection of our best Taormina Luxury Hotels.,depending on availability and guests’ requirements
Highlights: All transfers are included. An English Speaking Hostess is always available on our boats.Soft drinks, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are always included on board.
Season: May, June, July, August, September and October.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Catania
You are greeted at Catania airport and transferred to your boat. The Skipper will welcome you with a refreshing cocktail,making sure you ll be confortable on our boats.Depending on the time of your arrival we will sail around the nearby coast for a visit of the coastal area or take you directly on a chauffeured tour of Catania. Catania is the second biggest town in Sicily and a true lively town with a Baroque-style. The driver will take you to the most exclusive places. A delicious welcome dinner in one of the most characteristic restaurants in town will be arranged for you (included in the price). After dinner we will return to your boat. Overnight on board.
Day 2 – Catania / Syracuse
We will leave Catania early in the morning and while having your breakfast on board ,the skipper will sail towards Syracuse. On the way to our destination we will stop at Brucoli beach and have lunch on board. After lunch we will sail to Syracuse. At arrival ,our guests can walk on Ortygia, a small islet that is Syracuse’s city centre. Dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Day 3 – Syracuse / Natural Reserve of Vendicari / Marzamemi
After an early breakfast on board, a guided tour of the archaeological areas of Syracuse is included. Area visited: Greek theatre, The Roman amphitheatre and the Paradise quarry. We will then take you back on board for lunch and sail towards the Natural Reserve of Vendicari for snorkelling and swimming. This reserve, a narrow strip of marshy coastline, is a protected habitat for migratory species of birds and a peculiar kind of sand-loving Mediterranean vegetation. A path skirting the marshland leads to the so-called Torre Sveva (Swabian Tower) where the fish tanks that date back to the Greek period can be seen. After we will be heading to Marzamemi, a real fishermen village whose main activity consists in fishing and processing tuna fish and its by-products including a precious “bottarga”(dried fish eggs). Dinner organized in one of the restaurants of the delightful old settlement of the central square. Time at leisure and overnight on board.
Day 4 – Marzamemi / Acitrezza
Early in the morning we will leave Marzamemi and sail back towards the beautiful east coast and arrive at Acitrezza. The village of Acitrezza has a long history of maritime activity and it is particularly known for the three tall, column-shaped islands, known as the Islands of the Cyclops. According to the legend, these great stones are the one thrown at Odysseus in the Odyssey. Free time and visit of the village while the hostess will prepare for you a delicious lunch aboard. In the afternoon visit of the black and volcanic coastal area. We will stop for bathing and snorkelling. We will be back at Acitrezza for dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Day 5 – Acitrezza / Taormina
Early in the morning we will leave Acitrezza and sail towards Taormina. During our journey we will sail along the Natural Reserve of “La Timpa” a long cliff of lava flows seven kilometres long overlooking the sea and covered by beautiful vegetation. We will stop few times for bathing and lunch. We will arrive in Taormina in the late afternoon and before leaving the boat we will treat ourselves to an aperitif and enjoy the mind-boggling views of Taormina bay. We will then transfer you to your hotel. Free time and evening at your leisure.
Day 6 – Etna and the wine and honey and olive oil tasting experience
Departure at 9.00am. Your guide will drive you to Mount Etna through several Sicilian villages (Santa Venerina, Zafferana…). We will reach the foot of Mount Etna and walk to some of the latest craters (2.000 meters). On the way, we will also stop and visit a local family farm where it is possible to taste local Etna wine, a selection of natural honey (orange, lemon, eucalyptus, strawberry), almond pastries, olives, extra virgin olive oil. We then take you to one of the best-known vineyards where it is possible to tour the wonderful property overlooking the sea and the volcano and taste some of their local table wine. We will slowly drive you down from mount Etna through wonderful scenery of pine tree forest. We will be at the hotel at around 14.00 to let you enjoy the free afternoon and evening in the hotel.
Day 7 - Castelmola /Savoca /Forza D’Agro’
At 9.00am your driver guide will collect you from the hotel. You will visit Castelmola, a medieval hill town above Taormina with breathtaking sea and Mount Etna views. We will then drive you to Savoca where scenes of the film “The Godfather” were shot. Here we will spend some time and taste a “Lemon Granita” (a Sicilian speciality) at the famous “Bar Vitelli” and visit some of the areas and monuments where the film was shot. From Savoca we will be heading towards Forza D’Agro’ which is one of the most characterful villages of Messina province. We will drive you back to your hotel (tour duration 4 hours). Time at leisure
Day 8 - Catania airport
Time to say goodbye to Sicily, as you are transferred by chauffeured car to Catania airport for your return flight.
Please note that the tour may be subject to changes depending on weather conditions and on your arrival and departure times. Whenever possible, it is our commitment to always endeavour to satisfy your requirements. The above-mentioned timetable is just a suggestion. Our clients can agree on board a different timetable with the captain
Included
-airport /Port transfers in deluxe vehicles
-4 nights in Sailing/Power boats on a full board basis (all meals included) and English speaking hostess and skipper
-Soft drinks on board
-Snorkeling equipment on board
-3 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* hotel with all continental breakfast included
-All sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
-One dinner in Catania / one dinner in Marzamemi
-All wine, cheese and honey tasting as described in the sightseeing tours
-Fuel
-Passengers Insurance on boat
-Computer and Internet access
-Private Marina and Moor fees for the first and last day of your holiday, local taxes and agent's expenses
-Final cleaning
-Set of linen and towels on board
Not included
-Flights from/to your country of origin
-Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program
-Travel Insurance
-A selection of wines & fine champagne is available on board at extra cost
-Any food allergies and intolerances or any particular dietary requirements have to be notified to our office 30 days before the arrival date
-Mooring charges
-Transfers from Palermo and Trapani can be arranged at an extra cost
Class Consulenza in Viaggio
Via Felcie Paradiso 9 - 95024 Acireale
Ph.Fx: 0039 09582860478 - Mobile: +39 3395873421
Email: info@classconsulenzainviaggio.it - booking@classconsulenzainviaggio.it
Sicily Tour
Etna
Exciting tour to discover the most suggestive itineraries of the volcano, with a stop for a rich wine tasting and finger food (typical sicilian products) in a prestigious wine cellar.
The Beauty of Etna relies not only on its magnificent eruptions or in the flows of incandescent lava. Around the great volcano there is a unique environment, rich of sounds, scents and colours. An area with an enchanted landscape protected by a natural park that can't be missed.
Etna - Etna Experience Full Day
Mt Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes and the most active one in Europe. It has been erupting for several million years. Mt Etna adventure tour is one of the most beautiful destination in Sicily, that can be easily enjoyed from our charming village of Taormina.
With our 4wd Vehicle you will follow exciting and remote off-road trails of Mount Etna. An itinerary designed and organised by our own specialised alpine guides that offers the possibility to cross beautiful ancient forests of pines, numerous villages perched at the foot of the mountain, lava caves and enjoy the beautiful view of the "Valle del Bove". An inevitable choice for those who love adventure and close contact with nature.
Etna Full Day
Services included: jeep, fuel, driver, (English speaking), brunch & wine tasting.
Etna - Etna Experience Half Day
Mt Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes and the most active one in Europe. It has been erupting for several million years. Mt Etna adventure tour is one of the most beautiful destination in Sicily, that can be easily enjoyed from our charming village of Taormina.
With our 4wd Vehicle you will follow exciting and remote off-road trails of Mount Etna. An itinerary designed and organised by our own specialised alpine guides that offers the possibility to cross beautiful ancient forests of pines, numerous villages perched at the foot of the mountain, lava caves and enjoy the beautiful view of the "Valle del Bove". An inevitable choice for those who love adventure and close contact with nature.
Etna & Sea
From 9.00 am until 5.30 pm
A day full of emotions. The ascent to the volcano by jeep. Our crew ready to reveal the wonders of the places where the crowds can not get. Etna is the dominant element of our land and is the main matrix of the special quality of our wines which makes them unique. The tour includes a visit to one of the most popular cellar for a wine and food tasting.
Services included: Etna tour on Toyota Land Cruiser 4wd on request (max 5 pax) with driver and guide, lunch (wine & sicilian food specialties tasting). Powerboat Tullio Abbate Soleil 33 or Bavaria 30 sport) including skipper, hostess, fuel, open bar (soft drinks) and happy hour (Prosecco and snacks), pick-up from the hotel and drop off from the harbor of Giardini Naxos to the hotel.
Godfather Tour
A step back in time in Savoca, Forza D'Agrò and Castelmola. Enjoy an introduction to the real Sicily, exploring the towns of Savoca and Forza D'Agro. Our local expert driver will show you the secrets of these villages, proudly called "home".
Duration: 4 hours
Departure: at your convenience
Services included: car or van with, fuel, driver (English speaking).
The tour start with a visit of Castelmola, medieval hill village just above Taormina where you will enjoy a breathtaking sea and Etna view. After that we will drive to Savoca and it will be like taking a step back in time. Savoca is not a tourist town, it is a simple every day "local" town on the hillside of the S.Peloritiani. What makes it different? This is the set of the "Godfather", starring Al Pacino. During the visit "a must" is the stop for a Lemon Granita at the famous bar "VITELLI" on the corner of the town, one of director Coppola's favorite spots for the movie settings. Then we will make our way to the church of St. Lucy where the scene of the wedding between Apollonia and Michael Corleone was shot! From Savoca we will coninue our tour to Forza d'Agrò undoubtly one of the best examples of medieval village in the Province of Messina. It still conserves its medieval streets and atmophere. Its singular position makes possible a spectacular view from every point of the town. Here you will find tradition, culture, history and art all waiting for you. Our Experience today will not simply be an introduction to two typical Sicilian Towns but a real insight into the island, the people, their culture and every day life not to mention a visit or two to some of the most beautiful hidden corners of this area, off the beaten tracks. We will then drive you back to your hotel.
Wine Tour
Enjoy a day around the vineyards of Mount Etna to taste the unique flavours wines produced on top of the highest volcano in Europe. In such a unique and striking setting our company organises wine tastings, carefully conducted by our in-house sommeliers and accompanied by typical delicacies of the region. The experience has been fine tuned over the years and we have even held events and incentives for different companies. We have worked hard to create the perfect location to give you the pleasure of discovering wine – starting from the place of many different landscapes and accompanying it with typical gastronomic deligh.
Mercedes E | Full day | 4 pax |
Viano | Full day | 7 pax |
Mercedes E | Half day | 4 pax |
Viano | Half day | 7 pax |
"IDDU", meaning Him So it is called by the wise elder highest active volcano in Europe, with a great sense of respect. In these places, the grapevine is grown and lives in extreme conditions for its survival. The plant lives on the volcano, reaches and even exceeds the 100 years of age before falling asleep. The same age that can reach man. The branch of the vine at this age and in these conditions, bends and takes a face with wrinkles and furrows, as, wise old man who lives, works, grows. In these places, the old wise look at the volcano with a great sense of respect for the grandeur and the fear that "Iddu" strikes. Because they know perfectly well that life is born from the volcano and the same life can raise, so it is respected and seen as a great God, too, by him (the wine) comes life, and even the life he can raise; to 'He also has great internal God coincidentally comes from both the life and life can both raise, just as God can only do a great human being too like them. Man life is born, and life can also raise, even if man wants, into the great God * Similarities and similarities between the wine man and also the volcano. Sunday, March 22, 2009 in Guardiola Passopisciaro in the district at an altitude of 750mt., Was held at the home of Andrea Franchettila the second edition of Contrade Etna. They were housed 47 manufacturers (9 manufacturing plants in more than in previous editions) to promote, disseminate and compare the different expressions of Nerello '08 who dwell in the districts of Randazzo, Lingfield and Castiglione di Sicilia, at different altitudes, slopes, conditions climatic conditions and different layers of lava flows that the volcano has developed over time. This set of factors and conditions, the highest active volcano in Europe poses, each differs by expressing each Cru wine, and its own distinct personality. The value added extra that can only be detected in the volcanic terroir are vineyards of our planet. The "En Primeur" Nerello Mascalese, hood or Mantellato vinified in red vintage '08 were taken from the casks, barrels, casks, vats, wine-makers of all types, sizes and dimensions, and will be put on the market no earlier than '10. Nerello Mascalese originates in the Plain of Mascali. A peculiarity of the hood or Nerello Mantellato behavior is assumed that the foliage of this cultivar, as a cloak covering the bunches removing them from view, but especially the behavior of single leaf interesting, because it assumes a protective attitude, ed'oltre to play the chlorophyll function, breathing and perspiration, it being the same size or a little 'more of the inflorescence (bunch), down from the stalk like a hand opening a mantle, so mending his fruit from the elements, wind, rain, snow, hail, etc. ... One is reminded of a simile and analogy between the leaves of the vine and the human hand. The leaves of the vine has the semblance of a human hand, with its five main veins, and its five lobes as the hand with five fingers. Often, they are very similar, also for their dimensions. Both have also in common with the same side or page more or less tomentosa (hairy), to be precise the lower one, and both are rich in pores for transpiration; and the stem from where it opens the leaf looks like a real arm. * Similarities and Analogies between the wine and the Man. Nerello and already well known that has similarities with the transalpine cousin Pinot Noir from Burgundy, like this, and even more lofty reaches royalties when vinified in white, rosé and sparkling wine of course. It is a fundamental expression of great respect, conditional dall'imprinting of terroir-alkaline lava of Etna. The method of vine cultivation favored the volcano, ancient and still the sapling is qualitatively valid. So is bred from the slopes up to an altitude of 1100 meters.
Catania - Viceroy Tour
Discover the city of Catania, Unesco’s World Heritage, with an itinerary specifically thought to let you discover its culture and traditions, completed by a degustation of typical dishes prepared following the ancient Sicilian culinary tradition. Your Personal Assistant, will reveal all the different faces of the city and of its many contrasts.
Timetable: from 8.30am until 4.30pm
Services included: car/van with driver, fuel, any additional charges, personal assistant, museums fees and local guides, lunch, fine wines and cigars.
Let’s start with the loud voices of the fish market LA PESCHERIA, wellknown in the world. Here you can buy the fish, negotiating with byzantine spirit, exactly like one of us. If you want, the fish you buy will be prepared in palazzo Biscari or in one of the eighteen century palazzo, at our exclusive disposition. In few steps, in the heart of Barocco’s wonders of Catania, we’ll find PIAZZA DUOMO with the beautiful CATHEDRAL and the legendary statue of the Elephant, emblem of the city.
We will carry on retracing the Roman times grandiosities with the visit of the ROMAN THEATRE and the annex ODEON Wich is interposed in a very rich and complex urban contest and it is suffocated by the high buildings which entirely overrun the stage:Today they are used as painted backstage during the summer musical exhibitions.
You will also discover the former MONASTRY OF BENEDECTINE, which is the second in Europe for vastity and it is in the list of Unesco’s World Heritage. The intriguing story of the Site started in 1558 and carried on until the modern days. The building today is housing museums and the University of Umanistic Sciences of Catania;One of the oldest in Italy (1434).
At the neoclassical austerity of the eighteenth century architecture (shown in the Kitchen) alternates the late BAROCCO of the main prospects, the eclectic CAFFEOS OF THE EAST CLOISTER, and the mosaics of the roman residential areas kept in the sixteenth century’s undergrounds,perfectly integrated, thanks to the contemporary suspended structures. The visit of the undergrounds is also an itinerary between the lava flows that outline the way and they can be touched with hands.
The visit will continue inside with the BIBLIOTECHE RIUNITE CIVICA ED URSINO RECUPERO which testify the concrete cultural evolution of the city. The library collects, mainly, library material of local interest are more than 250.000 books. The Library’s patrimony includes also historical manuscripts, parchments, herbariums, drawings, newspaper and magazines. Among the miniature’s masterpieces,we remember the Bible of Pietro Cavallini of the XIII-XIV centuries and the Officium Beatae Mariae Virginis de. The Library was also used as a set to shot the movie “The name of the Rose” and it hosts cultural activities like exhibitions, meetings, and concerts.
The emotions will continue with the visit of PALAZZO BISCARI, one of the most ancient palazzo in Catania, witness of the Sicilian Barocco, where its fresco salons still kept intact its charm and elegance. For centuries, the traveler arriving to the city, before passing the PORTA SARACENA di VIA ETNEA, necessarily had to face its ample proportion with its significant beauty
After the visit of the Palazzo, personally accompanied by the Ruggero di Moncada ancestor princes, you will be introduced into the most hidden room, which hosted all the Kings and queens of Europe and the representative of the major noble family. Here lunch will be served, at your choice, and you will be able to assist to the preparation of food, as a COOKING CLASS, with the illustration from one of the most ingenious expert of sicilia gastronomy, Andrea Serrano Marquis of Campochiaro. A chef in love with his country and his traditions, the popular ones and the noble ones. The same traditions that he studies, pursuits, experiments. This is why also the simplest dish is a delicacy to taste and sip with no rush: durum wheat, especial fish, delicious meat, exquisite vegetables, colored fruits, typical sweets, all accompanied by precious wines, fruity and bodied, produced in this land full of sun. A triumph of colors and flavors. Dishes enhanced with herbs that grows almost spontaneous in Sicily. Basil, parsley, mint, laurel, oregano, rosemary, sage, wild onions, fennel seeds, wild fennel, together with jasmine, pine nuts, raisins, toasted breadcrumb (“muddica”), orange zest, lemon juice, capers. The ice creams, the granitas, the jellies: Watermelon, cinnamon. Real flavors, riches, triumphs where the various influences mixes from the most ancient times and today they are rediscovered from who made of his own passion a mission, dedicating attention to the history, the palate, the senses: All senses!
A triumph of those senses that enhance in the suggestive scenery of the ancient noble palazzo. An experience that becomes a unique souvenir. The triumph of this sublime cuisine is enhanced by the locations scenographic wonder. Imagine a pompous residence; the gorgeous interns, the golden stuccos, Murano’s crystal chandeliers. A lunch with precious chandeliers light, antique china dishes, silver cutlery of the family, delicate flowers. An indispensable experience that communicates the history, the country, the love and passion of this world’s corner. After lunch you can enjoy the calm and the quiet atmosphere of the rooms or the courtyard of the palazzo to relax adhering the rite of coffe and rosolio or to smoke your cigar.
Once you finish with our ceremonies, our car will drive you back to your hotel.
Catania - Viceroy Tour & Cyclops
Be a traveler not just a tourist. Discover the city of Catania, Unesco’s World Heritage, with an itinerary specifically thought to let you discover its culture and traditions, completed by a degustation of typical dishes prepared following the ancient Sicilian culinary memory. From raw fish to smoked fish, to finish with Sicilian pastry taste.
Timetable: from 9.15am until 4.30pm
Services included: car / van with driver, fuel, any additional charges, personal assistant, museums fees and local guides
Services not included: lunch
our Personal Assistant, which will escort you, will be able to reveal the different faces of a city with thousand contrasts. Its assistance will be constant but not intrusive; delicate and gentle, ready to indulge your need or curiosity, whenever you want.
Let’s start with the loud voices of the fish market LA PESCHERIA, famous in the world. In few steps, in the heart of the Barocco’s wonders of Catania, we’ll find PIAZZA DUOMO with the beautiful CATHEDRAL and the legendary statue of the Elephant, emblem of the city.
We will carry on retracing the Roman times grandiosities with the visit of the ROMAN THEATRE and the annex ODEON, which is interposed in a very rich and complex urban contest and it is suffocated by the high buildings which entirely overrun the stage and today they are used as painted backstage during the summer musical exhibitions.
Continuing you will discover the former MONASTRY OF BENEDECTINE, which is the second in Europe for vastity and it is in the listo f the Unesco’s World Heritage. The intriguing story of the Site started in 1558 and carried on until the modern days. The building today is housing museums and the Univerity of Umanistic Sciences Catania, one of the oldest in Italy (1434). At the neoclassical austerity of the eighteenth century architecture (shown in the Kitchen) alternates the late BAROCCO of the main prospects, the eclectic CAFFEOS OF THE EAST CLOISTER, and the mosaics of the roman residential areas kept in the sixteenth century’s undergrounds, perfectly integrated thanks to contemporary suspended structures. The visit of the undergrounds is also an itinerary between the lava flows that outline the way and they can be touched with hands.
In the Eighteen Century its immense patrimony, the close affiliations with the nobility from which most of the monks belonged to, and a considerable cultural prestige, gave it a relevant role, not circumscribed to the local territory. It was a compulsory destination for the travelers which remembered and admire the hospitality, the collections and the grandiosity of the Benedectine Monks, the monastery showed itself as a Royal Palace built on a vast area supported by the west walls of the city.The visit will continue inside with the BIBLIOTECHE RIUNITE CIVICA ED URSINO RECUPERO which testify the concrete cultural evolution of the city.The library collects, mainly, library material of local interest of more than 250.000 books. The Library’s patrimony includes also historical manuscripts, parchments, herbariums, drawings,newspaper and magazines.Among the miniature’s masterpieces we remember the Bible of Pietro Cavallini of the XIII-XIV centuries and the Officium Beatae Mariae Virginis de. Here the prelate received the high figures of the European Empires like the Zar of Russia. The Library was also used as a set to shot the movie “The name of the Rose” and it hosts cultural activities like exhibitions, meetings, concerts.The day will continue along the Ciclops Coast for lunchtime. If you will, you can select one of the restaurant of the small village of Acitrezza, where the writer Giovanni Verga set his famous novel I Malavoglia. After lunch you can take a walk to the fisherman’s pier with the view of the Lava’s Faraglioni, cited in the Omero’s Odissey. During Ulisse’s escape from the island Polifemo throw them to the sea attempting to sink his ship. Usually we do not like to impose departure times to our exclusive guests but in this case we keenly suggest following our timing to enjoy an ideal itinerary which will allow you to benefit of the services and visits at their best.
Catania Night Out
The real party is here! And, before the end, you will feel like its people. The Volcano's people, well known for their hospitality and glow, will welcome you with two different choices: culture, visiting the Baroque and Medieval corners and have a sicilian dinner , or amusement without limits!
Timetable: from 11.00pm until 3.00pm
Departures from Taormina (other places on request)
Services included: car / van with fuel, driver and local personal assistant.
Upon request: departure at 8.00pm
Catania is famous for its legendary nightlife and not just in Sicily. This city offers many places to enjoy oneself. The most popular meeting place is in the city centre, in the area of Dome Square, University Square and near the Theatre of Bellini. Between the airy Baroque piazzas, and picturesque streets and courtyards, there are many pubs and clubs, that are always crowded and lively.In Summer they turn into famous "Caffè Concerto", extending their activities in the City's open spaces and offering live music and multimedia events. The "Caffè Concerto", were setup twenty years ago by the City Council administration according to the Association of Nightspot Operators, actually have created a startup of the movida in the old City centre.The choice of fun things to do is never-ending: there are many theatres, fashion disco clubs and an endless variety of pubs, where always you can find live music. You can choose between modern, Arabic or Irish style, minimal Japanese atmospheres and exclusive wine bars.
City’s inhabitants make Catania’s nightlife so interesting that it seems natural to stay out until dawn. So, if you get hungry after walking, talking and dancing there are several bars open 24 hours a day.
Sicilian Cooking class
We are pleased to organize a short visit of the most important highlights of the baroque city of Catania. We will experience the visit of the famous local fish market where we show all the products used in the course later on. We then drive you to a Sicilian village on the slopes of mount Etna where in the ancient 18th century villa of the famous gastronomy journalist Eleonora you will experience the Sicilian course. The lesson is conducted personally by her in her kitchen. The course is based on the most famous Sicilian recipes, focusing on pasta, fish and vegetable dishes. You will make your own homemade pasta. In a very elegant atmosphere in her Mediterranean garden, you will enjoy your lunch combined with a selection of wine.
Agrigento
Our tour will introduce you to wonderful hillside lanscapes full of orange and lemon trees, animal farms, vineyards. We will then reach Agrigento and visit the famous Valley of the Temples and the world renowned museum of Greek artifacts. On request you can have lunch in a restaurant in San Leone, Agrigento beach.
Timetable: from 9.00am until 5.00pm
Services included: Car or Van with Driver, fuel
Services not included: Ticket, guide of the site, lunch.
Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento was founded as Akragas around 582 BC by a group of Greek colonists from Gela. It was destroyed several times during the Punic Wars, suffering particularly extensive damage during a siege by Roman forces in 261 BC, but always rebuilt. The Greek poet Pindar (518-438 BC) described Akragas as "the most beautiful city of the mortals." Akragas' most famous citizen was the philosopher and scientist Empedocles (490-430 BC).
In the Valley of the Temples are the ruins of numerous temples but also necropoli, houses, streets and everything else one would expect to find in an ancient city. There is a small amphitheatre, as well as several auditoria, and a fine archeological museum. Unfortunately, most of the temples at Agrigento are in ruins, with pieces strewn about, and several appear to have never even been completed. Part of the Temple of Juno, built around 450 BC, is still intact. Its style has been compared to that of the temples at Paestum, near Salerno. The Temple of Concord (named retroactively), built around 440 BC, is in far better condition, and at night the illuminated temple is a sight to behold. A number of telamons (large segmented stone columns in the form of human figures) have been preserved.
Palermo
Enjoy Palermo a real mediterranean bustling city, just a couple of hours drive from Taormina. Rich in monuments and churches, elegant streets with luxurious shops and popular markets, in Palermo you will be able to revisit the history of Sicily. The itinerary is flexible in fact we can also, at you request, add a visit of the town of Cefalù in 3 hours.
Timetable: from 7.30am until 6.30pm
Services included: Car or Van with Driver, fuel
Palermo is the capital and the most important city of Sicily located between the Tyrhenian Sea and the Conca D'oro Mountains. We will start our visit of the town from the Medieval area with its different syles coming from Baroque and Arabian-Norman period. We will then visit "Piazza Pretoria" with its beautiful Renaissance fountain. The "quattro canti", the heart of the city, the magnificent Cathedral, "San Cataldo" church and son on. Then we'll continue on foot to visit San Giovanni degli Eremiti one of the best known Norman monuments in town, built by Roger II to finish with the Palazzo dei Normanni. Next, we'll move to the village of Monreale, driving along a wonderful road overlooking the "Conca D'Oro" valley. We will visit the magnificent Duomo of Monreale and the Chiostro dei Cappuccini. With time left we can also visit the famous open market "Vucciria" or "Il Capo", the Cappuccini Catacombs, Zisa Castle and so on.
Siracusa
Enjoy a day in Syracuse one of the most powerful cities during the greek period, you will take a walk in the archeological area and the historical center. In this day trip (3 hours more) we could also drive to Noto, the capital of barocque. SPS will arrange for a lunch in a typical restaurant as your wishes.
Timetable: from 9.00am until 5.00pm
Services included: Car or Van with Driver, fuel
Services not included: Ticket and guide of the Greek theater
Our tour will start, picking you up from your place at your most convenient time and driving to the beautiful town of Syracuse in the southern part of the Island. During the drive you will enjoy a very special introduction to the Sicilian coastlines, through the "Piana of Catania", the Ionic sea coasts and Iblei mountains. More than any other modern city in Sicily, Syracuse manifests a visible continuity from its ancient Greek past, both historical and mythological. We will visit the archaeological area of Neapolis with its Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and Latomia del Paradiso (with its Dionysius Hear) and the "Ara of Hyeron". Then we wiil move on to 'Ortigia Island', the heart of the city and we will stroll along the ancient narrow streets, which still keep their Medieval influence, before arriving at the Duomo square, one of the city highlights. We will visit the Cathedral, built above a Greek Temple more than 2.500 years ago. We will take you in one of the more charming spot of Ortigia, the "Arethusa fountain" with its Papyrus plants, overlooking the Ionic sea. Strolling along narrow streets, we will then visit?? the old quarter of Siracusa known as Giudecca, with some important buildings of the late medieval period, like Palazzo Lanza and Montalto with their typical Chiaramonte style. We will also have the chance to stroll along the open Sicilian local market situated in the heart of Ortigia, full of vegetables, fish and local products. We will then, at your convenience make our way to a local Sicilian restaurant to taste several local dishes. After this break for lunch, we may have a little time for the shopping before coming back to the hotel.
NOTO (the capital o Barocque): this day trip could be' completed with a visit to Noto (3 hours more) the wonderful antic baroque town. From the Porta Real going on along Corso Vittorio Emanuele we can admire numerous 18th century beautiful palaces of incredible architectural value.The streets all leading to Corso Vittorio Emanuele have also many beautiful buildings including the Duomo, the Museo Civico the Convento dei Francescani.
Class Consulenza in Viaggio
Via Felice Paradiso 9 - 95024 Acireale (CT)
Ph.Fx: 0039 0952860478 - Mobile: +39 3395873421
Email: info@classconsulenzainviaggio.it - booking@classconsulenzainviaggio.it