WELCOME to Italy! At the airport, you will meet your private English-speaking driver, who will accompany you to your hotel in Ortigia. When you will arrive, you will have a free time to relax. The island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Siracusa. There are fewer archaeological sites exposed to view here (the island has been heavily built-up ever since the time of the Greeks), but this is the part of Siracusa you're likely to be wandering around after you've 'done' the mainland points of interest. The tight-knit lanes are pleasant for strolling, and much of the island's charm lies in wandering down narrow medieval lanes, past romantically-crumbling - or lovingly-restored - Baroque palaces and churches. A walk around the perimeter of the island is a good way to begin to get your bearings. Ortigia has many gems to discover - one of our favorites was the small Church of San Martino, a simple and ancient church with a lovely interior, decorated with a mosaic in the apse.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Palazzo Gancia Holiday Houses

Today, after breakfast, you will meet your Private English-speaking Guide will take you to discover a Baroque walking tour of Ortigia. The first stop is the Temple of Apollo, is located just over the main bridge, called Ponte Umbertino. The temple was constructed in the 6th century BC, when Sicily was ruled by the Greeks as part of the ancient civilization known as Magna Grecia. Built in the Doric style, the Temple of Apollo in Ortigia is one of the oldest examples of this kind of temple in Western Europe. Visible today is a long portion of the cella wall. The cella, in Classical architecture, made up the part of the temple that housed a portrayal of the god or goddess the temple was dedicated to. In the far corner, you can also see two columns with the remains of the architrave on top, which is the main beam that ran along the top of the columns. Then you will visit The Fountain of Diana in Piazza Archimede. Archimedes, for whom the piazza is named, is a well-known classical scientist. He was born in Siracusa in 287 BC. At the center of the piazza is the magnificent fountain of Diana. The fountain depicts the myth of the nymph Arethusa. Later you will head to Piazza Duomo to visit the beautiful Cathedral of Siracusa. The edifice of the church is in the typical Sicilian baroque style, characterized by lots of undulating shapes and details. This cathedral has a very fascinating aspect, because inside, you can still see the columns and cella of the Temple of Athena, which stood there in ancient times. You will continue to visit the Fountain of Arethusa is beautiful in a wild and natural way. Birds and fish mingle with a huge, lush burst of papyrus plants in the middle of the water. Then you will visit The Maniace castle, this is one of the most important monuments of the Swabian period in Syracuse and one of the best known Frederick's castles Finally, a visit to the historic fish market with typical food tasting cannot be missed.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Palazzo Gancia Holiday Houses

Today, after breakfast, you will drive to Modica, here you will meet your Private English-speaking Guide who will take you to discover the history and architecture of Modica, the county capital first and then a baroque jewel. Modica today is a lively town in the province of Ragusa, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour takes place on foot, touching the main points of the city: the "Corso", the most beautiful churches and obviously the gastronomic aspect is not lacking with the possibility of an optional Modica chocolate tasting. During the guided tour you will discover the events of the county of Modica which for its wealth and power was considered almost a state within a state. Modica, like many other cities in eastern Sicily, will be razed to the ground by the terrible earthquake of 1693. It will be followed by the Baroque reconstruction that has given it the sumptuous architecture, rich in decorations, which today characterize it. Modica is also famous for its very particular chocolate, flavored in many original flavors: from Sicilian citrus to chilli. A tasting, during the visit, is almost a must. Later you will head to visit the Castle of Donnafugata. It is not a fortress, but an ancient noble country residence. You will dive into the lifestyle of the Sicilian aristocracy of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Your guide will show you the history of Donnafugata and the origins of the castle. The tour will start from inside the ancient residence. The guided tour will take you through the main floor to discover the lounges, dedicated to various activities, the guest rooms, the hall of mirrors and the hall of coats of arms. The second part of the visit takes place outdoors. In the park surrounding the house. Here they are guided to discover the eccentric constructions wanted by the landlord.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Palazzo Gancia Holiday Houses

Today, after breakfast you will pick up the rental car, and then you will have free time to relax, or I suggest you to visit the village of Savoca. It is a medieval hilltop town where Michael Corleone was hiding out during the “going to the mattresses” time. Here you can visit Bar Vitelli, which looks exactly the way it did in the movie, and see the exact spot where Michael informed Apollonia’s father that his name was Corleone, and that “there are people who'd pay a lot of money for that information, but then your daughter would lose a father instead of gaining a husband”. Here you can take pictures with an authentic Sicilian shotgun “Lupara”, see pictures from the movie and a monument for Coppola, enjoy the sea view from the square where the wedding scene was shot, purchase The Godfather souvenirs, and – “leave the gun, take the cannoli” - taste original Sicilian cannoli and lemon granita. Later you can continue to the village of Forza D'Agro, another stunning hilltop town. You will walk the abandoned streets (“Where have all the men gone?” – “They’re dead from vendettas”), see the historic square and pictures from the movie, visit ancient churches – Santissima Trinita and Santissima Annunziata, see the piazza where young Vito Andolini (later Vito Corleone) escaped Don Ciccio’s men by hiding in a basket on a donkey’s back, walk up to see the remains of a Norman castle of the 12th century, admire panoramic view of the Ionian coastline, and get a flavor of the Sicilian pastoral lifestyle remained unchanged since ancient times.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Palazzo Gancia Holiday Houses

Today, after breakfast, you will have free time to relax, or I suggest you to discover the Neapolis archaeological park (not included.) You can close and personal with some of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient ruins—and learn all about Syracuse and its history. You’ll see the ruins of the Greek Theatre, the Altar of Hieron, the Ear of Dionysus cave, and more. And then you will drive to your next destination: Ragusa Ibla.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Itria Palace

Today, after breakfast, you will meet your Private English-speaking Guide will take you to discover Ibla, the old town center of Ragusa. Since 2002, thanks to its impressive baroque architecture, Ibla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the cultural town centers of the Noto valley. During this tour, you will learn about the origins of Ragusa and about the terrible earthquake wich destroyed southeastern Sicily in the year 1693. You will visit the remains of portale San Giorgio, the St. George's gate, the last evidence of the ancient medieval cathedral. You will then walk through the pleasant Hyblaean gardens. From the look-out, it's possible to enjoy the panorama of the Sicilian countryside. After the park, the guide will lead you through the town center, telling you about Sicilian baroque architecture but also about the local folklore and lifestyle. Ragusa Ibla has also been a film set for 'Inspector Montalbano', a famous Italian TV show based on the novels of Andrea Camilleri. In Ibla you will also visit the most important churches. The facades are built in white limestone and there is a beautiful contrast with some details realized with local dark pitchstone. Among the monuments you will visit the Benedictine St. Joseph's church, and you will have a walk along the main street, surrounded by the ancient aristocratic buildings like Palazzo Donnafugata, Palazzo Arezzo Trifiletti and the 'circolo di conversazione', literally the conversation society. In Piazza Duomo you will visit the main church of Ibla, St. George's church. It was realized by the architect Rosario Gagliardi and is one of the most beautiful churches of the Noto valley. Inside it's possible to admire the ancient paintings, the organ and the statue of St. George which goes in procession through the town during the yearly religious feast. Near the church you will see palazzo La Rocca, famous for its baroque balconies with bizarre masks.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Itria Palace

Today, after breakfast, you will drive to your next destination: Palermo. Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily, which is the largest and most heavily populated island in the Mediterranean. The area has been under numerous dominators over the centuries, including Roman, Carthaginian, Byzantine, Greek, Arab, Norman, Swabian and Spanish masters. Due to this past, to the cultural exchange that for millennia has taken place in the area, the city is still an exotic mixture of many cultures. Many of the monuments still exist, giving the city somewhat unique appearance. The old town of Palermo is one of the largest in Europe, full of references to the past. Palermo reflects the diverse history of the region in that the city contains many masterpieces from different periods, including Romanesque, Gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture as well as examples of modern art. The city also hosts its rich vegetation of palm trees, prickly pears, bananas, lemon trees and so on. The abundance of exotic species was also noticed by the world-famous German writer Goethe, who in April 1787 visited the newly opened botanical gardens, describing them as "the most beautiful place on earth".

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: La Terrazza Sul Centro

This morning, you can explore on your own on a special walking tour of Palermo to sample Sicily’s best street food. Take a journey through the city’s gastronomic landscape, exploring the main food markets such as Vucciria Market and Mercato di Capo, tasting different Sicilian treats along the way. On the 700-year-old Vucciria market, that lies in one of the most Arabic sections of the city, you find everything from designer clothes and handbags, household items, fresh produce, meats, and cheese. Il Capo has the feel of a traditional Arab souk where you can buy oriental spices, fresh fish, and exotic vegetables. Learn about Palermo’s top attractions and history on the go while you breathe in the unique ambiance of this city. Round out your tour with some local sweet wine and a seasonal dessert such as Sicily’s famous cannoli (deep-fried pastry cylinders filled with sweetened ricotta cheese), or some gelato. At the end, you will have free time at your disposal.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: La Terrazza Sul Centro

After breakfast at your hotel, you will need to check out, because it is time to say “Arriverderci” to Italy! You will drive to Palermo Airport where you will drop off your car, and then you will take your flight back home. We are sure you will have enjoyed your “Taste of Italy” and we sincerely hope to see you again soon for another delicious experience!

Meals: Breakfast