SICILY AND SARDINIA

DAY 1: Arrive in Palermo, Sicily’s lively capital, and transfer to your hotel. Join a welcome dinner.

DAY 2: With a privately guided city tour, discover the Sicily’s vibrant capital, Palermo. Starting with Palermo’s stunning cathedral and cloisters. Proceed to the Palatine Chapel, a superb example of the 12th-century Arab-Norman-Byzantine architectural style. Admire the noble palaces lining the magnificent streets, while cheerful Art Nouveau houses stand in contrast to Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the heart of the city, discover the Palermo Duomo, built on the site of a Muslim mosque, which was in turn built over an early Christian basilica. Explore the Quattro Canti, where you see the medieval San Cataldo Church with its Moorish-style architecture, and La Martorana Church, decorated with Byzantine mosaics. Continue to the hillside town of Monreale and enter its extravagant cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from 1170, it is perhaps the finest surviving example of Norman architecture anywhere in the world, and its mosaic-lined walls, said to incorporate nearly 2.5 tons of gold, are breathtaking to behold. Return to Palermo.

DAY 3: Today, travel across Sicily’s rugged mountainous countryside to the south coast. Stop in Segesta, one of the finest surviving Greek temples in Sicily; solemn isolation lends the site an almost mystical air. Arrive to coastal Agrigento, visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, included in the UNESCO heritage Site List since 1997. The Valley includes remains of ten temples, all in Doric style among which the Temple of Concordia is ranked amongst the most notable edifices of the Greek civilization existing today due to its good state of preservation. Check in at the selected hotel.

DAY 4: Journey east to Piazza Armerina, a graceful countryside town, where you visit the incomparable Villa Romana del Casale. A luxurious example of an ancient Italian villa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses breathtaking mosaics originally laid in the fourth century. En route to Taormina stop to visit the city of Noto, one of Sicily’s most beautiful Baroque cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. have lunch in a stunning restaurant. Continue to Syracuse, to view rare temples and amphitheaters. Also discover remarkable Greek and Roman ruins, such as the cave called “The Ear of Dionysius,” as well as Baroque buildings and classic churches, including the Duomo. Arrive in Taormina, check in at your hotel.

DAY 5: Today, a local expert introduces you to Taormina, the town’s spectacular Greek amphitheater, set high above the ocean. Still in use as an arts venue today, its permanent “show” is its extraordinary view of Mount Etna, rising in the far distance beyond the stage. Later, relax or catch up on shopping with time at leisure.

DAY 6: Transfer to the airport of Catania and flight to Cagliari. Discover the port and university town of Cagliari, featuring one of the most modern opera houses in the Mediterranean. Behind the Via Roma — a boulevard lined with shady arcades and classical architecture — lies the dock area, its narrow lanes bustling with life. See the Old Town of Castello, which extends picturesquely up the hill, and the imposing Bastione di Saint Remy, which towers over the town. Nearby, marvel at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Then, venture inland to unearth cultural treasures, like the ancient town of Nora, dating from the ninth century BC. Transfer to the hotel and check in.

DAY 7: Transfer to the Barbagia region for a daily tour discovering the most rural part of Sardinia. A journey to discover the bread of the shepherds: you will visit an artisan bakery to witness the magic of carasau bread cooked in a wood oven. In Mamoiada, the village of mamuthones, you will visit a winery famous for its Cannonau. After a light lunch, you will go to Orgosolo for the famous murals that have made the country famous in the world. Finally, you will visit a dairy that produces excellent sheep’s cheese.

DAY 8: Enjoy a boat tour of the Maddalena’s Archipelago. This wonderful archipelago off the Costa Smeralda includes Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli and is a protected marine and terrestrial aspect.The Maddalena Archipelago is a popular destination for boaters due to its natural beauty and pristine emerald color waters. After that discover Porto Cervo, a little corner of paradise, rich and elegant town in the heart of the Costa Smeralda. Home of elite tourism, a privileged and exclusive destination for entertainment and the international jet-set, which has also become a favourite place for celebrities. Enjoy a farewell dinner in this iconic port.

DAY 9: Drive back to Cagliari airport. Say “Arrivederci”.

Enhance Your Journey! We can add one or more days to discover the unique islands’ beaches worldwide knows for the turquese color.