Tastes and traditions of Sicily tour

1st DAY: CATANIA – FRANCAVILLA DI SICILIA

Arrival at Catania airport and transfer on your own to Francavilla di Sicilia (about 1 hour), a small village located in eastern Sicily on a hill in the fertile Alcantara Valley, near the Nebrodi Regional Park. Accommodation in a farmhouse, dinner and overnight. (www.quattareddu.it).

2nd DAY: FRANCAVILLA DI SICILIA (about 15-minutes walk)

Breakfast. Morning walk through the Alcantara gorges, deep incisions in volcanic rocks and cliffs, caused by the eruptions of Mount Etna. This took place when, long ago, a small volcano erupted and poured out a mass of lava that formed a huge dam. The molten lava solidifying formed the huge black columns of basalt that are visible in the gorge (www.parcoalcantara.it). In the heart of the village, visit of the local Museum where you can admire an extensive collection of objects relating to rural life. Lunch and taste of typical local dishes. Dinner and accommodation in Francavilla.

3rd DAY: FRANCAVILLA DI SICILIA – NOVARA DI SICILIA – LONGI (meeting with the local people)

Breakfast and transfer to Novara di Sicilia (about 50 minutes), one of the oldest and most fascinating villages in Sicily and member of the club “The most beautiful villages in Italy” (www.borghitalia.it). Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, depart for Longi (about 1 hour and half), pearl of the Nebrodi mountains. The village, 1.600 inhabitants, developed in the Middle Ages on a hill at 620 mt above sea level overlooking the valley of the river Fitalia in the Nebrodi Park (www.parconebrodi.it). Longi developed around the Castle of the XII° century and still keeps its medieval aspect. On the way to Longi, visit of the abbey of San Filippo de Fragalà, one of the first Basilian-Normans centers. Dinner in a local restaurant and accommodation in a farmhouse (www.ilvignale.com).

4th DAY: LONGI – ROCCHE DEL CRASTO – LONGI (meeting with the local people)

Breakfast and departure for the “Rocche del Crasto”, impressive rocky formations of calcareous origin dating back to the Mesozoic period. The vegetation are composed by beech trees, brooms and many types of flowers and plants. Everywhere lakes or spring give you a fresh moment. Discover the “path of bees” (3-hours walk). Picnic lunch. In the afternoon visit of a cheese factory for a up close look at the cheese making process. Continue to visit the Museum “La Petagna” historical center of the village. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in your farmhouse.

5th DAY: LONGI – MOTTA D’AFFERMO

Breakfast and transfer to Motta d’Affermo (about 1 hour and 15 minutes), at the foot of the Monte Cono, with about 1.000 inhabitants. Motta d’Affermo thanks to its position enjoy a wonderful view: the Tyrrhenian sea, the promontory of Cefalù and the Madonie mounts. The territory has a rich vegetation particularly olive trees. On the way, stop to Tenuta Villa Colonna to visit the ancient estate where you can see the old utensils used to produce wine and oil and learn about the old methods of work (www.villacolonna.it). Lunch and taste of typical dishes (cheese, olives….). Continue to the village and visit of the Cathedral and the Church of St Rocco. Time at leisure. Accommodation in a Bed & Breakfast. Dinner and overnight.

6th DAY: MOTTA D’AFFERMO – MISTRETTA – MOTTA D’AFFERMO

Breakfast and visit of the vineyard and oil-mill. Continue to Mistretta (15 minutes), a village located on the heights of Nebrodi Park at 1.000 mt above sea level. The principal activities are agriculture and craftsmanship: typical are the products made by hand in wrought iron and ebony. Visit of the most important monuments: the Mother-Church, the Church of Santa Caterina and the medieval Castle. Pic-nic lunch in the small village of Motta d’Affermo with taste of the typical food: local bread. Possibility to attend the preparing of the bread. Dinner in a local restaurant. Back to your B&B. overnight.

7th DAY: MOTTA D’AFFERMO – CEFALU’ – CATANIA

Breakfast and departure to Cefalù a charming seaside resort in the Madonie Park. This ancient fishermen’s place has a special charm, its tiny streets full of antique shops will conquer you. The old town center is dominated by the Norman Cathedral built in Moorish architectural style and the Rock rising in the background. Visit of the town. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, depart to Catania, one of the most important Sicilian town, characterized by the Baroque of its monuments and palaces. Dinner on your own. Accommodation and overnight in hotel (www.stesicoreapalace.it)

8th DAY: CATANIA

Breakfast. Transfer on your own to Catania airport.

ATTENTION

The program is subject to change according to weather conditions.
Possible increase of VAT, monuments entrance fees, ect… or other taxes after September 2009 will be communicated and added according the contractual agreements

Traveling Dates

April through October (August excluded)

Rates per person

Category	BASE	DBL	SINGLE SUPPL.	3RD BED REDUCTION
4 STAR HOTELS*	2-3 PAYING PAX	€ 1.690	€ 240	€ 1.438 rate per person in triple room
	4 PAYING PAX	€ 1.240	€ 240	- 10%
	5-8 PAYING PAX	€ 990	€ 215	- 10%
	9-15 PAYING PAX	€ 915	€ 165	- 10%

RATE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in full board from dinner on day 1 until breakfast on day 8, with the exception of lunch on day 1, 7, 8 and dinner on day 7
- Tour escort throughout the tour (for groups with less than 9 PAX only driver/guide)
- Minivan at disposal for all the excursions in the program
- Meals and picnic according to the program
- Third party insurance

RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Arrival and departure transfers (supplement € 50,00 per person A/R)
- Lunches on day 1, 7 , 8
- Dinner on day 7
- Beverages during meals
- Entrance fees to the museum and archeological sites
- Whatever not clearly specified under “RATE INCLUDES”

Cancellation Fees:

- from 15 to 08 days before departure date : 10% on the entire amount
- from 07 to 4 days before departure date : 50% on the entire amount
- from 03 to No SHOW : 100% on the entire amount

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