«To have seen Italy without Sicily, is not to have seen Italy at all, as Sicily is the key to everything» — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1 Sicily has a place in our team’s heart JustSicily is the result of a unique experience in terms of depth and duration, successfully evolving over time to offer innovative services that stand out by offering travellers exclusively authentic experiences. As a matter of fact, we have been organising travel in Sicily and worldwide since 1974. In the incoming sector, our Sicilian team organises personalised special packages and tours for groups and individuals, drawing on thirty years’ experience managing the diverse needs of business and leisure clients. We are specialized in congress and meeting organisation and we offer events and entertainment services. Local expertise, a dedicated structure for business clients, meetings, incentive travel and true passion for our birthplace are the distinctive features we offer to everyone looking for new experiences. 2 tailor made service facilities hospitality Personalised service and assistance for groups of any size. Creative and competent corporate event planning. IATA ticket booking, organisation of flights and transfers, car hire, administrative formalities. An exclusive selection of charming accommodation, conference centres, golf clubs and custom solutions. through the real sicily meetings and conferences event support Fine food & wine itineraries, golf and sports, wellness and spa resorts, excursions at sea, cultural and archaeological tours, city visits. Fine food & wine itineraries, golf and sports, wellness and spa resorts, excursions at sea, cultural and archaeological tours, city visits. The highest standards of assistance for production and logistics issues, hostess recruitment, and the best communication solutions. 3 Charming Sicily among art, cultures and flavours ↘ ↗ c Catania Palermo eight nights, nine days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION * ₁↗ ₂ ₇ ₆ ↘ ₃ ₅ ₄ 4 1. saturday Arrival at Palermo airport and meeting with the person that will be your courier for all the duration of the journey. Accommodation in the private bus and transfer to the 4 star “Hotel Plaza Opera”. Dinner in a small trattoria of the historical center of the town. Overnight at hotel. 2. sunday Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, with the private guide, you’ll start the Palermo Walking Tour: about four hours with the theme “Sovereigns and People” including the visit of the Palatine Chapel, shining in its original gold after the restoration works, and the very colourful historical market of “Capu” which among shops selling the typical “marzipan sweets”, “sugar puppets” and fresh fish will lead you to the just recovered jewel of the church of Immaculate Conception. At the end of the tour, lunch at “Francu U’ Vastiddaro” where you’ll taste the traditional street food, made up of arancine, panelle, sfincionello, and so on… After lunch, departure by private bus to Monreale to visit its wonderful Cathedral and Cloister. At the end, back to the hotel and relax for shopping. Dinner at “Al Gabbiano” restaurant in Mondello a little seaside town which originally was a fishing village. Overnight at hotel. 3. monday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure by private bus for Segesta and visit of its temple and amphitheatre. The visit continues to Erice, a medieval town situated in the northwestern corner of Sicily, a few kilometres N-E of Trapani. Erice is famous for its medieval streets and alleys lined with sturdy ancient stone houses, and admiring the views: when the sky is clear, you can see the Aegadian islands, with the views further reaching to Tunisia in northern Africa. Free lunch in Erice. Early in the afternoon, departure to Menfi a small village in the province of Agrigento placed on the hill sloping down to the sea, just at vintage time. Accommodation at the 3 star hotel “Il Vigneto Resort” and dinner at its enchanting restaurant located in a garden surrounded by vineyards. Overnight at the hotel. 4. tuesday Breakfast and check out. Visit of the “Ulmo Planeta Winery” and its vineyards followed by a tasting of 4 wines and a light lunch. The wine tasting is accompanied by breadsticks and a selection of Planeta extra-virgin olive oils. In the afternoon, departure for Agrigento and guided hike in the beautiful Valley of the Temples archaeological site, in the UNESCO World Heritage list. After the guided visit, departure for Syracuse and accommodation at the 5 star “Des Etrangers Hotel & Spa”. Free time to dine in a restaurant in Ortigia. Overnight at hotel. 5. wednesday Breakfast at the hotel. Guided tour of Syracuse, located on the south eastern coast of the island, and its Archaeological Museum. Free lunch. In the afternoon, visit of Ortigia, the island divided into small historic districts, which is the oldest part of Syracuse. Dinner in a small restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 6. thursday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure with private bus for Noto and guided tour of the treasures of the baroque city. Later the tour continues with Ragusa Ibla, a fascinating town characterised by a medieval structure rich of baroque palaces and churches. Lunch at a small trattoria located in the historical center of Ragusa Ibla, few steps from the St. George Cathedral, one of the most important treasure of the Sicilian baroque. The guided visit of Ragusa starts with its Baroque Cathedral and continues with “Archi” district, which homes 4 of the 18 UNESCO monuments of the city. At the end, departure to Taormina and accommodation at “Hotel Isabella”, a 3 star cosy hotel located in the hearth of the town. Free time to dine a in a small restaurant and overnight at the hotel. ↘ 5 ∫ ∫ 9. sunday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Catania Airport and end of the Sicily Tour. ∫ 8. saturday Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Mount Etna to visit of one of the world major active volcanoes and the largest in Europe. During the guided hike you’ll discover the beautiful Natural Park characterized by urban landscapes, dense forests that maintain different plant species and wasteland covered with volcanic rock. After the visit, departure to Linguaglossa and visit to a beautiful winery on the mount followed by a wine tasting followed by a light lunch with delicious local products. At the end, back to Taormina and relax in hotel. Dinner in a small trattoria in Taormina and overnight at the hotel. *Extension to Aeolian Islands ∫∫ 7. friday Breakfast at the hotel and guided tour of the Greek-Roman Theatre and Taormina, one of the most important international tourist attractions in Sicily for its beautiful natural landscape, sea and historical monuments. Free time for relax and shopping in Taormina. Free time to dine and overnight at the hotel. 9. sunday Early in the morning, transfer to Milazzo Harbour. At 12:00 departure from the Milazzo Harbour to Lipari (by Hydrofoil). Accommodation at the 5 star “Tritone Hotel” in Lipari and free time to relax in one of the wonderful beaches of the island. Dinner at “E’ Pulera” restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 10. monday Breakfast at the hotel and meeting point at the Lipari tourist port to go on board of a private boat (with sailor) to a exciting excursion to Panarea and Stromboli. In the evening, from the sea and on board the boat, you’ll admire the famous “Sciara del fuoco”, the eruption of the Stromboli Volcano. At 22:30 return to Lipari and free time to dine. Overnight at the hotel. 11. tuesday Breakfast at the hotel and free time to explore Lipari and its wonderful beaches (you can ask at the reception of the hotel for a private transfer to a beach), go shopping in the main street or visit the Castle. At the sunset, we suggest you the have an happyhour in front of the sea. Dinner at “Filippino” restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 12. wednesday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure by Hydrofoil to Milazzo. Transfer to Catania Airport and end of the tour. 6 Charming Sicily among art, cultures and flavours Piazza Pretoria, Palermo 7 charming Sicily among art, cultureS and flavourS Streets of Palermo by night 8 Enchanting Sicily among history, wine and gastronomy ↘ ↗ c Palermo Catania nine nights, eight days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION * ₈↘ ₇ ₃ ₂ ↗₁ ₆ ₅ ₄ 9 1. sunday Arrival at Catania Airport and meeting with the person that will be your courier for all the duration of the journey. Accommodation in the private bus and transfer to “Hotel Isabella”, a 3 star cosy hotel located in the hearth of the town. Accommodation in hotel and dinner in a small trattoria of the historical center of the town. Overnight at hotel. 2. monday Breakfast at the hotel and guided tour of the Greek-Roman Theatre and Taormina, one of the most important international tourist attractions in Sicily for its beautiful natural landscape, sea and historical monuments. Free time for relax and shopping in Taormina. Free time to dine and overnight at the hotel. 3. tuesday Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Mount Etna to visit one of the world major active volcanoes and the largest in Europe. During the guided hike you’ll discover the beautiful Natural Park characterized by urban landscapes, dense forests that maintain different plant species and wasteland covered with volcanic rock. After the visit, we will reach Linguaglossa for the visit of a beautiful winery followed by a wine tasting and a light lunch with delicious local products.At the end, back to Taormina and free time to dine a in a small restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 4. wednesday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure for Syracuse. Guided visit of the Archaeological Park, one of the most important ancient Greek site of Europe. Accommodation at the 5 star “Des Etrangers Hotel & Spa” . Early in the afternoon, visit of Ortigia, the island divided into small historic districts, which is the oldest part of Syracuse. Dinner in a small restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 5. thursday Breakfast at the hotel. Departure with private bus for Noto and guided tour of the treasures of the baroque city. Later the tour continues with Ragusa Ibla, a fascinating town characterised by a medieval structure rich of baroque palaces and churches. Lunch at a small trattoria located in the historical center of Ragusa Ibla, few steps from the St. George Cathedral, one of the most important treasure of the Sicilian baroque. The guided visit of Ragusa starts with its Baroque Cathedral and continues with “Archi” district, which homes 4 of the 18 UNESCO monuments of the city. After the guided visit, departure for Syracuse. Free time to dine in a restaurant in Ortigia. Overnight at hotel. 6. friday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure for Agrigento and guided visit of the beautiful “Valley of the Temples” archaeological site, in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Lunch in a small trattoria in Agrigento. Early in the afternoon, departure to Menfi, a small village in the province of Agrigento placed on the hill sloping down to the sea, just at vintage time. Accommodation at the 3 star hotel “Il Vigneto Resort” and dinner at its enchanting restaurant located in a garden surrounded by vineyards. Overnight at the hotel. 7. saturday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Visit of the “Ulmo Planeta Winery” and its vineyards followed by a tasting of 4 wines and a light lunch. The wine tasting is accompanied by breadsticks and a selection of Planeta extravirgin olive oils. Departure to Palermo and accommodation at the 4 star “Hotel Plaza Opera”. Dinner in a small trattoria of the historical center of the town. Overnight at hotel. ↘ 10 ∫ 9. monday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Palermo Airport and end of the Sicily Tour. *Extension to Favignana Island ∫∫ 8. sunday Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, with the private guide, you’ll start the Palermo Walking Tour: about four hours with the theme “Sovereigns and People” including the visit of the Palatine Chapel, shining in its original gold after the restoration works, and the very colourful historical market of “Capu” which among shops selling the typical “marzipan sweets”, “sugar puppets” and fresh fish will lead you to the just recovered jewel of the church of Immaculate Conception. At the end of the tour, lunch at “Francu U’ Vastiddaro” where you’ll taste the traditional street food, made up of arancine, panelle, sfincionello, and so on… After lunch, departure by private bus to Monreale to visit its wonderful Cathedral and Cloister. At the end, back to the hotel and relax for shopping. Dinner at “Al Gabbiano” restaurant in Mondello, a little seaside town which originally was a fishing village. Overnight at hotel. 9. monday Early in the morning, transfer to Trapani Harbour. At 11:00 departure by private transfer to the Trapani Harbor to go aboard the hydrofoil to Favignana. The island is often referred to as La Farfalla for its shape which has been likened to a butterfly which fly over the blue sea. Accommodation at “I Pretti Resort” and dinner at “Al Pescador” restaurant. Overnight at hotel. 10. tuesday Breakfast at the hotel and free day to relax in one of the beautiful beaches and bays of the island: a small sandy bay south of the town in Cala Azzurra, and, still in the southern part but a little west of this, lies the broad beach called the Lido Burrone. The island harbours also such lovely bays as the Cala Rotonda, Cala Grande and Punta Ferro. Free time to dine in a trattoria of the island. Overnight at hotel. 11. wednesday Breakfast at the hotel and free time to explore Favignana and its wonderful beaches (ask at the reception for a private transfer to a beach) or go shopping. At the sunset, have an happyhour in front of the sea. Dinner at “Al giardino delle Aloe” restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 12. thursday Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure by Hydrofoil to Favignana. Transfer to Palermo Airport and end of the tour. 11 enchanting sicily among history, wine and gastronomy Taormina 12 enchanting sicily among history, wine and gastronomy Ragusa Ibla by night 13 Etna wineries and cooking class ↘ ↗ c Catania + car rental Catania three nights, four days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION ↘↗ 14 day one Arrival in Catania airport and car rental. Departure to the hotel. Arrival at the hotel to accommodation. The hotel was formerly a residence for nobility and now has a polished interior that has been renovated regularly, a swimming pool, restaurant, parking and complementary wi-fi. It sits along the outskirts of the Alcantara nature reserve. Afternoon: Arrival in a winery on Etna, winery tour, wine & extra virgin olive oil tasting. Mount Etna covers an area of approximately 460 square kilometers, which makes it the largest active volcano in Europe, and is the third most active in the world. The surrounding area is an ancient and charming wine-growing zone, which has seen few substantial changes since the days of the ancient Greeks who some 25 centuries ago described it in their legends. After years of research, the winery owner has identified three extraordinary sites. The first is Sciara Nuova, 870 meters above sea level, in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia where, due to the altitude, the first grapevines planted were mainly white grapes. At the moment there are about 6 hectares and a fine old winery. Return to the hotel and overnight. day two Breakfast at the hotel. Etna tour: The mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. “Gole dell’Alcantara”: a basaltic lava stone natural canyon formed thousands of years ago, shaped by the fast running of the iced Alcantara river. Return to the hotel. day three Breakfast at the hotel. Arrival at a winery, the most acclaimed winery on Etna, named “Winery of the Year” by the prestigious Italian winery guide Gambero Rosso and “Top-100 Winery” by the US publication Wine & Spirit. Guided tour of the estate and vineyard. Cooking class, followed by lunch and wine tasting. Departure to Taormina, town with breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna. Taormina will enchant you with its natural charm and its historical heritage. During your tour, on a hilltop in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable, you will admire the Ancient Teatro Greco of Taormina. The Greek Theatre, literally carved out of the rock on Mount Tauro, is the second largest of its kind in all of Sicily behind only the Greek Theatre of Siracusa. Built in the third century BC, the theatre is remarkably well preserved and it still used today for opera and musical performances. Return to the hotel. day four Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Catania airport, during the trip you’ll admire the Cyclops rocks. According to the legend, it was here that the one-eyed Cyclops once lived, one of whom was Polyphemus, who was the son of the sea god Poseidon and who caught Odysseus and his companions and ate them one by one. Odysseus, however, succeeded in blinding the Cyclops and escaped. In anger, the now-blind Polyphemus threw huge rocks at Odysseus who managed to escape into the sea without being struck. Arrival at the airport and end of our services. 15 etna wineries and cooking class Mount Etna 16 etna winerieS and cooking claSS Catania Wineries 17 wineries, Western Sicily: food and sleep around vineyards ↘ ↗ c Palermo + car rental Palermo three nights, four days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION ↘↗ 18 day one Arrival in Palermo, accommodation on private car and departure to Segesta. Archaeological area visit with its walls, the Theatre, the Temple, the Sanctuary of Contrada Mango and the remains of a Hellenistic necropolis. Departure to Erice, a characteristic village on the top of Mount San Giuliano. Here you can wander through a thousand glimpses of flagstone streets, forts, old churches (Saint Ursula and the Matrice), convents, workshops (production of ceramics, sweets, carpets), pine forests and gardens, and then get lost, on the edge of town, in breathtaking views to the islands Egadi, the ”Stagnone”, the Saline and cultivated fields throughout the province of Trapani. Also you can tickle the palate with sweet almond paste produced by the famous pastry shop that is located on this mount. Departure to Marsala and arrival at the most famous winery of the area. Here you’ll taste the famous namesake wine: the "Marsala". Marsala has an engaging history. In the late 1770’s John Woodhouse, an English wine merchant, made a trip to Marsala and became enamored with the Marsala produced by dozens of small producers in the area. The wines were aged in old wooden casks that facilitated oxidation and concentration of the wine. The taste and alcohol levels of the aged wines were comparable to fortified wines from Spain and Portugal that were popular in England at the time. Seeing an opportunity, Woodhouse shipped a large quantity of barrels of Marsala to England to test the wine’s marketability. As was the custom of the time, the barrels of Marsala were fortified with additional alcohol to help them withstand the long sea voyage. Once the British had a taste of Marsala they fell in love with it. For dinner, we suggest to taste the Fish Couscous in a unique and characteristic “trattoria” of the area. Overnight in a “Baglio”, in Marsala, surrounded by tranquil vineyards of Marsala plateau, overlooking on the reserve of the “Stagnone” and the Egadi Islands. day two Departure from the hotel and arrival in a famous mill, where we will have an Extra virgin olive oil tasting. Then proceed towards Selinunte, the largest archaeological park in Europe. Here at the edge of a little train you’ll admire the Gaggera Hill (with the sanctuary of Malophoros), the Acropolis (in the middle, with temples and fortifications), the Manuzza Hill (with the old town), the eastern hill (with other temples) and the necropolis. At the end, departure to Menfi, a small country faced the sea, to reach the small boutique hotel. The resort is about 1 km from the sea and can be reached in ten minutes on foot or in quarter of an hour by bicycle. The guestrooms have sea or countryside views and are designed to ensure complete relaxation. Overnight. ↘ 19 day three Check out of your hotel. On the road to Palermo, stop to visit a winery with wine and oil tasting. This estate lies on the banks of Lake Arancio not far from Sambuca di Sicilia, an ancient small town founded by the Arabs. In 1995 the owner decided to build their first winery here, in especially beautiful countryside and just a few metres from the 15th century farmhouse which has always belonged to the family. Departure to Monreale, where we suggest visiting its wonderful Cathedral, the ultimate synthesis of Arabic Norman and Byzantine decorations and architecture. It’s simply facade and bronze doors, with biblical scenes in relief made by Bonanno Pisano in 1185, don’t prepare you for the magnificent sight you will behold once you step inside: you will be astounded by the golden mosaics which covers almost its entire walls. Your eyes will be naturally drawn to the apse with the image of Pantocrator Christ and one of the rare figure of Thomas Becket. At the end, proceed to Palermo. Guided walking tour of the town. We will enter the heart of one of the most colorful and traditional historical markets in the city u capu where history, tradition and street food are mixed with voices and faces of the people of Palermo. In the middle of the market, an unexpected visit to the church of the Immaculate Conception, a baroque jewel just restored. Through narrow streets and ancient buildings, we reach the Norman cathedral, where we will also visit the tomb of Frederick II of Swabia and the silver “Vara” of Santa Rosalia. Through the gardens of Villa Bonanno and along the ancient Roman ruins in the heart of Paleopolis we get the royal palace that since the Punic Walls to the Sicilian Parliament houses 3000 years of our history including the palatine chapel resplendent with mosaics, best example of Arab, Byzantine and Norman art, policy and tolerance. We will continue along the ancient fortifications to photograph st. john of the hermits, a striking expression of the Arab-Norman architecture with its particular domes. So walking to discover medieval quarters, Spanish facades and courtyards of the historic Mansions we will walk through the “Cassaro” the oldest street of Palermo to end our tour reaching the four corners so called “Teatro del Sole” elegant baroque crossroad. You will enjoy the most popular foods in this city: street food, arancini, cannoli and cassata. Accommodation at the hotel and overnight. day four Departure from your hotel to Falcone & Borsellino Airport. Meeting with hostess. 20 western sicily: wineries, food and sleep around vineyards Laguna dello Stagnone, Marsala 21 weStern Sicily: winerieS, food and Sleep around vineyardS Marsala Barrels 22 Discovering ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ Aeolian islands ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ↘ ↗ c Catania Catania six nights, seven days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION ◣◥ ▲ ↘↗ 23 day one, milazzo Arrival at Catania Airport and meeting with the hostess that will welcome you in Sicily. Meeting with the driver and transfer to Milazzo by private car to reach your accommodation, a nice and cosy 4 star hotel located in front of the port. The hotel position is perfect, because it is in the city centre and at the same time, it is very close to the hydrofoil boarding. Overnight. day two, vulcano Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Vulcano. On the island, you will find a car that will guide you to your hotel. Arrival at the hotel. Set right on the beachfront in Porto di Levante, it is an elegant hotel surrounded by a lush garden with a swimming pool and solarium. All the modern and elegantly decorated rooms come with their own furnished patios. They also include a satellite TV, a safe, a minibar, and air conditioning. Their en suite bathrooms come with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can have evening drinks on the hotel's lawn overlooking the crater and the sea. The volcano’s mud baths and hot springs are set just a few minutes’ walk from Hotel. The property offers a direct access to the sea. The centre of Vulcano is 300 metres away. In the early afternoon, we suggest a tour of the island. Overnight. day three, vulcano Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion on boat shared with other people to Stromboli and Panarea Panarea is the most chic and smallest island of Aeolian Island. The island in winter has just over 300 habitants, but in summer is full of people; there are many amenities, shops, bars, restaurants and a nightclub that is the must important disco in the Mediterranean. Stromboli is one of three active volcanoes on Italian soil. On board you'll then have the opportunity to see the eruptions of the volcano, continuously active, and the island from a different point of view. Return to Vulcano and overnight. day four, vulcano Breakfast at the hotel. Free time to discover Vulcano. Once known as “Therasia”, meaning hot and “Hierà” meaning sacred, the island is 21 square kilometres and lies at the southern most point of the Aeolian group. Separated from Lipari by just a small stretch of sea, Vulcano remains a jewel of rare beauty and unspoilt nature evident in its lush vegetation, smoky fumaroles, renowned natural mud pool and the release of sulphur and warm waters close to the Levante beach. The volcano dominates the island, as if keeping watch, and its peak can be reached by lovers of trekking and nature, a trek of around 50 minutes. The hard work certainly pays off owing to the breathtaking views over the six islands, with Stromboli and its smoking eruptions standing out. Overnight. ↘ 24 day five, salina Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to the port, boarding in hydrofoil and departure to Salina. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the quiet village of Lingua, surrounded by lush greenery, in front of its own private beach, lies the Hotel with charming views of Panarea, Stromboli, Lipari and Vulcano. It is also possible to admire the active volcano of mount Etna. In the early afternoon, we suggest a tour of the island. Overnight. day six, salina Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to relax, swimming and discover the lush green of Salina island. Woodlands, wildflowers, thick yellow gorse bushes and serried ranks of grapevines carpet its hillsides in vibrant colours and cool greens, while high coastal cliff plunge into the breaking waters below. In the afternoon, we organize a small Malvasia tour to discover its secrets and taste the flavour. Called "nectar of the gods”, Malvasia delle Lipari wines vary in their degrees of residual sugar (sweetness). The lighter, drier wines are intended for consumption with main courses, or even as an aperitif. Those marked dolce naturale (similar to vin doux naturel) are much sweeter and best matched to desserts. Even sweeter than these, and fortified with grape spirit, is Malvasia delle Lipari Liquoroso, which is closer to 20% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is aged for six months or more in barrel. The passito method is used here in the Aeolian Islands, to increase the levels of fermentable sugars and thus intensify the Malvasia grapes' natural flavor. Malvasia delle Lipari Passito wines must have a final alcohol level of 18% ABV and at least 6% residual sugar. Overnight at the hotel. day seven, departure Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure by hydrofoil to Milazzo. Transfer by private car to Catania Airport. Meeting with the hostess that will help you during check in. 25 diScovering aeolian iSlandS Campo Bianco, Lipari 26 discovering aeolian islands Stromboli Volcano Eruption 27 West Sicily, unknown Mothia and Egadi Islands ↘ ↗ c Palermo + car rental Palermo six nights, seven days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION ◣ ↘↗ 28 1. menfi & selinunte Arrival at Palermo Airport and meeting with the hostess that we’ll give you the welcome in Sicily. Rental car operations and departure to Sambuca di Sicilia to reach a famous winey. This estate lies on the banks of Lake Arancio not far from Sambuca di Sicilia, an ancient small town founded by the Arabs. In 1995, the owner decided to build their first winery here, in especially beautiful countryside and just a few meters from the 15th century farmhouse, which has always belonged to the family. Some of the most representative wines of the firm originated and are now produced here, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. Winery tour discovering his wine's secrets and tasting its flavor. Later, arrival at the hotel: the small resort is about 1 km from the sea and can be reached in ten minutes on foot or in quarter of an hour by bicycle. The guestrooms have sea or countryside views and are designed to ensure complete relaxation. Return to the hotel and overnight. 2. erice & marsala Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Selinunte. Departure for Selinunte for a visit of its Archaeological Park, the biggest in Europe. This is one of the most important Greek site on the south coast of Sicily. The ruins of Selinunte are some of the most impressive of the ancient Greek world, and the site is one of the most captivating in Sicily. The acropolis is a chalk massif with a cliff face falling into the sea in the south, while the north end narrows to 140 metres wide. The settlement in the form of a massive trapezoid, extended to the north with a large retaining wall in terraces (about eleven metres high) and was surrounded by a wall (repeatedly restored and modified) with an exterior of squared stone blocks and an interior of rough stone. Here, if you prefer, you can pay the ticket for the little train of the park to enjoy a scenic tour of the archaeological site. At the end, depature to Marsala to reach the hotel. On the road stop to taste the real extra virgin olive oil. Continuation to Marsala and arrival at the boutique hotel. Inaugurated in December 2005, this hotel is the only one located in the historical centre of Marsala. Set in convent of the XVII century, it has 28 rooms, individually decorated, with original ancient Sicilian furnishings. The fine restored premises combine with state-of-the art technology, creating an extraordinary cosy atmosphere. Free time for a city tour, shopping or visit the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum. Here is kept the Punic ship, the earliest warship known from archeological evidence. It is a wreck discovered in 1969 in an area called Punta Scario in the harbor of Marsala in western Sicily, Italy, near the Aegadian Islands. The Marsala Ship's "nationality" was painted on the sides with letters by its Punic builders from Carthage. Overnight. ↘ 29 3. mothia & stagnone Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Mothia by public boat (imbarcadero, shared with other people). This tiny island just off the coast north of Marsala was once the home of the Phoenician colony that was expelled in 379 BC and founded Lilibeo (Marsala). The island's role in the events of Sicily's early Phoenician period (before 600 BC) far transcended its diminutive size. The island of Mozia, which is owned and operated by a foundation established by the winemaking Whitaker family (who built the Anglican Church and Villa Malfitano in Palermo), has a remarkable museum and the ruins of an equally remarkable civilization, complete with a harbor and cemetery. Some of the finds on display in the museum have a distinctly Egyptian influence, while others seem almost Hellenic. In Villa Whitaker, the Young Man of Mozia, the breathtakingly realistic marble statue of a young man, perhaps an athlete, perhaps Hercules. Dressed in a finelypleated, clinging tunic, his insolent hand-on-hip pose expresses confidence in his youth, power and beauty. Dated c. 440 bc, according to some scholars it could be the work of Pheidias.At the end return to Marsala. In the afternoon, Marsala tasting (the famous namesake wine). Marsala has an engaging history. In the late 1770’s John Woodhouse, an English wine merchant, made a trip to Marsala and became enamored with the Marsala produced by dozens of small producers in the area. The wines were aged in old wooden casks that facilitated oxidation and concentration of the wine. The taste and alcohol levels of the aged wines were comparable to fortified wines from Spain and Portugal that were popular in England at the time. Seeing an opportunity, Woodhouse shipped a large quantity of barrels of Marsala to England to test the wine’s marketability. As was the custom of the time, the barrels of Marsala were fortified with additional alcohol to help them withstand the long sea voyage. Once the British had a taste of Marsala they fell in love with it. Return to the hotel and overnight. 4. favignana island Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Trapani’s harbour. Car issuance and boarding on hydrofoil to Favignana island. The island of Favignana is the largest of the Egadi islands and its length extends to 19 km2. Its name comes from the term Favonio, which is a warm wind that blows from the west. Formerly, the main source of subsistence income of the inhabitants of Favignana was fishing, especially tuna, which was fished using the traditional "mattanza" method, a very cruel kind of fishing, that has no longer been practiced since 2007. Today the wealth of Favignana is represented by tourism, thanks to its natural beauty as the coast and beaches can accommodate a large number of visitors and allows the island of Favignana to base almost all of its own economy of this industry. In fact, the crystal blue sea of Favignana and the fact that you can easily access the coast by boat make the island the perfect place for bathing. Arrival at the hotel, a residence made up of mini apartments, built in local "tufo" stone, all having covered balconies and distributed in groups of three, two or one unit (cottage). They are furnished in Mediterranean style; the kitchen is fully equipped with saucepans and cutlery, a fridge-freezer, satellite TV and a bathroom with shower. Water is heated using solar panels to safeguard the environment. Total surface on which the units are built is 40,000 square meters and forms part of the marine reserve area of the Egadi Islands. The rich vegetation includes typically Mediterranean plants and flowers, the result of years of care and attention. Bike rental and free time to discover Favignana by bike. Overnight. 5-6. FAVIGNANA ISLAND Free days in the island. 7. departure Check-out. Departure by hydrofoil to Trapani. Transfer by private car to Palermo Airport. Meeting with the hostess. End of our services. 30 west sicily, unknown mothia and egadi islands Lido Burrone, Favignana 31 west sicily, unknown mothia and egadi islands Salt mound in Trapani 32 Archeo and wine bike tour ABOUT ROUTES The biker and cyclotourist can enjoy Sicily and the Mediterranean coast as an extraordinary and charming mix of sun, nature, art, culture, history and culinary delights available 360 days year round! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Trapani, Paceco Marsala, Mazara del Vallo Mazara del Vallo, Selinunte, Cusa Quarries and Menfi Menfi, Sambuca di Sicilia Sambuca di Sicilia, Burgio Burgio, Montallegro, Agrigento ₁ ₂ ₃ ₄ ₅ ₆ 33 Special mini package Montalbano's sites ↘ ↗ c Catania Catania three nights, four days ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DURATION ↘↗ 34 day one Arrival at Catania Fontanarossa airport, meeting with the driver and transfer to a very nice hotel in Donnalucata or a cosy B&b in Ragusa. Accommodation in hotel and free time to dine. Overnight. day two Breakfast at the hotel and all day to visit Ragusa, a fascinating town characterized by a medieval structure rich of baroque palaces and churches. Ragusa is actually a double city, result of the reconstruction after the earthquake of 1693 which led some people to move to the west,leaving the area where the city was situated for centuries. We start the visit of Ragusa with its Baroque Cathedral dedicated to St. John, which is seen in some scenes of The potter's field. Passing by Piazza Poste (shot in The Voice of the Violin), we’ll see the medieval church of Santa Maria delle Scale, located at the top of the long staircase (250 steps), which links the high part of the city to Ibla. The view we’ll enjoy from this place was chosen many times in the Montalbano series because it’s the panorama from the above of Vigata (Montalbano's Croquettes and The smell of the night). Visit also of the “Archi” district, which homes 4 of the 18 UNESCO monuments of the city and break at Piazza Duomo (here, in Montalbano's Croquettes, the detective sees his housekeeper's delinquent son). Free time to lunch. Our staff suggest to try “Ai Lumi”, the same restaurant frequented by the detective in the episode Treasure hunt, located in the historical center of Ragusa Ibla, few steps from the St. George Cathedral. The visit could continue with the square of Vigata, a location that appears in all the episodes, and St. George Cathedral (the Mother Church of Vigata). Later we’ll make a promenade in the Giardino Ibleo, a public park in Ragusa Ibla stands in for a hospital garden in another episode. Return to the hotel and free time to dine. Overnight. and free time to lunch in a typical restaurant of Donnafugata. In the afternoon, departure to the Castle of Donnafugata, the house of the boss Balduccio Sinagra: set in rolling countryside among rocks and giant carob trees, the castle with its Venetian-style facade dates back to the mid-17th century. Then departure with private bus to the district of Pisciotto, in Sampieri, to see the Fornace Penna, an important example of industrial archaeology which is the “Mannara” of The Shape of Water episode. Return to the hotel, free time to dine and overnight. day three Breakfast at the hotel and departure with private bus for Punta Secca to see the outside of Montalbano's house, the wonderful “villetta” on the beach overlooking the crystalline sea where the detective makes his long swims. Going to Punta Secca we’ll see the seafront of Marinella. After Punta Secca, along the road leading to the Castle of Donnafugata, the visit could continue with the Trabacche caves, two monumental graves which surprise for the elegant shape of their baldachins (Trabacche, in Sicilian dialect) like if they were a kind of bridge connecting the deepest abyss of the Earth and the surface world. Here the detective finds the mummified bodies of two lovers in the episode The mystery of the terracotta dog. Roundtrip through the countries near Ragusa day four Breakfast at the hotel, checkout and transfer to Fontanarossa Airport. 35 Enjoy all our golf packages and the unique experiences in the best resorts of the island GOLF RESORTS A. B. C. D. Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa Verdura Golf & Spa Resort Etna Golf Resort & Spa Monasteri Golf Resort C B ↘ D A 36 All our excursions in Sicily from palermo a. b. c. d. e. Monreale & Catacombs Selinunte Temples & Winery Shrine of St. Rosalia & Mondello Beach Erice, Segesta and Marsala Piazza Armerina & sicilian pottery from catania f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. Etna tour Etna & Alcantara Gorges tour Godfather tour Messina and Tindari Piazza Armerina & sicilian pottery Catania gastronomy Winery tour and cooking lessons Taormina tour 37 ready to experience Sicily? we're in Piazza G. Verdi 53 — Palermo, just few steps away from the teatro massimo opera house. write us [email protected] or give us a call at +39 331 192 57 58. we have Skype too: justsicilytravel. JUSTSICILY SRL Piazza G. Verdi 53 - 90138 Palermo, Italy [email protected] \ www.justsicily.net +39 311 92 57 58 \ skype: justsicilytravel 38
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