Sicily's Green Heart: Classic Sicily tour and nature experiences in the Nebrodi Mountains in 8 or 10 days.
A journey that's not just visited, it's lived. From the timeless icons of Sicily to the authentic silence of the Nebrodi Mountains with the Aeolian Islands as a backdrop: an experiential tour of villages, nature, traditions, and local flavors, where every stop is a new encounter and every day an experience to remember.
Day 1
Arrival: the first emotions are never forgotten...
Arrival at Catania airport, welcome and transfer to the 4* hotel.
The afternoon and evening are dedicated to a free stroll through Catania's historic center, allowing you to begin to experience the spirit of eastern Sicily. Among the cobbled streets and baroque buildings, you'll encounter the Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the famous Elephant Fountain, the lively and colorful La Pescheria market, and the local shopping streets. Strolling through Palazzo Biscari, Via Etnea, and Villa Bellini, you'll enjoy the aromas of the cafes and historic pastry shops, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant and authentic atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 2
Taormina and Capo d'Orlando: A history of volcanoes, flavors, and the sea.
Breakfast at your hotel in Catania and departure for Taormina, a splendid city suspended between sky and sea, with Mount Etna dominating the horizon. The morning is dedicated to a guided tour of the historic center, through medieval alleys, picturesque squares, and breathtaking panoramic views. The Ancient Theater, the city's symbol, offers a unique view of Mount Etna and the sea: walking its steps means feeling the history intertwined with the natural landscape. The experience becomes even more immersive with a hands-on Sicilian cooking workshop, where you'll learn to prepare arancini, handmade pasta, and other typical dishes, discovering techniques, secrets, and local traditions. A fun, sensorial, and participatory experience that transforms Sicilian culture into a tangible experience. Lunch at the same restaurant to sample Sicilian specialties prepared in advance. In the afternoon, departure for Capo d'Orlando, check-in at a 4-star hotel, and free time to stroll along the seafront or relax before dinner. Dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel, and overnight stay.
Day 3
In the green heart of the Nebrodi
Lakes, silence and living nature
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Nebrodi Park, the green heart of Sicily.
The day begins with a guided hike to Lake Maulazzo, nestled in a picturesque mountain landscape. The easy/moderate route is ideal for leisurely strolls, observing and listening to nature. We continue to Lake Biviere, a magical and pristine place, where the landscape is inhabited by horses, cows, sheep, and goats grazing freely. An authentic experience that illustrates the profound connection between humanity and nature. Enjoy a picnic with typical local products or lunch at a farmhouse to savor the simple and authentic cuisine of the area. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxing, immersed in nature.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4
Villages, traditions and memory:
Sicily of towns, hands and stories
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a trip to the historic villages of the Nebrodi Mountains.
The morning is dedicated to a guided tour of San Marco d'Alunzio and Ficarra, villages rich in history, landscapes, and cultural identity. A medieval-themed lunch or free time is available, depending on the group's preferences. In the afternoon, we continue to Galati Mamertino, Longi, Mirto, and Frazzanò, entering the most authentic and lesser-known side of Sicily. Visit the evocative Monastery of San Filippo di Fragalà , overlooking the Fitalia Valley, a place of great spiritual and scenic charm. In Mirto, visit the Museum of Sicilian Costume and Fashion to discover the clothing, traditions, and lifestyles of the past. In Longi, encounter local crafts: a visit to the hand-weaving workshop, the ancient stone mill, and the La Petagna Nature Center. The day concludes with a walking dinner in the village, an immersive experience among the narrow streets, tastings of traditional dishes, folk music, and historical reenactments: a true encounter with the soul of the Nebrodi Mountains. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 5
Water, rock and endless views
Catafurco and Crasto Rocks
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the hike to the Catafurco Waterfall, one of the most captivating sites in the Nebrodi Mountains. Walking to the waterfall means entering a powerful and rejuvenating natural environment.
Lunch with the shepherds, featuring typical local products: a moment of authentic sharing, filled with stories, flavors, and simplicity. In the afternoon, a guided hike to the Rocche del Crasto, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area. A sunset aperitif in a breathtaking natural setting, where the landscape becomes an emotional experience. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 6
Sea and rural traditions
Two souls of the same earth
Breakfast at the hotel and a morning spent relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sea and free time.
In the afternoon, return to the Nebrodi Park for a hands-on experience of pastoral tradition: a meeting with local farmers or lunch with the shepherds, including a tasting of traditional products.
An experience that tells the story of rural Sicily through the people who live there every day.
Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 9
Cefalù and Palermo
From a seaside village to a living city
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Cefalù, one of Sicily's most charming coastal villages.
The morning is dedicated to a stroll through the historic center, among cobbled alleys, medieval arches, and glimpses of the sea. The Norman cathedral, the medieval washhouse, and the waterfront portray an elegant and luminous Sicily, where time seems to slow down.
Free time for a coffee in the square, a stroll along the seafront, or a quick relaxation on the beach, experiencing Cefalù lightly and without rushing.
In the early afternoon, departure for Palermo, the beating heart of the island.
Upon arrival, a guided walk through the historic center, passing through the Cathedral, the Quattro Canti and the historic neighborhoods, until reaching the popular markets – Ballarò, Vucciria and Capo – where the city manifests itself through voices, colors and scents.
Enjoy a free lunch or street food at the markets, for a spontaneous and authentic experience of Palermo.
In the late afternoon, accommodation in a 4* hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8
Goodbye Sicily
The end of an experience, not a memory
The end of the journey, what remains
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, and transfer to Palermo airport.
Completion of boarding and return formalities.
The tour ends, but the experiences remain: the cities we passed through, the silence of the Nebrodi Mountains, the Aeolian sea, the encounters, the flavors, and the slow time spent together.
A journey that was not just one of discovery, but an authentic experience of Sicily.
End of the tour.