Village of Ragusa Siracusa
DAY 12 • Overland to Siracusa • Ortigia • Catania After breakfast , we depart for Siracusa , known as the birthplace of the famed mathematician Archimedes and as one of the most powerful ports of the ancient Mediterranean world . At 2,700 years old , Siracusa boasts a rich and storied history — evident today in the city ’ s Greek , Roman , and Baroque architecture , which has helped earn Siracusa a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation . When we arrive , we ’ ll set off on a discovery tour of Ortigia . Highlights include the fountain of Arethusa , the Temple of Apollo , and the Piazza del Duomo . Then , continue on to Catania .
Meals : B , D | Hotel Una Palace or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
DAY 13 • Explore Catania • World War II Museum • Conversation about volcanology
Explore Catania , a vibrant city perched on the edge of the Ionian Sea . We ’ ll set out to discover the city on foot , stopping along the way at the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Catania . Originally erected in the eleventh century , it has endured damage from numerous earthquakes over the years and today features a rich blend of Norman and Baroque architecture from its many repairs . Afterwards , visit Catania ’ s local World War II Museum , which memorializes the Allied landing on the southern coast of Sicily . Later , meet with a local volcanologist to learn about life in a volcanic region .
Meals : B , L | Hotel Una Palace or similar
DAY 14 • Catania • Overland to Taormina Visit hillside Taormina , home to a Greco-Roman theater that is one of the most highly regarded ancient sites in Sicily . Get to know the city during a walking tour . We ’ ll visit the famous amphitheater and take in a commanding view — perched atop a hill , the brick and stone structure offers a view of the building-speckled coastline , the Ionian Sea , and Mount Etna . Moving on , we ’ ll explore Taormina ’ s more contemporary delights : winding streets lined by pastel-hued buildings , many accented by wrought-iron balconies .
Meals : B | Hotel Una Palace or similar
DAY 15 • Catania • Excursion to Mount Etna Journey to Mount Etna , Europe ’ s tallest active volcano , and enjoy a 4-wheel-drive experience to explore traces of Etna ’ s lava flows before stopping for lunch . Then transfer back to Catania . This evening , enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant .
Meals : B , L , D | Hotel Una Palace or similar
DAY 16 • Return to U . S . Transfer to the airport for your flight home . Or , begin our Calabria : Southern Italy ’ s Hidden Heartland or Amalfi Coast & Naples : Terraced Cliffs , Turquoise Waters & Ancient Ruins post-trip extension .
Meals : B
For departure dates & prices , visit www . oattravel . com / bya2024pricing
On Day 10 , zip through the narrow streets of Modica aboard a vintage Fiat 500
110 Sicily ’ s Ancient Landscapes & Timeless Traditions