Experiences and Itineraries

We propose an itinerary dedicated to the wonders of Eastern Sicily. Specifically, we address the geographical territory of Etna, in which some characteristic villages of the province of Catania are located. Over the centuries, the entire area surrounding Mount Etna has undergone multiple changes from a geological and physical point of view, largely due to the activity of one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe and the world. All the municipalities that we will visit in this itinerary have been more or less involved, and sometimes deeply marked, by the eruptions of magma and lava. These eruptions have left an indelible mark, not only on the geographical structure of the territory, but also on the culture and history of the inhabitants who inhabit these places. Following a perimeter route along the slopes of Etna, we will discover places that are incredibly faithful to the Sicilian tradition. We will start from the pretty town of Paternò, making a circumnavigation of the Park up to Nicolosi, famous for its rich architectural heritage of religious origin and above all for the ski resort of Rifugio Sapienza, one of the most popular in the region. We will pass through places of great historical, naturalistic and cultural importance, including Biancavilla, Adrano, Maletto and Bronte, the latter known throughout the world for the cultivation of PDO branded pistachios. We will then continue towards Zafferana Etnea, where the Ottobrata Zafferanese takes place annually, passing through Francavilla di Sicilia, Castiglione di Sicilia and of course Linguaglossa, from which it is possible to reach another place well known to mountain and winter sports lovers: Piano Provenzana. Paternò The Norman Castle: it was built at the behest of Roger I on the model of the English castles and the French dungeons fortified in the same period. It has an austere but absolutely fascinating character and inside it contains a graceful frescoed chapel, a gallery and an armory. But the flagship is the upper terrace which allows the view of an incredibly suggestive panorama.Gates of the City: Porta del Borgo, Porta Lentini and Porta della Ballottola date back to the Norman period, all that remains of the ancient protective walls.Torre dei Falconieri: also entirely built using lava stone. Precisely in this tower, according to legend, the patron saint of the city was locked up before her martyrdom.Church of Santa Barbara: built during the end of the 16th century and dedicated to the patron saint of Paternò. It has interiors adorned with precious polychrome stuccos that give it absolute uniqueness.Sanctuary of the Madonna della Consolazione: in neo-romantic style, it is a structure linked to the cult of the Madonna della Consolazione. Among the most beautiful churches in the municipality, it is characterized by a reddish colour, due to the type of stone used for its construction. Inside, its walls are decorated with frescoes by Archimede Cirinnà.Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata: Once a monastery of Benedictine nuns, today it continues to maintain its value also thanks to the presence of a precious painting signed by Anguissola located in the main atrium.Palazzo di Città: ancient residence of the bourgeois Alessi family, after years of abandonment it was restored to become the town hall. Santa Maria di Licodia and Biancavilla The Mother Church: the most important religious building, it preserves inside paintings such as “San Leone Taumaturgo defeating the magician Eliodoro” by Desiderato and “The Holy Family” by Rapisardi.The Bell Tower: dates back to 1143 and in the past it was a strategic light signaling point between the castles of Paternò and Adrano.The Torre di Calafato: a mysterious stepped pyramid, whose original purpose has not yet been identified.Biancavilla instead is a town of about 23 thousand inhabitants whose genesis starts from the development of a Greek-Albanian colony. It offers a large number of opportunities to visitors: from religious structures such as the Basilica of Santa Maria dell’Elemosina and the Church of the Annunziata, to civil ones including Villa delle Favare and the palaces belonging to bourgeois families.Other interesting places are the seventeenth-century La Fenice theater, adjacent to the matrix of the city, the botanical garden and the water mills, active and functioning until the first half of the 1800s. Adrano It is one of the most remote cities of the Etna area, whose roots even date back to the Neolithic. The actual foundation took place at the hands of Dionysius I of Syracuse, known as “the Elder”, but with the passing of the ages, Adrano has undergone a myriad of dominations and contaminations by many different civilizations. For this reason, the town perfectly represents the cultural heterogeneity that has always distinguished Sicily.Thanks to the Normans, it managed to increase its value. The Castle with a quadrilateral base was built which together with the aforementioned Castle of Paternò constituted a decisive defensive system for the protection of the Simeto Valley.In addition to the castle, it is worth visiting the nearby Ponte dei Saraceni, which connected the cities of Troina and Catania, the Monastery of Santa Lucia, the Bellini Theater and Palazzo Ciancio. Bronte This agricultural center is known for the cultivation of pistachios. If you travel during the first months of October you could take part in the annual Sagra, during which exceptional food and wine activities are organised. During the event, the city streets take a leap into the past and the citizens offer the arts and crafts of peasant civilization, offering visitors local food products made with pistachios.From a strictly tourist point of view, the most significant monument is the Nelson Castle, donated by King Ferdinand I to Napoleon Bonaparte’s sworn enemy: Commander Nelson, the latter awarded the title of Grand Duke of Bronte.Another important place is the Sanctuary of the Annunziata, which houses the marble group of the Annunciation, which according to popular beliefs protects the city from the fury of the Etna volcano. Take advantage of the visit to Bronte to buy the so-called “Green Gold”, the pistachio, before leaving for Maletto. Maletto It is the highest municipality of Etna (960

We highly recommend “Planeta Vineyards” to make a journey in time and space, through Sicily from west to east, in five territories where today they produce wine, olive oil and the centres of their family hospitality. They have vineyards in Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna and Capo Milazzo. You’ll have a wide selection on “wine tours” as they have always combined they passion for Sicily with a desire to warmlywelcome those who wish to discover it. Because of this, their wineries have never merely been places to produce wine but have also been devoted to hospitality, linked to cooking, nature and the local culture. For more info please visit their website!

If you are planning a trip to the east coast of Sicily, Syracuse is the place to go. It has it all: picturesque historic sites, beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as incredible Baroque architecture. This bright coastal city is famous for its fascinating historical heritage and charming old town which is located on an island! To help you plan your stay in Syracuse, we have created a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your trip. Check it out! Day 1: Historic Center of Syracuse, Ortigia and ruins (Archeological Park) Syracuse is full of history, everywhere you look you will find ruins from different historical periods. Syracuse is home to Greek theaters, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Norman caves, and medieval castles, all co-existing in a harmonious landscape. In 2005 Syracuse became a World Heritage Site for obvious reasons! Syracuse is a safe and walkable city that extends partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Ortigia connected by two bridges: Umbertino and Santa Lucia. Start your day by walking through the historic center and visiting the Duomo di Siracusa at Piazza Duomo di Ortigia. Then visit the temple of Apollo, an archeological site from the 7th-6th century BC. Make sure to check out the Syracuse Archeological museum to find out more about how the structure looked like in the past. Close to the archeological site is the Syracuse market, a market held every morning by local farmers where you can buy the freshest foods! You will also find food stands and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite. Then head up to the north part of the city to the Neapolis archaeological park. There you will have access to different archeological sites such as the Roman amphitheater, the altar of Hieron II, and The Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped cave! Nearby the Archeological Park of Neapolis there’s also the Catacombs of San Giovanni, not as popular among tourists but definitely worth a visit. Day 2: Beach and nature After visiting temples and ruins you need a break, it’s beach time! There are several beautiful beaches around Syracuse including Ortigia, Vendicari, Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, and Avola. However, Arenella beach is one of the best to swim. It’s a small bay of fine and golden sand about 9 km south of the historic center. Close to Arenella beach, is the Plemmirio Marine Park, a marine protected area 20 minutes south the historic center. Fifty kilometers further south you will also find the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is a breathtaking eco-destination perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and trekking. Once back to Syracuse’s historic center, walk to the Fountain of Dian and take a look at the fishing port. Walk to the fortified area of Castello Maniace. End the day at the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sunset. A perfect moment to have a drink or a gelato at the many terraces and bares in the area. Day 3: Baroque Towns, Noto and Modica Sicily is well-known for its baroque architecture. Make the most out of the trip and visit the nearest baroque towns to Syracuse: Noto and Modica. Noto is only 30 minutes by car from Syracuse or 1.15 minutes by regional train from the historic center. The main sites to visit in Noto are Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Municipio, Piazza XVI Maggio, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci with Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. Probably some of the most famous buildings of Sicily. Situated in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, and since 2002 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’.Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town’s striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was almost completely destroyed, and it was decided to to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. Thus Noto was rebuilt on its present site, carefully designed for functionality and architectural harmony.The principal tourist activity in Noto is simply a wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies.The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs from the imposing gateway of Porta Reale (close to the park and the bus stop) along past the Chiesa di San Francesco (1704-1745), which sits atop its long staircase, to the town’s central piazza. Here the grand cathedral, the Duomo (1693-1770), faces the pretty Palazzo Ducezio (1746), now the seat of the Town Council. Some of the fanciest balconies in town belong to the Palazzo Nicolaci (1739), where chubby beasts and cherubs stare down at Via Nicolaci. A suite of rooms on the second floor is open to the public. Sadly-dilapidated, the wide spaces and painted walls evoke headier past times, as well as offering you the chance to step out onto a balcony and admire the view over Noto.A third attraction open to the public is the Chiesa di San Carlo, back on the Corso. Around Noto, other sites to see if you have a car include Noto Antica, the older, ruined town. There are further archaeological sites at Eloro (ruined Helorus) and Palazzo Acreide (former Akrai). Modica is a bigger city consisting of three urban centers. 1) Modica Alta, where the medieval town is. 2) Modica Bassa, a baroque town famous for its chocolate production. 3) Modica Sorda, the modern part of the city. You might want to spend more time in Modica Bassa due to its architectonic attractions. There is a helpful tourist information office on Corso Umberto, Modica’s valley-bottom high street, which is also the location for the town museum, its chocolate shops and a good proportion of its restaurants and cafes. This street, lined with worn, elegant buildings from the

If you are planning a trip to the east coast of Sicily, Syracuse is the place to go. It has it all: picturesque historic sites, beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as incredible Baroque architecture. This bright coastal city is famous for its fascinating historical heritage and charming old town which is located on an island! To help you plan your stay in Syracuse, we have created a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your trip. Check it out! Day 1: Historic Center of Syracuse, Ortigia and ruins (Archeological Park) Syracuse is full of history, everywhere you look you will find ruins from different historical periods. Syracuse is home to Greek theaters, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Norman caves, and medieval castles, all co-existing in a harmonious landscape. In 2005 Syracuse became a World Heritage Site for obvious reasons! Syracuse is a safe and walkable city that extends partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Ortigia connected by two bridges: Umbertino and Santa Lucia. Start your day by walking through the historic center and visiting the Duomo di Siracusa at Piazza Duomo di Ortigia. Then visit the temple of Apollo, an archeological site from the 7th-6th century BC. Make sure to check out the Syracuse Archeological museum to find out more about how the structure looked like in the past. Close to the archeological site is the Syracuse market, a market held every morning by local farmers where you can buy the freshest foods! You will also find food stands and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite. Then head up to the north part of the city to the Neapolis archaeological park. There you will have access to different archeological sites such as the Roman amphitheater, the altar of Hieron II, and The Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped cave! Nearby the Archeological Park of Neapolis there’s also the Catacombs of San Giovanni, not as popular among tourists but definitely worth a visit. Day 2: Beach and nature After visiting temples and ruins you need a break, it’s beach time! There are several beautiful beaches around Syracuse including Ortigia, Vendicari, Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, and Avola. However, Arenella beach is one of the best to swim. It’s a small bay of fine and golden sand about 9 km south of the historic center. Close to Arenella beach, is the Plemmirio Marine Park, a marine protected area 20 minutes south the historic center. Fifty kilometers further south you will also find the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is a breathtaking eco-destination perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and trekking. Once back to Syracuse’s historic center, walk to the Fountain of Dian and take a look at the fishing port. Walk to the fortified area of Castello Maniace. End the day at the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sunset. A perfect moment to have a drink or a gelato at the many terraces and bares in the area. Day 3: Baroque Towns, Noto and Modica Sicily is well-known for its baroque architecture. Make the most out of the trip and visit the nearest baroque towns to Syracuse: Noto and Modica. Noto is only 30 minutes by car from Syracuse or 1.15 minutes by regional train from the historic center. The main sites to visit in Noto are Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Municipio, Piazza XVI Maggio, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci with Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. Probably some of the most famous buildings of Sicily. Situated in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, and since 2002 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’.Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town’s striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was almost completely destroyed, and it was decided to to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. Thus Noto was rebuilt on its present site, carefully designed for functionality and architectural harmony.The principal tourist activity in Noto is simply a wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies.The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs from the imposing gateway of Porta Reale (close to the park and the bus stop) along past the Chiesa di San Francesco (1704-1745), which sits atop its long staircase, to the town’s central piazza. Here the grand cathedral, the Duomo (1693-1770), faces the pretty Palazzo Ducezio (1746), now the seat of the Town Council. Some of the fanciest balconies in town belong to the Palazzo Nicolaci (1739), where chubby beasts and cherubs stare down at Via Nicolaci. A suite of rooms on the second floor is open to the public. Sadly-dilapidated, the wide spaces and painted walls evoke headier past times, as well as offering you the chance to step out onto a balcony and admire the view over Noto.A third attraction open to the public is the Chiesa di San Carlo, back on the Corso. Around Noto, other sites to see if you have a car include Noto Antica, the older, ruined town. There are further archaeological sites at Eloro (ruined Helorus) and Palazzo Acreide (former Akrai). Modica is a bigger city consisting of three urban centers. 1) Modica Alta, where the medieval town is. 2) Modica Bassa, a baroque town famous for its chocolate production. 3) Modica Sorda, the modern part of the city. You might want to spend more time in Modica Bassa due to its architectonic attractions. There is a helpful tourist information office on Corso Umberto, Modica’s valley-bottom high street, which is also the location for the town museum, its chocolate shops and a good proportion of its restaurants and cafes. This street, lined with worn, elegant buildings from the

If you are planning a trip to the east coast of Sicily, Syracuse is the place to go. It has it all: picturesque historic sites, beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as incredible Baroque architecture. This bright coastal city is famous for its fascinating historical heritage and charming old town which is located on an island! To help you plan your stay in Syracuse, we have created a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your trip. Check it out! Day 1: Historic Center of Syracuse, Ortigia and ruins (Archeological Park) Syracuse is full of history, everywhere you look you will find ruins from different historical periods. Syracuse is home to Greek theaters, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Norman caves, and medieval castles, all co-existing in a harmonious landscape. In 2005 Syracuse became a World Heritage Site for obvious reasons! Syracuse is a safe and walkable city that extends partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Ortigia connected by two bridges: Umbertino and Santa Lucia. Start your day by walking through the historic center and visiting the Duomo di Siracusa at Piazza Duomo di Ortigia. Then visit the temple of Apollo, an archeological site from the 7th-6th century BC. Make sure to check out the Syracuse Archeological museum to find out more about how the structure looked like in the past. Close to the archeological site is the Syracuse market, a market held every morning by local farmers where you can buy the freshest foods! You will also find food stands and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite. Then head up to the north part of the city to the Neapolis archaeological park. There you will have access to different archeological sites such as the Roman amphitheater, the altar of Hieron II, and The Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped cave! Nearby the Archeological Park of Neapolis there’s also the Catacombs of San Giovanni, not as popular among tourists but definitely worth a visit. Day 2: Beach and nature After visiting temples and ruins you need a break, it’s beach time! There are several beautiful beaches around Syracuse including Ortigia, Vendicari, Calamosche, Fontane Bianche, and Avola. However, Arenella beach is one of the best to swim. It’s a small bay of fine and golden sand about 9 km south of the historic center. Close to Arenella beach, is the Plemmirio Marine Park, a marine protected area 20 minutes south the historic center. Fifty kilometers further south you will also find the Vendicari Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is a breathtaking eco-destination perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and trekking. Once back to Syracuse’s historic center, walk to the Fountain of Dian and take a look at the fishing port. Walk to the fortified area of Castello Maniace. End the day at the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sunset. A perfect moment to have a drink or a gelato at the many terraces and bares in the area. Day 3: Baroque Towns, Noto and Modica Sicily is well-known for its baroque architecture. Make the most out of the trip and visit the nearest baroque towns to Syracuse: Noto and Modica. Noto is only 30 minutes by car from Syracuse or 1.15 minutes by regional train from the historic center. The main sites to visit in Noto are Piazza Immacolata, Piazza Municipio, Piazza XVI Maggio, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci with Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. Probably some of the most famous buildings of Sicily. Situated in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, and since 2002 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto’.Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is a pleasant and attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of crumbling Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town’s striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was almost completely destroyed, and it was decided to to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. Thus Noto was rebuilt on its present site, carefully designed for functionality and architectural harmony.The principal tourist activity in Noto is simply a wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings, the fantastical facades and balconies.The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, runs from the imposing gateway of Porta Reale (close to the park and the bus stop) along past the Chiesa di San Francesco (1704-1745), which sits atop its long staircase, to the town’s central piazza. Here the grand cathedral, the Duomo (1693-1770), faces the pretty Palazzo Ducezio (1746), now the seat of the Town Council. Some of the fanciest balconies in town belong to the Palazzo Nicolaci (1739), where chubby beasts and cherubs stare down at Via Nicolaci. A suite of rooms on the second floor is open to the public. Sadly-dilapidated, the wide spaces and painted walls evoke headier past times, as well as offering you the chance to step out onto a balcony and admire the view over Noto.A third attraction open to the public is the Chiesa di San Carlo, back on the Corso. Around Noto, other sites to see if you have a car include Noto Antica, the older, ruined town. There are further archaeological sites at Eloro (ruined Helorus) and Palazzo Acreide (former Akrai). Modica is a bigger city consisting of three urban centers. 1) Modica Alta, where the medieval town is. 2) Modica Bassa, a baroque town famous for its chocolate production. 3) Modica Sorda, the modern part of the city. You might want to spend more time in Modica Bassa due to its architectonic attractions. There is a helpful tourist information office on Corso Umberto, Modica’s valley-bottom high street, which is also the location for the town museum, its chocolate shops and a good proportion of its restaurants and cafes. This street, lined with worn, elegant buildings from the