Arrival at your hotel on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). Check-in and time for a nature walk along this stunning coastline, considered one of the most beautiful areas in southern Italy, with splendid views of the Aeolian Islands. Return to the hotel for dinner at the restaurant. Overnight stay.

Day 2: Pizzo Calabro – Murat Castle & Tartufo Ice Cream Tasting

Breakfast. Transfer to Pizzo Calabro. Meet your local guide and visit the town, including entrance to the ancient Castello Murat (named after Gioacchino Murat, King of Naples). Continue to Piazza della Repubblica with the Cathedral of San Giorgio Martire. Return to Piazzetta di Pizzo for a stunning view of the gulf towards Tropea and the Aeolian Islands. Discover Calabria's famous Tartufo di Pizzo – the first IGP-branded ice cream (hazelnut with dark chocolate core). At a local artisanal bar, watch the creation process and enjoy your truffle like royalty in the historic square. Free time, then return to hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight.

Day 3: Tropea – "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian" + Tropea Onion Tasting

Breakfast. Departure for Tropea, the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian." Meet your local guide and visit the historic center with its narrow streets and noble palaces. Legend says the city was founded by Hercules. In 2021, Tropea was named "the most beautiful village in Italy." From the terrace overlooking the sea, admire the ancient Benedictine sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola (1st century AD). After the tour, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch (not included). Afternoon: transfer to San Nicolò di Ricadi to visit a local company processing the famous Tropea Red Onion (seasonal). Learn about production, organoleptic characteristics, and storage methods. Enjoy a tasting of products made with this precious local ingredient (canapés, jelly, and more). Return to hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight.

Day 4: Ferry Crossing to Sicily → Catania

Breakfast. Free time for shopping and walking. Check-out and departure for Sicily. The exciting panoramic crossing of the Strait of Messina is done by ferry (Villa San Giovanni to Messina, approx. 20 minutes). The spectacle is unmissable: majestic Mount Etna and the Sicilian coast ahead, the northern Calabrian coast and Gulf of Lamezia behind. Arrival at your hotel in the Catania area. Check-in. Time for dinner. Overnight.

Day 5: Mount Etna (1900m) + Randazzo Pistachio Sweets

Breakfast. Departure for Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Reach approximately 1900 meters altitude to visit the Silvestri craters (now extinct), admiring a lunar landscape. Lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring typical regional cuisine. Continue to Randazzo, a charming village on the slopes of Etna, where you'll taste famous sweets made with pistachios from Bronte cultivated at the foot of the volcano. Return to hotel. Afternoon free. Overnight in Catania area.

Day 6: Taormina – Greek Theater & Free Time

Breakfast. Departure for the famous Taormina. Visit the Greek Theater, enjoying a unique view of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos. Lunch at a typical restaurant on one of the elegant, romantic streets of the center (not included). Afternoon free to explore Taormina's charming boutiques, piazzas, and views. Return to Catania. Dinner on your own. Overnight.

Day 7: Piazza Armerina (Optional) + Cefalù → Palermo

Breakfast. Departure for Piazza Armerina. Option to visit the marvelous Villa Romana del Casale (optional, not included), famous for its 3,500 square meters of perfectly preserved mosaics. Lunch (not included) at a local farm featuring organic Sicilian products. Departure for Cefalù, a picturesque town on the Tyrrhenian coast. Visit the Arab-Norman Cathedral and stroll along the promenade. Late afternoon: departure for Palermo. Arrival, check-in at your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight.

Day 8: Palermo – Palatine Chapel, Street Food & Monreale

Breakfast. Meet your local guide for a city tour of Palermo. Begin with the Palatine Chapel inside the Royal Palace, then continue to the Cathedral. Admire the famous Teatro Massimo and Piazza Pretoria in front of the Town Hall. Tasting of Palermo's famous street food – sandwich with Panelle (chickpea fritters) and Crocché (potato croquettes). Free time for lunch (not included). Afternoon: transfer to Monreale to visit the Benedictine Cloister and the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral. Return to hotel. Dinner at a restaurant offering high-quality Sicilian cuisine. Overnight in Palermo.

Day 9: Palermo – Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for strolling, shopping, or optional excursions. Transfer to Palermo Airport (PMO) or train station. End of services.

✅ Included

8 nights in 4-star hotels – 3 nights in Tropea/Coast of the Gods area, 3 nights in Catania/Etna area, 2 nights in Palermo (breakfast included)
2 typical dinners (hotel restaurant on Day 1 + Sicilian dinner in Palermo on Day 8) + 1 lunch (Etna area restaurant)
Entrance to Pizzo Castle Museum (Castello Murat)
Ferry crossing from Calabria (Villa San Giovanni) to Sicily (Messina)
Tastings: Tartufo di Pizzo IGP ice cream, Tropea red onion products, Bronte pistachio sweets, Castelbuono wines
Guided tours: Pizzo Calabro, Tropea, Palermo city tour with local guide
Palermo street food tasting (Panelle & Crocché)
Visit to Tropea onion farm (seasonal) with product tasting
24/7 assistance

➕ Optional Extras

Self-Drive: Rent car class D (2/3 pax) or class K (4/8 pax) with Kasko insurance
EasyTrain: City-to-city train/bus tickets including hotel-station transfers
Airport transfers (arrival/departure)
Local guide & assistance in your requested language
Villa Romana del Casale entrance ticket (Piazza Armerina, Day 7)
Entry tickets to additional sites/museums
Meal packages: HB (Half Board) or FB (Full Board)

❌ Not Included

Transfers not mentioned in the program
Guided tours and entrances not scheduled (including Villa Romana del Casale)
Unscheduled lunches/dinners; drinks at meals
Insurance / cancellation coverage (highly recommended)
City tax (payable locally at hotels)
Parking, road taxes, ZTL fees, fines
Tips, personal expenses, extra car insurance
Anything not clearly specified in "Included"

✈️ Recommended Airports

Arrival: Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) – about 45 minutes from Tropea area.
Departure: Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) – about 30 minutes from Palermo center.
Best time to travel: April–October (spring and autumn for mild temperatures, summer for beach and coastal activities).

Note: The Tropea onion tasting is seasonal (typically May–September). Villa Romana del Casale is optional and not included in the base price. City tax is not included and must be paid directly at each hotel. Travel insurance strongly recommended.

Ready to explore Southern Italy's most beautiful landscapes?

Southern Landscapes – Calabria & Sicily

From €1,190 per person (double occupancy). Single supplement available on request.

📧 Send inquiry 📞 +39 06 1234 5678

✉️ tours@exoticitaly.com

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