Departure from Catania Airport.
Meeting with the driver, and the historian and expert of Sicilia Mr Nifosi.
Departure for Caltagirone, a land rich in clay. It is known for the production of ceramics, involving hundreds of craftsmen. The art of majolica has ancient origins: the first furnaces date back to the time of the Saracens and Normans, and it witnesses an activity that has never ceased over the centuries.
Over time, the craftsmen called Cannatari, renewed their decorative techniques while maintaining Moorish motives and traditional colors. Many small shops are located in the lively old town centre of Caltagirone.
Next stop is Ragusa.
Check in to Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel****, located in the heart of the city.
Walk in the Old Town centre , dinner in the restaurant. Return to the Hotel.
Breakfast in Hotel.
Guided tour of Ragusa. The reconstruction of the 18th century divided the city in two parts: Ragusa Superiore( Upper), and Ragusa Ibla, situated on the ruins of the medieval city. Thanks to the works carried out after the earthquake, Ragusa became UNESCO World Heritage Site. The symbol of the city is Saint Georgio’s Cathedral. The city is rich in churches and baroque buildings such as Casentini Palace, Cancelleria Place, Sortino Palac , and Rocca Palace. They are a must see. Visit to Ibla, included Saint Giorgio Vecchio’ s Portal, and Ible gardens. Stop at Saint Giuseppe’s Churches in rococo style, Casentini Palace and Saint Maria Dell’Itra’s Church.
Time for independent lunch.
In the afternoon, departure for Scicli, whose old town centre is UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
Visit to Convent of Croce, one of the oldest and beautiful sites of the area. Transfer to Saint Matteo’s Church , symbol of Scicli, and Beneventano Palace, considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces of Sicilia.
Return to the Hotel, and dinner.
Breakfast in Hotel.
Departure for Donnafugata Castle, a 19th century dwelling consisting of a three-storey building, and about 120 rooms. The finest frescoes, paintings and the precious interior furnishings, remind of the Gattopardi era. Visit to the monumental park.
Afterwards, time for independent lunch.
In the afternoon transfer to Noto, splendid village rich in history of different eras.
Return to Ragusa , and along the way stop in Modica for an aperitif at Villa Campanella.
Dinner in a restaurant near the Hotel. Then return to the Hotel.
Breakfast in Hotel and check out.
Visit to Modica, a beautiful baroque town characterized by churches built with the golden local stone. One of the main hallmarks of Modica is chocolate, produced according to an ancient Azteca recipe. Visit to an old chocolate shop. We may able to see the preparation process of chocolate. .
Transfer to Catania, and visit to Donna Carmela’s Nursery full of gardens, flowers and plants. Their beauty is one of a kind. At the end of the visit, aperitif in the Nursery.
Check in to Hotel Excelsior **** in Catania.
Breakfast in Hotel and check out.
First in the morning transfer to Le Stanze in Fiore of Canalicchio. Visit to the beautiful garden which surrounds the neoclassical villa built in 1800. The garden construction started in 2000 thanks to Rosella Pezzino De Geronimo, who brought her idea of contemporary garden. The garden is divided into spaces arranged in perfect harmony between colors, essences and extraordinary shapes.
Lunch included inside the property.
In the afternoon transfer to Catania airport and departure.
End of the tour.