Wakacje Sicily - holidays and trips

Sicily, the largest island on the Mediterranean Sea, has been fascinating for centuries by its exotica, wealth of landmarks and landscapes, which became the inspiration for many artists. Called the Island of the Sun already by the ancients, it has the highest number of sunny hours in a year in Europe.

Sicily is a land of myths and legends with great landmarks from ancient times, a mix of cultures and nations, which have made it so original and exciting. The sunny island is full of contrasts: typical Mediterranean vegetation, blooming orange, lemon and olive groves on the coastal belt, and a desert, wild landscape inland of the island. The greater part of Sicily is occupied by heights and mountains, which are dominated by the massif of Mount Etna, one of the largest volcanoes in the world. The temples of Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta captivate the hotheads of history and historical monuments with majestic beauty. In the architecture of the cities you can see the influence of Arabs, Normans, elements of Art Nouveau and Baroque. Even cooking is an art in Sicily. Wonderful, sun-ripening fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of fish and seafood are the basis of the finessed, Mediterranean cuisine.

Cefalu is a gem of the Sicilian coast. The name comes from the Greek word "cefale", meaning "cape", for the town is located at the foot of a huge cliff La Rocca. The sandy beaches, clean sea and gorgeous location invite you to a sunny Sicilian holiday. The most famous landmark in Cefalù is the monumental Cathedral from the 12th century, built by the Norman king Roger. Enthusiasts of the nightlife will find many restaurants, bars and cafes.

Majestic ruins of the ancient city of Senuinte, intensely emerald sea with sandy beaches and exotic nature make the south-western part of Sicily increasingly popular among tourists. Selinunte is one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe, built on the site of the ancient Selinus. Nearby there is quite a modern town - Marinella di Selinunte. It has not lost its former nature of a fishing village, coloured boats rock on the sea, and the restaurants in the area are known for excellent fish dishes. The biggest attraction for tourists, however, is the emerald sea and beaches with dunes that stretch out for kilometers.

On the east of Sicily lies Taormina, full of chic and unique Italian charm, enchanting with views of the blue sea and the snow-capped Mount Etna. The beautiful ancient theatre with Mount Etna and the sea in the background is the city's icon, and at the same time, a summary of its long history.

Syracuse is one of the most important cities of the ancient world, which to this day has retained a unique charm. Full of wonderful landmarks from different periods it creates a harmonious whole. Syracuse is also called the city of Archimedes, who lived here and constructed many war machines. In the south-eastern part of Sicily, in the valley of the River Noto there are 8 gorgeous Baroque cities entered on the UNESCO list: Caltagirone, Militiello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli. One of the most interesting is Ragusa, situated on hills, consisting of a newer, late Baroque Superiore and Medieval Ibla with winding streets. The city also has its own seaside district: Marina di Ragusa, known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife. Once a fishing village, today it has transformed into a popular holiday resort, and in 2009 a modern tourist port was opened here, which can hold as many as 700 yachts.

from the region of Palermo/Catania/Comiso:

Mount Etna and Taormina — a fascinating expedition to the symbol of Sicily - Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Ascend by coach to the height of approx. 2000 m. Optionally: aerial tramway and then Jeep travel into the craters at a height of 3,000 m (additionally payable: approx. 55 EUR, min. 18 people). Transfer to Taormina, stroll through Corso Umberto and visiting Teatro Greco. Free time - shopping. Day trip. Price - approx. 75 EUR

from the region of Palermo:

Palermo and Monreale — drive to Monreale and visiting the cathedral with magnificent medieval mosaics. Then drive to the center of Palermo - the capital of Sicily the captivates with its exotica. Visiting the cathedral with sarcophagi of the rulers of Sicily. A panoramic tour of Palermo and a visit to the Capuchins monastery, where you will find catacombs containing the mummies of monks and lay people. Free time. Day trip. Price - approx. 55 EUR (does not include entry tickets: approx. 10 EUR).

Aeolian Islands — boarding a tourist ship and cruise to the capital of the archipelago - Lipari. The town is vibrant, there are hundreds of colorful shops. A short guided tour and free time. Optionally: possibility of buying a tour around the island (additionally payable). Then sail to the island of Vulcano. Recommendable is the wonderful beach with black volcanic sand and interesting walking areas. Medicinal baths in sulfur mud, lunch in a regional restaurant (extra charge). Return cruise to Sicily. Day trip. Price - approx. 65 EUR (does not include: lunch, entrance ticket for sulphur muds: approx. 3 EUR). from the Catania/Comiso region:

Syracuse and Catania — a trip which follows in the footsteps of Sicily's history and a visit to two of the largest cities on the east coast. At the beginning visiting the old town of Syracuse, which is located on the picturesque island of Ortigia, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. During a walk admiring the oldest Greek temple dedicated to the Apollo and the church of St. Lucia, where the famous Caravaggio painting is located. The program also includes a freshwater spring of Arethusa, where papyrus grows under natural conditions. Free time. A trip to the land part of Syracuse, a visit to one of the most important sanctuaries of Europe, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears. Then you will visit an extraordinary city built of lava, the second largest on the island of Catania. It is located at the foot of the Etna volcano, which activity influenced its fate and the present architecture of the Old Town, which is the work of Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. In the programme: St. Agatha's Cathedral the medieval Ursino Castle, via Cruciferi with Baroque churches, Roman amphitheater and beautiful gardens in Villa Bellini. Then free time for a walk around the volcanic via Etnea, full of shops and typical Sicilian cafes. Day trip. Price - approx. 55 EUR (does not include: lunch, entrance ticket to the Cathedral of Syracuse: approx. 2 EUR, tour guide: approx. 3 EUR).

Modica & Ragusa — two pearls of Sicilian baroque period reconstructed after the earthquake of 1693. The old town centres of these towns are dominated by rich Baroque architecture, with beautiful scenery of the Iblean hills as its backdrop. These places have been entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List and their extraordinary charm delight tourists from all over the world. The trip begins with the rocky hillside part of Ragusa, called Ibla, which is famous for its unique monuments such as St. John's Cathedral, St. George's Cathedral, St. Joseph's Church, gardens, and along its streets beautiful Baroque tenement houses can be admired. Free time. Drive to the town of chocolate - Modica, located between two gorges, hollowed by two streams. In the programme visiting the St. George's Cathedral, St. Peter's Cathedral and the ancient chocolate factory, where the production of chocolate according to recipes dating back to Spanish times and the Aztec tradition can be seen. Free time. Return to hotel. Day trip. Price - approx. 50 EUR (does not include lunch).

 

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.