ITALY BY TRAIN: Sicily Extension

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the airport to catch a short flight to Catania, on the Italian island of Sicily. Located just off the 'toe' of the 'boot' of mainland Italy, Sicily is bursting with heritage sites and is famously the home of Mount Etna! Arrive in Catania, an ancient port city known for its beautiful cathedral and long stretches of golden sand beaches! Founded in the 8th-century, it's the second-largest city in Sicily and is home to a dizzying array of historic sights which date as far back as the Roman era! Transfer to the hotel and get settled before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Get out and sample authentic Sicilian cuisine in the city's restaurants or talk a peaceful stroll along the waterfront. Overnight stay in Catania. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a fascinating walking city tour of Catania today to explore its most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this ancient port city. Stroll through the historic center and soak up the atmosphere of one of Sicily's most charming cities as you see Piazza Stesicoro and the old Roman amphitheatre. Continue along Via Etnea to Piazza Universita and climb the Alessi Staircase to Via dei Crociferi, a street known for its sixteenth-century churches. Admire the architecture of Piazza San Francesco and end the tour at Piazza Duomo, where you can visit the cathedral and town hall at your leisure if you wish. The remainder of the day is free to explore Catania at your own pace and soak up its immense history and Mediterranean atmosphere! The city is within easy reach of a variety of hiking trails around Mount Etna, so be sure to pack your walking boots if this appeals to you!* Overnight stay in Catania. 

*Optional Mount Etna at Sunset Tour: Discover the South side of Mount Etna on this stunning tour. Begin by visiting the villages at the base of Mount Etna, stop at a farm to taste typical Sicilian honey and other products. Then, accompanied by your guide, visit a lava cave, equipped with helmets and torches. Continue towards the Rifugio Sapienza (1910 mt) where you’ll enjoy a short guided hike to witness some of the latest lava flows and the Silvestri Craters, active in 1892.To culminate the excursion witness the incredible sunset on Mount Etna!

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Catania. Why not discover the archaeological treasures held inside the 13th-century Castello Ursino or visit some of the city's incredible Roman ruins, such as the ancient amphitheater or Roman Baths? We recommend getting the most out of your free time by enjoying one of the optional activities described below. Overnight stay in Catania. 

*Optional Half-Day Charter - Sailing Along the Cyclops Riviera: Admire volcanic rock as you sail along the Cyclops Riviera on this mini cruise. Stop at the Cave of Ulysses for a swim and snorkel and enjoy Sicilian appetizers when back on board. Next, head towards Aci Castello castle, checking out the ancient Arab lookouts along the way, with Mt. Etna in the backdrop. To end this peaceful journey, enjoy a glass of wine or an appetizer after a refreshing swim in the Natural Reserve.

**Optional Catania Street Food Tour: Delight your senses on this foodie’s walking tour of the center of Catania. Start at UNESCO Heritage Site Piazza Duomo and visit the Cathedral. Next, head to the quaint fish market, better known as "la pescheria", where you will taste local cheeses, olives and the best fried fish in the city. Continue to discover the churches on Crociferi, next arrive at Roman amphitheater Piazza Stesicoro to find the well-known Bar Savia that serves the best arancini in Catania, and the much loved Cipollina at the Pacini Bakery. Enjoy a Selz syrup drink before enjoying Cipollata and ending the tour enjoying sweet local delicacies.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your Italian experience to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back. Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.