Saturday, April 4 – Arrival in Catania

4:00p Arrive in Catania

• Stop at a grocery store on the way to the house to pick up essentials (food, beverages, etc.)

• Settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening at the house

Notes:

• A cooler with beverages and Italian snacks will be waiting for the drive to the house

• The cooler will remain stocked and available in the van throughout the week

• Driving: Approx 65 - 85 minutes depending on exact house address.

 

Sunday, April 5 – Syracuse & Ortigia

• Sleep in and enjoy a slow Sicilian morning (your body will still be on EDT—no rush!)

11:00 AM – Depart for Neapolis Archaeological Park

• Explore the Ear of Dionysius cave and the Greek Theater

12:00–2:00 PM – Travel to Ortiga

2:30–3:30 PM – Lunch (TBD)

4:00–5:30 PM – Sea cave boat tour

5:30–7:30 PM – Explore Ortiga

• Walk through the historic center

• Visit the Cathedral of Syracuse and Temple of Apollo

• Enjoy shops, cafés, and the atmosphere

7:30 PM – Dinner (TBD)

9:30 PM – Return home

Driving: Minimal: intentionally a light day to ease into the trip

 

Monday, April 6 – Vineyard & Taormina

9:30 AM – Depart for vineyard

11:00 AM–2:00 PM – Vineyard tour and lunch

2:00 PM – Depart for Taormina

3:00 PM – Arrive in Taormina

3:00–8:00 PM – Explore Taormina

• Start at Isola Bella for coffee

• Take the tram up to the old town

• Walk and explore the historic center

Driving Notes:

• 1.25 - 1.5 hours to the vineyard (depending on vineyard choice)

• 30 minutes to Taormina

• 1 hour 45 minutes return

• Option to split this into two days if preferred

 

Tuesday, April 7 – Noto, Modica & Ragusa

10:00 AM – Depart for Noto

• Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Baroque city

Afternoon Options:

• Continue to Modica and/or Ragusa

• Flexible depending on energy and interest

Driving: Short distances; an easier day logistically

 

Wednesday, April 8 – Flexible Day

• Open day (TBD)

• Options can include beach time / fishing (pending weather), additional sightseeing, or relaxing at the house.

 

Thursday, April 9 – Catania & Mount Etna

8:00 AM – Depart house

9:00 AM – Quick stop in Catania

• Granita and walk through the historic center

11:00 AM – Mount Etna hike (~5 hours)

• Hike to the crater

Important Notes:

• Pack your lunch/water before leaving house or we can pick up a panini in Catania.  Lunch will be packed and eaten during the hike.

• Gear provided: boots, helmets, trekking poles, jackets

• Wear layers (it can be chilly), long pants, and good socks

 

Friday, April 10 – Flexible Day

Options (TBD):

• Marina di Ragusa (beach day)

• Bike day

• Relaxation or free exploration

 

Saturday, April 11 – Departure

    • Fly home