The experience
Among the wonders loved by the great visitors of the past
Discover the Sicily sung by Goethe and many foreign travelers between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, who sought out the temples and ruins of lost Arcadia. Writers, poets, artists and young aristocrats have left descriptions, engravings, sketches and paintings, creating an extraordinary imagery of this fascinating land. Among them, Albert Jouvin de Rochefort, Patrick Brydone, Jean Houel and, above all, Wolfgang Goethe, who said: “It is in Sicily that the key to everything is found.”
We offer you a tour of eastern Sicily, retracing some of the canonical stages of the Grand Tour.
Our journey begins in Catania, the city of spas and amphitheaters, dominated by the Baroque architecture that emerged after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Here you can admire the rich churches, the imposing domes, the suggestive walkways, the lively markets and the noble palaces. Walking through the streets of the city, you will feel the pulsation of Sicilian history and culture.
The second stop is Taormina, immortalized by the photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden with his scandalous images of young half-naked ephebes, which have made this city famous in the world. Not to be missed is a visit to the Greek theater, with its breathtaking view of Mount Etna. Enjoy a city tour through the flower-filled courtyards and end the day with a granita overlooking the sea.
We continue towards Messina, the “sickle” overlooking the Strait, between Scylla and Charybdis, the two mythological monsters. Zancle, the ancient name of Messina, is a city that is continuously reborn from its ashes, as after the devastating earthquake of 1908. The famous painter Caravaggio also stayed here, and the Regional Museum houses four of his works, along with numerous other masterpieces. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a trip to Lake Ganzirri, to taste the fish specialties in a picturesque setting.
Our last stop is Syracuse, with the island of Ortigia, the historic heart of the city. Admire the Duomo, an ancient Greek temple converted into a church, overlooking the white Piazza Duomo. Ortigia offers treasures such as the Arethusa Fountain and the Maniace Castle, overlooking the sea. Finally, visit the archaeological area of Syracuse, with its extraordinary Greek theater, which every year, between May and June, hosts the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. You will be captivated by the magic of this place, to the point that you will want to stay forever.
This tour of eastern Sicily will give you a total immersion in the history, culture and natural beauty of this enchanted land. A journey that will remain etched in your hearts forever.
Shortly
Tour
The tour begins in Catania in the footsteps of Goethe and the many foreign travelers who between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries searched for temples and ruins of the lost Arcadia. And it is worth remembering that according to Johann Wolfgang van Goethe “it is in Sicily that the key to everything is found”. Catania is the city of spas and amphitheaters, but also of Baroque architecture that took over after the disastrous earthquake of 1693, with its rich churches, domes, walkways, markets and noble palaces. During the morning we will visit the Achillian baths and taste typical products In the afternoon, we will dedicate ourselves to the knowledge of the baroque city.
Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight stay in a hotel in Catania.
The second stop is the Taormina of the photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden, who with his scandalous images of ephebic and half-naked young men has made it famous all over the world. Here you must visit the scenic Greek theater, the belvedere from which you can see Mount Etna, a city tour of the courtyards in bloom and, finally, a granita with a sea view.
Tasting of typical products.
In the afternoon we will move to Messina. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight stay in a hotel in Messina.
Messina is the city of the Strait, formerly called Zancle, it suffered the devastating earthquake of 1908 and has experienced a profound reconstruction. But in the past the famous painter Caravaggio had stayed there, and the Regional Museum houses four of his works, as well as a slew of other extraordinary works of art. And it was the birthplace of another great painter like Antonello. There will also be a tour of the city with its art nouveau architecture. In Messina you can’t miss a trip to the nearby lake of Ganzirri, to taste the fish specialties. Overnight at the hotel in Messina
Breakfast in Messina and then heading to Syracuse and Ortigia, with its Duomo, a Greek temple transformed into a church, which overlooks its white square of the same name. In Ortigia, in addition to the Arethusa spring, there is to see, among many things, the Maniace Castle, overlooking the sea and the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia which houses a Caravaggio. If the weather permits, we will take a boat ride to admire the coast from the sea. There will be a tasting of typical products. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Syracuse.
Breakfast in Syracuse where we will then visit the Archaeological Park, with its evocative Greek Theater, which every year, between May and June, hosts the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides and the famous Ear of Dionysus.
In the afternoon we will move to Catania. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight stay at the hotel in Catania.
Transfer to Catania airport.
Let us guide you on your journey to the Roots
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the places that have shaped your origins, request a tailor-made itinerary without obligation
