THE GREEK HERITAGE

Upon arrival at Palermo’s airport, you will be transferred by private van to your Hotel. Take some rest from the jet lag then in the afternoon dive with a private guide into the heart of the Sicilian capital. A welcome dinner in a Sicilian house will complete the day.A short ride away from your Hotel will take you to Monreale, where Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of glory at the stunning Duomo.

Transfer to Segesta for the visit to one of the most beautiful Greek temples still existing. On a hill just outside the site of the ancient city of Segesta lies an unusually well preserved Doric temple,  built in the late 5th century BC. On your way to Agrigento stop in Selinunte, to admire the largest archeological area of Europe: the site includes 7 Temples, some in good condition, built according to strict Doric order, the oldest Greek architectural style, and many other sites of interests. In the morning reach Agrigento for an incredible tour of the Valle Dei Templi’s archeological site where you will admire the finest of all ancient Greek sites, with a complete Doric Temple. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greek art and architecture and is one of the main attractions of Sicily as well as one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. The monumental ruins of ancient Akragas represent one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Mediterranean area. Visit then the medieval center of Agrigento: strolling along the alleys of the old town reaching the Cistercian Monastery where, among Baroque stuccos.

Today the first stop will be Piazza Armerina where you will visit the archaeological site of the Roman Villa del Casale whose stunning mosaics are listed as part of the Unesco heritage. In the afternoon continue to Caltagirone where you will visit the world-renowned ceramics laboratories. Here you can read the history of Sicily through the ceramic. Cooking is an art, especially in Sicily. Recipes from this region have traces of several civilizations such as the Arabian, the Norman, the Spanish and the Greek and blend precious scents and flavors coming both from land and sea. Prepare some of the many Sicilian delicacies. For the afternoon a private guide will show you the beautiful town of Siracusa. Visit then Taormina that lies in an elevated position of amazing, almost unique beauty, affording magnificent views combining sea and sky of a marvelous blue and miles of a curving coastline and picturesque mountain scenery. Visit the most impressive monument of the city: the Greek-Roman Theatre often considered having the finest site of any theatre in the world and one of the most striking monuments of antiquity.

Travel to the greek capital and Enjoy a fascinating walking tour in Athens among its history and taste the specialties the markets and the local producers offer. Leave Athens and drive South West until you reach the Corinth Canal which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Drive on and visit the ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. The remains of the City, which include the Agora (marketplace) and Apollo’s Temple (6th century B.C.) clearly show how rich and important Corinth was in Ancient Times. A short stop at the Site of the Ancient Port of Cehries, where St. Paul disembarked, will conclude the visit. Spend a day in cruising the Mediterranean islands of Hydra, Poros, Egina.