Bella Sicily
Eastern Sicily Tour. Ortigia in Siracusa, Ragusa, Catania, Mt. Etna, Taormina
$3938/person
Small Group Tour with Sandy Gregory. This tour is priced for a minimum group of 8 people. Per person. Double occupancy. Please inquire about a single-supplement room price. Get a group together and let's get something on the calendar!
Che Bella 2020 Trailblazer Tour
It's is a big world and we want to see as much of it as we can. In the spirit of adventure, Che Bella offers our guests a special introductory rate when we create tours to new places. While new, these trips are sound in their preparation and detail, as well as in the care of local expert guides and drivers. And while enroute, if I can’t answer one of your questions, it is my personal mission to find the answer! I'm up for new adventures. You? Let’s blaze the trail together!
Discover the rich and unique culture of this beautiful Mediterranean Island. With a flavor all its own, Sicily’s language, food, architecture, art, and history reflect the legacies of all the nations that have conquered it. Gaze upon astonishing archaeological treasures, stunning baroque villages, splendid countryside, and breathtaking towns perched between the sky and the sea. However, it is quite a big island so we are starting in the east.
Overview:
2 nights on the Island of Ortigia in Siracusa
2 nights Ragusa
1 night Catania
2 nights Taormina
Day 1. Ortigia
Catania is the gateway to the Eastern side of Sicily. We'll be transferred about 1.5 hours to to the lovely town of Syracusa.
The island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Siracusa with a 2700 year history. It is famous for its rich Greek and Roman history and is also the birthplace of the famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. We’ll check-in, freshen up, and grab a bite before we head out on a tour of the Island with our local guide. We’ll walk through the charming streets and limestone palazzi of Ortigia. Along the way we stop to see the 6th century Temple of Apollo, the stunning square, Piazza Duomo and the extraordinary Cathedral of Siracusa. We will also stop by the famous mythological Fountain of Aretusa, and see the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia containing Caravaggio’s masterpiece, Burial of Saint Lucy.
Our 4-star hotel hosts our guests within the splendor of a 19th Century estate facing the Gulf of Ortigia, with breathtaking sea views, private balconies, king beds, authentic Sicilian antiques and art and L'Occitane toiletries.
This evening we begin your introduction to the local food and wine of Sicily with an included dinner.
Day 2. Day Trip to Noto
This morning we make our first visit to the Val de Noto in Southeastern Sicily. Val di Noto is famous for its eight glorious Baroque towns and sublime countryside covered with carob, almond and olive trees. We’ll visit the UNESCO world heritage town of Noto. Enjoy the wonderful sites of this Baroque jewel, including the majestic Basilica of St. Nicholas.
We’ll also stop for a delectable gelato at the Dolceria Costanzo Di Costanzo. Corrado Costanzo was a maestro sweet maker whose legacy is maintained by his children. He knew and honored Sicily’s ancient tradition of gelati, granite and pastries. Many believe his gelato is the best in all of Italy.
Then we are back to Ortigia. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3. Ragusa
Today we’re off to another Baroque wonder in the Val di Noto, the breathtaking town of Ragusa. Clinging to the hillside, Ragusa is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Sicily. Our first stop is a small farm called Ragusa-Tumino, where we’ll enjoy a sit-down tasting of cheese made on site. We’ll try Caciocavallo Ragusano, the most famous cheese in Sicily, a warm bowl of fresh ricotta with homemade bread, and freshly made cannoli!
We continue on to the stunning hill town of Ragusa for a guided tour through this Baroque wonder. We’ll explore the historic center of Ragusa then climb the steps towards Upper Ragusa. On the terrace of the Church of Santa Lucia we can look back at the grand view of tiled rooftops, campanile, domes and facades of Old town Ragusa.
Our home for 2 nights is a converted 12th century fortress and monastery situated in the Iblean highlands south of Ragusa. In the the estate was acquired by a wealthy land-owner family of the plateau. The present heiress restored the property and continues on with the family tradition in this splendid 5-star hotel in Ragusa.
Tonight we’ll feast on delicious local specialties at our included dinner at our villa
Day 4. A Day at the Villa or the beaches of Marina di Ragusa
Today you may choose to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our villa and relax, or travel a short distance to the Mediterranean and the beautiful beaches of Marina di Ragusa. Feel the sand between your toes, take a dip, and enjoy the lovely ambiance of this coastal gem.
Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight at our villa in Ragusa
Day 5. Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina in Catania
Today we travel north to Villa Romana del Casale in the town of Piazza Armerina, for a guided tour of the Villa. The 4th century Roman villa contains the richest, largest, and most complex collection of Roman floor mosaics in the world. We’ll stop for lunch in the town of Piazza Armerina and then are off to Catania, Sicily’s ancient port city and hometown of one of Italy’s most celebrated composers, Vincenzo Bellini. This Baroque masterpiece sits at the foot of impressive Mt. Etna. Catania is a wonderful combination of the ancient and modern.
After checking into our luxury hotel, we’ll take a leisurely orientation stroll through the historic center of Catania. See the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo and the symbol of the Catania, the black lava elephant, Fontana dell’Elefante. Other sites include Catania’s Cathedral, City Hall, Via Crociferi, Catania’s baroque street par excellence. Learn about Catania’s patron saint, Saint Agatha and the dessert made here in her honor.
One of the best hotels in Catania will welcome us tonight. Set in the heart of the city with breath-taking views of Etna from its spacious roof garden, our 4-star hotel has been faithfully restored to offer modern comfort with Sicilian style.
Tonight enjoy our included dinner in Catania.
Day 6. Mt. Etna
This morning after a delicious breakfast, let’s take a short walk to Catania’s famed and ancient fish market, one of largest and most colorful markets in Sicily. See every form of seafood life imaginable and learn the importance of seafood on the Sicilian table.
We’re then on for our guided tour of Mt. Etna. As we travel up the slopes of Mt. Etna, we’ll enjoy the breathtaking views and learn about this mountain’s fascinating history. We’ll walk on a crater and begin to understand the love affair Sicilians have with their beautiful mountain they call, Mongibello.
Please note that we can adjust this itinerary to include a hike up Mt. Etna. There are myriad hikes with varying challenges that reach about 4,500 feet. Please inquire.
After we’ve worked up an appetite walking around craters, we’ll travel down Mt. Etna to our next stop. Tucked into the incredibly fertile slope of Mongibello, this is the perfect place to learn about Mr. Etna wines. We’ll take a tour of the winery followed by a tasting and delicious lunch overlooking the beautiful, blue Ionian Sea.
On to Taormina. Idyllically perched ‘Tra Cielo e Mare’- between sky and sea, Taormina is the prized jewel of the island. For hundreds of years it has been the most popular destination in Sicily. We’ll relax and enjoy a limoncello before we walk though this beautifully restored town. Enjoy its medieval buildings, beautiful churches and dramatic views around every corner.
Our hotel is an elegant, hidden away hotel in the heart of Taormina. It is located on the stylish and chic main street, just a few steps away from the Greek-Roman Theatre and the ancient Sicilian monuments of the town. Our rooms offer guests an exclusive balcony and an enchanting sea view.
Enjoy your evening at your leisure tonight in Taormina.
Day 7. Taormina
This morning we visit one of the most spectacular ancient venues in the world, Taormina’s ancient Greek Theater, Teatro Greco. Built in the 3rd century BC, it is the most dramatically situated Greek Theater in the world. In the summer, it’s used to stage concerts, and the international arts and film festival.
Relax , Swim, Paint, Explore. Enjoy the rest of the day, your way. You may want to venture down the hill to one of Taormina’s delightful beaches or climb the hill above the town to visit the peaceful village of Castelmola where you can enjoy a cappuccino and eye-popping views of the coastline. Taormina is definitely the place to go shopping in Sicily. You’ll also find boutiques filled with sophisticated Italian fashions, and super cute local stores filled with handmade shoes and handbags. Look for typical local products like colorful ceramics, honey, and marzipan fruits.
Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and say, “Ciao to Sicilia! Ciao to Italia! And Ciao to our wonderful adventure!”
Day 8 - Transfer Taormina to Catania Airport
Eastern Sicily Tour. Ortigia in Siracusa, Ragusa, Catania, Mt. Etna, Taormina
$3938/person
Small Group Tour with Sandy Gregory. This tour is priced for a minimum group of 8 people. Per person. Double occupancy. Please inquire about a single-supplement room price. Get a group together and let's get something on the calendar!
Che Bella 2020 Trailblazer Tour
It's is a big world and we want to see as much of it as we can. In the spirit of adventure, Che Bella offers our guests a special introductory rate when we create tours to new places. While new, these trips are sound in their preparation and detail, as well as in the care of local expert guides and drivers. And while enroute, if I can’t answer one of your questions, it is my personal mission to find the answer! I'm up for new adventures. You? Let’s blaze the trail together!
Discover the rich and unique culture of this beautiful Mediterranean Island. With a flavor all its own, Sicily’s language, food, architecture, art, and history reflect the legacies of all the nations that have conquered it. Gaze upon astonishing archaeological treasures, stunning baroque villages, splendid countryside, and breathtaking towns perched between the sky and the sea. However, it is quite a big island so we are starting in the east.
Overview:
2 nights on the Island of Ortigia in Siracusa
2 nights Ragusa
1 night Catania
2 nights Taormina
Day 1. Ortigia
Catania is the gateway to the Eastern side of Sicily. We'll be transferred about 1.5 hours to to the lovely town of Syracusa.
The island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Siracusa with a 2700 year history. It is famous for its rich Greek and Roman history and is also the birthplace of the famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. We’ll check-in, freshen up, and grab a bite before we head out on a tour of the Island with our local guide. We’ll walk through the charming streets and limestone palazzi of Ortigia. Along the way we stop to see the 6th century Temple of Apollo, the stunning square, Piazza Duomo and the extraordinary Cathedral of Siracusa. We will also stop by the famous mythological Fountain of Aretusa, and see the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia containing Caravaggio’s masterpiece, Burial of Saint Lucy.
Our 4-star hotel hosts our guests within the splendor of a 19th Century estate facing the Gulf of Ortigia, with breathtaking sea views, private balconies, king beds, authentic Sicilian antiques and art and L'Occitane toiletries.
This evening we begin your introduction to the local food and wine of Sicily with an included dinner.
Day 2. Day Trip to Noto
This morning we make our first visit to the Val de Noto in Southeastern Sicily. Val di Noto is famous for its eight glorious Baroque towns and sublime countryside covered with carob, almond and olive trees. We’ll visit the UNESCO world heritage town of Noto. Enjoy the wonderful sites of this Baroque jewel, including the majestic Basilica of St. Nicholas.
We’ll also stop for a delectable gelato at the Dolceria Costanzo Di Costanzo. Corrado Costanzo was a maestro sweet maker whose legacy is maintained by his children. He knew and honored Sicily’s ancient tradition of gelati, granite and pastries. Many believe his gelato is the best in all of Italy.
Then we are back to Ortigia. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3. Ragusa
Today we’re off to another Baroque wonder in the Val di Noto, the breathtaking town of Ragusa. Clinging to the hillside, Ragusa is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Sicily. Our first stop is a small farm called Ragusa-Tumino, where we’ll enjoy a sit-down tasting of cheese made on site. We’ll try Caciocavallo Ragusano, the most famous cheese in Sicily, a warm bowl of fresh ricotta with homemade bread, and freshly made cannoli!
We continue on to the stunning hill town of Ragusa for a guided tour through this Baroque wonder. We’ll explore the historic center of Ragusa then climb the steps towards Upper Ragusa. On the terrace of the Church of Santa Lucia we can look back at the grand view of tiled rooftops, campanile, domes and facades of Old town Ragusa.
Our home for 2 nights is a converted 12th century fortress and monastery situated in the Iblean highlands south of Ragusa. In the the estate was acquired by a wealthy land-owner family of the plateau. The present heiress restored the property and continues on with the family tradition in this splendid 5-star hotel in Ragusa.
Tonight we’ll feast on delicious local specialties at our included dinner at our villa
Day 4. A Day at the Villa or the beaches of Marina di Ragusa
Today you may choose to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our villa and relax, or travel a short distance to the Mediterranean and the beautiful beaches of Marina di Ragusa. Feel the sand between your toes, take a dip, and enjoy the lovely ambiance of this coastal gem.
Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight at our villa in Ragusa
Day 5. Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina in Catania
Today we travel north to Villa Romana del Casale in the town of Piazza Armerina, for a guided tour of the Villa. The 4th century Roman villa contains the richest, largest, and most complex collection of Roman floor mosaics in the world. We’ll stop for lunch in the town of Piazza Armerina and then are off to Catania, Sicily’s ancient port city and hometown of one of Italy’s most celebrated composers, Vincenzo Bellini. This Baroque masterpiece sits at the foot of impressive Mt. Etna. Catania is a wonderful combination of the ancient and modern.
After checking into our luxury hotel, we’ll take a leisurely orientation stroll through the historic center of Catania. See the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo and the symbol of the Catania, the black lava elephant, Fontana dell’Elefante. Other sites include Catania’s Cathedral, City Hall, Via Crociferi, Catania’s baroque street par excellence. Learn about Catania’s patron saint, Saint Agatha and the dessert made here in her honor.
One of the best hotels in Catania will welcome us tonight. Set in the heart of the city with breath-taking views of Etna from its spacious roof garden, our 4-star hotel has been faithfully restored to offer modern comfort with Sicilian style.
Tonight enjoy our included dinner in Catania.
Day 6. Mt. Etna
This morning after a delicious breakfast, let’s take a short walk to Catania’s famed and ancient fish market, one of largest and most colorful markets in Sicily. See every form of seafood life imaginable and learn the importance of seafood on the Sicilian table.
We’re then on for our guided tour of Mt. Etna. As we travel up the slopes of Mt. Etna, we’ll enjoy the breathtaking views and learn about this mountain’s fascinating history. We’ll walk on a crater and begin to understand the love affair Sicilians have with their beautiful mountain they call, Mongibello.
Please note that we can adjust this itinerary to include a hike up Mt. Etna. There are myriad hikes with varying challenges that reach about 4,500 feet. Please inquire.
After we’ve worked up an appetite walking around craters, we’ll travel down Mt. Etna to our next stop. Tucked into the incredibly fertile slope of Mongibello, this is the perfect place to learn about Mr. Etna wines. We’ll take a tour of the winery followed by a tasting and delicious lunch overlooking the beautiful, blue Ionian Sea.
On to Taormina. Idyllically perched ‘Tra Cielo e Mare’- between sky and sea, Taormina is the prized jewel of the island. For hundreds of years it has been the most popular destination in Sicily. We’ll relax and enjoy a limoncello before we walk though this beautifully restored town. Enjoy its medieval buildings, beautiful churches and dramatic views around every corner.
Our hotel is an elegant, hidden away hotel in the heart of Taormina. It is located on the stylish and chic main street, just a few steps away from the Greek-Roman Theatre and the ancient Sicilian monuments of the town. Our rooms offer guests an exclusive balcony and an enchanting sea view.
Enjoy your evening at your leisure tonight in Taormina.
Day 7. Taormina
This morning we visit one of the most spectacular ancient venues in the world, Taormina’s ancient Greek Theater, Teatro Greco. Built in the 3rd century BC, it is the most dramatically situated Greek Theater in the world. In the summer, it’s used to stage concerts, and the international arts and film festival.
Relax , Swim, Paint, Explore. Enjoy the rest of the day, your way. You may want to venture down the hill to one of Taormina’s delightful beaches or climb the hill above the town to visit the peaceful village of Castelmola where you can enjoy a cappuccino and eye-popping views of the coastline. Taormina is definitely the place to go shopping in Sicily. You’ll also find boutiques filled with sophisticated Italian fashions, and super cute local stores filled with handmade shoes and handbags. Look for typical local products like colorful ceramics, honey, and marzipan fruits.
Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and say, “Ciao to Sicilia! Ciao to Italia! And Ciao to our wonderful adventure!”
Day 8 - Transfer Taormina to Catania Airport