Full Day - Trekking Pantalica Anapo Valley

Today, we'll have our English-speaking guide and depart for Pantalica, one of the most fascinating places in eastern Sicily. 

This large area features pristine nature, breathtaking panoramas, and ancient archaeological remains. The Valle dell'Anapo Nature Reserve includes dramatic canyons carved by the Anapo River and its tributaries. Established in 1997, the reserve stretches between Sortino and Ferla in the province of Syracuse. The plateau formed by the Anapo River and the Calcinara stream, called Pantalica, was home to an important indigenous settlement during the late Bronze Age. This settlement built its necropolises along the sheer cliffs of Pantalica, consisting of thousands of tombs carved into the rock between the 13th and 8th centuries BC. 

Pantalica has four main entrances: two on the plateau (Ferla and Sortino sides) and two providing access to the valley. Archaeology enthusiasts should start at the Ferla gap, beginning at "Sella di Filiporto" to see the first necropolis and the remains of the prince's palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also explore the late antique Byzantine village remains and three rock-cut oratories with ancient frescoes: San Micidiario, San Nicolicchio, and the Oratory of the Crucifix. From here, you can walk down to the Calcinara stream. 

After the tour, we will drive you back to Syracusa.

Transfer from Syracuse to Ragusa (5 hour minibus transfer with winery visit)

Hotel Breakfast Included

Olive Oil Experience with Tasting and Lunch

In the middle of the morning meet your English-speaking Tour Leader and depart for an amazing and ancient Olive Oil Farmhouse. 

Upon arrival visit the olive grove: description of the territory, the cultivars (Tonda Iblea, Siracusana, Nocellara, Biancolilla, Ogliarola) and the harvesting techniques (hand-burnishing, combs, etc.). 

Visit the eighteenth-century farm and the "Olive Oil Room" with a description of the entire production process (Collection/transport of the olives, Washing, Hammer crushing, Graming, Centrifugation, Storage, Bottling). 

Olive Oil Tasting of three different Olive Oils produced by the farm. Then enjoy a three-course lunch with mineral water and local wine included. 

After lunch, we will drive you back to Siracusa.

Hotel Breakfast Included

Mount Etna with hiking and Wine Tasting and Light Lunch

In the early morning (approximately 7:00 am) meet your English speaking Tour Leader and departure for Mount Etna, a beautiful Volcano rich in sounds, perfumes and colors. Upon arrival at “Piano Provenzana” (1.800 mt) jump on a 4x4 bus and reach a high mountain slope framed by magnificent views of lava and volcanic sand along the rift created by the 2002 eruption. 

Here we will walk on the edge of the 2002 craters and see how a volcano is created. From here the breathtaking view embraces the Gulf of Taormina, the Bay of Naxos, the Strait of Messina and Calabria and the Nebrodi mountain range, you can admire the most evocative panoramas in the world, apparently lunar landscapes created by multiple eruptions laterals along the north face of Etna. We continue by our off-road vehicle up to an altitude of 2.900 metres, the North-East crater (where the volcano observatory is located) dominates the area. 

From this point the climb on foot will begin on a path surrounded by volcanic waste and bombs. The total difference in altitude is 300 meters until you reach the panoramic point, at an altitude of 2.900 metres. There we will stop to admire the grandeur, uniqueness and processes of the volcanic environment, combined with the spectacle of the panorama enjoyed from the roof of Sicily (visibility may vary depending on meteorological or volcanic conditions). In good weather you can see both the "Leone" and "Bove" valleys, the majesty of the North East and the South East. The tour ends by going up Piano delle Concazze and then descending to Piano Provenzana again. 

Upon arrival in Piano Provenzana meet your private driver and reach a Winery for light lunch. After lunch we drive you back to Siracusa Runs from May to October.

Hotel Breakfast Included

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Syracuse.

Transfer from Syracuse to Ragusa (5 hour minivan ride)

Arrival Ragusa

Welcome to Ragusa, the gastronomy capital of Sicily!  Upon arrival to Ragusa you have a check in at the hotel.

Ragusa City Tour
Later you meet your guide and start your day with a local guide exploring Ragusa.

Ragusa Ibla is one of the most enchanting and picturesque hill towns in Sicily. The historical center is a labyrinth of crooked medieval lanes and offers its visitors a dive into the past. The city symbol is St. George's Gate, a lovely Gothic gate which survived the 1693 earthquake.

The new baroque St. George's Basilica and its square are the highlights of the town. The beautiful Ibleo garden is a corner of peace and a wonderful green oasis, ideal to relax and sit on one of the many benches for a while. Great views over the valleys around Ibla.

After the tour, your return to the hotel.

Hotel Breakfast Included

Ragusa Ibla Loop Bike  Ride Tour (optional)

This tour begins and ends in Ragusa Ibla, forming a loop ride on asphalt roads where you can experience the stunning Ragusa countryside and visit two of its charming small towns. 

Starting in Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its Baroque architecture, you will travel through the picturesque countryside landscapes. The first stop is Giarratana, the smallest town in Ragusa, known for its deep-rooted peasant and agroforestry-pastoral traditions. 

Continuing the journey, you will visit Monterosso Almo, a town included in the circuit of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," before heading to Upper Ragusa, the modern part of the city. This tour offers a wonderful blend of historical, architectural, and natural beauty, making it an enriching experience for all participants. 

Please note, however, that in the summer, riding a bike can be very challenging due to the extremely high temperatures.

Hotel Breakfast Included