Excursions

Piazza Armerina is above all famous for the Roman Villa of Casale, whose fame is due to the floor which is built completely with mosaics depicting scenes of mythology, hunting, celebrations in honour of the gods and the daily life of roman times.

It is presumed that the first to settle the area around Armerina were Greeks coming from Gela. In fact, there are some sites belonging to that period.

With regard to “Piazza”, the only certainty is that it was settled from the Norman period onwards.

Anyone who arrives in Caltagirone cannot fail to notice a presence that invades the town: ceramics, which do not only have a place of honour within shops in myriad forms (plates, vases, furnishings), but also decorate bridges, balustrades, façades and balconies.

For lovers of archaeology, a visit to the archaeological park of Selinunte is a must. Selinunte was a Greek town which took its name from ‘selinon’, the fragrant wild plant that grows lushly in this area.

Going back to the seventh century B.C., Selinunte today conserves the remains of temples, the acropolis, the fortifications and some sanctuaries.

There follows a tour of the historic centre, the old town with Norman churches and ceramic workshops. The trip back is by fishing boat in the evening: an amazing experience!

Fall in love with the lunar-like landscape of Saline Ettore Infersa in Trapani, among dunes formed by white salt and restored windmills; with Erice, where you can walk along the lanes of the picturesque town and taste the traditional patisseries of Erice; and with Segesta, with its Greek theatre and grandiose temple in Doric style.

A pleasant walk through the historic centre of Palermo, from Piazza Politeama, along Via Ruggero VII and past the Teatro Massimo, until you reach the picturesque markets of the city (Capo market or Ballarò). The trip ends with a visit to the Cathedral at Monreale, with its stupendous mosaics.

Visit the ancient Baroque area of Ragusa, with its churches and magnificent gardens. Then stop at Modica, where you will encounter the most famous chocolate in Italy in all its tastes, from orange to chilli pepper.

Taormina is the pearl of the island’s tourist industry. Here it is possible to combine a fascinating historical and cultural excursion, from the Greek-Roman theatre to the ancient and austere Cathedral, with a relaxing and pleasant walk along the main street.

You will have the possibility to buy traditional local, handmade products: objects made of wrought iron, ceramics, jewellery made from coral, precious pieces of lace, as well as tasting cakes and conserves.

In Catania it is possible to visit the beautiful historic centre with its Baroque buildings, Piazza Duomo, Via Etnea, the medieval “Ursino Castle”, and go on a picturesque excursion to Etna.

A guided tour to discover Siracusa: the isle of Ortigia, where the most ancient parts of the town are found, the Neapolis archaeological site, the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime (Madonna of Tears), built in the mid-twentieth century to commemorate the chalk effigy of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which cried