Capo d'Orlando (3 nights)

Wednesday, Oct 31 -  DAY 6

After breakfast transfer to the coastal town of Capo d'Orlando on the northern end of the island. En route foray in the Nebrodi Mountains. Lunch in a local trattoria. Visit the historical center of Randazzo that boasts an impressive cathedral and a fascinating museum of medieval instruments. Reach new hotel on the seaside perhaps in time to have a dip in the blue Mediterranean.

Thursday, Nov 1 - DAY 7

After breakfast go on 5th foray in the Nebrodi Mountains. Have lunch in a local trattoria. The Nebrodi National Park has a surface area of 85,000 hectares and is made up of great stretches of forest, giant mountains, crystal-clear lakes and age-old villages. From its highest peaks you get stunning views of smoking Mount Etna and the beautiful Aeolian Islands emerging from the sea. Return to hotel before dinner.

Friday, Nov 2 – DAY 8

After breakfast go on last foray in the Nebrodi Mountains. Have lunch in a local trattoria. No trip to this area would be complete without trying a Nebrodi black-pig product. This rare breed is raised in the wild and live in huts called 'zimme'. It produces excellent meat which local farmers process to make a varied range of remarkable, traditional cold-cuts and sausages. Return to beach resort in the late afternoon.

Saturday, Nov 3 - DAY 9

Transfer to Catania. Stopping in Messina first. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, home to the city's cathedral and bell tower. Get to the main square in time to see the world's largest astronomical clock that sets off a curious procession of bronze automata with a roaring lion and crowing rooster. Next stop will be Catania where we'll be having lunch. Sicily's second largest city is on the Unesco's world heritage list, its black-and-white palazzi overlook sweeping baroque piazzas and its extraordinary Pescheria market is quite a spectacle. Stroll through the city to catch the main sites and finish the walk at the botanical gardens of Catania famous for its collection of palms and succulents as well as Sicilian flora and some notable tree specimens. Take part in the mushroom exhibit that will be inaugurating on this day. Say goodbye to those in the group who will be staying an additional 3 nights in Sicily as they will proceed to Syracuse whereas those remaining will stay overnight in a hotel close to the airport.

Catania (1 night)

Sunday, Nov 4 – DAY 10

Departure from Aeroporto Fontanarossa di Catania. We recommend you book a flight that departs around noon (11am – 1pm). We will only offer a limited amount of transfers to the airport therefore if you remain within our suggested time slot you can avoid having to wait at the airport for a long time if your flight departs very late or having to reach hotel by your own means if your flight departs very early.

Itinerary for 4-day extended tour Nov 4 – Nov 7, 2018 Eastern Sicily

Siracusa (4 nights)

Saturday, Nov 3 – DAY 9

Continuation of DAY 9 for those staying longer. Say goodbye to group departing the following day to return to the US and transfer
to hotel in Syracuse. Orientation walk.

Sunday, Nov 4 – DAY 10

After breakfast visit Ortigia of timeless beauty, the old city of Syracuse is one of the most beautiful corners of Sicily. Lush citrus orchards, café tables spilling onto dazzling baroque piazzas and honey-hued alleys that lead to a sparkling blue sea. After lunch visit one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites, the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, made up of a Greek theater from the 5th century BC hewn out of a rocky hillside, an ancient and mysterious quarry riddled with catacombs and a luxuriant garden, as well as a Roman amphitheater.

Monday, Nov 5 – DAY 11

After breakfast visit Modica, one of Sicily's most atmospheric towns with a a theatrical-looking historical center and a spectacular cathedral. The town is also famous for its production of chocolate. Visit its oldest chocolate shop and witness the chocolate making techniques as well as sample the delicious final product. After lunch in a local trattoria visit the magnificent historic center of Ragusa Ibla, a sloping area of tangled alleyways, stone houses and handsome squares. Aside from its great architecture the town is also renowned for its Ragusano cheese that's similar to Parmesan but with its own unique flavors and texture. Visit a dairy farm for a cheese tasting and perhaps observe a cheese-making demonstration. Return to hotel in Syracuse.

Tuesday, Nov 6 – DAY 12

After breakfast visit Noto, what is considered one of Sicily's most beautiful cities. Its historic center is so gorgeous you might mistake it for a movie set. The dashing main walkway is flanked by thrilling baroque palazzi and churches. Enjoy a lavish farewell luncheon before returning to Syracuse for your final night in Sicily.

Wednesday, Nov 7 – DAY 13

Departure from Aeroporto Fontanarossa di Catania. We recommend you book a flight that departs around noon (11am – 1pm). We will only offer a limited amount of transfers to airport therefore if you remain within our suggested time slot you can avoid having to wait at the airport for a long time if your flight departs very late or having to reach hotel by your own means if your flight departs very early.

In the next few weeks more specific information will be added regarding the afternoon activities and the mycological outings