Encounter Our Lord in the splendor of Catholic Sicily as you sojourn with us under the Mediterranean sun in this resplendent land of beauty. We will explore the art and architecture of the Baroque cities as well as the peaceful countryside with its friendly populace, picturesque olive groves, plentiful vineyards, and shady orchards.
Immerse yourself in old world European culture, stepping back in time to a breathtaking land of a bygone era. Experience some of the best Europe has to offer, including enchanting music and exquisite culinary delights.
Depart the USA today on board overnight flights to Catania, Italy. Enjoy a full meal service as well as in-flight entertainment.
Upon arrival at the Catania International Airport (CTA) and after collecting our luggage, we will be met by our pilgrimage director and driver as we board a private motorcoach for our journey to the city. We will check-in at our hotel, with time to rest and unpack. Mass will be celebrated at the hotel in a private meeting room. After, we will have a festive group welcome dinner served with local cuisine. After dinner, free time to observe the all-night procession in honor of St. Agatha, part of the city’s 3-day festival in honor of its patroness. Overnight in Catania. (D)
Following breakfast we will make our way to the center of Catania, the Piazza del Duomo, where we will witness the incredible celebration of the feast of St. Agatha. Today marks the anniversary day of her martyrdom in Catania under the reign of the Emperor Decius. She was subject to interrogations and unspeakable tortures and then “died in prison while in prayer to God.” In the city center we will see her famous statue being carried by men through the streets on a silver ferculum. Following, we will visit the mighty Metropolitan Cathedral, a Baroque and Norman gem named after the saint. After lunch on our own, the procession will continue from the Archbishop’s Palace with VIP representatives. Our walking tour will include part of the procession route, with majestic Baroque churches, streets, squares, fountains, gardens and picturesque alleys of the Centro Storico. We will enjoy a celebratory group dinner together at dusk. Overnight in Catania. (B, D)
Following breakfast we will set out for a day-trip to the enchanting city of Acireale, known as the city of the 100 churches or 100 bells. We will begin our visit by walking along the main street of the city on our way to the Cathedral dedicated to the Annunciation. Inside is the Chapel of Santa Venera, the patron saint of the city. Here we will have Mass. A second church also overlooks Piazza del Duomo, the seventeenth-century Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. In addition, we find one of the most important historical monuments of the city, the Municipal Palace. We will also visit the Collegiate Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. Next we will continue to the Collegiate Basilica of St. Sebastian. Continuing our walk, we will see Villa Belvedere. Free time for lunch on our own. In the afternoon we will drive to the ancient hilltop city of Taormina. We will leave our bus at Porta Catania and we will reach the center using the elevator. The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the Roman theatre called the Odeon and the church of Santa Caterina, a Baroque church built on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple. Bus transfer back to our hotel in Catania. Dinner and overnight in Catania. (B, D)
Following breakfast and hotel check-out, we will depart for Syracuse. We will start our visit with the Archaeological Park in Piazza Pancali. We will see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric sanctuary from the 6th-century B.C. Next we will make our way to the Neapolis district, where there are the remains of the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre, the great altar of Hiero, and the Cordari cave. We will continue then with the ancient nucleus on the island of Ortigia, a natural fortress. We will admire the Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary. We will see other important churches that include San Giovanni alle Catacombe with its crypt of San Marziano, and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. Here we will celebrate Mass. Free time for lunch on our own. Next we continue to the Baroque city of Noto and then to Ragusa for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Ragusa. (B, D)
Following breakfast we will transfer to Modica to visit the historic center. It was rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes that rocked Sicily in 1542, 1613, and 1693. We will have Mass at the Cathedral of San Giorgio. Through the winding streets we will continue to reach San Pietro, a second cathedral in the city, with its uniquely decorated façade. After the visit we will have a tasting of the local chocolate, a typical product made locally. Lunch on our own in the vicinity. Afternoon visit to Scicli. The eighteenth-century appearance that characterizes the city is a consequence of the earthquake of 1693. The Baroque principles applied in the reconstruction with the skilful layout of the buildings, churches and urban planning, gave the final result of a little Baroque jewel. In the late afternoon, we will return to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Ragusa. (B, D)
Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to Donnafugata Castle, a Neo-Gothic noble residence dating from the 14th century. We will visit its sumptuous rooms as we travel back in time to admire the local art and history. In 1982 the Castle was acquired by the Municipality of Ragusa, which still holds ownership of it. Free time for lunch and bus transfer to visit nearby Ragusa Ibla, the ancient historic center of the city of Ragusa. It is famous throughout the world for its over fifty churches and numerous palaces, a testimony to the highest expression of the Baroque in Sicily. Located on a hill, the small village of Ibla dominates the surrounding valley, with its homes and narrow streets over which the Cathedral of San Giorgio reigns. Here we will have Mass. Overnight in Ragusa. (B, D)
After breakfast and hotel check-out, we depart for Agrigento. Morning visit to the Valley of the Temples, where we find the remains of the ancient city of Akragas. We will admire the temple of Juno, the one of Concordia, and the temple of Hercules. Free time for lunch on our own. In the afternoon, we will visit the historic center of Agrigento with the Cathedral of San Gerlando, patron saint of the city. Here we will have Mass. We will also see the Sanctuary of San Calogero, the co-patron of Agrigento. Dinner and overnight in Agrigento. (B, D)
Breakfast and check-out of our hotel. This morning we will transfer to Erice with a drive through the Saline di Nubia, along the Via Del Sale, an oasis for birds, where among windmills and sea salt it is not uncommon to spot pink flamingos. Arrival in Erice, an enchanting medieval village, nestled on the top of Monte San Giuliano. Walk through the village, visit the majestic Erice Cathedral for Mass. We will also see King Federico’s Tower, first built during the 4th century. Visit the church of San Martino and walk to the castle. Free tasting of the famous “Genoese” at the Grammatico pastry shop. After a relaxed lunch, we will continue to Segesta to visit the well-known archaeological park with its acropolis. After, we continue our bus ride to Palermo for hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Palermo. (B, D)
Following breakfast, we will transfer to Monreale. We will start with a visit to the imposing Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale, where we will have Mass. Lunch on our own. We will set out then for Cefalù, a picturesque town on the sea where the imposing Cathedral stands as an exquisite example of church construction from the Norman period. It was consecrated in 1267 with architectural elements from various influences: a fascinating mix of styles that include the Norman-Arab-Byzantine. We will continue our walk through the medieval hamlet, making our way by bus to return to Palermo. Return to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Palermo. (B, D)
Breakfast at our hotel. We start with a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Norman Palace with the precious Cappella Palatina enclosed within. Time for lunch. Next, we will take a leisurely afternoon walk in the historic center of Palermo covering the most important highlights of the city: the Piazza dei Quattro Canti, the center of the Baroque city, Piazza Pretoria, and the 16-century Camilliani Fountain. We will continue our walk to Piazza Bellini to visit the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (La Martorana), the church of San Cataldo, and the Monastery and Church of Santa Caterina. Final farewell dinner in Sferracavallo. Overnight in Palermo. (B, D)
With vivid memories of our time in Sicily, we will eat an early breakfast, check-out of our hotel, and transfer to Palermo International Airport (PMO) for our flights home. (B)