The city is located on a plateau below Mount Tauro for which it is named. It has winding medieval streets and tiny passage ways, great restaurants, cafes and ice cream bars. Catania also has secluded gardens hidden by stone walls and terraces overlooking the coast or beautiful public squares. However the most famous attraction is the view overlooking the Greco-Roman amphitheater, one of Sicily's largest, with Mount Etna and the sea in the background.

The second most important city of Sicily - subjected to Etna's fickle temperament - Catania has been damaged by lava flows and earthquakes on several occasions. Most of Catania's wide streets and majestic palaces were built during the 18th Century coincidental to the Bourbon's development of Naples, and the architectural similarity between the two cities is striking. It was during the 18th Century reconstruction period that noble families from across eastern Sicily began to build palazzi in Catania. Thus began a social and economic rivalry with Palermo that continues to this day.

Founded by the Siculi and colonized by Chalcidians (a Greek people) from Naxos in 729 BC, Catania was conquered by the Romans in AD 263, eventually becoming the most prosperous city in Roman Sicily. For all its Baroque grandeur Catania has a great deal to offer those willing to unveil its historic treasures.

Your city tour includes: the Roman Anfiteatro , the Greek Theatre, the Cathedral, the Ursino Castle, the Theatre Maximum Bellini, the Crociferi and Etnea streets (example of Sicilian baroque architecture) , the Ancient University, the Monastero of the Benedictines. Expect to see colorful and characteristic open fish market ( A Piscaria) near the Cathedral and some artisan workshops as for example a typical handicraft cookie factory that produces their own scrumptious products using ancient recipes.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 31 (New Years Eve)

Departure Point:

The tour departs from your selected hotel. The following pick ups are available. Please select the appropriate option at time of booking:

• GROUP A pick up from Catania or Taormina
• GROUP B pick up from Siracusa

Departure Time:

Tour departs between 9:00am and 10:00am

Return details:

Tour returns to original point of departure

Hotel Pickup:

Tour departs from most centrally located hotels. Please include the details of your hotel at the time of booking. You MUST call the supplier at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to reconfirm all tour and departure details. If the supplier does not pickup from your hotel, they will advise you of the meeting point when you call. The contact details will be listed on your voucher.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• English speaking driver
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Air conditioned transportation

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks
• Optional gratuity
• Authorized tourist guide service (optional extra on request)
• Entrance fees at monuments, archaeological sites, museums and other possible activities

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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