• INCREDIBLE SICILY BY FLIGHT FROM VARNA
  • Explorer
  • 8  7
  • Departures from 25 Mar 2024
Tripsy Club offers you an unforgettable eight days in the heart and soul of the Mediterranean - the island of Sicily! This is a dream come true for every history lover and connoisseur of beauty, breathtaking views, delicious food, and unique Sicilian wine. A place where a mix of sun and sea, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, lemon gardens, and golden beaches combine with year-round sunshine to create a unique atmosphere and feel. We will experience the amazing art, history, architecture, and folklore that have been preserved over the years. We will travel to different parts of the island to soak in the joy of life, get to know the hospitality of the Sicilians, and admire their pride in their family and roots. We will pass through charming villages, and small and more significant towns from Syracuse to Noto and Taormina, Cefalù to beautiful Palermo, and the natural wonder of Mount Etna. This is a small part of our journey, which includes many more surprises and sensations for the senses that we have prepared for you in this Sicilian adventure! For your convenience, we offer flights departing from Varna!

Itinerary

Legend:
  • Destination
  • Transfer
  • Included Activities
  • Optional Activities
  • Accommodation
  • Included Meals

  • Day 1

    • Flight Varna / Catania
    • Transfer to hotel in Ragusa area
    • Free time
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 2

    • Breakfast
    • Free time for beach and fun
    • Tour of Ragusa
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 3

    • Breakfast
    • Free time for beach and fun
    • Full-day excursion to Taormina and Mount Etna volcano
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 4

    • Breakfast
    • Free time for beach and fun
    • Half-day excursion to Modica and Shikli
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 5

    • Breakfast
    • Free time for beach and fun
    • Full day trip to Syracuse and Noto
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 6

    • Breakfast
    • Free time for beach and fun
    • Half-day trip to Catania
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 7

    • Breakfast
    • Free time for beach and fun
    • Full-day trip to Agrigento
    • Dinner
    • Hotel ANTARES 4* - Letoyani

  • Day 8

    • Breakfast
    • Transfer to airport
    • Flight Catania - Varna

Day 1

DEPARTURE

In the afternoon, we gather at Varna airport for a short flight to Catania from where our Sicilian tale will begin. Once we arrive we are met by a transfer that takes us to our hotel in the Taormina area. The journey lasts about an hour, after which we check in and a delicious dinner awaits to introduce us to the divine Sicilian food and wines.

Day 2

SALTY DELIGHTS IN RAGUZA

Breakfast meets us at the hotel in the morning where we enjoy it in the company of the group. During this day you can choose how you want to spend your time - exploring Ragusa, relaxing on the beach, relaxing in the hotel area, or having fun as you like! We recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to explore Ragusa. Like all the other towns in the region, it was destroyed after the earthquake, which is why it is divided into two parts - old and new. The more attractive part is of course Ragusa Ibla - the old town, completely rebuilt by the aristocrats in the past, and today is a magnificence of narrow streets, gray stone houses, baroque buildings, and beautiful squares through which your walk leads you to the cathedral and many other interesting sites. Apart from the beauty surrounding you here, the city is also famous for its savory culinary delights that await you at every turn! The most famous cheese shop in the region is located in the city center and you definitely can't miss this bliss for all the senses!

Day 3

THE PICTURESQUE SEASIDE TOWN OF TAORMINA AND ETNA VOLCANO

On today's day after breakfast, we have prepared an additional excursion you can't miss - the Etna volcano and the magnetic city of Taormina! Put on your comfy shoes and bring your outerwear, because the first stop on today's tour is the majestic Mount Etna volcano, which is the highest active volcano in Europe. There are different routes to conquer it, but ours is a climb with organized transport to the Sapienza shelter, and from there a walk around the side craters "Silvestri". Weather permitting, for an additional fee anyone can take a cable car up to the foot of the four active craters at about 2900 meters above sea level. Tastings of many products cultivated in Etna's fertile soil await us after we have walked on the volcano's peaks. We will taste honey, local liqueurs, delicacies, and of course the amazing wine of the region! The mountain is famous not only for its numerous and interesting activities but also for one main highlight - its huge biodiversity and home to the oldest and largest tree in Europe. After our cognitive adventure here, we head back down the mountain to the picturesque seaside town of Taormina. As a constant stop for European aristocrats in the past, so for us these days, from the first steps taken on this picturesque land, an atmosphere envelops us as if we were in a dream. Narrow streets, the scent of flowers and the sea and the colorful ceramic sculptures of heads so characteristic of all Sicily are part of the interior, along with the row of landmarks we will pass. From the Caravaggio Palace to the Catania Gate, where an authentic sign hangs saying "Narrowest alley in Italy - 43 cm '' , it does not let us pass it without a memorable selfie! We'll also reach one of the most iconic squares of the island to enjoy a stunning view from its balcony, where we catch our breath at the majesty of the Ionian Sea! Looking around, wherever we pass we are impressed by the variety of historical buildings and masterpieces: the churches of San Augustine and San Giuseppe, the clock tower, through the Baroque fountain until we reach the southern entrance of Taormina, where the Palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano is located, a grandeur in Gothic art of the 14th century. To finish this fantastic tour, we have left you the ancient theater where we will welcome the beautiful sunset! An extraordinary testimony to the taste of the ancient Greeks, to always choose picturesque places to build their buildings! The view you can see from here is unparalleled - on one side Mount Etna with snow-capped peaks, and on the other side the Gulf of Giardini Naxos with the azure blue sea and the beautiful buildings of Taormina! A joy for the soul! Those of you who still have the strength can visit Isola Bella, a small private island emblematic of the city, reached by a thin sandy strip, or just relax in the atmosphere by the city and the sunset with a glass of wine or Aperol! Surely the memories from here will always make us smile and mentally return here! We head back to our hotel where dinner and rest await us.

Day 4

BAROQUE AND CHOCOLATE IN MODICA AND CHICLE - THE CITY OF COMMISSIONER MONTALBANO!

Breakfast meets us at the hotel in the morning where we enjoy it in the company of the group. The day offers beach and fun again, with the option of exploring the region on your own or joining our additional offer - a full-day trip to Modica and Shikli! In the company of a guide, we head off for new experiences, history, and a delight for the senses. Magnificent views and Baroque-style buildings are the subject of photos and memories we will capture here in Modica! Apart from the colorful shutters on the windows, the narrow streets, and the many staircases that encircle the entire city, what we can't miss is the magic of chocolate, which is the main highlight of the city. Its preparation still today follows the old, authentic recipe brought by the Aztecs in the Middle Ages. It is almost impossible to choose between the different types because, in addition to the classic models, we also find chocolates with chili peppers, almonds, cinnamon, lemons, sea salt, and many others. You will find combinations that hardly any of you would have guessed. Be sure to take something sweet as a souvenir, because if we can describe Modica in two words, it's baroque and chocolate! After that, we're off to Shikli - the town of Commissario Montalbano - a hit Italian TV series! Here again, fantastic baroque buildings envelop us and immerse us in the characteristic atmosphere that leads us to the Church of St. Bartholomew, a church of rare beauty from the 18th century, where a canvas placed on the altar depicting the "Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew" by Francesco Pascucci dating from 1779 is preserved. In the evening we drive back to the hotel where rest and relaxation await us.

Day 5

SYRASUSE, ORTIDGA, AND THE BAROQUE TOWN OF NOTO

Breakfast meets us at the hotel in the morning where we enjoy it in the company of the group. During this day, you can choose how you want to spend your time - a full-day excursion to Syracuse and Noto, relaxing on the beach, relaxing in the hotel area, or having fun as you like! We recommend joining the day trip, which will take you to explore thousands of years of history and the birthplace of Archimedes - Syracuse, as well as the perfect baroque city - Noto. In the company of a guide, we will learn about the fascinating history, origins, and glorious past of Syracuse, where our journey begins. A walking tour of the Old Town and one of the most beautiful squares in Italy will welcome us for coffee or a drink. We then continue to the island of Ortigia, crossing the bridge that connects it to the mainland. Besides the rich history, here at every turn we encounter colorful markets with an abundance of flavors of all kinds of spices, hot peppers from Mount Etna, almond pastries, citrus fruits, and a variety of seafood. This bustling place beckons every passerby with hanging signs in Sicilian, and buying souvenirs or food is the essence of exploring the culture in any country! Our tour ends at the source of Arethusa, where we will learn the legend of eternal love! In the early afternoon our group heads to the next stop on the road - the perfect baroque town of Noto. This is the real jewel of Sicily with its amazing baroque buildings set against the stunning coastline. A stroll around the town and a good time is a great formula for unforgettable memories, after which we head back to the hotel where we are staying. Dinner and free time to relax or have a drink in good company, sharing stories from the day and fun moments will be the finishing touch to this wonderful day.

Day 6

CATANIA - THE CAPITAL OF SICILY

We enjoy breakfast, then we can choose how to shape our day's program - indulge in beach, and entertainment, explore the region on our own, or join the optional Catania tour offer! Sicily's capital stands out among all the island's cities, epitomizing the youthful spirit - trendy bars and energy are noticeable everywhere, along with historical landmarks. The city greets us with magnetic views of Mount Etna, baroque piazzas, contemporary art in an 18th-century monastery, and underneath it all, the ruins of a city dating back 2,700 years! Here we can enjoy food as one of the highlights of Catania - home to many world-famous dishes. The famous Sicilian pasta "alla Norma" originated here, a dish of pasta with tomato puree, salty ricotta, eggplant, and aromatic basil, which is also available as pizza. In a short time, but enough, we will be able to experience the most characteristic to make it an unforgettable memory!

Day 7

BACK IN TIME WITH AGRIGENTO !

After breakfast, today we have beach and fun or the opportunity to join our additional offer - a full-day excursion to Agrigento - the valley of the ancient Greek temples and the Sicilian Acropolis! During our tour of ancient Agracas, which the ancient Greek poet Pindar called "The most beautiful city of mortals" and the birthplace of Empedocles, we will be transported back in time. Accompanied by a guide, we will immerse ourselves in a world that ancient Greece bequeathed to Sicily and all of Italy! The tour includes temples that have been remarkably preserved despite the passing centuries, some even untouched by time! The Temple of Demeter provides a spectacular view of the entire archaeological complex. Lots of history through the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Heracles, as well as the tomb of Theron, and the most impressive of all, that of Zeus - the largest in the entire ancient Greek world! All these majestic buildings face the sea, which adds an extra charm, a mixture of emotions and feelings. Agrigento finds a place in the hearts of every traveler, and the memories of it remain forever!

Day 8

DEPARTURE

We woke up on our last day in beautiful Sicily. After breakfast, it's time to get our luggage ready along with all the memories and emotions we have accumulated. We head to the airport in Catania where our flight back to Bulgaria departs. We are sure you had unforgettable days and we will travel together again!

IS IT YOUR DREAM TRIP?

SYRACUSE

FULL OF TIMELESS RICHES!

   Centuries-old architecture, numerous works of religious art, and the characteristic sweet and salty cuisine epitomize Syracuse - a city of beauty and timeless riches! Ancient Greek ruins rise amidst citrus gardens, coffee tables sprawl among baroque squares, and medieval narrow streets lead to the azure blue sea. The main attraction here today is the island of Ortigia, which is the most beautiful corner of Syracuse, with a deep atmosphere, ornate churches, people who fall in love with the romantic little streets, welcoming restaurants with excellent traditional food, aperitifs, wines, a market and a stunning sunset over the Mediterranean. An incredible legend of eternal love tells how the goddess Artemis turned a nymph into a natural spring - the Arethusa Fountain and that is where the sunset is most magnetic! A significant part of the heritage in this city dates back to ancient Greece, which Cicero called "the greatest of all Greek cities'' and reached a size and status that made it a rival to the great powers of Athens and Carthage. So ancient is this place that "once upon a time" began somewhere around seven centuries BC when Corinthian colonists established settlements, and today 3000 years later it bears witness with its ruins and is one of the largest archaeological sites in Sicily. Nearby is the Baroque town of Noto, Modica - famous for its ancient chocolate recipe and Ragusa with its old houses.

AGRIGENTO

THE ANCIENT AKRAGAS

   A big part of the city in  Agrigento is modern. But there are still a number of medieval and baroque buildings preserved in the central area, as well as the archaeological museum, which is housed one of the most valuable finds from ancient Akragas. The main attraction here is out of  Agrigento. The enchanted valley with flowering almond trees is the site of an impressive temple complex from ancient Greece - the Valley of the Temples! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today its former grandeur is still evident in the many ruins of the seven temples. These are the most enchanting Greek ruins outside the borders of Greece, even the symbol of Agrigento is the Temple of the Dioscuri - Castor and Pollux, the legendary twins born from the union of Queen Sparta and Jupiter. There are also a number of monuments in the valley, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in thanksgiving to the god Zeus, and the largest in the whole set. There also discovered Telemons - giant figures with human features. The Temple of Concordia is impressive for its hexagon-shaped construction and is among the best preserved in the world, its name coming from a Latin inscription found nearby. On the other hand, the Temple of Hercules is the oldest, or the first one built here, which in antiquity was compared to that of Zeus. Built a little to the side as a place of worship for the sick who sought healing is the Temple of Aesculapius, whose walls were inscribed with the names of those who were healed. Other monuments of which only ruins remain are the tomb of Theron, and the temples of Vulcan and Juno, which also bear witness to imposing constructions and a cult. It is imposing to observe the Doric temples of siltstone at sunrise or sunset and their grandeur which contemplates the sea.

TAORMINA

MAGICAL AND MYTHICAL ATMOSPHERE AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT ETNA

   For years, Taormina has enchanted its visitors, with its mythical atmosphere that can be felt in every corner! Situated on Monte Tauro hill, the city towers over two incredible bays, and on its southern side stands majestically Mount Etna! Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, and often covered in a cap of snow, but offering anyone who climbs it - a breathtaking view that spans for miles into the Mediterranean. Everything in Taormina testifies that it has been a highly favored place for the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish since antiquity, becoming a favorite town thanks to its favorable weather, climate, and atmosphere. Nowadays, everyone who sets foot here discovers excellent examples bequeathed by the golden times - the great Greek theatre, proudly towering over the city, the Roman "Naumachia", the 10th century "Palazzo Corvaja", the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Niccolò, the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of St. Stefano, the public gardens and many many more. In the recent past, Taormina has been a favorite destination of inspiration and rest for many names in the world of art who chose it as a place to escape: Truman Capote, Alexandre Dumas, Guy Des Moines, John Steinbeck, Gustave Klimpt, Oscar Wilde, Richard Wagner and others captivated by its magnetic beauty. In our modern times, it continues and is a source of inspiration for Francis Ford Coppola, Leonard Bergman, Marlene Dietrich, Marcello Mastroianni, Elizabeth Tyler, Greta Garbo, Federico Fellini, Woody Allen are just a few of those who have spent unforgettable holidays here. There is no way not to mention the world-famous Sicilian cuisine, which is held in the highest esteem, and you will find it in the many picturesque restaurants around. It is deeply cosmopolitan, borrowed from all its predecessors who lived in these lands. The Arabs introduced eggplant, rice, and sweet and spicy cuisine. The French and Spanish perfected local raw materials, turning them into sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine - pasta, seafood, lemons, olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. Sicilian food is a journey through history to the present day. Here, locally cultivated products such as red chilies, olives, pine nuts, and capers are recognizable on the world market thanks to the fertile soil periodically fertilized by the Mount Etna volcano.  Nearby is the island's second-largest city - an incredible fusion of modernity, diverse cultures, and influences. Located at the foot of the mountain and entirely dependent on its whims, burnt seven times anew, rising from the ashes, and even more beautiful this is Catania!

ANTARES 4*

Here is a great holiday choice and exploring this unique part of Italy! The four-star ANTARES Hotel is located in the eastern part of Sicily - Letoianni, just 3 kilometers from the magnetic Taormina! The accommodation rooms are equipped with all the comforts needed for a relaxing, peaceful family holiday: mini-bar, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, air conditioning, rooms with balcony and those without. Breakfasts and evening meals are included with your stay and are served buffet style in the main restaurant. Meals are varied offering specialties of Italian and Sicilian cuisine, a rich breakfast, and a delicious dinner. After dinner, a variety of drinks and cocktails are available in the hotel lobby bar. Numerous facilities and services are available to guests of this complex, such as 24-hour reception, entertainment programs, babysitting, a swimming pool, and a spa. The beach of the "Antares 4* is located only 300 meters away overlooking the beautiful bay of Taormina, the round trip is by a panoramic cable car that rises above the cliffs. The beach entrance is extra, including an umbrella and sun lounger at €4 per day, and children under 12 are free.

PRICES

  • Standard room including breakfast and dinner
Date PP in a double room
Price for a single room
25.03.2024 €749 €1,279
29.09.2024 €798 €1,378
06.10.2024 €798 €1,378
13.10.2024 €708 €1,199

 

* Prices are current at the time of upload and may be subject to change. For rates for triple room and accommodation with children, please drop a request.

  • Airfare on a direct flight to Catania with European Air Charter
  • Airport taxes
  • Checked baggage allowance of 20 kg and small hand luggage up to 6 kg measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm
  • 7 nights accommodation with breakfasts, dinners and drinks during the evenings at ANTARES 4* PREMIUM Hotel
  • Transportation by licensed coach throughout the itinerary
  • Medical travel assistance insurance from Euroins with €10,000 cover (Traveller, Option A);
  • BONUS MAXIMUM SECURITY package - reimbursement in case of travel ban for medical reasons.
  • Representative of the tour operator with Bulgarian language for the whole stay
  • Flight schedule:
    Bulgarian Air Charter
    Varna - Catania - 16:25 / 17:35
    Catania - Varna - 10:50 / 13:40
    The airline reserves the right to make changes to the flight schedule.
  • Transfer airport - hotel - airport:
    Duration of airport-hotel, hotel-airport transfer : approx. 2 hours.
  • Recommended additional services, booked upon request:
    * Additional excursions;
    * Extra charge for All Inclusive - €225 per adult for the whole stay, €113 per child from 2-12 for the whole stay (All Inclusive package includes: drinks from self-service dispenser in the main restaurant - soft drinks such as cola, orangeade, mineral water, coffee and alcoholic drinks such as - beer, red and white wine).
  • Price does not include:
    * Fuel and emission charge - announced 21 days before the flight. Prices are calculated with aircraft fuel parameters of 1000 USD/tonne at a rate of 1 Euro = 1 USD;
    * Municipal tax - payable at reception and set and changed unilaterally without notice by the local municipal administration between 2 and 4 euros per person per night;
    * The total price of the tour package does not include fees, payments and other additional costs that cannot be reasonably estimated before the conclusion of the contract and may have to be paid by the traveller, such as tourist taxes, city taxes, landing fees or fees for taking to or disembarking from ports and airports, the cost of entrance tickets to tourist sites, museums, boats, ferries, the use of public transport to certain cities, drinks consumed on buses or planes, etc.
  • Additional excursions booked on the same day:
    * Syracuse and Noto - adult 81 € / child 41 €;
    * Modica and Shikli - adult 71 € / child 38 €;
    * Etna and Catania - adult 61 € / child 30 €;
    * Savoca and Forza D'Agro (morning excursion) - adult 50 € / child 25 €;
    * Palermo and Monreale - adult 71 / child 36 €;
  • Booking conditions:
    * Deposit 30% paid to TO within 24 hours after booking
    *21 days prior to departure
    *Issue of travel documents 7 days prior to flight
  • Cancellation Policy:
    * Up to 24 hours after booking with no cancellation fee
    * Up to 30 days prior to departure £50 cancellation fee
    * Up to 21 days before departure 30% of the cost as cancellation fee
    * Under 21 days 100% as cancellation fee
  • IMPORTANT:
    1. Minimum number of tourists - 120;
    2. 21 days notice period in case of non-collection;
    3. Bulgarian citizens need to have a valid identity document, valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Bulgaria;
    4. The tour operator reserves the right to make changes to the program and flight schedules.

Do you want to experience the incredible Sicily?