Norman Castle

Board the bus in Catania and enjoy views from the top level. As you ride, learn about the area's history, architecture, and culture from the multilingual commentary. After exploring the historic center of Catania, continue along the Catanese coast. Pass through the Riviera dei Ciclopi to reach the village of Acicastello. Admire the iconic Norman castle from the bus or hop off to explore the village on your own. Return to the bus to continue your tour to the famous faraglioni (rock formations) in the village of Acitrezza. Spend as much time as you wish in each of the towns, exploring on your own, stopping for a gelato or coffee, or visiting the sites, before returning to Catania.

This extraordinary open-top bus tour allows an overview of the main cities and attractions of the famous movie "The Godfather": Savoca, Forza d'Agrò (the GodFather Tour). The service is available out every day, with afternoon departure, upon reservation. At the Savoca stop, our tour includes about one-hour stop, during this time customers have the opportunity to visit the small village, famous for being the movie set and visit the famous Bar Vitelli, the Calvario Church, the Church of San Rocco, the Church of Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta, in whose underground crypt, in past centuries, the mummification of the bodies of the town's notables took place which then found their definitive location in the Crypt of the Capuchin Convent. After the visit to Savoca, our tour continues towards the town of Forza D'Agrò, also set for the movies "The Godfather", where the stop will be about 45 minutes. The places where the scenes were filmed in Forza D’Agrò concern the square and the church of SS. Annunziata.

The multilingual commentary (6 languages) on board will illustrate the Baroque city's history, architecture, and culture. You will travel the coast, passing through the famous Riviera dei Ciclopi and the village of Acicastello with its iconic Norman castle, and the famous faraglioni in the village of Acitrezza. Tickets are valid on the date booked. Pick-ups and drop-offs at all stops along the way (it is recommended to speak to the driver to request the stop). Vehicles approved for disabled with a wheelchair.

From the ancient port of Aci Trezza in Sicily Included in the price: 1) Guide on board for historical narration of the storic Ciclops coast and Aci Trezza 2) Swimming with tourist guide in Ulysses' s Caves 3) On the boat you eat a classic small hot Sicilian lunch with fresh organic wine from Agrigento 1.Island of Lachea Aci Trezza The island Lachea, not large, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the archipelago of the Cyclops, just off Aci Trezza, in Sicily. It is part of the Integral Natural Reserve Isola Lachea and Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the protected area established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island, like the others of the archipelago, is of subvolcanic origin, formed by the intrusion of magma in the pre-existing rocks of the seabed. In 1869 a prehistoric diorite axe was found, while in 1919 two cave tombs were identified, carved into the rock by the hand of man. Of the late Roman period are the objects found inside one of the two large circular holes (about one meter deep) on the island: pots, amphorae, loom weights, bone needles, fragments of a bone comb and a small lamp. The naturalistic museum houses a rich collection of fauna and flora. 2. The Faraglioni It is thought that their origin is associated with the wrath of the cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, would have thrown the rocks into the sea against the Greek hero to prevent him from fleeing. A story that has certainly fueled legend about the Cyclops Islands, also told in the ninth book of the Odyssey. Fantasy aside, these are wonderful works of nature, sculpted for thousands of years by wind and rain, which fall within a protected marine area, composed of Lachea Island, stacks and four other rocks arranged in an arch. Their origin – in addition to the legend of Polyphemus – can be traced back to the first of the four phases of the evolution of the volcano Etna, an intense volcanic activity that began about half a million years ago.  3. Norman Castle Aci Castello The castle of Aci is located in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. The fortification of uncertain origin, was the fulcrum of the development of the territory of the Aci in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it was subjected to the lordship of Roger of Lauria, then in the Aragonese era it was of John of Sicily and finally of the Alagona being besieged several times. It is currently home to a civic museum. The basaltic promontory where the castle stands, consists of underwater lava flows (pillow) that have a radiometric age of about 500,000 years from the present. The basaltic cliff is surrounded by a lava flow of prehistoric times that in the historiography of the nineteenth century had been wrongly attributed to the eruption of 1169 4. Ulysses' Caves in Ognina 5. Sicilian food and wine tasting

1.Lachea Island - Aci Trezza The Lachea island, not large in size, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the Cyclops archipelago, just a little further off the coast of Aci Trezza, in Sicily. It is part of the nature reserve integral Lachea Island and Cyclops stacks, the protected area established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island, like the others of the archipelago, is of subvolcanic origin, formed for the intrusion of magma into the pre-existing rocks of the seabed. 2. The Faraglioni Consider that their origin is associated with the wrath of the Cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, would have thrown the rocks into the sea at him the Greek hero to prevent him from escaping. A story that has certainly fueled legend about the Cyclops Islands, told also in the ninth book of the Odyssey. Fantasy aside, these are wonderful works of nature, carved over thousands of years by wind and rain, which fall within a protected marine area, composed of the Lachea Island 3. Norman Castle - Aci Castello The castle of Aci is located in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. The fortification of uncertain origin was the fulcrum of the development of territory of the Aci in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it was subjected to the lordship of Ruggero di Lauria, therefore in the period Aragonese it belonged to Giovanni di Sicilia and finally to the Alagona being besieged several times. It is currently home to a museum civic. The basaltic promontory where the castle stands is constituted from underwater lava flows (pillows) that have an age radiometric about 500,000 years from the present. 4. Caves of Ulysses - Catania A bath in the history of supposedly legendary events occurred between the 13th and 12th centuries BC. 5. House of the Prince - Aci Catello It was February 1749 when Prince Don Luigi Riggio Don Stefano's successor has a palace built in Acitrezza majestic for his residence. The palace was built facing the sea, close to the beach, imposing, grandiose, with eleven windows in row on the facade and on the sea side, equipped with an embankment bastioned against the cannons of the Turkish ships, which they infested often the seas of eastern Sicily. DURATION 2 HOURS: Adults €60.00 DURATION 2 HOURS: Children up to 12 years €29.00 MAX 8 PEOPLE – MIN 2 PEOPLE DEPARTURE: May - June - July - August - September START ONLY TIME: 6.30pm EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK - ON RESERVATION Departure from the centenary port of Aci Trezza with 5 stops with a stop for swimming. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: 1. Skipper and guide in Italian and English 2. Civil liability insurance 3. Evening aperitif with local wines and street food from centuries-old Sicilian culture with a view of Etna at sunset.

1.Island of Lachea Aci Trezza The island Lachea, not large, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the archipelago of the Cyclops, just off Aci Trezza, in Sicily. It is part of the Integral Natural Reserve Isola Lachea and Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the protected area established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island, like the others of the archipelago, is of subvolcanic origin, formed by the intrusion of magma in the pre-existing rocks of the seabed. In 1869 a prehistoric diorite axe was found, while in 1919 two cave tombs were identified, carved into the rock by the hand of man. Of the late Roman period are the objects found inside one of the two large circular holes (about one meter deep) on the island: pots, amphorae, loom weights, bone needles, fragments of a bone comb and a small lamp. The naturalistic museum houses a rich collection of fauna and flora. 2. The Faraglioni It is thought that their origin is associated with the wrath of the cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, would have thrown the rocks into the sea against the Greek hero to prevent him from fleeing. A story that has certainly fueled legend about the Cyclops Islands, also told in the ninth book of the Odyssey. Fantasy aside, these are wonderful works of nature, sculpted for thousands of years by wind and rain, which fall within a protected marine area, composed of Lachea Island, stacks and four other rocks arranged in an arch. Their origin – in addition to the legend of Polyphemus – can be traced back to the first of the four phases of the evolution of the volcano Etna, an intense volcanic activity that began about half a million years ago.  3. Norman Castle Aci Castello The castle of Aci is located in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. The fortification of uncertain origin, was the fulcrum of the development of the territory of the Aci in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it was subjected to the lordship of Roger of Lauria, then in the Aragonese era it was of John of Sicily and finally of the Alagona being besieged several times. It is currently home to a civic museum. The basaltic promontory where the castle stands, consists of underwater lava flows (pillow) that have a radiometric age of about 500,000 years from the present. The basaltic cliff is surrounded by a lava flow of prehistoric times that in the historiography of the nineteenth century had been wrongly attributed to the eruption of 1169 Historically a first castle was built in the seventh century (according to others in the sixth century) by the Byzantines on a pre-existing fortification of the Roman period perhaps of 38 and called Castrum Jacis and aimed at defending the population from raids. 4. Ulysses' Caves in Ognina with swimming guide 5. Dinner in sicilian family's house in Acireale 6. Return to Aci Trezza

Tour of Acitrezza and Acicastello: Discover the beauty of the Riviera dei Ciclopi with a 3-hour tour, departing daily from Catania. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of these two small seaside villages : Acitrezza, the fishing village immortalized by Verga in "I Malavoglia," and Acicastello, dominated by its imposing Norman-Swabian Castle. Admire the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, black lava rocks that emerge from the sea like petrified giants. Be enchanted by the panoramic view of the Ionian coast and the charm of the Castle, a treasure chest of historical treasures. Stroll along Acitrezza's waterfront, breathing in the salty air and savoring the rhythm of life of the fishermen.

Discover the most beautiful and characteristic nature trails of north eastern of Etna on a mountain bike with pedal assistance. A route of almost 50 km where you can admire the vastness and biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. We will take care of everything to offer you the best possible experience surrounded by nature. From our base of operations (with large parking lot included) we will take you by shuttle up to 1700 m above sea level from where, after a quick break at Chalet "Clan dei Ragazzi" (bar and restroom available), our cycling adventure will begin. We will climb up to Piano Provenzana point and from there descend through all the most important lava flows of Europe's largest volcano and its centuries-old forest, mostly off-road! Leaving the Etna National Park behind us, we will pass through some of the most characteristic local villages: Castiglione di Sicilia, located in the heart of the Etna wine region, is a charming town with its cobbled streets, medieval castles and endless vineyards; and Francavilla di Sicilia, a town at 330 meters above sea level, in the magnificent scenery of the Valle dell’Alcantara, surrounded by the “San Paolo” river and the “Zavianni stream" and dominated by the ruins of the Norman Castle. You will be able to take evocative panoramic photos and experience a slow and ancient way of life, to finally arrive at our destination, the Alcantara river and gorges. Here you will have the opportunity to end your tour by visiting the world-famous Alcantara Gorges from the inside, which can be reached by an exclusive lift (offered by us), located inside the geological and botanical park of the Alcantara Gorges, which is equipped with all possible comforts, from toilets and showers to a food area with typical products and a large parking lot. Suitable for everyone, from the novice to the more expert, offering the relaxation of naturalistic scenarios, without forgetting the adrenaline that only MTB can generate. Suitable for the more adventurous and eager for sport and adventure and at the same time for groups who want to enjoy a few hours of fun, knowledge of the area and inner peace.

Join us for an extraordinary experience discovering the magnificent and mythological Riviera of the Cyclops. Departing from the port of Catania, and sailing for about 3 hours along the enchanting coastline, you will have the opportunity to admire breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the ancient legends of this evocative land. If you are curious about exploring the world of sailing, our skippers will give you an initial introduction to the fundamentals of sailing: you will learn how to handle basic maneuvers and steer the boat using only the power of the wind. During our sail, you will hear fascinating tales about the history, geology, and legends that envelop this coast. Our guides will reveal anecdotes and trivia about ancient myths, such as those of Polyphemus and Ulysses, that still echo through the waves today. Whether you are a sailing enthusiast or simply looking for a special day at sea, be captivated by the wind, the timeless stories and the wonders of the Cyclops Riviera.

On this private guided walking tour, you’ll get to experience Bova, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Witness the beauty preserved in the capital of Greek Calabria as you walk through Bova’s characteristic streets, spotting sights such as the Norman Castle and the Sanctuary of St. Leo. You’ll meet your guide in Bova’s square, Piazza Roma, to embark on a walk in which history, culture, and the language of tradition come together. First, stop to admire the façade of the Palazzo Nesci-Sant'Agata, which is considered one of the most important historical buildings of the area. Continuing through the streets and stairways typical of the ancient medieval village, find yourself contemplating the beauty of the various religious buildings that the city of Bova boasts, including the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Sanctuary of St. Leo, the patron saint of the city. Among other sites of interest that you’ll visit, the Cathedral of Isodia is one that stands out. Located in the upper part of the city near the Norman Castle, you’ll get to admire the ancient ruins alongside an enchanting view of the village.