Driver aged +25 years
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SICILY

Sea, mystery and culture

Sicily has some of the most spectacular archaeological treasures in the world, with places that are steeped in magic and legend.

Our tour starts in Catania, in the “dark” Ursino Castle with its history, art and magic. The Castle which was built between 1239 and 1250 under Frederick II of Swabia, is famous for its superb architecture, and was used for defence purposes, as a royal residence and, as from the end of the 16th century, even as a prison. The huge halls on the ground floor were used as dark cells, infested with mice and tarantulas, and its walls still bear graffiti drawn by the prisoners. In the last century, maintenance personnel was assigned to the Castle, and since then paranormal activity has been reported within its walls, above all at night. Whispers, mysterious noises, moving objects, apparitions, doors that shut on their own and much more. Those who work in the castle have no doubt that the ghosts of the prisoners of the past still roam the Castle.

After so many emotions and spine-chilling thrills we are sure that a stop at a pastry shop to taste the local delicacies such as a classic or chocolate panzerotto and pistachio granita will be most welcome as our journey continues!

A 3-hour drive along the A19 takes us to yet another fascinating attraction in Sicily: Grotta Mangiapane in Custonaci. The Cave is a collection of dwellings carved into the rock in a beautiful cave that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Grotta Mangiapane has not been inhabited for over a century but is famous for the suggestive exhibitions held in the old village every year, such as the Live Nativity Scene.

A 20-minute drive along the SP16 takes us to San Vito Lo Capo, with its wonderful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Just a few minutes away, Riserva dello Zingaro is well worth a visit, with its luxuriant Mediterranean scrub and turquoise reflections of the sea.