Sant’Agata & Sicily’s Treasures
2nd – 6th February 2026
2nd February – Itinerary Overview: Day 1 – Arrival & Etna Highlights
The group will gather at Malta International Airport at 04:00 hrs to meet the tour leader and complete check-in for our Ryanair flight, scheduled to depart at 06:00 hrs. Upon arrival at Catania Airport, we will begin our adventure with an excursion to the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Here, you will experience breathtaking landscapes shaped by centuries of eruptions, enjoy panoramic views stretching over the Sicilian countryside, and, weather permitting, even walk along some of the fascinating craters.
After our visit, we continue towards the coast, stopping at the charming seaside towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza. Aci Castello is known for its medieval Norman castle dramatically perched on a lava rock overlooking the sea, while Aci Trezza enchants visitors with its picturesque fishing harbor and the legendary “Faraglioni” sea stacks, tied to the epic tales of Homer’s Odyssey.
Later in the afternoon, we arrive in Catania and check in at our centrally located hotel. The evening will be free for guests to discover the city’s vibrant atmosphere at their own pace.
3rd February – Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – Catania’s Feast of St. Agatha – Traditions & Festivities
After breakfast, we set out on a guided walking tour of Catania’s historic centre. Our tour will take us through the city’s baroque streets, admiring landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of St Agatha, and Via Etnea, while learning about the city’s rich history and devotion to its patron saint.
From the early morning, the streets come alive with the Candelore, large traditional wooden structures decorated with flowers, ribbons, and lights, carried in procession by local guilds through the historic centre. This colourful and vibrant spectacle is one of the feast’s most iconic traditions.
At 12:00, we witness the solemn Procession of the Wax Offering, where the faithful present large candles in honour of St Agatha, symbolising devotion and thanksgiving. The atmosphere blends spirituality with centuries-old tradition, offering a profound cultural experience.
In the evening, from 20:00 onwards, we join the crowds for the celebrated “Sira o’ Tri”, one of the highlights of the feast. The night sky is lit up by a breathtaking fireworks display, accompanied by music and cheers, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
4th February – Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – Day of the Dawn & First Processio
Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins early at 05:00 with the Mass of the Dawn (Messa dell’Aurora) at the Cathedral of St. Agatha, during which the saint’s relics are brought out and placed on the fercolo (silver carriage).
Throughout the morning and afternoon, the First Procession winds its way through Catania’s streets, passing by key churches and districts, with the faithful dressed in traditional white sacchi accompanying the relics in a solemn and deeply moving display of devotion. The day concludes in the late evening at the Fortino (Porta Garibaldi), where a spectacular fireworks display illuminates the sky, marking the culmination of this important celebration.
5th February – Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Bronte Flavors & St. Agatha’s Finale
After breakfast, we set out towards the charming town of Bronte, famously known as the “green gold capital” of Sicily for its world-renowned pistachios. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, Bronte’s fertile volcanic soil creates the perfect conditions for cultivating these prized nuts, celebrated for their unique flavor and vibrant green color.
Our experience begins with a guided tour through a pistachio grove, where you will walk among the trees and learn about the centuries-old traditions and cultivation techniques that make these pistachios so unique. Next, we visit a processing laboratory, where the shells are removed and the nuts are carefully prepared. Here, you will gain an insider’s view of the fascinating journey from grove to gourmet ingredient, discovering how these pistachios are transformed into everything from sweet desserts to savory sauces. The highlight of the tour is a tasting experience that showcases the versatility of this Sicilian treasure. Indulge in a variety of specialties, including natural pistachios, pistachio arancini, pistachio pizza or calzone, and refreshing pistachio ice cream, all accompanied by soft drinks and a glass of local wine.
In the afternoon and evening, the celebrations reach their emotional peak with the Climb of Cappuccini (Salita dei Cappuccini), one of the most moving and physically demanding moments of the feast, followed by the Climb of San Giuliano (Salita di San Giuliano), where crowds gather to witness the relics being carefully pulled uphill. The festivities conclude late at night in the Borgo district with a spectacular fireworks display, after which the relics are returned to the Cathedral—often well past midnight—bringing the Feast of St. Agatha to a memorable close.
6th February – Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Syracuse, Ortigia & Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, we set off towards the historic city of Syracuse, where our first stop will be the remarkable Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime, a modern sanctuary built to commemorate the miraculous weeping statue of the Virgin Mary. We then continue to the enchanting island of Ortigia, the heart of Syracuse, where winding streets, charming piazzas, and sparkling sea views capture the very soul of Sicily.
In the afternoon, we return to Catania, where you will have free time for last-minute shopping at Centro Sicilia Mall. As evening falls, we make our way to Catania Airport for our late-night flight at 22:40hrs. With hearts full of memories, we bid a fond farewell to Sicily and the vibrant Sant’Agata festivities, carrying with us the spirit, flavors, and colors of this unforgettable journey.
Tour Pricing and Inclusions
| Adult in double room | €675 |
| Adult in triple room | €660 |
*This tour is based on a limited allocation of triple and twin rooms.
Price Includes:
- RyanAir flights – Malta-Catania-Malta
- 20kgs luggage and backpack
- Accommodation at B&B Hotel Catania City Centre
- Daily breakfast
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- All excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance and experience at Bronte Pistachio tour with tasting
- Service of a Maltese speaking Kercem A’ Tours tour leader
- Insolvency Fund Certificate
Price does not include:
- City Tax at €2.00/person/night
- Meals – The hotel is centrally located near Via Etnea, surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants.
NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
The booking is confirmed upon payment of €300 deposit.
Payments can be made with a cheque made payable to Kercem A’ Tours, via bank transfer or by cash. Card payments are also accepted over the phone.
For bank transfers kindly issue the payments to the following Bank Account details:
Kercem Ajax FC. A/C TOURS
Account Number: 40023111554
IBAN: MT09VALL22013000000040023111554
Account Currency: EUR
With bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name
Eg. St Agatha – MR AND MRS VELLA