Excursion Catania & biviere garden tour at Catania

Explore the history and nature of Sicily during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Catania, Coach & Walking Tours, City Centre, Piazza del Duomo, Elephant's Fountain, Cathedral

Depart the pier for a short orientation drive through Catania, followed by a brief, guided walking tour of the city centre. Along the way, pass by the Piazza del Duomo, the central square, with its Elephant's Fountain and Cathedral, which was originally built by the Normans and features beautiful, finely-made choir stalls. Following your walking tour, re-board your coach for the drive towards Lentini, and a visit to the Biviere Farm.

Biviere Farm, Guided Tour, Fruit Trees, Processing Centre

The Biviere Farm extends over fertile land, where, for thousands of years, there was a legendary lake known as the Biviere. Here, approximately 272 acres (about 110 hectares) are cultivated with red and blond oranges, lemons, clementines, pink grapefruits, flat peaches (tabacchiere), and apricots. Upon arrival, meet your host, Virginia Gattai Borghese, who escorts you on a guided tour of the farm and garden. Pass through the fields, where, depending on the time of year, you can learn about and observe the care and maintenance of the trees, then step inside the Processing Centre to observe the fruit selection and packaging processes.

Biviere Garden, Refreshments

Next, proceed for a visit to the exquisite Biviere Garden. Created by the Princess with great love and passion, this garden is a magical and fascinating place, and filled with botanical species from all over the world. It has hosted many luminaries, and, in 1988, had the honour of a visit by the Queen Mother of England. Refreshments including tea, fruit juice, cheeses, and home-made cakes are offered inside the Biviere Garden during your visit. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Catania, City Centre, Piazza del Duomo, Elephant's Fountain, Cathedral, Biviere Farm & Garden, Guided Tour, Fruit Trees, Processing Centre, Refreshments

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles-0.6 miles (about 0.8 kilometres-one kilometre), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and at the Biviere Garden and Cathedral. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Euros and/or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.