DELEGATION TO SICILY
June 12 - 16, 2024
For whom it is?
The delegation and events are aimed at:
- Mayors, Deputy Mayors, and Municipal Councilors
- Chief Architects
- Municipal specialists in territorial development
- Companies specializing in communal services
- Regional administrations
- State institutions (Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Ministry of Environment and Water, structures related to territorial planning)
- Institutions and structures related to safety and food quality
Program
The program focuses on acquainting participants with Sicily's experience, particularly the municipalities within the Catania province, regarding local economic development.
- The role of the municipality as the primary governing body of the territory;
- Models for managing natural parks and historical landmarks;
- The relationship between "community - agriculture - traditions - tourism"
- Production of food products in protected areas
day 1
June 12
Travel and Accommodation
18:00
Group meeting at Sofia Airport
18:00 – 19:00
Check-in at the airport desk
20:00 – 21:00
Flight Sofia - Catania
22:00 – 22:30
Bus transfer 4 Spa Resort Hotel (Catania)
22:30
Check-in and light dinner
day 2
June 13
Meetings with local government institutions in Catania
The day is dedicated to familiarizing with the economy of Catania and Southeastern Sicily
07:30 – 09:00
Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 – 09:30
Transfer to the center of Catania
09:30 – 12:30
Meetings at the Municipality of Catania:
- Meeting with Mayor Enrico Trantino
- Departments responsible for architecture and infrastructure
- Management of Mount Etna National Park
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch at the most popular restaurant in the center of Catania – “Trattoria del Cavaliere” (The Knight's Tavern) https://www.facebook.com/TrattoriaDelCavaliere
14:00 – 19:00
Free time in Catania
19:00 – 19:30
Transfer to the dinner venue
19:30 – 22:00
Dinner
day 3
June 14
Visit to the Municipality of Syracuse
The focus of the day is on showcasing best practices for leveraging cultural and historical heritage to promote tourism and boost the local economy.
07:30 – 08:30
Breakfast at the hotel
08:30 – 10:00
Transfer to the city of Syracuse
10:00 – 11:30
Meetings at the Municipality of Syracuse:
- Meeting with Mayor Francesco Italia
- Introduction to the work of the Municipality of Syracuse and local government structures in the areas of:
- Ancient cultural-historical heritage
- Tourism
- Waste management
11:30 – 12:30
Brief guided tour
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch at a typical restaurant in Syracuse
14:00 – 14:45
Introduction to the work of the tourist center, located at the cathedral, and its practices for promoting small businesses
14:45 – 17:30
Free time
17:30 - 18:30
Transfer back to the hotel
20:00
Dinner
day 4
June 15
Etna National Park
Food Production - Traditions and Best Practices
The day is dedicated to the management of the park and the economic activities developed in the area: science, tourism, production of traditional products (lemons, olives and olive oil, wine, meat and dairy products)
07:30 – 08:30
Breakfast at the hotel
09:00
Start of the bus tour of the Etna Park area. Throughout the journey, Dr. Caffo, Executive Volcanologist of the Etna Park, will be on the bus with the group, providing insights into the area and its characteristics.
10:00 – 12:00
Visit to the Enzo Signorelli family olive farm, Ragalna municipality, near Nicolosi
12:00 – 12:45
Departure to the Western part of Etna, Bronte town, known for its cultivation of pistachios
12:45 – 14:30
Lunch at the MUSA farm, with a tasting of salty and sweet pistachio products
14:30 – 15:30
Tour of the MUSA farm and introduction to pistachio production, also known as the "Green Gold of Etna."
15:30 – 17:15
Visit to the renowned winery at "Fattoria Al Cantara." The producer, Dr. Pucci Giuffrida, will share his family history and wines, some of which will be available for tasting
17:15 – 18:45
Transfer to the hotel
20:00
Dinner at the hotel
day 5
June 16
Visit to Taormina
and departure for Bulgaria
07:00 – 09:00
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
09:00 – 10:30
Transfer to Taormina
10:30 – 12:00
Visit to the ancient theater
12:00 – 17:00
Free time in Taormina
17:30 – 19:00
Transfer to Fontanarossa Airport, Catania
Direct flight Catania → Sofia
