Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Catania - Noto

  Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Catania. On arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel in Noto.

• Day 2 • Syracuse and Ortigia

  Today we’ll visit Syracuse and Ortigia, with guided walking tours of Ortigia town and Syracuse Archaeological Park. The small island of Ortigia has been joined to Syracuse by a bridge since the 16th century and is home to narrow medieval lanes and baroque piazzas. Later in the afternoon, take a short harbour cruise, offering views of Ortigia’s fortifications and historic buildings from the sea. The cruise is followed by a little free time to explore Ortigia at your own pace before returning.

• Day 3 • Noto - Ragusa

  Today we explore the lovely baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa - rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693. We’ll wander along Noto’s elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele, with honey-stoned palazzi and churches. Walk straight onto the real-life set of the TV series ‘Inspector Montalbano’, filmed in and around enchanting Ragusa.

• Day 4 • Cefalù - Palermo

  Spend some time in the pretty beach town of Cefalù on route to Palermo. Wander its narrow lanes, or perhaps treat yourself to a gelato to enjoy by the sandy beach. Arrive later in Palermo for a two night stay. Dinner is included tonight at a local pizza restaurant.

• Day 5 • Palermo - Monreale

  This morning, we’ll take a guided tour of bustling Palermo, including a stop at the Palatine Chapel and the cathedral. We’ll then travel to Monreale to visit the magnificent cathedral, famed for its Byzantine mosaics.

• Day 6 • Erice - Selinunte - Agrigento

  Our first stop today is Erice and Maria Grammatico’s bakery, to try her famous pasticcini (soft almond biscuits) - we’ll wash them down with a glass of liqueur. We then continue, passing Trapani’s ancient salt pans, before Selinunte for a guided tour of this fascinating Greek archaeological site. In the evening we check into our hotel in Agrigento.

• Day 7 • Valley of the Temples - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos

  We start our day with one of the highlights - a guided visit of the nearby Valle dei Templi, a collection of classic Greek temples scattered across a valley of almond trees. Recognised with UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is a globally significant archaeological site. The romantically ruined temples and their picturesque setting have inspired countless generations of artists, poets and writers. We stop at the private estate of Geracello, where local produce is used for a delicious lunch. Then we’ll head east to Piazza Armerina, for a guided tour of the Roman villa reveals an incredible floor mosaic. We then continue to Giardini Naxos, a lovely coastal resort.

• Day 8 • Taormina

  Our walking tour shows us the sights of the cliffside town of Taormina. You have the rest of the afternoon free.

• Day 9 • Mount Etna

  This morning we take a drive to the slopes of Etna. Europe’s largest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, has a recorded history of eruptions dating back to 1500 BC. Constant low-level emissions mean that explosive eruptions endangering those of the island’s population that live on its slopes are infrequent and, thanks to its fascination for travellers and its richly fertile volcanic soil, this 3km-high icon is Sicily’s single biggest source of income. An excursion to Etna reveals an enthralling geological story and stunning views. After a short walk, there’ll be free time to explore this fascinating area with your tour manager and on your own. Be sure to bring a camera - on a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. Later, we visit a local winery for a cellar visit and included wine-paired lunch.

• Day 10 • Giardini Naxos - Catania - UK

  We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.