Sicily - Jewel of the MediterraneanEscorted Tour, Italy

Sicily is home to a unique mix of culture borne of years of foreign domination. From the Phoenicians to the Bourbons, each has left an architectural stamp on the island - culminating in a jumble of historic sites in Palermo, Catania and utterly charming Syracuse. As you circle the island, you’ll also seek out some of Sicily’s other treasures, including the Valley of the Temples, and postcard-pretty Taormina. You’ll sip wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna and taste chocolate and biscuits.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

9 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar)

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways or easyJet from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

18 meals: 9 breakfasts (days 2-10) 2 lunches (days 7 and 9) 7 dinners (days 1, 3-4 and 6-9)

Portable audio headset system on excursions

VIP door-to-door travel service

Services of a tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

Porterage

17 excursions and visits

Guided tours of Ortigia (including boat trip), Palermo, Selinunte, Valley of the Temples, the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina, and Taormina

Visits of Noto, Ragusa, Enna, Cefalù, Monreale, and Mount Etna

Chocolate tasting in Modica; tasting at Maria Grammatico’s bakery in Erice; lunch at the private Geracello estate; wine tasting and lunch at Cantina Murgo on Mount Etna

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Catania - Syracuse

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Catania. On arrival you’ll drive to Syracuse, where you’ll stay for three nights. Rich in Ancient Greek history, Syracuse has a timeless beauty surrounded by sparkling blue waters.

Day 2 Ortigia

You’ll take a walking tour of Ortigia, a small island joined to Syracuse by a bridge since the 16th century. It’s a joy to explore the narrow medieval lanes and baroque piazzas here. You’ll hop onto a harbour cruise and enjoy Ortigia from the sea. The afternoon is free to explore, or take an optional guided visit to the nearby archaeological site, to explore the Greek theatre, stone quarries, fragrant lemon orchard and Roman amphitheatre.

Day 3 Noto - Ragusa - Modica

You’ll make your way to the lovely baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica - rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693. 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. You’ll conclude with a tasting of divine Modica artisan chocolate, made using an ancient Aztec method.

Day 4 Enna - Cefalù - Santa Flavia, Palermo

Hilltop medieval Enna provides stunning views across the hills and valleys and you’ll have some free time to explore. You’ll also spend some time in the pretty beach town of Cefalù on your way to the Palermo area. Wander its narrow lanes, or perhaps treat yourself to a gelato to enjoy by the sandy beach. You’ll arrive in Santa Flavia later, close to Palermo.

Day 5 Palermo - Monreale

You’ll visit Palermo for a guided tour of this bustling city. You’ll then travel to Monreale to visit the magnificent cathedral, famed for its multi-coloured marble paintings and mosaics.

Day 6 Erice - Selinunte - Agrigento

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

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

You’ll start your 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. You’ll stop at the private estate of Geracello, where local produce is used for a delicious lunch. Then you’ll head east to Piazza Armerina, for a guided tour of the Roman villa reveals an incredible floor mosaic. You’ll then continue to Giardini Naxos, a lovely coastal resort.

Day 8 Taormina

Your 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 you’ll take a drive to the slopes of Etna. After a short walk, there’ll be free time to explore this fascinating area at your own pace. Be sure to bring a camera - on a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. Later, you’ll visit Cantina Murgo winery for a tasting of delicious Sicilian wine and a hearty lunch of regional products.

Day 10 Giardini Naxos - Catania - UK

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

PLEASE NOTE

A room tax of between €1-5 per person per night (subject to change), is payable directly to the hotel on check-out.

Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean is located in Escorted Tour, Italy. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 24/05/2020