After breakfast, join your group to explore Syracuse and Ortigia. This small island of Ortigia is connected to Syracuse by a bridge dating back to the 16th century and is full of narrow medieval lanes and baroque piazzas. As you stroll through its streets, enjoy the aroma of fresh bread from local bakeries and a salty sea breeze. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral of Syracuse, built over an ancient Greek temple, stands as a testament to the island’s layered history.
Next, hop on a harbour cruise to view Ortigia from the sea, offering a unique perspective of the island’s ancient fortifications and stunning waterfront. After, head to the Syracuse Archaeological Park to explore the grandeur of the Greek theatre, one of the largest of its kind, and the Roman amphitheatre, imagining the spectacles that once entertained thousands. The scent of pine trees and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun will accompany your journey through these ancient ruins.
The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to pass through the Royal Gate of Noto – a grand triumphal arch marking the start of the main street. Discover countless beautiful palaces, finely detailed churches, the glorious Teatro Tina di Lorenzo and the magnificent Noto Cathedral. Later, return to your hotel for a restful evening.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 2.5 hours
Today, explore the Baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, each meticulously rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Begin your journey along Noto’s elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele, flanked by honey-stoned palazzi and ornate churches.
Travel to Ragusa, where you step straight onto the real-life set of the TV series ‘Inspector Montalbano,’ filmed in and around this captivating town. Meandering through Ragusa’s winding streets, take in the stunning architecture and vibrant local life that brings the series to life. The sound of church bells and the murmur of conversations in the piazzas enhance the town’s historical ambience, offering a glimpse into everyday Sicilian life.
Continue to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Modica, known as the ‘City of a Hundred Churches’. Between the captivating facades and detailed artistry of these Sicilian Baroque structures, you’ll find a world rich with chocolate. Renowned makers such as Bonajuto and Donna Elvira craft Modica’s signature rough-ground chocolate – a practice harking back to the millennia-old tradition of Meso-American cultures.
A certain highlight of the day: indulge in a tasting session and savour the rich, grainy texture and intense flavours of this famous chocolate.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 2.5 hours
Today, soak up the Mediterranean sun in the gorgeous beach town of Cefalu on the way to Palermo. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the dramatic Rocca di Cefalu, the town boasts stunning sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the majestic Cefalu Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Norman architecture and Byzantine mosaics.
Wander through narrow, cobblestone streets lined with charming shops, vibrant cafes, and historic buildings, all while savouring Cefalu’s aromas of fresh seafood, the gentle sea breeze and perhaps a refreshing gelato on the sand.
Arrive in Palermo later this afternoon, Sicily’s vibrant capital renowned for its architecture from the Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace with its exquisite Palatine Chapel to the Baroque splendour of the Quattro Canti. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Coach – approx. four hours
Seize the day with a walking tour of Palermo, starting at the gilded Byzantine-, Norman- and Fatimid-influenced Palatine Chapel. Wander onward to the Cathedral of Palermo – home to the tombs of Holy Roman Emperors – and the central square of Quattro Canti.
After, journey to Monreale – a historic town on the slopes of Monte Caputo. Your guide will lead you to Monreale Cathedral, one of the finest Norman constructions in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage building showcases a stunning blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences, most famously seen in its dazzling mosaics depicting biblical scenes. The cathedral’s cloisters, with their intricately carved columns and serene garden, add to the site’s splendour.
Continue on for a tour of the town, encountering picturesque views of the Conca d’Oro valley, quaint shops, and delightful cafes serving traditional Sicilian pastries.
Enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.
Your day begins with a visit to the enchanting hilltop town of Erice, where you’ll start with a sweet treat at Maria Grammatico’s renowned bakery. Here, you’ll indulge in her famous pasticcini, soft almond biscuits that melt in your mouth, perfectly complemented by a glass of local liqueur.
Next, your journey takes you past Trapani’s ancient salt pans, a landscape dotted with windmills and shimmering salt flats. You then arrive at Selinunte, one of the most impressive Greek archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. On a guided tour, you’ll explore the grand temples and ancient ruins, marvelling at the scale and craftsmanship of this ancient city.
In the evening, reach Agrigento and unwind after this full day of exploration.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 4.5 hours
Your day begins with a guided visit to one of Sicily’s most iconic sites: the Valle dei Templi. This awe-inspiring collection of ancient Greek temples is nestled in a valley filled with almond trees. As you walk among the romantically ruined temples, you’ll be transported back in time, imagining the grandeur of these structures in their prime.
The scent of almond blossoms and the sight of the majestic Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno, among others, provide a feast for the senses. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, the Valley of the Temples has inspired countless artists, poets, and writers with its timeless beauty.
Visit the private estate of Geracello for a delightful lunch. After, head east towards Piazza Armerina, where a guided tour of the Roman villa awaits. The highlight of this villa is its incredible floor mosaic, depicting intricate scenes of Roman life in vivid detail. As you explore the villa, the artistry and craftsmanship of these ancient mosaics will leave you in awe.
Your journey continues to the coastal town of Naxos, where you check into your hotel for the evening.
Travel time: Coach – approx. three hours
Following breakfast at your hotel set out for a guided tour of Taormina. Witness Taormina’s Greco-Roman origins, among the well-preserved ruins of the ancient theatre that overlooks the sparkling Ionian Sea. Wander through Taormina’s quaint alleys, discovering charming cafes tucked away in hidden corners. Discover the vibrant local art scene through multiple galleries adorned with Sicilian landscapes and intricate ceramics.
After the tour concludes, the afternoon unfolds at your leisure. You may wish to explore the ancient ruins of Naxos, relax on the sands of its pristine beaches or wander through the charming Cycladic villages nearby.
Gather your energy over breakfast, then prepare for your Mount Etna adventure. Mount Etna, standing at over 3,300 meters tall, dominates the Sicilian landscape with its ever-changing volcanic terrain, from fertile slopes dotted with vineyards to stark, lunar-like landscapes near its summit, where wisps of steam and occasional eruptions remind of its powerful presence.
After a short walking tour, take the time to explore this fascinating area at your own pace. In the afternoon, taste the fruits of the volcanic soil with lunch at a local winery including two paired glasses of wine, appetisers, a pasta dish, sides, fruit and water.
At the end of the day, return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Coach – approx. two hours
It’s time to say ‘arrivederci’ to Sicily. Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your own way to Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) for your onward journey.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 11am. Please book your flights to depart anytime from Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA). Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 40-minute drive from Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA).