Buongiorno! Spectacular Sicily welcomes you upon arrival at your hotel in sunny Letojanni. Meet your expert English-speaking tour leader and prepare for a guided afternoon tour of dramatic Taormina, often called the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea’. Walk the hilltop town and discover the incredible Teatro Antico di Taormina – an ancient Greek theatre carved out of the hillside.
Later, return to Letojanni for a delicious welcome dinner at your hotel.
Gather your energy over breakfast, then walk along the beach to Letojanni Station for your Mount Etna adventure. Jump aboard the historic Circumetnea railway – finished in 1898 – and travel around one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Pass through picturesque Sicilian villages and verdant fields born of fertile volcanic soil.
Continue by bus up to 1,900 metres above sea level and witness the Silvestri Craters, formed after the eruption of 1892. Taste the fruits of the volcanic soil with lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery, then opt to relax or continue up the mountain by Jeep (extra cost applies). At the end of the day, return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.
Optional activities:
- Mount Etna Jeep tour (paid locally)
Travel by train along the scenic corridor from Taormina to Syracuse and admire the coastal views. On arrival in Syracuse, your guide will lead you on a tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre, the famous Roman Amphitheatre – one of the largest arenas for gladiator fights in Italy – and the eerie Ear of Dionysius – an artificial cave constructed in the fifth century BCE, where Dionysius I was rumoured to imprison his foes and eavesdrop from above.
Continue to Syracuse’s historical city centre on the Island of Ortigia, where narrow alleys lead to the impressive Syracuse Cathedral and the bright Piazza Duomo. Admire stunning sea views as you’re transferred to your accommodation in Ragusa, and enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel.
Set out to discover the many Baroque towns of Sicily’s Val di Noto area. Begin your exploration in the ancient city centre of Ragusa Ibla and marvel at the grand Duomo di San Giorgio.
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 – known for its rustic texture and vibrant flavours.
Carry on to the town of Noto and 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 in Ragusa for a restful evening.
After breakfast, board your bus bound for Agrigento. Savour lunch overlooking the Valley of the Temples, then follow your guide as they reveal the secrets of this historically Greek area. Uncover the Temples of Juno and Hercules, marvel at the Temple of Castor and Pollux and stand in awe of the Temple of Concorde – known to be one of the best-preserved Greek Doric temples.
Conclude your day with a scenic train journey through the Sicilian countryside as you make your way to Palermo. Transfer to your hotel for check-in, then spend the evening freely.
Seize the day with a morning walking tour of Palermo, starting at the regal Teatro Massimo and strolling through the bustling Mercato del Capo street market. Taste Sicilian specialties like mouthwatering arancini and effervescent autista – a digestive lemonade using sparkling water and bicarbonate of soda to dramatic effect.
Wander onward to the Cathedral of Palermo – home to the tombs of Holy Roman Emperors – and the central square of Quattro Canti. After free time for lunch, take the local bus 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.
After a long day of exploring, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Take a short train trip to the ancient fishing village of Cefalu on Sicily’s north coast. This quintessential Sicilian destination is yours to discover with a day free to sunbathe, explore the shady streets or hike the head-shaped hill of La Rocca. Admire the fortress-like construction of the Arab-Norman Cathedral of Cefalu and view the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics within, then feel the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea lap at your ankles on a stroll along the crescent-shaped beach.
Return by train to your Palermo hotel and make the most of your final evening in Sicily as you desire.
Enjoy one more Sicilian breakfast, then say ciao to your new friends as your Italian journey comes to a close upon checkout.