Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Hotel Katane Palace, Catania (4-star)

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. We’ll also hop on a harbour cruise and view Ortigia from the sea. At Syracuse Archaeological Park, we’ll explore the Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre with our guide. The afternoon is free to explore.

Hotel Katane Palace, Catania (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tours of Ortigia with boat cruise and Syracuse Archaeological Park (all day)

This morning on a guided tour we'll explore Catania. It's Sicily’s second largest city and its beautiful historic centre shaped by Mount Etna’s temper is a delight to explore. We'll then travel to Aci Castello, named for its striking 11th-century Norman castle built on a lava stone outcrop. There'll be time to wander - we love the sea views it offers - or spend some of the afternoon in a cafe on the square. We'll head back to the hotel later.

Hotel Katane Palace, Catania (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Catania and visit to Aci Castello (all day)

Hilltop medieval Enna provides stunning views across the hills and valleys and we’ll have some free time to explore. We also spend some time in the pretty beach town of Cefalù on our way to Palermo. Wander its narrow lanes, or perhaps treat yourself to a gelato to enjoy by the sandy beach. We arrive later in Palermo for two nights.

Mercure Palermo Centro (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visits to Enna and Cefalù (afternoon)

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 multi-coloured marble paintings and mosaics.

Mercure Palermo Centro (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided city tour of Palermo, including Palatine Chapel and cathedral and visit to Monreale, including cathedral entrance (all day)

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.

Hotel Scala Dei Turchi, Agrigento (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Selinunte and visit to biscuit bakery (all day)

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.

Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa, Giardini Naxos (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tours of the Valley of the Temples and the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina (all day)

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

Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa, Giardini Naxos (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Taormina (morning)

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 at your own pace. Be sure to bring a camera - on a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. Later, we visit Cantina Murgo winery for a tasting of delicious Sicilian wine and a hearty lunch of regional products.

Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa, Giardini Naxos (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Mount Etna and wine tasting at Cantina Murgo (all day)

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Giardini Naxos - Catania