Perfectly placed in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily’s succession of ancient civilisations and colonisers has left a rich array of historic sites including lavish Roman villas, crumbling Greek temples and medieval fortresses. Along with the island’s beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and mountainous landscapes, Sicily is one of Italy’s most interesting and breathtaking destinations. On this 11-day journey using private drivers and guides, visit Sicily’s main highlights including the architectural jewel of Palmero, the famous Valley of the Temples of Agrigento and stunning coastal towns of Cefalù and Siracusa. You will also explore some of the island’s hidden gems and get to know Sicily’s culture in depth; stay in a farmhouse run by a multigenerational family in the countryside, discover little-visited Sutera and enjoy a private cookery class in the Baroque town of Ragusa. Finish this memorable trip in the elegant hilltop town of Taormina with a trip to Mount Etna’s crater and wine tasting on the slope of this iconic volcano.
Visit one of Sicily's most beautiful coastal towns, Cefalù, before travelling inland to stay in a converted 19th century farmhouse surrounded by rolling wheat fields and Roman ruins. Share the cultural and culinary splendours of Sicily with the farmhouse's multigenerational family.
Visit Agrigento’s most famed landmark, the Temple of the Valleys with a private guide. Founded in 582 BC by Greek settlers, the temple is one of the most outstanding pieces of Greek architecture.
Take a cable car to the crater of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, and take in the breathtaking views. After a walk around the crater, stop at a stunning winery on the volcano slope and enjoy wine tasting and a three-course lunch.
Begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Palermo, the capital of Italy’s most southern island, Sicily. On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Take a couple of hours to relax before embarking on a walking orientation tour of Palermo with a private guide. Granted a UNESCO World Heritage classification in 2015, Palermo is home to a blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque and Norman, which highlights the region’s changing cultures. Discover the beautiful Cathedral and Piazza Pretoria featuring a Renaissance marble fountain before sampling one of Sicily’s delicacies, the cannolo siciliano. (N)
Accommodation in Palermo: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar) Upgrade option: Villa Igiea
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before visiting Mercato del Capo, Palermo’s main market situated in the heart of the historical city centre. This multicultural and colourful market reflects the city’s diversity with stands from local Palermitans, regional Italians and foreign communities. For lunch, sample one of the many street foods that Sicily is famous for. In the afternoon, travel to Monreale famous for its beautiful cathedral that, one of the world’s greatest examples of Norman architecture. Wander through Moorish-style arcades and examine its exquisite gold mosaics illustrating biblical tales. In the evening enjoy dinner at leisure in Palermo. (B)
Accommodation in Palermo: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar) Upgrade option: Villa Igiea
This morning check out of your hotel and travel east to coastal Cefalù. Edged by turquoise waters and sandy beaches and framed by a soaring mountain, Cefalù is widely regarded as one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. During your visit explore the 12th century Norman cathedral and maybe enjoy a traditional lunch at the historic Piazza del Duomo. Continue inland towards Polizzi Generosa where you will be staying at a 19th century farmhouse full of style and charm. Surrounded by rolling wheat fields and ancient Roman ruins, the farmhouse has been in the same family for five generations so enjoy sharing their culture and traditions during your stay. (B, D)
Accommodation in Polizzi Generosa: Susafa (or similar)
After a traditional breakfast at the farmhouse, travel to the picturesque village of Sutera which is nestled at the base of the great Mount San Paolino. Climb to the 14th century monastery that crowns the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views that overlook Sicily’s rolling countryside. After lunch at leisure, continue to Agrigento. A prominent city in Magna Graecia during the Roman Empire, Agrigento was subsequently fought over by the Carthaginians and Romans in the fourth and third centuries BC. Today it is known for its ancient ruins and stunning viewpoints which reach to the sandy beaches of southern Sicily. Enjoy an included 3-course dinner at the hotel’s restaurant this evening. (B, D)
Accommodation in Agrigento: Baglio della Luna (or similar) Upgrade option: Hotel Villa Athena
After breakfast set out on a private guided tour of Agrigento’s most famous landmark, the Valley of the Temples, in the company of an expert archaeologist. Founded in 582 BC by Greek settlers, the temple is one of the most outstanding pieces of Greater Greece art and architecture and today is one of Sicily’s best-known attractions. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Agrigento which was described by the Greek poet Pindar as the ‘most beautiful of those inhabited by mortals’. (B)
Accommodation in Agrigento: Baglio della Luna (or similar) Upgrade option: Hotel Villa Athena
This morning continue your Sicilian journey to Piazza Armerina which is home to another of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa Romana del Casale. Unearthed in the late 1800s after being buried by a landslide in the 12th century, the museum houses the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Spend a couple of hours exploring this exquisite collection with a private guide before visiting a local sheep milk producer on the way to Siracusa. Take a tour of the farm and enjoy an included tasting of one of the region’s most traditional cheeses. Continue to Siracusa, a historic city that encapsulates Sicily's timeless beauty. Spend the evening at leisure wandering the cobbled streets and enjoying a glass of vino tinto.(B)
Accommodation in Siracusa: Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar) Upgrade option: Ortea Palace
Make an early start to visit the stunning island of Ortigia located in Siracusa’s historic city centre. Another of Sicily’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, spend the morning meandering down the winding streets where grandiose Renaissance and Baroque buildings enrich the archaeological wealth of this town. Continue to the impressive cathedral and visit the Temple of Apollo built in 6 BC. During the tour meet a local artisan who makes pupi - the puppets that feature in a Sicilian tradition opera dei pupi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Siracusa. (B)
Accommodation in Siracusa: Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar) Upgrade option: Ortea Palace
Today travel to Ragusa, a pretty hilltop city in southeast Sicily. Take a stroll through Ragusa Ilba, the old town, which is home to some beautiful baroque buildings including the Duomo di San Giorgio which features stained-glass windows and grand paintings. After some exploring, take part in a private cookery class learning how to make typical Sicilian dishes that you will later enjoy for lunch. In the afternoon travel to Modica, known as Italy’s chocolate capital, and visit a local chocolate laboratory with a tasting of artisanal chocolates. Travel back for your last evening in Siracusa where you will be free to explore the city’s multitude of al-fresco restaurants. (B, L)
Accommodation in Siracusa: Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar) Upgrade option: Ortea Palace
Enjoy the morning at leisure before travelling to Taormina, another of Sicily's beautiful hilltop towns that was described by write Goethe as ‘a corner of paradise’. On arrival meet your private guide for a walking tour through upper town which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. During the tour visit the ancient Greco-Roman theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, that is still used today and soak up the breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the turquoise seas below. Spend the evening at leisure in picturesque Taormina. (B)
Accommodation in Taormina: Villa Belvedere (or similar) Upgrade option: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
After breakfast travel to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, which dominates eastern Sicily. Take a cable car and enjoy a walk around the crater escorted by an alpine guide and be inspired by the panoramic views. The walking itinerary will be dependent on the volcano’s activity and also the guests’ physical conditions and interests. After working up a thirst on the walk, stop at a spectacular winery on the slopes of this legendary volcano. Taste fabulous local wines and enjoy a three-course lunch before driving back to Taormina. Spend your last evening at leisure sampling all those Sicilian delights you have yet to try. (B, L)
Accommodation in Taormina: Villa Belvedere (or similar) Upgrade option: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
After a leisurely morning your private driver will pick up and transfer you to the airport for your international flight home. (B)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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