Itinerary

Depart Catania

We hope you've been having fun so far in Catania, even if just for the night – but today we're off on our adventure around Sicily. Our first stop is nearby Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano.

Mount Etna

Our first stop is Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano and we're not just here to look. The choice of how well you get to know her is yours. Perhaps you'll jump on the cable car, followed by a 4x4 tour all the way to the crater. If you're looking for something a little more active, after the cable car up the side of the mountain, you can hike yourself over to the crater rim. Note: This will require sturdy walking shoes and a good level of fitness. But if you are happy for something a little more low-key, there are lower-crater trails for easier walks with stunning views in Etna's shadow. Cable Car tickets and 4x4 crater tour are included in the tour price.

Naxos

We say goodbye to Etna and head into greater Sicily. After stopping somewhere along the route for a bite to eat, you head towards Taormina. But before we arrive, we'll stop in at the lovely beachside town of Naxos. Here, in this quaint Greek settlement, you might pop into the Museum and Archaeological Area of Naxos to see the ruins of the first Greek settlement established in Sicily. Perhaps you'll enjoy a little boat ride. It's up to you depending on time and weather.

Free evening in Taormina

Then we'll head just to the other side of the bay to the lovely town of Taormina. Quite quickly, you'll come to understand why it's known as the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean', and why endless famous people – such as Elizabeth Taylor – have vacationed here. This idyllic hilltop town sits on the east coast of Sicily, with a stunning view over the Ionian Sea. The medieval buildings have long since been restored, the winding streets are brimming with shops, bars, and restaurants. Best part about Taormina? It's our overnight stop for tonight, so you don't have to rush off or rush around. Instead, simply take it all in at your own pace.

Depart Taormina

Get ready for a big day. After enjoying your hotel breakfast, we head inland to our first stop: the historical and picturesque village of Novara di Sicilia. Is she one of Italy's most beautiful villages? That's for you to decide as you wander its winding streets.

A visit to Novara

For a small place, there's plenty of history here. From Byzantine to Arab to Normans, it's seen its fair share. But now it's for you to enjoy. Enjoy what, exactly? Well, that's up to you. Wander the ruins of the Saracen castle, visit the Chiesa di San Giorgio and its twelve monolithic Corinthian columns, marvel at the 16th-century Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, or you could simply wander and stare at the amazing architecture, all with a backdrop of the Rocca Salvatesta, the ‘Matterhorn of Italy'.

Tindari and Cefalu

Next, we visit a truly breathtaking spot: the small town of Tindari, named after Tindarus, king of Sparta. There's so much to learn about Tindari, but much will make you wonder: is it history or myth? Don't miss the ruins of the ancient city and the impressive 4th-century Greek Theatre, which overlooks the sea. Then, we head to Cefalù, where you'll be torn between the stunning blue water and inviting beach. From its historic palazzos to medieval washhouses, you won't know where to start. How about the 12th-century Norman cathedral? Soaring twin towers invite you inside, where an ornate and unfathomable Byzantine mosaic-studded interior waits to be admired.

Free evening in Palermo

Our final stop of the day is also our overnight stay for the next two nights. You'll need a bit of extra time in the capital city of Palermo, you see. A wild mix of architecture is around every corner – Arab, Roman, Norman, Byzantine. And the buildings! Cathedrals, churches, even a palace. So, take your time, enjoy your night and tell us all about it in the morning.

Depart for Monreale

We know the feeling. There is still so much to see in Palermo that it can be hard to tear yourself away. But not to worry we will return this afternoon. For now tho we head to Monreale as you first stop of the day.

Monreale

Gaze through the frames of ornate archways at a view so stunning it can't be real. Strain your neck as you attempt to take in every inch of a mosaiced cathedral. Enjoy the views of orchards as they stretch out around the hilltop town of Monreale. After a lovely morning exploring Monreale and treating yourself to a lovely Sicilian lunch, we head back to Palermo in the afternoon.

Free time to explore Palermo

The capital of Sicily has many treasures to reveal as you spend a free afternoon trying your best to uncover as many as possible. With 2700 years of existence it would be a very large task indeed to see everything! But we can recommend a few gems worth considering. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral is home to royal tombs and the grand neoclassical Teatro Massimo, renowned for its opera performances, is another highlight of the city. In the heart of Palermo, you'll also find the Palazzo dei Normanni, a royal palace with origins dating back to the 9th century, and the Cappella Palatina, celebrated for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Free evening in Palermo

It's your last night in Palermo so make it count! Revisit favourite spots from the day that take on a very different atmosphere in the twilight. That cute little restaurant you spotted? Time to find it all over again for an evening meal.

Depart Palermo

We have to hand it to Sicily: it knows how to impress. This morning we journey to the western tip of the island to the town of Castellammare del Golfo.

Arrive in Castellammare del Golfo

They say the town's beauty cannot be fully appreciated without experiencing one of its many beaches... and we'd have to agree. So, perhaps that's the place to start? Dip your toes in, maybe even take a swim, or simply enjoy the salty breeze on your face. As for the rest of the town, Castellammare del Golfo is filled with sacred churches and buildings from a variety of eras. For our photographers, make sure to snap a picture of the Chiesa della Madonna della scala, carved right into the face of a rock.

Segesta

Segesta was one of the major cities of the Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. This is a ‘wow' kind of place. Extraordinary is another word that comes to mind. This incredible Doric temple dates back to the 5th century... but it was never finished. And there's something about her standing there alone, quiet in a field surrounded by a luscious Italian landscape, that makes you appreciate her incomplete beauty. And then there are the questions that has puzzled archaeologists for centuries: why was the temple built here, what was its intended purpose, and why was it never completed?

Free evening in the city of Agrigento

We hop back on the bus and head to the hilltop city of Agrigento. The city was founded back in 581 BC by Greek colonists that hailed from Rhodes and Crete. Today, many visit the Valley of the Temples alone, but we'll tell you more about that tomorrow. For now, it's time to explore the rest of Agrigento, which you'll have plenty of time for since this is our overnight stop for the next two nights. So tonight, while you're meandering through the Old Town with its narrow streets and picturesque squares, deciding where you should dine, make sure you bring your camera.

Depart for Scala dei Turchi

we're still not sure if our first stop of the day is a real place or if it's a fever dream, because – let's face it – the Scala dei Turchi are almost too good to be true. The ‘Stair of the Turks' aren't an actual staircase, but this stretch of coastline will have you second-guessing what you see and understand about nature. The cliff before you has a dazzling, white complexion. Smooth at every angle. Almost at one with the undulation of the sea below.

Discover the Valley of the Temples

It's time to finally welcome you to the incomparable Valley of the Temples, a magnificent ruinous masterpiece that sits in a valley of flowering almond trees. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will humble you, not just with its grandeur, but under the gaze of the ruined and fallen statues around you.

Free time to explore Valley of the Temples

This site is vast so we have given you the afternoon to explore before we make the return journey to Agrigento in the late afternoon.

Free evening in the city of Agrigento

You return to Agrigento for another idyllic night of delicious local food and warm hospitality.

Depart for Piazza Armerina

Good morning Sicily! After breakfast at your hotels, we say goodbye to Agrigento and head to the town of Piazza Armerina.

Free morning in Piazza Armerina

The first thing you'll notice is the Cathedral of Piazza Armerina which dominates the skyline above. It's a striking view, and today you have the chance to explore this town and the cathedral at your own pace. Today is full of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the medieval layout, and something interesting around every corner. Art lovers, make sure you call in at the Chiesa di San Giovanni, where stunning paintings and frescoes by Borremans are on display. And if you've ever wanted to be hurtled back in time, make sure you stop in at the Villa Romana del Casale. Make sure to grab a bite to eat while here before we depart in the early afternoon.

Guided tour of Siracusa

After time to explore and a bite to eat, it's back on the bus and heading for the town of Siracusa, our home for the next two nights of the tour. We'll start you off with an included guided tour of Siracusa, to help you get your bearings for later when you're given free time to explore at your own pace. Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans in 8th century BC, Siracusa was a powerful city back in its day. Today, people come to marvel at the Greek and Roman history, the culture and architecture and amphitheaters, and – of course – that striking sea view. Guided, English speaking tour included in your tour price.

Free evening in Siracusa

You're now given free time to explore at your own pace. So, whether you explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis or delve into the Catacombs of San Giovanni, relax at the Piazza del Duomo with a small beverage or indulge in as much Sicilian cuisine as you can get your hands on, your evening is likely to be a memorable one. As you wander, keep in mind that this is a home of legends. Mathematician and engineer, Archimedes, was born here in the 3rd century. And ancient Greek playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides also hailed from here, before they shared their incredible stories with the world.

Depart for Modica

Get ready for flavours you won't forget and fascinations you will marvel at as we head off first thing for the city of Modica.

Modica Caves and Chocolate

Today begins with caves and chocolate—the highlights of Modica. The working lab at the Chocolate Museum might be all you're looking for from this trip and we'd completely understand. It's a great place to explore Modica's chocolate-making history, as well as grabbing yourself several dozen souvenirs. Beyond the chocolate, Modica is a surprising and mysterious little town. You'll lose yourself in the maze of alleyways and stairways as you discover more and more viewpoints. Wander enough and you may discover the cave tombs, the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of San Giorgio, the elegant Portale De Leva archway... among so many other things to stumble upon.

Scicli and Noto

Our next stop, Scicli, was described as “perhaps the most beautiful city in the world” by famous Italian writer Elio Vittorini. Perhaps start on the Via Francesco Mormino Penna, considered one of the most beautiful streets in Sicily. The city is filled with stunning Baroque architecture, including the UNESCO-listed, Palazzo Beneventano. Now we head to our final stop of the day: Noto. When the sun shines down on Noto, this city glows. All around you is glistening Baroque architecture, richly decorated buildings, a grand archway greeting you to the city. Stroll down the elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele walkway, and take your pick of historical buildings, UNESCO-listed sites.

Return to Siracusa

We depart Noto and head back to Siracusa for another night of delicious food and drink. It's the last night of your tour so it's time to try that delicacy that's on your list or treat yourself to some lovely gifts to take home.

Head to Neapolis Archaeological Parc

No need to get the last-day blues, because today is still going to knock your historical socks off. Our first stop is the Neapolis Archaeological Parc.

Neapolis Archaeological Parc

You arrive at Neapolis Archaeological Parc, where the eye is immediately drawn to the Teatro Greco, a 5th-century amphitheater that used to hold 16,000 spectators for gruesome Gladiator battles. But wander on and see what else this stunning site has tucked away. Perhaps you'll be drawn to the Latomia del Paradiso, a deep limestone quarry just beside the theatre. Riddled with catacombs, bursting with trees, and smuggling away its secrets, some 7000 prisoners were once held here.

Necropolis of Pantalica cave

Our final stop of the day is the cave Necropolis of Pantalica. When one says the word ‘cave', some are thrilled, others are nervous... yet all are intrigued. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perched on a cliff with an enviable view of the gorges of River Anapo. Humans are suspected to have inhabited this area as far back as 70,000 years. Today, people (like you) are still drawn to this area, and to the necropolis of some 5,000 cave tombs that have been carved into the natural rock. Explore, imagine, marvel... but don't get lost.

Return to Catania

As you find your way back to the bus, we return to Catania where our tour ends. You'll take with you the myth and mystery of this place steeped in history, beauty and endless charm.