Best of Sicily

Catania - Mount Etna - Taormina. Departing from Catania, we take a short drive to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, with its snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, you may hear the volcano’s quiet grumbling, a reminder of its restless nature. You’ll have the option to take a cable car up the mountain, followed by a 4x4 jeep ride to the crater or, for a more adventurous experience, take the cable car and hike to the rim of the crater for an up-close encounter with this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

We then journey through Sicily towards Taormina, stopping for lunch en route. If time permits, you may have time to visit Naxos, a charming seaside town, where you can explore the Museum and Archaeological Area with the ruins of Sicily’s first Greek colony or enjoy a boat ride, depending on time and weather.

Next, we cross the bay to Taormina, known as the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean’ and a favourite of famous visitors like Elizabeth Taylor. This hilltop town offers stunning views over the Ionian Sea, restored medieval buildings, and winding streets filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the Palazzo Corvaja, with its mix of Arab, Gothic, and Norman architecture, admire the Greek-Roman amphitheatre, enjoy some dinner and nightlife, or simply relax.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Catania Pick-Up, Hotel Airone City 4*, Via Nuovalucello, 81, Catania, 95126. The visit to the town of Naxos is time and weather dependent.

Taormina - Novara di Sicilia - Tindari - Palermo. After breakfast, we head inland to the historic village of Novara di Sicilia, known for its rich past, from Byzantine to Arab and Norman influences. You can explore the ruins of the Saracen castle, visit the Chiesa di San Giorgio with its twelve monolithic Corinthian columns, admire the 16th-century Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, or simply wander the charming streets, all set against the striking backdrop of Rocca Salvatesta, the ‘Matterhorn of Italy’.

Next, we travel to Tindari, a town rich in history and myth, named after Tindarus, king of Sparta. Here, you can discover the ancient city ruins, the 4th-century Greek Theatre overlooking the sea, and the rare Black Madonna, a 12th-century statue believed to have miraculous powers. We then continue to Cefalù, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters or explore the historic 12th-century Norman cathedral with its twin towers and Byzantine mosaics, or hike to the ruins of the Temple of Diana, though legend warns disturbing the site may incur the goddess’s wrath.

Our final stop of the day is Palermo, the capital city, where we’ll stay for the next two nights. Steeped in Arab, Roman, Norman, and Byzantine architecture, Palermo boasts impressive buildings, cathedrals, churches, and a palace. You’ll have the evening free to explore or relax at your leisure.

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo. Today, we’ll travel to the town of Monreale, where you can visit the cathedral and marvel at its ornate mosaics through the frames of intricate archways. you’ll also enjoy the scenic views of orchards stretching out around the hilltop town of Monreale.

After your cathedral visit, you can enjoy a Sicilian lunch before we head back to Palermo where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to further explore or relax.

Palermo - Castellammare del Golfo - Agrigento. This morning, we journey to Castellammare del Golfo on the western tip of the island, where you can relax on one of its many beaches, take a swim, or simply enjoy the salty breeze. As you explore the town, you’ll find sacred churches and buildings from various eras, including the Chiesa della Madonna della Scala carved into a rock face. Be sure to try Cofanetto, a local delicacy made from Sicily’s finest cheese.

Next, we will travel to Segesta, home to a stunning 5th-century Doric temple that remains unfinished and stands alone in a field surrounded by lush landscape. Its incomplete beauty and the mysteries surrounding its purpose and construction add to its intrigue.

We then continue to Agrigento, a city founded in 581 BC by Greek colonists. While many come for the Valley of the Temples, you can explore the rest of Agrigento’s archaeological treasures today, leaving the Valley for tomorrow. This evening, you’ll have time to wander the Old Town’s narrow streets and squares, enjoying Sicilian cuisine. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty.

Agrigento - Valley of the Temples - Agrigento. After breakfast, we begin our day by making our way to Scala dei Turchi, also known as the "Stair of the Turks"—not an actual staircase, but a breathtaking stretch of coastline. It’s so surreal that we can hardly believe it’s real. The dazzling white cliff before you is smooth and sculpted by nature, flowing seamlessly with the waves below. It’s simply a cliff, yet there is nothing simple about it.

We then return to Agrigento for the evening and finally reach the incomparable Valley of the Temples. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Valley with an optional guided tour. This magnificent ancient masterpiece, set among flowering almond trees, humbles us, not only with its grandeur but with the silent presence of its ruined and fallen statues. After our visit, we return to Agrigento for the night.

Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Syracuse. Today we depart from Agrigento and head to the town of Piazza Armerina. The Cathedral of Piazza Armerina immediately catches your eye, dominating the skyline like a palace above the town. You’ll have the chance to explore the town and its impressive cathedral, taking in the Renaissance and Baroque architecture, as well as the medieval street layout. You will have some free time to explore, art lovers can visit the Chiesa di San Giovanni to admire paintings and frescoes by Borremans. History enthusiasts, you can choose to opt to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Roman life through remarkable mosaics and artwork.

After time to explore and enjoy a bite to eat, we board the coach for Syracusa, our home for the next two nights. Having completed our island journey, we’re just an hour south of where we started in Catania, but there’s still much to discover. Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans in the 8th century BC, Syracusa was once a powerful city and remains a captivating blend of Greek and Roman history, impressive architecture, and stunning sea views. We’ll begin with an included guided tour of the city, followed by free time to explore at your own pace.

During your free time, you can visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, explore the Catacombs of San Giovanni, or relax in the Piazza del Duomo with a drink. Be sure to indulge in Sicilian cuisine. As you wander, remember that Syracusa is the birthplace of Archimedes and the home of ancient Greek playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, whose legendary works continue to inspire today.

Syracuse - Modica - Noto - Syracuse. Today, we kick off with caves and chocolate, and that’s just the start of what makes Modica so captivating. First on our agenda is, the chocolate. You will have the opportunity to join a tour of the working lab at the Chocolate Museum is the perfect place to learn about Modica’s chocolate-making heritage and perhaps treat yourself to a few souvenirs along the way. It’s a sweet introduction to the town’s rich history.

Modica is also a town full of surprises, with winding alleyways and stairways leading to incredible viewpoints. As you explore, you might stumble upon cave tombs, the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of San Giorgio, or the elegant Portale De Leva archway, just a few of the many hidden gems scattered throughout the town. Modica’s charm is undeniable, and you’ll no doubt find yourself capturing the beauty with your camera at every turn.

Next, we head to Scicli, a town so stunning that Italian writer Elio Vittorini once described it as “perhaps the most beautiful city in the world.” You will have time to explore the picturesque city Via Francesco Mormino Penna, one of Sicily’s most beautiful streets, and take in the striking Baroque architecture. Be sure to visit the 18th-century Palazzo Beneventano, where stone creatures seem to watch over the city.

After experiencing Scicli’s beauty, we continue to Noto, where the Baroque architecture truly shines in the sun. You can wander down the elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele, passing historic buildings, UNESCO sites, and local shops, before heading back to Syracusa for another evening, where you can enjoy the nightlife, food and drinks at one of the many spots.

Syracuse - Catania. After our final breakfast, we depart from Syracusa, with our first stop being the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you will be able to join an optional visit. Upon arrival, your eyes are immediately drawn to the Teatro Greco, a 5th-century amphitheatre that once held 16,000 spectators. You’ll have time to wander and explore the rest of this fascinating site, uncovering its many hidden treasures.

One such discovery may be the Latomia del Paradiso, a deep limestone quarry situated next to the theatre. Filled with catacombs and overrun with trees, this ancient site holds many secrets. It was once used to imprison around 7,000 prisoners, adding to the mystery and history of the location.

Our final stop of the day is the cave necropolis of Pantalica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop a cliff, offering spectacular views of the gorges of the River Anapo. Humans are believed to have inhabited this area as far back as 70,000 years. Today, the necropolis remains a striking site, with around 5,000 cave tombs carved into the rock. You’ll have time to explore this ancient burial site before we make our way back to Catania, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: The tour will end at approximately 17:00 - Catania Drop Off, Catania, Hotel AIRONE CITY 4*, Via Nuovalucello, 81, Catania, 95126