Sicily Grand Tour

This tour starts in Catania. Those arriving on the group flight will be
transferred to our central hotel where we spend the next two nights.

Day 2

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mt Etna, Europe's
highest active volcano. We hike up past several old lava flows to be rewarded
with a dramatic panoramic view of the volcanic landscape (1 to 2 hours
walking, approx.5 km). You are strongly advised to take a
waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. In the
afternoon we enjoy a delicious wine & cheese tasting in one of the area’s
famous wine cellars. Overnight in Catania.

Day 3

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of this eclectic city. We start from the
historic heart of the city, Piazza Duomo, and wander through the main
streets, most of which boast several buildings which are a triumph of Baroque
style such as Palazzo dei Chierici, Palazzo degli Elefanti and the Duomo
(cathedral). We continue via the central fish market, one of the biggest in
Italy, and admire the array of bright colours and peculiar smells,
accompanied by the unabashed shouts of the fishmongers selling their fresh
produce. In the afternoon we drive for approx. 1 hour to the city of
Syracuse, once the most powerful city-state in the Greek world and briefly
capital of the Byzantine Empire. Here we take a guided tour of Neapolis
Archaelological Park accompanied by a local expert guide. The sight is
situated in the northwest of Syracuse and is famous for its spectacular
ruins, but in particular for the Greek theatre that dates back at least to
the 5th century BC. The Roman amphitheatre, built in the 3rd century AD is
also very impressive: 140m long - it is one of the largest to be found
anywhere; overnight in Syracuse.

Day 4

The day is free to explore the lovely island of Ortigia, Syracuse's
historical heart. We recommend starting from the Piazza del Duomo, a
delightful pedestrian square and home to the wonderful Cathedral. The island
measures just 1km by 500 metres and can be all easily explored on foot.
Restaurants, trattorias and bars abound and it is especially nice to sit out
on the western side, warmed by the sun and with a view over the sea. The
afternoon is free for further independent exploration. We recommend a visit
to the great archaeological museum Paolo Orsi, boasting an extensive
collection from the pre-Greek, to the Greek and Hellenistic eras and up to
Roman times. Close to the museum you can find the Catacombs of San Giovanni,
a maze of tunnels niched with early Christian tombs hidden beneath the
flower-filled ruins of a Norman church. Overnight in Syracuse.

Day 5

In the morning we leave Syracuse and head to the town of Noto (approx. 45
mins), which since 2002 has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Late
Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto'. The striking architecture is a result of
the the major earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. The old town of Noto was
almost completely destroyed, and it was then reconstructed with a special
design which was intended to be functional but also harmonious. We explore
the small town on foot, wandering around the narrow streets, admiring the
golden-coloured stone buildings and the fantastical facades and balconies.
After lunch we drive to the town of Ragusa (approx. 1 hour), considered one
of the most picturesque towns in Sicily and also one of the UNESCO-listed
Baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily. Ragusa became particularly famous in
recent years as one of the main filming locations for the Sicilian detective
drama Inspector Montalbano. The town is split in two parts, and while the
upper section offers some noteworthy architectural delights, it is the
smaller Ragusa Ibla below that really draws visitors. The historic centre is
compact, making it easy to explore on foot in a few hours.
**

Day 6

We start our day with a visit to Modica, another of the area's UNESCO-listed
Baroque towns boasting some fine architecture, picturesque views and historic
lanes. The chocolate made in this town is one of the most famous products of
Sicily and was discovered by the Aztecs in Mexico and brought to Sicily by
the Spanish during the 15th and 16th centuries. Luckily, we will have the
chance to sample it during a visit to the town's main chocolate shop. In the
afternoon we drive north (approx. 2 hours) to Piazza Armerina, a historic
town nestled in the heart of Sicily, and enjoy a pleasant stroll in its
charming centre.

Day 7

Today starts with a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and continues with a visit
to the famous UNESCO listed Villa Romana del Casale, considered the best
heritage site in Sicily by many visitors. This is one of the best-preserved
villas built during the Roman Empire, boasting extensive and almost intact
examples of mosaics spread over 3500 square meters. These extraordinarily
vivid mosaics, probably produced by North African artisans, portray scenes of
daily life, including the famous tableau of girls exercising in their
bikinis. We return to Piazza Armerina in the afternoon; those wishing to
explore further can choose to visit the impressive archaeological site of
Morgantina, approx. 40mins drive from the hotel (optional, payable
locally). The fascinating ruins of Morgantina, an ancient Greek city which
continued to thrive in Roman times, still preserve major Greek structures,
including the sanctuary in the Agora, the public grain store and the
theatre. 

Day 8

Today is one of the longest travel days as we make our way south, first
stopping in Agrigento (approx. 2 hours transfer) and then continuing to
Selinunte (approx. 1hr 20 mins drive) where we stay the night. In Agrigento
we will visit the iconic sight of the Valley of the Temples. A guided tour
will allow us to discover and learn the history of this splendid
archaeological park, which consists of eight temples (and various other
remains) built between approx. 510 BC and 430 BC. In the afternoon we explore
Selinunte, one of Sicily's great Greek archaeological sites. Situated in the
south-western corner of the island, the park incorporates Greek temples,
ancient town walls, the ruins of residential and commercial buildings,
countryside paths and zones yet to be excavated. Overnight in Selinunte.
**

Day 9

An hour’s drive north and a short boat ride bring us to the island of
Mozia, an interesting archaeological site in western Sicily, located between
the towns of Trapani and Marsala. The site was once an important colony of
Carthage, the Phoenician-founded city in North Africa, with a small museum
and extensive ruins to visit. In the afternoon we continue (approx. 1 hour
drive) to the picturesque mediaeval hilltop town of Erice, set in a stunning
location approximately 800m above sea level. It is not surprising that thanks
to its strategic position Erice was occupied by many civilizations; from the
Greeks and Carthaginians to the Romans and the Arabs and finally the Normans.
We enjoy some free time to explore the town's narrow lanes on foot, and
perhaps enjoy some down time and a drink in one of the panoramic terraces at
sunset. Overnight in Trapani.

Day 10

This morning we take a break from the cultural highlights of the island and
head to the coast to explore one of the best examples of idyllic
Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 7km between
the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west,
the Zingaro Nature Reserve boasts some stunning walking trails with views out
to the cliffs and the azure sea, coves and pristine beaches. We take a
leisurely walk for up to 3 hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal
trails with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the bus. In
the afternoon we make our way to Palermo, but not before stopping in the
ancient city of Segesta (40 mins drive), founded around 1200 BC by the
mysterious Elymians. Here we visit the Greek theatre and the well-preserved
5th-century BC Doric temple, set on top of a hill and surrounded by
mountains. Overnight in Palermo.
**

Day 11

We start our day with a half day excursion to Monreale (30 mins drive each
way) to visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of
Norman architecture in the world. An extensive area of the interior is
covered in gleaming gold mosaics and features an interesting combination of
Norman, Byzantine and Islamic art created during Sicily's most glorious era.
Later in the afternoon, a local expert guide will take us on a walking tour
around Palermo's historic centre revealing some of the most iconic monuments
of this city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square and Marina Square.
Overnight in Palermo.
**

Day 12

The day is free for further individual exploration of Palermo's historic
centre. A great way to spend the morning is by heading to one or two of the
main street markets (Ballarò, Capo or Vucciria) where the legacy of
Palermo’s past as a commercial port continues to manifest itself.
Palermo’s Muslim history has made an imprint on the bazaars of the town:
bustling, crowded, and full of all kinds of treasures. A morning at the
markets is without doubt the best way to connect with the real lifestyle of
the locals. Late afternoon we transfer to the lovely fishing village of
Cefalu (approx. 1 hr 15 mins). Overnight in Cefalu.

Day 13

Today is free to soak up the charming atmosphere of Cefalu. We recommend to
start the day with a visit to the impressive Norman cathedral, home to
elaborate Byzantine mosaics , and the restored twelfth-century cloister.
Continue with a stroll through the winding mediaeval streets of the historic
centre and stop for lunch near the picturesque harbour. In the afternoon you
can relax at the sandy beach, take a walk to the hilltop Rocca
offering superb views and old fortifications or visit Cefalù's town
museum, the Museo Mandralisca. Overnight in Cefalu.

Day 14

This morning we drive to the elegant and fashionable town of Taormina
(approx. 2hrs 40mins). On arrival we enjoy a short orientation tour through
the town's picture-perfect alleys followed by a visit to the Greek theatre
dating back to the 3rd century BC and offering splendid coastal views. The
remainder of the day is free for optional activities: if you are looking
for a break from the crowds, head to the lovely public gardens. You can also
consider a walk (one hour each way) or a bus ride to the neighbouring hamlet
of Castelmola. Those looking to relax in the sunshine may decide to visit
Isola Bella, a tiny island located in a small bay on the coast just below
Taormina. Activities such as cooking classes may be available on request.
Overnight in Taormina.

Day 15

**