Treasures of Sicily

Welcome to Sicily! We begin in the region's vibrant capital city, Palermo, boasting a blend of historical landmarks, diverse architecture, and a lively street life. The coastal city has been invaded many times over the years, resulting in a mixed architectural appearance with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist influences.

We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 11.00am.

Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader this afternoon before embarking on an anti-mafia walking tour through the streets of Palermo. We will gain insight into the historical context, significant events, and courageous figures who stood up against the criminal influence. This evening enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Our destination today is the picturesque coastal town of Milazzo, located in the Messina province of Sicily. The town is best known for its charming beaches, historical landmarks, and as a gateway to the beautiful Aeolian Islands. Before travelling to Milazzo, we will make our way eastward to the beautiful town of Cefalù. Here we'll have the opportunity to leisurely explore the cafe-lined medieval streets and have lunch.

Next, we visit Labirinto di Arianna, or Ariadne's Labyrinth, a sculpture high in the Nebrodi Mountains. This masterpiece is one of several grand pieces featured in the Fondazione Fiumara d'Arte Sicilia, a collection of outdoor sculptures. Take advantage of some free time to wander around at your own pace before we resume our journey towards Milazzo.

Our journey takes us to the hilltop town of Taormina today. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna, it is no surprise Taormina is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily. Before arriving in Taormina, we'll embark on a day trip by hydrofoil to the enchanting island of Lipari, located in the Aeolian Islands.

We'll take a tour of the town centre, exploring its unique blend of volcanic landscapes and Mediterranean allure. The island's main town boasts narrow winding streets lined with colourful buildings and traditional Italian charm. Enjoy some free time for lunch to further explore the towns quaint shops, local markets, and inviting cafes before boarding a ferry back to the mainland. Upon arriving in Taormina in the evening, you'll have the rest of the night to enjoy at your leisure.

Today we visit Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano at approximately 3,350 metres high. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, God of Fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. Over 1,200 square metres of Etna's surface is covered with solidified lava.

Special Experience: Indulge in a delightful lunch paired with a memorable wine tasting experience at a picturesque Sicilian winery. We'll return to our hotel in the late afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure for you to further explore Taormina at your own pace. Why not visit the picturesque Duomo dating back to the 13th century or take a leisurely stroll through the charming narrow streets of the old town. The choice is entirely yours!

We continue along the Mediterranean coast today, making our way to the beautiful Ragusa region. The region is famous for its rich red wines that are usually made from a blend of Nero d'Avola, Frappato and Pignatello grapes. During our journey, we'll make several stops, starting with a visit to Catania, the second-largest city in Sicily. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in Sicilian culture and its culinary delights as we take a walking tour, discovering the significance of Catania's food in the local heritage.

Next, we'll explore the small island of Ortigia, connected to the city of Syracuse. With a history dating back to ancient times, Ortigia is home to a myriad of historical landmarks, charming streets, and beautiful architecture. After a short orientation tour, there will be free time for you to grab some lunch and explore this fascinating island on your own. As we arrive in Ragusa late this afternoon, you'll have the evening free to acquaint yourself with the city. Enjoy the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of Ragusa at your own pace.

Take advantage of the morning at your leisure to further explore this wonderful city on your own. This afternoon we'll take a walking tour, visiting the old town and the impressive Duomo. We'll stroll through the winding streets, lined with centuries-old buildings, and discover the rich heritage of this beautiful Sicilian city.

Special Experience: Visit to a local cheese manufacturer, where you'll have the opportunity to sample a delectable tasting of the renowned Ragusano cheese. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

We set our sights on Marsala today, known for it's a production of the famous fortified wine of the same name. On our way to Marsala, we travel to the outskirts of Agrigento where we will visit the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's most historical attractions. Here we'll explore the spectacular archaeological site that preserves the ruins of seven ancient Greek temples and other monuments. We'll marvel at the Temples of Juno, Concord, Heracles, Zeus, Castor and Pollux, and learn about their history and significance.

As we continue our journey, we will make a photo stop at the Stair of the Turks, a stunning natural formation. Next, we'll have some leisure time in Sciacca for lunch before proceeding to Marsala.

This morning we'll take a captivating tour of Marsala, exploring the charming city and all its unique attractions. The tour will include a visit to the mesmerising salt flats that add to the region's allure. Delve into the history and culture of Marsala as we meander through its streets, and witness the fascinating salt production process, gaining insight into this ancient industry. You have the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy as you please.

Today we make our way to where we started – Palermo. After breakfast, we'll head to the medieval town of Erice. Perched atop Monte San Giuliano, located in the north west of Sicily, this walled hilltop town sits 750m above sea level offering spectacular valley and sea vistas. Make sure you are wearing walking shoes today, the narrow cobblestone streets and entrance to the town are quite steep!

Special Experience: In Erice, savour the local pastries, including the renowned Genovesi Ericine — a flaky shortcrust pastry filled with lemon cream. Take advantage of your free time to explore the town at your leisure before we proceed to Palermo.

This evening we enjoy a group farewell dinner.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the wonders of Sicily.