Arrive in Palermo, Sicily's capital with a rich mix of Greek, Roman, Islamic and Byzantine culture all merging into a fascinating mix of architecture and customs.

Due to the number of arrival flights on the first day our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception on day two at 8am for the welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Palermo at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino International airport (airport code PMO), which is 35km, around 45 minutes from the airport.

Please note that a full dinner is served up until 9pm; if you are arriving later than this we can arrange for a cold platter to be provided.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit the Gothic Cathedral with its extensive mosaics and beautiful cloisters. To get away from the summer heat the Botanical gardens are also well worth a visit, the city centre is compact with a network of narrow streets and expansive piazzas with a great choice of places to eat. Palermo is well known for is colourful and bustling open-air markets with a wide range of food options from pane e panelle (a Sicilian sandwich stuffed with chickpeas) or a wholesome bowl of homemade fresh spaghetti with sundried tomatoes, olives, capers and topped with breadcrumbs. Most restaurants also offer child menus. Stay: San Paolo Palace Hotel (Comfortable) (D)

Overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo is one of Sicily's cultural and historic highlights, combining influences from the Greeks, Byzantines and Romans. We spend the day exploring some of its treasures today, stopping off at the Piazza Marina to visit Villa Garibaldi - a small garden set amidst some of Palermo's best-known historic buildings.

This afternoon we enjoy a cookery lesson of pasta and gnocchi, putting our culinary skills to the test. We get to eat our dishes at the end of the class, a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved! Stay: San Paolo Palace Hotel (Comfortable) (B/D)

After breakfast this morning drive two hours to the Madonie Adventure Park for a full day amongst the wooded landscapes near Petralia Sottana.

Spend the day trying the parks many delights. You can choose to either brave the assault course through the trees, with zip-lines, rope ladders and 'Tibetan bridges' or try your hand at archery, tree climbing and 'Power fan' (which involves free-falling from high platforms whilst attached to a safety harness). Please note that throughout the trip you will need to be well prepared for the activities by bringing appropriate footwear, for this day we also recommend cycling gloves for the high wire course. Please refer to the equipment and clothing section for full details. There are five tree tents within the trees set around 6 meters off the ground surrounded by the forest. The tents can accommodate three people per tent with another five tents on the ground which are positioned on platforms for those wanting to sleep nearer the forest floor! The area is illuminated at night and there are toilets close by. Stay: Adventure Park Madonie (Simple) (B/D)

Pack your swimsuits, water shoes, sunscreen and goggles as we experience the islands largest water theme park. The award winning water park boasts over 14 slides all designed for excitement and adventure including; The Black Hole (guests are seated on a 2-person dinghy that slides through a dark and twisting tunnel), Jungle Splash (20 seater boat with a drop of 30 meters towards the splash zone below), Hydro and Dark Kamikaze slides both with steep drops where your back sometimes doesn't even touch the slide, Twin Twister (four slides linked together over 120 meters) and Rafting River with a 4-person dinghy that slides right into the pool. The Wave Pool, the largest in Europe, comes to life every hour for splashing fun.

Take a break from the excitement by enjoying a relaxing float around the Lazy River or at the Blue Lagoon, an oasis of rocks and waterfalls. You can also enjoy a hydro massage at the relaxing Hydro Pool.

There are some height restrictions on certain attractions up to 1.4 meters high Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

One of the highlights of our journey is a visit to the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe (3330 meters) and one of the largest in the world.

We'll drive up the mountain this morning, passing through citrus groves and beech woods to Linguaglossa Rovittello where we taste a selection of dairy products and salami. We continue to Curva Sparita which is where the lava flow of 2002/2003 engulfed a part of the old road to Mareneve before arriving in Piano Provenzana (1,800m) where there is the opportunity to view photographs of previous eruptions that have been taken by a local well known photographer. We continue by foot along a path that goes up to the crater of the Northeast side of the volcano to an altitude of about 2,300 m, stopping off at an old Bottoniera (numerous craters formed in 1923 including the longest one on the volcano) where we also stop for lunch. We continue the walk for around 1 ½ hours returning to Piano Provenzana where we meet our transport and visit a volcanic cave which is one of more than 200 caves in the area (1,750 m) before returning by bus to our hotel. Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

Spend today exploring the landscapes that lie along the Alcantara River. Carved from basalt rock, the gorge drops down over 50 meters, following the course of the river and providing us with some stunning but short walking trails. We hike up to the Terrace of Venus this morning, before continuing along the Gorge Trail to view the surreal monoliths of lava that lie strewn across the valley floor. Total 2km, one hour walking.

After lunch we then travel to Aci Castello where we will sea kayak along a guided course exploring the protected marine park of Isole Ciclopi for a few hours which includes a circumnavigation of the towering sea rocks of the Faraglioni di Actirezza before returning back to Acicastello - life jackets, tuition and auto draining 2 or 3 seater kayaks are provided. Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

This morning travel the short distance to Taormina, Sicily's most famous resort. Once a favourite haven for the likes of D. H Lawrence and Oscar Wilde, Taormina is still today a popular tourist destination. After a walk around this chic and beautiful town, with its pretty medieval churches and charming streets, it's easy to understand why. With a local guide we'll visit the Greek Theatre. The snow-capped Mount Etna acts as a spectacular backdrop to the remarkably preserved columned stage and it's easy to see why this is possibly the most famous view in all of Sicily and it makes for a superb photograph. After our tour there is free time to walk amidst magnolia, hibiscus and bougainvillea trees. We would recommend taking a stroll down one of Taormina's side streets where you'll find a variety of less-busy bars and restaurants for lunch than in the very centre of town.

This afternoon drive to Naxos to pick up snorkeling gear. Heading out into the Mediterranean on a rib boat, we visit the Isola Bella Marine Park and snorkel in two spots, the Blue Cave Bay and Isola Bella South Side. Snorkelling equipment is provided including; fins, mask, snorkel, wet suit and life jacket. Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in the village of Linguaglossa.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Linguaglossa at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Catania airport (airport code CTA), which is 70 km, around 1 hour 15 minutes from our hotel. (B)

Arrive in Palermo, Sicily's capital with a rich mix of Greek, Roman, Islamic and Byzantine culture all merging into a fascinating mix of architecture and customs.

Due to the number of arrival flights on the first day our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception on day two at 8am for the welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Palermo at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino International airport (airport code PMO), which is 35km, around 45 minutes from the airport.

Please note that a full dinner is served up until 9pm; if you are arriving later than this we can arrange for a cold platter to be provided.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit the Gothic Cathedral with its extensive mosaics and beautiful cloisters. To get away from the summer heat the Botanical gardens are also well worth a visit, the city centre is compact with a network of narrow streets and expansive piazzas with a great choice of places to eat. Palermo is well known for is colourful and bustling open-air markets with a wide range of food options from pane e panelle (a Sicilian sandwich stuffed with chickpeas) or a wholesome bowl of homemade fresh spaghetti with sundried tomatoes, olives, capers and topped with breadcrumbs. Most restaurants also offer child menus. Stay: San Paolo Palace Hotel (Comfortable) (D)

Overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo is one of Sicily's cultural and historic highlights, combining influences from the Greeks, Byzantines and Romans. We spend the day exploring some of its treasures today, stopping off at the Piazza Marina to visit Villa Garibaldi - a small garden set amidst some of Palermo's best-known historic buildings.

This afternoon we enjoy a cookery lesson of pasta and gnocchi, putting our culinary skills to the test. We get to eat our dishes at the end of the class, a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved! Stay: San Paolo Palace Hotel (Comfortable) (B/D)

After breakfast this morning drive two hours to the Madonie Adventure Park for a full day amongst the wooded landscapes near Petralia Sottana.

Spend the day trying the parks many delights. You can choose to either brave the assault course through the trees, with zip-lines, rope ladders and 'Tibetan bridges' or try your hand at archery, tree climbing and 'Power fan' (which involves free-falling from high platforms whilst attached to a safety harness). Please note that throughout the trip you will need to be well prepared for the activities by bringing appropriate footwear, for this day we also recommend cycling gloves for the high wire course. Please refer to the equipment and clothing section for full details. There are five tree tents within the trees set around 6 meters off the ground surrounded by the forest. The tents can accommodate three people per tent with another five tents on the ground which are positioned on platforms for those wanting to sleep nearer the forest floor! The area is illuminated at night and there are toilets close by. Stay: Adventure Park Madonie (Simple) (B/D)

Pack your swimsuits, water shoes, sunscreen and goggles as we experience the islands largest water theme park. The award winning water park boasts over 14 slides all designed for excitement and adventure including; The Black Hole (guests are seated on a 2-person dinghy that slides through a dark and twisting tunnel), Jungle Splash (20 seater boat with a drop of 30 meters towards the splash zone below), Hydro and Dark Kamikaze slides both with steep drops where your back sometimes doesn't even touch the slide, Twin Twister (four slides linked together over 120 meters) and Rafting River with a 4-person dinghy that slides right into the pool. The Wave Pool, the largest in Europe, comes to life every hour for splashing fun.

Take a break from the excitement by enjoying a relaxing float around the Lazy River or at the Blue Lagoon, an oasis of rocks and waterfalls. You can also enjoy a hydro massage at the relaxing Hydro Pool.

There are some height restrictions on certain attractions up to 1.4 meters high Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

One of the highlights of our journey is a visit to the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe (3330 meters) and one of the largest in the world.

We'll drive up the mountain this morning, passing through citrus groves and beech woods to Linguaglossa Rovittello where we taste a selection of dairy products and salami. We continue to Curva Sparita which is where the lava flow of 2002/2003 engulfed a part of the old road to Mareneve before arriving in Piano Provenzana (1,800m) where there is the opportunity to view photographs of previous eruptions that have been taken by a local well known photographer. We continue by foot along a path that goes up to the crater of the Northeast side of the volcano to an altitude of about 2,300 m, stopping off at an old Bottoniera (numerous craters formed in 1923 including the longest one on the volcano) where we also stop for lunch. We continue the walk for around 1 ½ hours returning to Piano Provenzana where we meet our transport and visit a volcanic cave which is one of more than 200 caves in the area (1,750 m) before returning by bus to our hotel. Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

Spend today exploring the landscapes that lie along the Alcantara River. Carved from basalt rock, the gorge drops down over 50 meters, following the course of the river and providing us with some stunning but short walking trails. We hike up to the Terrace of Venus this morning, before continuing along the Gorge Trail to view the surreal monoliths of lava that lie strewn across the valley floor. Total 2km, one hour walking.

After lunch we then travel to Aci Castello where we will sea kayak along a guided course exploring the protected marine park of Isole Ciclopi for a few hours which includes a circumnavigation of the towering sea rocks of the Faraglioni di Actirezza before returning back to Acicastello - life jackets, tuition and auto draining 2 or 3 seater kayaks are provided. Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

This morning travel the short distance to Taormina, Sicily's most famous resort. Once a favourite haven for the likes of D. H Lawrence and Oscar Wilde, Taormina is still today a popular tourist destination. After a walk around this chic and beautiful town, with its pretty medieval churches and charming streets, it's easy to understand why. With a local guide we'll visit the Greek Theatre. The snow-capped Mount Etna acts as a spectacular backdrop to the remarkably preserved columned stage and it's easy to see why this is possibly the most famous view in all of Sicily and it makes for a superb photograph. After our tour there is free time to walk amidst magnolia, hibiscus and bougainvillea trees. We would recommend taking a stroll down one of Taormina's side streets where you'll find a variety of less-busy bars and restaurants for lunch than in the very centre of town.

This afternoon drive to Naxos to pick up snorkeling gear. Heading out into the Mediterranean on a rib boat, we visit the Isola Bella Marine Park and snorkel in two spots, the Blue Cave Bay and Isola Bella South Side. Snorkelling equipment is provided including; fins, mask, snorkel, wet suit and life jacket. Stay: Hotel Mareneve Resort (Comfortable) (B/D)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in the village of Linguaglossa.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Linguaglossa at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Catania airport (airport code CTA), which is 70 km, around 1 hour 15 minutes from our hotel. (B)