Northern Sicily: Islands & Volcanoes

Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal.

Set off by train for a scenic day trip to Cefalù and join your CEO for an orientation walk of one of Italy's most beautiful townships. Enjoy some free time to observe local fisherman working on their boats or visit the 12th century Duomo di Cefalú. In the afternoon, travel back to Palermo then head out for an orientation walk of Palermo's historic city centre.

• Cefalù Beach Visit: Cefalù's crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular along the whole Sicilian coast. Enjoy a quick dip in the waters, or simply lounge on the beach.
• Salita Saraceni Visit: The Salita Saraceni is an enormous staircase that winds up through three tiers of city walls. Spend 30 to 45 minutes heading up to the summit of La Rocca - from here, you'll have wonderful views of the town below.
• Duomo di Cefalù: Have an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo and visit Cefalù's cathedral, one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown. Opt to climb the towers themselves for great views of the area.

Travel to the Aeolian Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic lands known as "the pearls of Italy" for their intriguing natural formations. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, spend the next few days exploring pockets of this coastal paradise. Take a car and ferry to reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to visit a local beach, or take another short ferry to see Vulcano's active crater.

• Town Centre Visit: One of Lipari's great pleasures is simply going for a passeggiate (afternoon stroll) around the island's streets, taking in its laid-back atmosphere. Head to Corso Vittorio Emanuele - the liveliest street in town - and visit one of its many inviting bars, cafes and restaurants.
• Spiaggia di Canneto Beach Visit: Head to the island's most popular swimming spot - the long, pebbly strip at Canneto - and spend a day on the beach like a local.
• Ferry to Vulcano Island: Take a 10 min ferry ride to nearby Vulcano, a small volcanic island, visited since ancient Roman times. Opt to take an hour-long crater hike.

Enjoy a free morning in Lipari. Later, head out for an excursion to explore the beautiful islands of Panarea and Stromboli by boat. Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Junco, stroll through Panarea's scenic whitewashed village, and explore the town of Stromboli before taking an unforgettable sunset cruise. In the night breeze of the open sea, witness active Mount Stromboli's spectacular eruptions.

We recommend bringing a sweater or other layered clothing for today's boat excursion, which ends around 10pm.

Say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and ferry back to the mainland, then continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most visited destinations. After a short orientation walk, enjoy free time to visit the stunning Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheatre with commanding views of Mount Etna. Travel onwards to Catania for the evening.

• Catania Orientation Walk: Head out with your CEO for an introduction to this elegant and lively city.
• Teatro Greco Taormina: Built in the 3rd century BC and still in use today, Teatro Greco is one of the most dramatically situated Greek theatres in the world.
• Corso Umberto I Visit: Taormina's chief delight is wandering this pedestrian-friendly, boutique-lined thoroughfare.
• Villa Comunale Gardens: Created by Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century, these beautiful public gardens offer breathtaking views of the coast and Mt Etna.

Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk to get your bearings in Catania. Afterwards, you'll have free time to continue exploring this town and all of its museums and historic attractions. Maybe visit La Pescheria market or walk the Via Etnea.

Please note that special meal requirements cannot be accommodated on the optional Catania Food Tour.

• Catania Food Tour: Head out on the town with a local expert, discovering the culinary delights of Catania’s vibrant food scene. Stroll through picturesque alleyways and marvel at the iconic landmarks while sampling classic treats like arancini, cannoli, fried fish, and flavourful cipollina. You’re sure to be captivated by the colours, aromas, and lively energy found in the historic Pescheria Market, as your guide uncovers Catania’s rich, local history. This is, quite possibly, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
• Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour: Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). After, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives and bread, paired with excellent local wines.
• La Pescheria Visit: Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7am-2pm.
• Piazza del Duomo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata.
• Via Etnea Walk: Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local unfold.

Depart at any time.