Sicily in Depth (Small Group)

Arrive at your hotel where you will spend three glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera. (DW) Stay: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.

Your hotel faces east, so early risers may learn why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina's grandest building, and along the elegant Corso Umberto. (B)

Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour.

Later, travel onwards to Palermo. (B) Stay: NH Palermo.

Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Monreale Cathedral with a Local Expert and marvel at the Byzantine mosaics. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively market.

Later this morning, visit Palermo Cathedral, which has been altered many times over the years, and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, each with their own ambience and cuisine. (B/DW)

Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa. (B) Stay: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.

Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse's Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka! ' Continue to Catania for a Celebration Dinner with your fellow travellers. (B/DW) Stay: NH Catania Centro.

Appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time on your departure transfer to Catania Airport. Transfers arrive at the airport at 06:30 and 08:30. (B)