Highlights of Calabria, Mount Etna & Sicily

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples – the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.

This morning, you’ll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages, Civita is recognised by the Italian government as home to an ethnic minority. The Civitesi speak Arberesh, a unique blend of Italian and Albanian, found only here and in parts of Sicily. Explore this fascinating village on foot, visit a local shop to sample regional delights or take a scenic walk in the hills. (B)

Make sure you get a good breakfast this morning as you have the option to hike up Mount Sellaro – one of the peaks of Pollino National Park. On the way to the mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria – a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Maybe stock up on some of the tasty local produce, then continue to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, on the rocky hillside. The hike path begins just beyond the sanctuary – although it's a reasonably long trek, it’s well worth the summit views of the Achaean coast. If you decide the hike isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the National Park. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife – including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture – this area is a wildlife lover’s paradise. (B)

After breakfast this morning, transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. Known for the faded buildings and iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs, Tropea feels timeless. Explore the town on an orientation walk with your leader, then maybe visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which houses an icon of Madonna of Romania – the town’s revered protectress. Next to the Duomo, there’s the Museo Diocesano – a small museum in the Palazzo Vescovile full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, head to the beach and see the impressive structures on the nearby cliffs. (B)

If the weather permits, you’ll set out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli this morning. When you arrive, visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or dine at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you’ll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to see the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions. (B)

Take a train to Reggio Calabria – the gateway to Sicily. The city is in a major earthquake zone and has experienced much destruction over the years, leaving fewer historical sites compared to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a unique mix of old buildings and modern structures, which you’ll see on an orientation walk. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio – this museum is home to a collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace (two giant bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s). Tonight, maybe hunt down one of the city's best restaurants for local dishes like grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli. (B)

This morning, drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sailing along the Sicilian coast, you’ll check out the bays and caves of Taormina, characterised by the imposing rocks that surround them. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy an aperitif with snacks and learn about the village from your skipper. Maybe even stop for a swim to cool off before continuing on to Catania. When you arrive, you have a free night to explore the city’s bar culture and find a good spot for dinner. (B)

Wake up in Catania this morning and head out for an orientation walk with your leader to see the city. Wander through the grand piazzas and wide streets, then be treated to a granita tasting (a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water and various flavours). Then, maybe see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture or head out with your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up tonight, make sure to toast to a trip well travelled. (B)

Enjoy a free day in the charming Catania. Maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the Mt Etna volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other. (B)

Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m on the northern side, you’ll visit a lava cave with helmets and torches and walk into the centre of extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. After, hit the road to Syracuse where your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the most interesting parts of the city. The evening is yours to explore or chill out, as you wish. (B)

Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got the day free to explore Syracuse however you like. Perhaps wander through the streets and check out the crumbling building facades and balconies supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Maybe take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for a scenic view of the walled off cityscape or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Alternately, fill your whole day just wandering aimlessly through the city, stopping by cafes, restaurants and grabbing a granita in the afternoon. (B)

After breakfast today, head for the city of Agrigento. Along the way, stop at Noto – a small town with limestone buildings that dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. You’ll then see the ‘new’ baroque city of Ragusa that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, resulting in two vastly different sides to the same city. After exploring the tangled alleyways and baroque palazzi, travel on to Agrigento. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to maybe find the historic centre that extends up the Colle di Girgenti hill. Head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for a panoramic view over the valley (Valley of the Temples) and the sea for sunset and be sure to try the famous gelato pecorino in one of the local cafés or patisseries. (B)

Take a step back in time today as you explore the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Try to nab a window seat today, as along the way you’ll have great views of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour in the Valley of the Temples, you’ll head on to Marsala – a coastal town in the west of Sicily. (B)

Today, set your sights on Palermo, making a few scenic stops along the way. First, you’ll explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice. Despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, there are plenty of beautiful buildings in this town, each showcasing architectural styles from a varied history. Before you get back on the road, be sure to pick yourself up a Genovesi (a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream). Then, make your way to the capital of Sicily, Palermo. When you arrive, you’ll have a free the afternoon to explore as you wish. You might like to wander the labyrinth of small alleyways, buzzing market squares and winding roads. Or, check out some of the main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city. (B)

Take part in a walking tour with a local guide this morning and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square all have a rich history in civil mobilisation – plus, they are known to serve delicious street food. You’ll get a chance to meet shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists, then you have the option to visit nearby Monreale – situated in a panoramic position above Palermo with fantastic views over the city and the sea. Visit the cathedral here, described as one of the ‘wonders of the medieval world’, and climb to its roof. Alternately, you might like to wander the city of Palermo at your own will. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure. (B)

Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)