Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean tour
Sicily – Jewel of the Mediterranean tour
Sicily, at the geographical and historical heart of the Mediterranean, has been coveted, fought over and colonised for millennia. As such, the island presents a unique culture, best exhibited in its architecture, language and cuisine, which bears the stamp of the Phoenicians, Athenians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Byzantines and Bourbons. This comprehensive 10-day exploration introduces you to Sicily’s best-known treasures, including its superbly well-preserved Greek temples, legendary Mount Etna and splendid Monreale Cathedral.
Day 1 London – Catania
VIP Home Departure Service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Catania. On arrival you are driven to your hotel for the next three nights, the Hotel Romano Palace or similar, where dinner is included this evening.
Day 2 Syracuse – Ortigia
You will travel south with our local guide to Syracuse, rich in Ancient Greek history. Later you visit Ortigia, a small island joined to Syracuse by a bridge since the 16th century, but its past goes further back and it is a pleasure to explore the narrow medieval lanes. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 3 Aci Castello – Catania
In the morning you travel to Catania before moving on to Aci Castello, whose 11th century Norman castle is built out of lava, then you are free for the rest of the day.
Day 4 Catania – Cefalu – Palermo
You will spend some time in the attractive maritime town of Cefalù this morning on your way to the bustling city of Palermo. Your hotel, the Hotel Palazzo Sitano or similar, is centrally-located close to the sea and the lively streets. You will receive a welcome drink on arrival and dinner tonight is at a local restaurant, just a short walk away.
Day 5 Palermo – Monreale
Morning at leisure. This afternoon you will travel to Monreale for a guided visit of the magnificent cathedral, famed for its multi-coloured marble paintings and mosaics. You will return to Palermo for a guided tour of the town including the stunning 12th century Norman cathedral.
Day 6 Segesta – Trapani – Selinunte – Agrigento
Your first stop today is Segesta for a guided tour including a visit to the fascinating Greek temple ruins then continue to the fishing port of Trapani. Lastly, at Selinunte you will be joined by a local guide to view the Greek archaeological site. You arrive early evening at your hotel, Hotel Baia di Ulisse, where dinner is included.
Day 7 Agrigento – Valley of the Temples – Piazza Armerina – Taormina
You start your day with one of the highlights – a guided visit, including entrance, of the nearby Valley of the Temples. After time for lunch, you head east to Piazza Armerina for a guided tour of the Roman Villa. You stay at your hotel for the next three nights, the Hotel Caparena or similar.
Day 8 Taormina
This morning you visit the town centre of Taormina and include a visit to the Greek theatre and the Alcantara Gorge.
Day 9 Mount Etna
This morning you are driven to the slopes of Etna. After a short walk, there will be free time available to explore this fascinating area. Later you will visit Catina Murgo winery for a tasting of wine and local produce. Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner.
Day 10 Taormina – Catania – London
After breakfast, you transfer to Catania Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Gatwick Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your vehicle, for the journey home.
