Classic Sicily

A luxury tour with average group size of 18, staying in 4 & 5* hotels

With this 8 day Group tour you will experience the history of Sicily. The Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily, is as culturally rich as it is beautiful. It is home to superb Norman architecture, vibrant Roman floor mosaics, Arab-inspired gardens, and probably the finest Greek temples to be found anywhere in the world. Alongside this, the island has some magnificent natural scenery, from volcanic Mount Etna to quiet beaches in the south. This tour takes you to the best that the island has to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Catania • Syracuse
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Catania with British Airways. Transfer to Syracuse and stay at Grande Albergo Alfeo for 2 nights. Enjoy a welcome drink. (N)

Day 2: Syracuse • Noto
Tour of Syracuse including visits to the Greek theatre, considered one of the most important examples of its kind, the Ear of Dionysius, and the island of Ortygia. Continue to the town of Noto, a Unesco world heritage city due to its magnificent baroque architecture. (B, D)

Day 3: Catania • Cefalù • Palermo
Morning drive to Catania to view the cathedral and Piazza Stesicoro. Continue to Cefalù to visit the Norman cathedral with its exquisite mosaics. Continue to Palermo and stay at the Mercure Palermo Excelsior for 2 nights. (B)

Day 4: Monreale • Palermo
Morning drive to Monreale to visit the Norman cathedral, founded in 1172 and considered a leading example of Norman-Arab architecture. Return to Palermo for a city tour including the magnificent Arab-Norman cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, located within the Norman palace and covered in Byzantineinfluenced mosaics, and the historic old town. Afternoon at leisure or optional tour to Monte Pellegrino, the promontory overlooking Palermo with its Sanctuary of St Rosalia, picturesque fishing village and the Catacombs of Cappuccini. (B)

Day 5: Erice • Selinunte • Agrigento
Morning visit to the town of Erice, a medieval town with imposing fortified walls overlooking the city of Trapani. Continue to the Temple of Selinunte, an excellent example of Doric architecture. Stop at Grammatico, the worldfamous pastry shop, for some marzipan and biscuit tasting. Drive to Agrigento and stay overnight at the Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace (Superior room). (B)

Day 6: Valley of the Temples • Piazza Armerina • Taormina
Morning visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most impressive ancient Greek sites. Afternoon drive to the elegant resort town of Taormina via Piazza Armerina to view the Roman mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale. Stay 2 nights at the Villa Diodoro (or similar). (B)

Day 7: Mount Etna
Visit the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, for panoramic views. Stop at Barone di Villagrande for wine tasting. Afternoon guided tour of Taormina. (B)

Day 8: Fly to London
Transfer to Catania airport and fly to London with British Airways. (B)

Meal basis
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Extensions
Pre- and post-tour extensions are available in Syracuse and Taormina, and include 2 nights’ accommodation with arrival or departure transfers.

Important information

Single supplement- From £310pp.
This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.

Contact us for dates and prices