Sicily – Jewel of the Mediterranean

Resort:	Sicily
Operator:	Titan Travel
Destination:	Italy
Price From:	£2495.00

Summary

Sicily is home to a unique mix of culture borne of years of foreign domination. From the Phoenicians to the Bourbons, each has left an architectural stamp on the island – culminating in a jumble of historic sites in Palermo, Monreale and utterly charming Syracuse. As we circle the island, well also seek out some of Sicilys other treasures, including the Valley of the Temples, and postcard-pretty Taormina. It’s not all about sights on our Sicily tours, though – well also sip wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna and taste rich Modica chocolate and almond-infused pasticcini biscuits.

Your holiday includes:

18 excursions and visits

– Guided tours of Ortigia (including boat trip), Syracuse Archaeological Park, Palermo (including Palatine Chapel and cathedral), Selinunte, Valley of the Temples, the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina, and Taormina
– Visits of Noto, Ragusa, Enna, Cefal, Monreale (including cathedral entrance), and Mount Etna
– Chocolate tasting in Modica; tasting at Maria Grammaticos bakery in Erice; lunch at the private Geracello estate; wine tasting and lunch at Cantina Murgo on Mount Etna

Plus:

– 9 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar)
– International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
– 18 meals: 9 breakfasts (days 2-10) 2 lunches (days 7 and 9) 7 dinners (days 1, 3-4 and 6-9)

– Portable audio headset system on excursions
– Titans VIP door-to-door travel service
– Titan tour manager
– Travel in destination by coach
– Porterage

ISY Map

Itinerary

Day 1 UK – Catania – Syracuse

Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Catania. On arrival we drive to Syracuse, where well stay for three nights. Rich in Ancient Greek history, Syracuse has a timeless beauty surrounded by sparkling blue waters.

Day 2 Syracuse and Ortigia

Today well visit Syracuse and Ortigia, with guided walking tours of Ortigia town and Syracuse Archaeological Park. The small island of Ortigia has been joined to Syracuse by a bridge since the 16th century and is home to narrow medieval lanes and baroque piazzas that are a joy to explore. Well also hop on a harbour cruise and view Ortigia from the sea. At Syracuse Archaeological Park, well explore the Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre with our guide.

The afternoon is free to explore.

Guided tours of Ortigia with boat cruise and Syracuse Archaeological Park (morning)

Day 3 Noto – Ragusa – Modica

We make our way to the lovely baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica – rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693. Wander along Notos elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele, with honey-stoned palazzi and churches. Walk straight onto the real-life set of the TV series Inspector Montalbano, filmed in and around enchanting Ragusa. Well conclude with a tasting of divine Modica artisan chocolate, made using an ancient Aztec method.

Visits to Noto and Ragusa, and chocolate tasting in Modica (morning/afternoon)

Day 4 Enna – Cefal – Palermo

Hilltop medieval Enna provides stunning views across the hills and valleys and well have some free time to explore. We also spend some time in the pretty beach town of Cefal on our way to Palermo. Wander its narrow lanes, or perhaps treat yourself to a gelato to enjoy by the sandy beach. We arrive later in Palermo for two nights.

Visits to Enna and Cefal (afternoon)

Day 5 Palermo – Monreale

This morning, well take a guided tour of bustling Palermo, including a stop at the Palatine Chapel and the cathedral. Well then travel to Monreale to visit the magnificent cathedral, famed for its multi-coloured marble paintings and mosaics.

Guided city tour of Palermo, including Palatine Chapel and cathedral and visit to Monreale, including cathedral entrance (all day)

Day 6 Erice – Selinunte – Agrigento

Our first stop today is Erice and Maria Grammaticos bakery, to try her famous pasticcini(soft almond biscuits) – well wash them down with a glass of liqueur. We then continue, passing Trapanis ancient salt pans, before Selinunte for a guided tour of this fascinating Greek archaeological site. In the evening we check into our hotel in Agrigento.

Guided tour of Selinunte and visit to biscuit bakery (all day)

Day 7 Valley of the Temples – Piazza Armerina – Giardini Naxos

We start our day with one of the highlights – a guided visit of the nearby Valle dei Templi, a collection of classic Greek temples scattered across a valley of almond trees.

We stop at the private estate of Geracello, where local produce is used for a delicious lunch. Then well head east to Piazza Armerina, for a guided tour of the Roman villa reveals an incredible floor mosaic. We then continue to Giardini Naxos, a lovely coastal resort.

Guided tours of the Valley of the Temples and the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina (all day)

Day 8 Taormina

Our walking tour shows us the sights of the cliffside town of Taormina. You have the rest of the afternoon free.

Guided tour of Taormina (morning)

Day 9 Mount Etna

This morning we take a drive to the slopes of Etna. After a short walk, therell be free time to explore this fascinating area at your own pace. Be sure to bring a camera – on a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. Later, we visit Cantina Murgo winery for a tasting of delicious Sicilian wine and a hearty lunch of regional products.