DAY 1: UK - Naples - Sorrento.

Fly to Naples where you will be met by our representative and transferred by coach to your hotel in Sorrento. (D)

DAY 2: Sorrento - Villa San Giovanni - Taormina area.

We travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy's far south to board the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. It is then a short coach journey to your hotel in the Taormina area. (B, D)

DAY 3: Taormina.

The day is yours to get your bearings and explore the beautiful resort of Taormina. For a breathtaking view of the coast and Mount Etna, head down to the Piazza Nove Aprile, the heart of the town set spectacularly on a precipice overlooking the sea. You may wish to join us for an optional Sicilian evening. (B, D)

DAY 4: Taormina - Mount Etna - Syracuse.

Called 'Mountain of Mountains' by Sicily's Arab settlers, Europe's largest active volcano is an impressive sight, its towering peak rising up from a landscape of pine woods and citrus groves. Join us for an included visit, during which you can enjoy stunning views from the heights of the volcano and, if you choose, take an optional jeep ride (or cable car when operating) to approximately 7,500 feet.

Note: This may be subject to minimum participation.

We then head south to Syracuse, founded in 734BC by Corinthians from Greece, where you can take our optional tour of this fascinating heritage site (the extensive 'Zona Archeologica' has a wealth of impressive Greek remains) or spend some time exploring the town at your own pace. You will stay overnight in the Syracuse area. (B,D)

DAY 5: Syracuse - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento.

Today we travel west to Piazza Armerina, a pleasant hillside town rich in typical Sicilian atmosphere. We will visit nearby Villa Casale, the remains of a palatial Roman villa, famous for its superb mosaics. Then it's on past the sulphur mines of Caltanissetta to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, one of Italy's most impressive archaeological sites. Your included sightseeing tour with a local guide will include visits to the exceptionally well preserved Temple of Concord and the awe-inspiring Temple of Juno Lacinia. You will stay overnight in Agrigento. (B, D)

DAY 6: Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo.

Our next stop is Selinunte, another of Sicily's fascinating heritage sites (entrance fee included). Much of the city still lies buried, but there are extensive remains to be explored, including the Acropolis, which has ruins of temples and fortifications, as well as the foundations of rows of shops. We then head north east to Sicily's capital, Palermo, where you will stay overnight. (B)

DAY 7: Palermo.

A full day to explore Sicily's busy and colourful capital, set in a valley called 'Conca d'Oro' (the 'Golden Shell'). In the afternoon, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour for a more in-depth look at the city, which has a wealth of lovely squares and market places, churches and palaces? Also included is a visit to nearby Monreale. In the late afternoon, we head for the harbour to take the overnight ferry to Naples. (B)

Note: Accommodation on the ferry will be in shared two-berth couchette cabins with private facilities.

DAY 8: Naples - UK.

The ferry arrives in Naples in the early morning, after which you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.