Day 1 : Arrive in Giardini Naxos
Welcome to Sicily. Relax in your hotel or take a stroll along the beach before meeting your Travel Director and travelling companions this evening. Your Sicily adventure begins with two glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera.
Accommodation : RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Day 2 : Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe
Your hotel faces east, so early risers may learn why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the old town and admire Taormina's grandest building and along the elegant Corso Umberto.
Accommodation : RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Day 3 : Cefalu and Palermo
Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour. Later, travel onwards to Palermo.
Accommodation : NH Palermo.
Day 4 : Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans
Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose a walking tour with a visit to the spectacular 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join the Anti-Mafia tour of Palermo, part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and find out how locals are working together in modern day Palermo. In your free time this afternoon, you could visit Palermo Cathedral which has been altered many times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you can experience the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.
Accommodation : NH Palermo.
Day 5 : Explore the Valley of the Temples and on to Ragusa
Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa.
Accommodation : Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.
Day 6 : Ancient Syracuse and Catania
Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!' Continue to Catania to celebrate your time in Sicily over Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation : NH Catania Centro.
Day 7 : Depart Catania
Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way. Departure transfers arrive at Catania Airport at 06:30 and 08:30.