Day 1 – Noto

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 – Syracuse and Ortigia

Today we’ll 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. We’ll also hop on a harbour cruise and view Ortigia from the sea. At Syracuse Archaeological Park, we’ll explore the Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre with our guide. The afternoon is free to explore.

Day 3 – Noto – Ragusa

Today, we explore the lovely baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa. We’ll wander along Noto’s 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 the enchanting Ragusa.

Day 4 – Cefalù – Palermo

We’ll spend some time in the pretty beach town of Cefalù 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.

Day 5 – Palermo – Monreale

This morning, we’ll take a guided tour of bustling Palermo, including a stop at the Palatine Chapel and the cathedral. We’ll then travel to Monreale to visit the magnificent cathedral, famed for its Byzantine mosaics.

Day 6 – Erice – Selinunte – Agrigento

We’ll drive past Trapani’s ancient salt pans today, before heading to Erice for lunch at leisure. We then visit Maria Grammatico’s bakery, where her famous pasticcini (soft almond biscuits) are made. We’ll leave with a product tasting from the bakery to take away, before heading to Selinunte for our guided tour of this fascinating Greek archaeological site. In the evening, we check into our hotel in Agrigento.

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

We start our day with one of the highlights – a guided visit to the nearby Valle dei Templi, a collection of classic Greek temples scattered across a valley of almond trees. Recognised with UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is a globally significant archaeological site. The romantically ruined temples and their picturesque setting have inspired countless generations of artists, poets, and writers. We stop at the private estate of Geracello, where local produce is used for a delicious lunch. Then we’ll head east to Piazza Armerina for a guided tour of the Roman villa, which reveals an incredible floor mosaic. We then continue to Giardini Naxos, a lovely coastal resort.

Day 8 – Taormina

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

Day 9 – Mount Etna

This morning we take a drive to the slopes of Etna. Europe’s largest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, has a recorded history of eruptions dating back to 1500 BC. Constant low-level emissions mean that explosive eruptions endangering those of the island’s population that live on its slopes are infrequent and, thanks to its fascination for travellers and its richly fertile volcanic soil, this 3km-high icon is Sicily’s single biggest source of income. An excursion to Etna reveals an enthralling geological story and stunning views. After a short walk, there’ll be free time to explore this fascinating area with your tour manager and on your own. Be sure to bring a camera – on a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. Later, we visit a local winery for a cellar visit and include a wine-paired lunch.

Day 10 – Giardini Naxos

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.