Colours of Sicily: Italy Small Group Tour

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1: Catania (D)

Independent arrival at the hotel in the charming baroque city of Catania. Your tour leaders will meet you at 4:00 PM in the hotel foyer for an introductory talk, followed by a walking tour of the historical centre of Catania: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catania has a unique appeal with its baroque buildings and its streets lined with black lava stone. Highlights include the historic Piazza Duomo with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous statue of the lava-stone elephant, the symbol of the City. We will walk along the magnificent Via dei Crociferi and admire St Benedict’s Monastery. Aperitivo will be served before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Catania / Aci Trezza / Etna (BL)

We begin day 2 with a visit to the famous A' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce, a fish market, to try some local street food. We then journey to the nearby town of Aci Trezza, one of the many fishing villages along the coast just a short drive from Catania. Here you will experience the crystal-clear waters and admire the famous Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the tiny islands formed from Mt Etna hundreds of thousands of years ago. The name Etna is derived from the Greek word Aitne which can be translated as ‘I burn’. Lunch in a traditional seaside restaurant. After lunch, we will drive to nearby Mt Etna, one of the tallest and most active volcanoes in Europe, to experience the spectacular scenery and views. We then return back to Catania, allowing you to explore the area or rest for the evening.

Day 3: Catania / Siracusa / Ortigia (BD)

After breakfast, we drive south to the picturesque island of Ortigia, the historical centre of Siracusa, which will be our home for the next two nights. After arriving at the hotel in the historic heart of the city, there will be some time to freshen up and have a bite for lunch. In the afternoon, a local expert will guide the group through the maze of small streets and piazze of this beautiful island learning of the many civilizations who have left their indelible mark over the centuries. Dinner will be enjoyed in a local restaurant.

Day 4: Siracusa / Noto / Ragusa (BL)

Day 4 will see us visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Noto which is famous for its baroque buildings and churches. The highlight will be a visit to the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a beautiful noble residence in the baroque style. We then make our way to Ragusa for lunch at a traditional trattoria. You will also enjoy a visit to the splendid Piazza Duomo in the heart of the city and the Giardino Ibleo, stunning public gardens with sweeping views. We then will return back to Siracusa to enjoy another night on Ortigia island.

Day 5: Siracusa / Piazza Armerina / Agrigento (BD)

On day 5, we say goodbye to Siracusa as we make our way across Sicily to Agrigento. On the way, we make a stop at the historic town of Piazza Armerina for a visit to Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its magnificent mosaics. We’ll check-in at the hotel in Agrigento before dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 6: Agrigento (BL)

After a leisurely breakfast, a local guide will take the group through the Valley of the Temples which preserves some of the best exponents of the Greek influence on the island of Sicily. Following the morning tour, we will make our way to Agrigento to explore the historical centre. You’ll then have the afternoon and evening free, to do as you please.

Day 7: Agrigento / Palermo (BD)

Day 7, the capital of Sicily awaits us. Before exploring this vibrant capital city, the group will check in at the hotel before some time for lunch. In the afternoon, a local guide will lead the group to explore the important sites of this beautiful city shaped by the different cultures, religions and rulers. Palermo has one of the largest historical centres in Europe, and the tour will culminate at the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral. Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Palermo / Monreale / Cefalu / Taormina (BL)

On the morning of day 8, we will visit Monreale which is only a short drive from Palermo. We will admire the famous Norman Cathedral and its magnificent cloister, which is considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We will see the influence of some of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine and Islamic art. We then make our way to the mediaeval fishing village of Cefalu, one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. After exploring the small streets of the city's historical centre, we’ll stop for lunch in a local trattoria. In the afternoon, we drive to our last stop on the tour, breathtaking Taormina. Aperitivo with stunning views of Mt Etna.

Day 9: Taormina (BL)

After breakfast, a local guide will take the group through this most picturesque and stunning city of Taormina. The highlight of the morning will be a visit to the Greek-Roman Theatre, situated on the edge of town and perched on a cliff face with the most spectacular views of Mt Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. Then to a delightful lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the sea. You will then have a free evening in Taormina, to explore on your own or take the time to rest.

Day 10: Taormina (BD)

Day 10 offers the opportunity to explore the many sites that Taormina has to offer on your own. You may wish to take the cable car ride down to the beach area of Mazzarò and enjoy the beach and views of the picturesque Isola Bella. There is also the option to walk or take the local bus up to the nearby town of Castelmola which sits over 500m above sea level and rewards visitors with sweeping views of the entire coastline. Alternatively, you may wish to stay closer and explore the many boutiques and specialty shops that Taormina has to offer. We will then reconvene to enjoy a farewell dinner together in Taormina.

Day 11: Taormina (B)

After a final farewell breakfast, the Colours of Sicily tour will conclude.