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 before dinner at a local restaurant.

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

This morning we visit the famous A' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce, fish market to take in the sites and sounds of what is the beating heart of the city. 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. Lunch in a traditional seaside restaurant. After lunch we drive to nearby Mt Etna to experience the spectacular scenery and views. Mount Etna towers above the landscape of Sicily and the Mediterranean. At 3,300 meters it is the tallest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. The name Etna is derived from the Greek word Aitne which can be translated as ‘I burn’. Back to Catania for a free evening at your leisure.

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 base for the next two nights. After arriving at the hotel in the historical heart of the city there will be some time to freshen up before lunch in one of our favourite local trattoria. 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. Free evening in Ortigia.

Day 4: Siracusa / Noto / Ragusa (BL)

This morning we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Noto, famous for its baroque buildings and churches. The highlight will be a visit to the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorati a beautiful noble residence in the baroque style. We then make our way to Ragusa for a visit to the splendid Piazza Duomo in the heart of the city and the Giardino Ibleo, stunning public gardens with sweeping views. Then it is back to Siracusa to enjoy another night on Ortigia island.

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

Today 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. Check-in at the hotel in Agrigento before dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 6: Agrigento (B)

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 and lunch in a famous eatery. Free evening at your leisure.

Day 7: Agrigento / Palermo (BD)

Today 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 in a local restaurant.

Day 8: Palermo / Monreale (B)

In the morning we will visit Monreale, located only a short drive from Palermo. There the group will admire the famous Norman Cathedral and its magnificent cloister considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We will be able to clearly see the influence of some of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine and Islamic art.

Day 9: Palermo / Cefalu / Taormina (BL)

We say goodbye to Palermo as we make our way to the medieval fishing village of Cefalu’, one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. We will explore the small streets of the historical centre of the city and 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 10: Taormina (BD)

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. Your afternoon is free to explore the many sites that Taormina has to offer. 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 could stay closer and explore the many boutiques and specialty shops that Taormina has to offer. Farewell dinner in Taormina.

Day 11: Taormina (B)

The Colours of Sicily tour ends after breakfast.