Treasures of Sicily

Welcome to Viagrande, a traditional Catanian village with a privileged view of Mount Etna. It provides breathtaking views of Mount Etna from its lofty location above the sea. The current old town center was founded in 1408, but Viagrande's first settlement was founded under Greek domination. The ancient Roman road that led to Messina gives it its name, Viagrande, which means big road. The region and the crops, which include citrus groves, vineyards, and olive groves like the rest of Sicily and the Mediterranean, are significant.

Depending on the time of arrival of the group, there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel either this evening or tomorrow morning; it's a great chance to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Overnight in Viagrande.

After breakfast, enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Hike past several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panorama of the volcanic landscape and old craters (one to two hours of walking, 3.1 mi/5 km). You are strongly advised to take a waterproof or windproof jacket, a warm top, and long trousers. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in one of the most celebrated cellars in the area. Transfer back to Viagrande.

This morning, you will travel to Syracuse (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), the most powerful city-state in the ancient Greek world and briefly the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Here you visit the superb Neapolis Archeological Park, home to a spectacular Greek theater and well-preserved Roman amphitheater, accompanied by a local guide. In the afternoon, you will travel to your next destination, the Unesco World Heritage Site of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), a beautiful town built in the Sicilian baroque style using honey-colored stone.

After breakfast, you will travel to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approximately 90 minutes), a maze of winding streets with remarkable baroque churches, and continue to Agrigento (2 hours, 30 minutes). In Agrigento, enjoy a guided visit to the Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno; the Temple of Concorde, one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the ancient Greek world; the Temple of Hercules; and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. You will stay overnight in Agrigento.

Your day starts with a 90-minute transfer to Selinunte to explore one of the most important archeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. Then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (90 minutes) and stop en route for a view of the Mozia salt flats, which are dotted with characteristic windmills (time permitting). Once in Erice, you have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best almond biscuits on the island. You will stay overnight near San Vito Lo Capo.

After breakfast, head to the coast to explore the idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4.3 miles (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east and San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails, with the opportunity for a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon, travel to Palermo (approximately two hours), where you can enjoy time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic center and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars. You will stay overnight in Palermo.

After a short transfer to Monreale (approximately one hour), visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. Then head to Palermo, approximately an hour's drive away, where the local guide will show you the most important sites in this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the cathedral, and Marina Square. In the afternoon, you have free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at your own pace. You will stay overnight in Palermo.

This morning, drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), where you will visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics and the lovely historic center with its winding medieval streets. Your tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes of driving). You have time to visit its Greek theater and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. You will stay overnight in Taormina.
 

Enjoy your final breakfast of this Sicilian adventure, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many wonders of this Italian island. Once you’re full, it’s time to start your return journey home.