Real Sicily

Welcome to Catania! This colorful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Is Sicilian cuisine the best in the world? It has to be up there... (D) Stay: Mercure Catania Excelsior (or similar)

We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic center with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home. (B) Stay: Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily's stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won't find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theater or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life. (B)

See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We'll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?).

Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily's most impressive historic architecture. We'll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it's off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered! And after a long day, it's time to hit the hay. 'Til tomorrow, friends. (B) Stay: Le Residenze Archimede (or similar)

Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in Agrigento, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... From Agrigento we have an included tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. As we wander the valley, in the shadow of blooming almond trees, we'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It's a spectacular testament to Sicily's ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalu we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet. (B/D) Stay: Hotel La Giara (or similar)

Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh. (B)

It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colorful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it's also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic center, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'. (B) Stay: Ibis Styles President (or similar)

Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon. (B)