Italy: Highlights of Sicily

Benvenuto! Welcome to Sicily. Your adventure will begin in the ancient port city of Catania on Sicily’s east coast. Your trip will officially kick off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, why not wander around the city at your own pace. Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna which can be seen from well over half of the city – maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight after your meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive up the northern flank and strap on your walking shoes for an easy walk through the Valle del Bove (Ox Valley) – a valley formed when the original crater of Etna collapsed. This is Etna’s largest valley, where many lava flows can be seen. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that was destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After, hit the road to Syracuse where your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the most interesting parts of the city. The evening is yours to explore or chill out, as you wish. (B)

Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got the day free to explore Syracuse however you like. Perhaps wander through the streets and check out the crumbling building facades and balconies supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Maybe take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for a scenic view of the walled off cityscape or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Alternately, fill your whole day just wandering aimlessly through the city, stopping by cafes, restaurants and grabbing a granita in the afternoon. (B)

After breakfast today, head for the city of Agrigento. Along the way, stop at Noto – a small town with limestone buildings that dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. You’ll then see the ‘new’ baroque city of Ragusa that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, resulting in two vastly different sides to the same city. After exploring the tangled alleyways and baroque palazzi, travel on to Agrigento. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to maybe find the historic centre that extends up the Colle di Girgenti hill. Head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for a panoramic view over the valley (Valley of the Temples) and the sea for sunset and be sure to try the famous gelato pecorino in one of the local cafés or patisseries. (B)

Take a step back in time today as you explore the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Try to nab a window seat today, as along the way you’ll have great views of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour in the Valley of the Temples, you’ll head on to Marsala – a coastal town in the west of Sicily. (B)

Today, set your sights on Palermo, making a few scenic stops along the way. First, you’ll explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice. Despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, there are plenty of beautiful buildings in this town, each showcasing architectural styles from a varied history. Before you get back on the road, be sure to pick yourself up a Genovesi (a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream). Then, make your way to the capital of Sicily, Palermo. When you arrive, you’ll have a free the afternoon to explore as you wish. You might like to wander the labyrinth of small alleyways, buzzing market squares and winding roads. Or, check out some of the main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city. (B)

Take part in a walking tour with a local guide this morning and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square all have a rich history in civil mobilisation – plus, they are known to serve delicious street food. You’ll get a chance to meet shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists, then you have the option to visit nearby Monreale – situated in a panoramic position above Palermo with fantastic views over the city and the sea. Visit the cathedral here, described as one of the ‘wonders of the medieval world’, and climb to its roof. Alternately, you might like to wander the city of Palermo at your own will. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure. (B)

Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)