Coast to Coast Sicily Tour

Arrive in Palermo and make your own way to your hotel. Tonight have dinner in the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead. Overnight at Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar. (D)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then enjoy shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Return to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mosaics - with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight at Mecure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar. (B, D)

Travel to Erice, a well-preserved medieval village with ancient charm. Continue to Marsala for a light lunch and wine tasting in a traditional winery. After this flavorful experience, head to Agrigento. Visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO site, and explore ruins like the Temple of Concord, Hercules, and Jupiter. Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Della Valle or similar. (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini Palace, one of the most interesting late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive at hotel, dinner and overnight at Poggio del Sole or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s centre. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s south-eastern tip. After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia - the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in and dinner at Hotel Splendid, Hotel Caesar Palace or similar. (B, D)

Breakfast at hotel and head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800m). In the afternoon, return to Taormina and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Splendid , Hotel Caesar Palace or similar. (B)

After breakfast, make your own way to the airport. (B)