Sicily & Aeolian Islands Tour

Individual arrival to your hotel in Catania (optional private transfer on request). Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most fascinating cities. Explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the impressive Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise and Ear of Dionysius. Continue to the historic island of Ortigia, with its beautiful Piazza Duomo, Cathedral and Fountain of Arethusa. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, head to Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, with free time to explore its elegant historic centre. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 4* or similar (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Modica, one of the jewels of the Baroque Val di Noto, known for its elegant churches, historic palaces and picturesque hillside streets. A special stop at the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop offers the chance to taste its award-winning I.G.P. Modica chocolate. Lunch at a traditional local restaurant. The afternoon continues in Piazza Armerina, home to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, famous for its remarkable Roman mosaics. Continue to Agrigento for dinner and overnight at Baia di Ulisse Wellness & SPA 4*, Hotel Kaos 4* or similar. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel, then continue to the spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where the Temples of Juno, Concordia and Hercules stand as reminders of ancient Akragas. Later, travel to Marsala, known for its wine and charming historic centre. Visit the historic Florio Cellars, including the impressive wine cellars, followed by a light lunch accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, follow the scenic Salt Road, with views of the Stagnone Islands and ancient salt pans. Transfer to Palermo, dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Monreale and its magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, renowned for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics, together with the beautiful Cloister. Continue to Palermo, a city shaped by centuries of different cultures and architectural styles. Visit Palermo Cathedral, the Martorana Church and the Cappella Palatina, famous for its spectacular golden mosaics. Enjoy lunch with local products, then explore the historic centre on foot, taking in Teatro Massimo and Piazza Pretoria with its remarkable Renaissance fountain. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast, leave for Cefalù, a charming seaside town dominated by its magnificent Norman Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to wander through the cobbled streets or visit the Mandralisca Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Catania, where the city’s distinctive late-Baroque architecture is built around the dark lava stone of Mount Etna. Discover Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the famous Elephant statue, then walk along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of Catania’s Baroque district, passing the Monastery of San Benedetto. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s lively fish market, the “Pescheria.” Then, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m). Its dramatic lunar landscape offers stunning views and a memorable experience. The Etna Park, covers 59.000 hectares and is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. At Rifugio Sapienza, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, sample artisanal honey and other local products. Next, continue to Taormina, renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the old town, savouring regional specialties. Explore the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, boasting spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take free time to stroll Taormina’s picturesque streets, browse local craft shops, or simply relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra 4*, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA 4* or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, follow in the footsteps of The Godfather and explore two of its most iconic filming locations. In Savoca, walk through the atmospheric streets featured in the film and visit the Church of Santa Lucia, where Michael Corleone’s wedding scene was filmed. No visit would be complete without a stop at the legendary Bar Vitelli. Lunch at leisure before continuing to Forza d’Agrò, another picturesque medieval village chosen as a backdrop for the film. Enjoy its narrow streets, stone houses and timeless atmosphere before returning to Taormina. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Hotel Baia Azzurra 4*, Hotel Caparena Wellness & SPA 4* or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Milazzo to board the hydrofoil for Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. After arriving and checking in, enjoy some free time for lunch and to settle into island life. In the afternoon, head to Tenuta di Castellaro, one of Lipari’s renowned wineries. Walk through the vineyards and visit the winery before settling in for a memorable sunset wine tasting, surrounded by vineyards and views across the nearby islands. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Hotel Bougainville 4* or similar. (B)

After breakfast, set sail along the spectacular coast of Lipari, passing the White Pumice Cave, volcanic cliffs, secluded bays and Faraglioni. Continue to Salina, the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, with stops at Santa Marina di Salina, Capo Faro and Malfa. The route continues to the beautiful Bay of Pollara, made famous by the film Il Postino. Later, reach Lingua, a charming fishing village, with time for lunch and a visit to the salt lake that gave the island its name. On the way back to Lipari, admire its caves and enjoy a final swim at Vinci Beach, opposite the Faraglioni. Return to Lipari, dinner and overnight at Hotel Bougainville 4* or similar. (B,D)

Breakfast at the hotel before setting sail for Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive of the Aeolian Islands. Discover the natural bay of Calajunco, the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese and Cala Zimmari, then enjoy a panoramic cruise among the surrounding islets and the Grotta degli Innamorati. Once in the port, free time for lunch and a stroll through Panarea’s elegant streets. Later, continue towards Stromboli, where the highlight comes at sunset: glowing volcanic eruptions can be seen from the sea beneath the Sciara del Fuoco. Dinner at leisure on the island, a walk or a swim before returning to Lipari late in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Bougainville 4* or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time in Lipari for a final stroll or to soak up the island’s atmosphere. Later, transfer to the port and board the hydrofoil to Milazzo (optional private transfer on request). (B)