Classic Sicily

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Catania with British Airways. Transfer to Syracuse and stay at Grande Albergo Alfeo for 2 nights. Enjoy a welcome drink. (N)

Tour of Syracuse including visits to the Greek theatre, considered one of the most important examples of its kind, the Ear of Dionysius, and the island of Ortygia. Continue to the town of Noto, a Unesco world heritage city due to its magnificent baroque architecture. (B, D)

Morning drive to Catania to view the cathedral and Piazza Stesicoro. Continue to Cefalù to visit the Norman cathedral with its exquisite mosaics. Continue to Palermo and stay at the Mercure Palermo Excelsior for 2 nights. (B)

Morning drive to Monreale to visit the Norman cathedral, founded in 1172 and considered a leading example of Norman-Arab architecture. Return to Palermo for a city tour including the magnificent Arab-Norman cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, located within the Norman palace and covered in Byzantineinfluenced mosaics, and the historic old town. Afternoon at leisure or optional tour to Monte Pellegrino, the promontory overlooking Palermo with its Sanctuary of St Rosalia, picturesque fishing village and the Catacombs of Cappuccini. (B)

Morning visit to the town of Erice, a medieval town with imposing fortified walls overlooking the city of Trapani. Continue to the Temple of Selinunte, an excellent example of Doric architecture. Stop at Grammatico, the worldfamous pastry shop, for some marzipan and biscuit tasting. Drive to Agrigento and stay overnight at the Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace (Superior room). (B)

Morning visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most impressive ancient Greek sites. Afternoon drive to the elegant resort town of Taormina via Piazza Armerina to view the Roman mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale. Stay 2 nights at the Villa Diodoro (or similar). (B)

Visit the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, for panoramic views. Stop at Barone di Villagrande for wine tasting. Afternoon guided tour of Taormina. (B)

Transfer to Catania airport and fly to London with British Airways. (B)