DETAILED ITINERARY

Nestled between the North African coast and the toe of Italy, Sicily has a wonderful climate, with long and leisurely summers. With warm and friendly locals, delicious food and wine, stunning beaches, rich history and diverse landscapes, it offers an intoxicating mix of beaches and cultural attractions.

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, with a strategic trading location, Sicily has been fought over and colonised for many centuries by the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Phoenicians and Moors. Each has left their mark on this island, providing a rich collection of stunning Greek temples, beautifully frescoed Norman churches, the Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina and small Baroque gems in the south-east. There are intriguing 'souks' (markets) in the capital of Palermo, which is a living museum rich in works of art, architecture and culture. The Norman Cathedral has an impressive façade, and the mosaics and paintings at the Palatine Chapel are breathtaking. The gold leaf ceiling mosaics of Monreale Cathedral just outside the city are simply stunning.

A true gastronomist’s paradise, Sicily has its own unique take on Italy’s delicious cuisine. Along with spices introduced by the Moors, sun-drenched local produce has been added. Specialities include the western region's signature fish cous cous, pasta ‘al nero di seppie’ (squid ink), freshly-caught seafood, and pasta dishes using fennel, pistachio and raisins. Street food includes ‘pane panelle’ (sesame buns filled with fried chick peas). Sicilian ‘gelato’ (ice cream) is probably the best in Italy, served in a delicious ‘brioche’ (sweet soft bun), and 'granita' (water ice) is divine. The island produces fine white wines such as Inzolia, and excellent reds such as the fruity Cerasuolo di Vittoria.

You can choose to stay in the capital of Palermo, in an historic town in the Baroque south-east, at a beach resort on the less developed west coast, near medieval Cefalu on the north coast with its family-friendly beaches, or in elegant Taormina and Giardini Naxos on the east coast. Sicily boasts a fine collection of both sand and pebble beaches, so there are a myriad of opportunities for safe bathing and snorkelling. Holidays to Sicily in the spring, reveal fields of stunning yellow wildflowers, creating a vivid contrast against the green hills, deep blue skies and azure Mediterranean Sea.

The Baroque South-East Coast has some stunningly beautiful towns with breathtaking architecture. Syracuse has a superb range of Greek and Roman sites, but the jewel in the crown is Ortygia, situated on a peninsula with the azure Mediterranean Sea on all sides. The town has a myriad of lanes, streets and piazzas adorned with Baroque architecture and a magical atmosphere. Dolphins are often sighted around the Plemmirio Marine Reserve. Many other historic towns are within easy reach, with friendly locals, beautiful churches and tempting trattorias. Scicli is a small town with a myriad of lovely churches intertwined with intimate piazzas and has been used for many film locations. The historic centre of Ibla di Ragusa lies nestled in a valley below the town and is a joy to explore.

Modica is a bustling town located in a dramatic canyon, with exceptional Baroque architecture and a famous chocolate museum. Noto was rebuilt in the 1700s following an earthquake and is another Baroque beauty. A short drive from these enchanting towns takes you to some lovely coastline and sandy beaches, including the wild and unspoilt Vendicari Nature Reserve, where you can see some of the many bird species that pass through on their way to Africa. Do be aware that car parking spaces are limited in these historic towns and chargeable. They may also be some distance from your hotel.

Western Sicily has the most African of landscapes with palm trees, souk-style markets, Moorish ‘bagli’ (farmhouses) and wide stretches of beautiful sandy beaches backed by a dramatic coastline. Unaffected by mass tourism, this area hosts an impressive collection of ancient Greek and Phoenician sites such as the temples at Segesta, Agrigento and Selinunte. Probably the most breathtaking section of Sicily’s coastline lies in the north-west, starting from the typically Sicilian fishing town of Castellammare, with its winding alleyways and streets leading down to the harbour, where fishing boats bob on their moorings. From here the coast snakes its way along the pristine Zingaro Marine Reserve, where dolphins are often sighted and which has delightful coastal walks and pebble coves ideal for snorkelling, to San Vito Lo Capo - a popular beach town with a huge expanse of white sand lapped by crystal clear azure waters. Further along the coast, Mount San Giuliano is dominated by the hilltop medieval village of Erice. A cable car connects Erice with the bustling town of Trapani below, whilst the offshore Egadi Islands represent the ultimate in a superb ‘off the beaten track’ sea and sun experience.

Mazara del Vallo is home to Italy’s largest shipping fleet. Overall the wild south-west coast is more reminiscent of the Pacific, with long wide stretches of sand, wind and waves, whilst the north-west shoreline has more of a Mediterranean feel, with small rocky inlets and clear calm waters.

Cefalu is a vibrant town on the north coast, with a long sandy beach that is safe for swimming and an enchanting Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set against a stunning mountain backdrop, a Norman cathedral dominates the skyline, overlooking a pretty main piazza. Shops and tree-lined cafes abound, with cosy trattoria terraces that spill out towards the azure waters of this lovely bay. It is easy to get around on foot in this small town. Inland you will find Madonie Nature Park with its many mountain walking trails, and a little further along the coast is the ceramics village of Santo Stefano di Camastra.

Sophisticated, stylish and elegant, Taormina on the east coast is Sicily’s premier resort with the most luxurious accommodation options. It is perched high in a dramatic location against the backdrop of beautiful Mount Etna and offers incredible views across the Mediterranean Sea. It has lush tropical foliage and an enchanting Old Town with a superb choice of shops, restaurants and cafes. In the centre of the town a beautiful Greek amphitheatre looks out towards Mount Etna and provides a magical atmosphere for the many concerts that are held here in the summer.

A cable car can whisk you down to Taormina Mare in no time, where you can relax, swim and snorkel in lovely small coves with pebble beaches. You can ascend Mount Etna for panoramic views, take a day trip to visit the Baroque town of Ortygia, or enjoy many outdoor activities in beautiful Alcantara Gorge. You can visit ‘off the beaten track’ Sicilian villages in the Agro Valley, where much of ‘The Godfather’ movie was filmed, and visit the nearby volcanic Aeolian islands. It is easy to get around by foot here so a car is not necessary, especially as car parking is very limited and expensive, and may be some distance from your hotel. Further along the coast is Giardini Naxos, with its long curved bay and many beachfront hotels.

The island has an extensive variety of accommodation, ranging from charming family-run B&Bs to Moorish farmhouses, boutique hotels and luxurious palaces. Car hire is not recommended in Palermo, but elsewhere it will give you more freedom to explore, although hotel transfers can be arranged. Sicily lends itself to a self-drive multi-centre holiday, as this will allow you to explore both the wilder west coast, as well as the more developed east coast.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Palermo airport transfers & flights from London are included, with other regional departures on request. Car hire can also be arranged.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, and an appropriate driving licence if you intend to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.