All our tours are able to be customised to suit the guests we have with us. With this in mind, we have created this tour which has enabled us to add some amazing places that we also love. From Florence and Northen Italy coast to coast. Join me for this boutique customised tour just for you and your group.

 

Itinerary 

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DAY: 1 Siracusa

Arrival and onward to Siracusa (Syracuse)

 

The Treasures of Sicily tour starts with Catania airport and a transfer by our vehicle.  A short drive 1 hour to our hotel (La Vacanza) on the island of Ortigia in Siracusa. WE will check in, take an introductory walk around this beautiful little island. We are bound to find a Spritz and then our first meal together in a lovely trattoria. This should start our tour well

 

We plan to dine ar LÓsteria Mia. We will enjoy our first meal together and then some light history and schedule for the next 2 days. We discuss the importance of the Siracusa in the ancient world. It was one of the earliest Ancient Greek colonies founded as a trading outpost of their parent cities) but in the 5th century BC, it grew to be the most powerful city in the whole of Mediterranean.

 

Overnight in Ortigia, Siracusa.

 

DAY: 2 Siracusa

Tour of Ortigia & the Neapolis archaeological park, Siracusa

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We start the day with a visit one of the largest and best preserved of all Greek theatres in the whole of the Hellenic world and a remarkable cavern known as L’Orecchio di Dionisio – which, according to a legend started by Caravaggio no less, was used as a prison by the tyrant Dionysius and allowed him to eavesdrop on his captives.

Roman Amphitheatre          Greek Amphitheatre         L’Orecchio di Dionisio 

 

In the late morning, we return to Ortigia where we visit the vibrant food market before enjoying our lunch. A wonderful artisan crafted panino or a traditional arragino or other fabulous street food

In the afternoon, we strolling through the streets of Ortigia – rubbing shoulders with Greek Mythology, contemplating temples and admiring stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture and marvelling at Sicily’s most beautiful piazza. Then we visit the cathedral, once the temple of Athena, and thus arguably the oldest building in the world in use for Christian worship.

 

There is free time in the late afternoon – perhaps for visiting the city art gallery, the Castello Maniace or maybe just shopping or enjoying an ice-cream in spectacular Piazza Duomo. Also time to take advantage and do a little tour of the island by boat

 

Overnight in Ortigia, Siracusa.

 

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DAY: 3 Agrigento

The Sicilian Baroque: Noto, Modica and onto Agrigento

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We make an early start, pack our bags and begin driving through a landscape of rolling meadows and drystone walls that will be familiar to fans of Inspector Montalbano.

Much of the Eastern part of Sicily was completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1693 and the towns and churches were subsequently rebuilt in a flamboyant style characteristic of Sicilian Baroque. Our first stop of the day, Noto, was even rebuilt as a completely new city 15km from its original site and has a homogeneity and regularity of street-pan unrivalled in Sicilian architecture.

 

Our journey then takes us to Modica for lunch, and there is time afterwards to enjoy the spectacular view of the city, dominated by the magnificent church of San Giorgio.

 

After lunch, a drive onto our next destination and accommodation

 

 

Overnight in Agrigento

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DAY: 4 Agrigento-Trapani

The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento: some of the finest Doric Greek temples surviving

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We check out and begin our Valley of the Temples adventure. We venture among some of the finest Greek temples in the whole of the Mediterranean. We walk the whole stretch of the Valle dei Templi, starting with the beautiful Temple of Hera, moving on to the breathtaking Temple of Concordia – perfectly preserved and beautifully sited with fine views over almond groves and the sea and onwards until we reach the Temple of Zeus – the largest Doric temple ever built.

 

We then head to lunch and the Turkish Steps.Then off to visit and explore the west coast of Sicily and our 3 day stay in Trapani

 

Overnight in Trapani

 

DAY: 5 Trapani

Trapani and Egadi Islands

 

Trapani is a city in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline. At the western tip, offering views as far as the Aegadian Islands, is the 17th-century Torre di Ligny watchtower. It houses the Museo di Preistoria e del Mare, with archeological artifacts. It is also the gateway to the Egadi Islands which is our mission for today

After the cruise, I think a relaxing dinner and evening is warranted.

Overnight in Trapani

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DAY: 6 Trapani

Trapani and San Vito Lo Capo

 

A lovely casual day trip to San Vito Lo Capo, which is a small seaside town in northwestern Sicily, Italy. It’s known for its beach, which is on a sheltered bay overlooked by Mount Monaco.

In the town centre, the 15th-century Santuario di San Vito is a fortress-like structure with Arab-Norman architecture. Arab-Norman influences can also be seen in the tiny Santa Crescenzia chapel, on the main road out of town, and the circular Torrazzo watchtower. 

 

 

DAY: 7 Trapani-Cefalu

Palermo

Today we leave Trapani for our day in Palermo and arriving in Cefalu.

Palermo is everything you would imagine it to be – chaotic, noisy, exotic, colourful. But the rewards of taking time to explore this incredible city are enormous. Founded by the Carthaginians, its history is as old as the island – but most of what we are in Palermo to see, dates from the Norman period and later.

We begin with a visit to the Ballarò market where we enjoy a raucous exposition of colour, smells and stall-holders advertising their wares in the local dialect.

Once we have had our fill of the market, we stroll to the Quattro Canti and the so-called “Fountain of Shame” in Piazza Pretoria, before visiting the church of the Martorana: with some of the finest Byzantine/Norman mosaics in all Sicily. As we stroll through the medieval city,

After lunch there is a chance to visit some of the “Serpotta” churches or perhaps the Teatro Massimo.

Alternatively, you are free to either relax or to stroll the streets of Palermo – perhaps visiting the Botanic gardens or the Piazza Marina.

We then head out to our next 3 day stay in Cefalu and a wonderful dinner.

 

Overnight in Cefalu

 

DAY: 8 Cefalu

Cefalù – Enjoy the town

 

Let’s start with a morning swim and just relax and absorb this beautiful town. In the afternoon, we are booked for a 2hr tour with Ambra who will take us for a walk filled with history, legends, cinema and we are also some special street food tastings.

Overnight in Cefalu

 

DAY: 9 Cefalu

Cefalù, Food and Cooking

 

Today we have a lazy morning to ourselves to swim, shop or explore the historical centre.

Mid afternoon we will drive a little to attend a private cooking class were will we all be taught how to cook various dishes with Graziella. We will make, cook and then feast on our own creations.

 

Overnight in Cefalu

 

DAY: 10 Cefalu-Taormina

Cefalù, drive to Taormina and a swim

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We say good bye to Cefalu as we drive to Taormina, which is justifiably famous as one of the most splendid locations in Sicily. On the way we will have a few exiting stops.

After settling into the hotel there will be an opportunity to stroll Corso Umberto visit the multitude of shops and historical sites.  At the end of the Corso we will come upon the Greek theatre. Later in the afternoon you, have free time to stroll through and enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you wish.

Free evening and overnight in Taormina.

 

Overnight in Taormina

 

DAY: 11 Taormina

Taormina Bays and Town

Isola Bella       Main Piazza    Cable car

 

Overnight in Taormina

 

DAY: 12 Taormina

Giardini Naxos and Mt. Etna ~ the largest Volcano in Europe

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We will travel and explore the slopes of Mount Etna, hearing about the fascinating geology of this, the highest volcano in Europe. There is an opportunity to take the cable car and jeeps to within 300m of the summit (ticket not included in the tour price).

 

We return in the early afternoon to Taormina when there will be free time to enjoy the town or the swimming pool at the hotel.

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Overnight in Taormina

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DAY: 13 Taormina-Tropea 
Taormina to Tropea via Scilla

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We will again pack our packs to leave lovely Sicily and venture into Calabria and one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Tropea.

Along the way we will stop for lunch at a beautiful beach side town of Scilla.

 

Then an afternoon drive to Tropea, our hotel and a swim.

 

 

Overnight in Tropea

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DAY: 14 Tropea

Tropea – Beach and Boat

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Enjoy a lazy breakfast and then head to the beach for a swim and a stroll.

After lunch we will have our own private boat to cruise the coast and do anything that comes to mind. Diving off the boat is my recommendation
 

Tropea                                                                              Capo Vaticano

 

Just lovely places on the coast for us to cruise

Back to our rooms for a rest and then a lovely dinner and a stroll through the town,

 

Overnight in Tropea

 

DAY: 15 Tropea

Tropea – Country Tour

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Breakfast as usual and then a small country tour to see a few Calabrian treats

Countryside

   Nduja                                                               Tropean Onions and Peppers

Afternoon is free to stroll, shop, eat , swim, visit historical sites or sleep

 

Overnight in Tropea

 

DAY: 16 Tropea–Lamezia-Rome

 

Our Sicily and Calabrian tour components sadly ends.

We will have our last breakfast in Tropea and then a transfer to Lamezia Train station for a leisurely Fast train back up to Rome Termini. Business Class to add to the experience.

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