Indipendant arrival at your hotel in Palermo. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Pick up at your hotel and depart to the ancient city of Segesta where you can visit the Doric temple. Continue to Erice and visit the medieval village. Continue to Trapani to admire the salt works and the reflection in the water, separated by small strips of land and dominated by windmills.

Pick up at your hotel and with your tour guide visit Palermo, including the Palatine Chapel inside the Royal Palace located in the old town centre of Palermo, then to the Cathedral as well as a panoramic tour of the city. Then our excursion will lead you to Monreale, a Medieval town famous for its Arab-Norman Cathedral with its Byzantine mosaics and the Benedictine Cloister.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Indipendant arrival at your hotel in Palermo. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Pick up at your hotel and depart to the ancient city of Segesta where you can visit the Doric temple. Continue to Erice and visit the medieval village. Continue to Trapani to admire the salt works and the reflection in the water, separated by small strips of land and dominated by windmills.

Pick up at your hotel and with your tour guide visit Palermo, including the Palatine Chapel inside the Royal Palace located in the old town centre of Palermo, then to the Cathedral as well as a panoramic tour of the city. Then our excursion will lead you to Monreale, a Medieval town famous for its Arab-Norman Cathedral with its Byzantine mosaics and the Benedictine Cloister.

Pick up at your hotel and depart to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano and the largest in Europe. We will reach 1800 meters and visit the Sylvester craters. In the afternoon depart to Taormina and walk through until the beautiful Greek Theatre.

Your tour ends after breakfast.

Indipendant arrival at your hotel in Taormina. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Depart from your nearest pickup point and transferred for embarkation for the Island of Vulcano. Time at leisure to bathe in the sulphuric hot springs then continue to to the Island of Lipari, which is the largest Island of the Eolian Archipelago and its economic and cultural centre. Time at leisure to enjoy the village. Evening return to Taormina

Pick up at the nearest pick up point and depart for Siracusa. Guided visit of the archaeological area and the Island of Ortigia (the historical centre of the city).

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Indipendant arrival at your hotel in Taormina. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Pick up at the nearest pick up point and depart to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano and the largest in Europe. We will reach 1800m and at leisure to view your surrounds. Early afternoon return to Taormina.

Pick up at the nearest pick up point and transfer to the pier in Milazzo. Embark for Panarea. Free time on the Island, stroll through the village, enjoying the beach. Then depart for Stromboli, to admire this beautiful volcano still active. Evening return to Taormina

Departure for Siracusa and visit the archaeological area and the quaint Island of Ortigia, which is the historical center of the city.

Your tour ends after breakfast.

Depart for Agrigento and guided visit of the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 5C bC depict what would have been a magnificent city and the archaeological collection are a treasure trove. Resume travel to Palermo, in the evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Travel to Segesta and view the magnificent Doric Temple 430-420bC surrounded by an idyllic countryside. Continue to the sea town of Marsala to visit a wine cellar for a tasting session. Panoramic drive to Trapani and stop for lunch in a typical restaurant before returning to Palermo. Own arrangements for dinner.

wed Palermo-Monreale-Palermo

On our morning guided tour of Palermo we visit the Quattro Canti, the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel and the Cathedral. On to Monreale and visit the Cathedral with its magnificent 12C mosaics depicting the Old and the New Testaments and the Benedictine Abbey. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure or join an optional tour to the quaint village of Cefalu`. Tonight dine on a delectable cuisine at a fashionable restaurant.

Travel inland to the area of Corleone where the social phenomena was born. First we participate in a cooking lesson where you will prepare some of the most traditional Sicilian dishes. Afterwards enjoy this special lunch. A UK born inhabitant of Corleone will discuss the topic of the Sicilian Mafia and what the locals are doing to eliminate organised crime. Evening return to Palermo and farewell dinner at your hotel.

Your tour of Sicily comes to an end after breakfast.

Independent arrival at your hotel in the historical centre of Taormina. Meet with your tour escort and companions in the evening followed by dinner.

Morning guided walking tour of the historical centre of Taormina including the Greek-Roman amphitheatre. On our excursion to Mt Etna we reach 1800m and visit Sylvester craters and the spectacular views. Own arrangements for dinner tonight.

Morning departure for Siracusa, visit: the Archaeological Park, Greek Theatre, Latomia del Paradiso and Cave of Dyonisius’ Ear. Optional excursions to the villages chosen by Francis Ford Coppola for most of the scenes in the Godfather movies. Dine on a traditional menu at a characteristic restaurant.

Depart for Agrigento and guided visit of the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 5C bC depict what would have been a magnificent city and the archaeological collection are a treasure trove. Resume travel to Palermo, in the evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Your tour of Eastern Sicily comes to an end after breakfast.

Met on arrival at Palermo Airport and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure

We visit the Palatine Chapel at the Royal Palace, Cathedral, Theatre Massimo and Pretoria Square in Palermo. At Monreale, visit the Benedectine cloister as well as the Norman Cathedral. Dinner at the renowned Restaurant Cucina Papoff, with the finest culinary level of traditional dishes.

After breakfast depart to Erice, we visit the quaint medieval village situated on a hilltop. Continue to Marsala. Lunch at the Restaurant Baglio Oneto which will offer a typical Sicilian cuisine as well as some famous Marsala wine. Visit the archaeological area of Selinunte then continue south to your hotel in Agrigento.

Morning tour of the renowned Valley of the Temples which are the best worldwide preserved temples. Departure to the quaint village of Alia in the heart of Sicily. Lunch at the Restaurant Villa Dafne, all the dishes are prepared with organic produce. You will be invited to participate in the making of Ricotta cheese. Evening arrival in Palermo.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast, with your transfer to Palermo Airport.

Met on arrival at Catania Airport and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Excursion to Mt Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We reach 1800m to the Sylvester craters. Lunch on traditional cuisine with organic produce at the Restaurant Tenuta Trinità. On to Randazzo, where we taste the delicious sweets made with pistachio nuts.

Visit Ragusa, renowned for its Baroque architecture, stroll the quaint streets and visit the Cathedral. Lunch at the Restaurant il Barocco. Continue to Modica to visit the town and taste the famous chocolate (Xocoatl) still produced to the original Spanish traditions.

Full day excursion to Taormina, we visit this famous town, particularly the Roman-Greek Theatre from where you have an incredible view of Mt Etna and the Bay of Naxos. Lunch on fine cuisine at the Restaurant La Baronessa in the historical centre. Afternoon at leisure in Taormina.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast, with your transfer to Catania Airport.

Met on arrival at Palermo Airport and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure

Visit the Palatine Chapel in the Royal Palace, the Cathedral and Pretoria Square in Palermo. On to San Cipirello, a small village that boasts a castle, three churches and a commendable Civic Museum with objects dating bC. Wine tasting at the Calatrasi Winery followed by a delicious lunch.

Excursion to the Doric Temple in Segesta surrounded by an idyllic landscape. On to medieval Erice, visit the quaint historical centre. Panoramic of Trapani, the salt works and mills. In Marsala we dine at the Pellegrini Winery we taste from the oldest to the youngest wines.

Guided visit of the archaeological area of Selinunte, view the perfectly conserved temples. Panoramic of Menfi on the way to Agrigento. Today we taste the wines and lunch at the Lanzara Wine Cellars in the atmosphere of the hamlet of San Vincenzo. Our day ends in Agrigento.

Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, known as the “City Kissed by Gods”. At Piazza Armerina visit Villa Romana del Casale renowned for the 3500sqm of mosaics (a WHS). At Caltagirone, we will have dinner at the Donnafugata Winery and taste wines such as the Nerello or Cerasuolo.

Panoramic of Catania on our way to Mt Etna, were we reach 1800m to view the Sylvester craters. Lunch at Murgò Wine Cellars, a traditional lunch based on organic produce and taste Mt Etna wines.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast, with your transfer to Catania Airport.

Met on arrival at Palermo Airport and transferred to your hotel in the village of San Vito lo Capo. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

day 2 Zingaro Natural Reserve

Excursion to the Zingaro Natural Reserve a true sanctuary, with a rich assortment of native flora and species of birds. We walk through beautiful landscapes viewing crystalline seascape. Enjoy your packed lunch then explore the area at your own pace.

Excursion to the sandy beaches backed by the pine forest of Torre Salsa Reserve, a WWF site, 6km of wild coast, inhabited by sea gulls and sea-turtles, host to lily-moths and spurge hawkmoths in spring. Relax swim and enjoy your packed lunch. Visit the Valley of the Temple on arrival in Agrigento.

Another beautiful reserve is Vendicari, ideal venue for enthusiastic bird watchers it’s a paradise for all migratory birds. After our packed lunch we depart for Siracusa, on arrival we visit the archaeological area as well as the baroque centre of Ortigia.

At Mt Etna we reach to 1800m by car to visit the Sylvester craters. Then continue by four wheel drive to reach approximately 2900m always accompanied by our expert volcanologist who will provide all the technical information.

Travel to the Nebrodi Mountains, (north east of Sicily) together with the Madonie Mountains and the Peloritani they form the Sicilian Apennines. A protected national parkland dotted with historic villages, abbeys and hamlets. We visit some villages situated at 1000m.

Your discovery of the land of Cyclopes comes to an end with your transfer to Palermo Airport.

Met on arrival in Palermo and transferred to your hotel in the quaint 17C village of Scopello. You will be briefed on arrival and provided with contact details, an itinerary, maps and your bike.

Soon after breakfast, trekking at the Zingaro Natural Reserve, with beautiful walking paths which run along one of the most panoramic area of the Tyrrenian Coast, with rich vegetation and wonderful coves. Return to your hotel in Scopello.

From Scopello you will reach Segesta archaeological site, a powerful town from the time of the Elymians (bronze era). View the magnificent Temple with breathtaking sea views. Difficulty: moderate

Today you will travel inland to fascinating Buseto Palizzolo renowned for the live re-enactment of the passion of Christ. Inland past solitary hamlets (locally known as ‘Bagli”, this is unadulterated local country life. Continue to your hotel in Trapani. Difficulty: easy

Across from Trapani is the Island of Favignana, its clear sapphire waters is a paradise for snorkellers, up the undulating hills, (it is steep for 302m) to reach the castle at Mt Caterina. Note the calcareous tufa, rich in marine fossils once used as building material. Difficulty: easy

Today’s pedalling will be at a very relaxed pace, along the coastal road view the mills on the salt mines. Option to visit the quaint Island of Mozia (Punic origins) with an archaeological site and a private museum. Only a few more kilometres to reach your hotel in Marsala. Difficulty: easy

Trough undulating hills to the sea, this hilly stage will lead you to Cave di Cusa, 490bC, blocks were cut from this quarry to build the temples at Selinunte, note the ‘raw’ blocks meant to finish one of the temples. On to Selinunte once known as Selinus. Difficulty: easy

Your discovery of Sicily off the beaten track comes to an end with your transfer to Palermo Airport.

Independent arrival at your hotel in the historical centre of Taormina. Meet with your tour escort and companions in the evening followed by dinner.

Morning guided walking tour of the historical centre of Taormina including the Greek-Roman amphitheatre. On our excursion to Mt Etna we reach 1800m view the Sylvester craters and the spectacular scenery.

Departure for Siracusa, visit: the Archaeological Park, Greek Theatre, Latomia del Paradiso, Cave of Dyonisios’ Ear. Optional visit: villages chosen for some scenes in the Godfather movies. Dine on a traditional menu at a restaurant.

Depart for Agrigento and guided visit of the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 5C bC depict what would have been a magnificent city and the archaeological collection are a treasure trove. The day ends with dinner at your hotel in Palermo.

In Segesta view the Doric Temple 430-420bC surrounded by an idyllic countryside. On to Marsala, visit a wine cellar with tasting. Panoramic drive to Trapani and stop for lunch at a restaurant before returning to Palermo.

Visit the Quattro Canti, the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel and Cathedral in Palermo. In Monreale visit the 12C Cathedral depicting the Old and the New Testaments and the Cloister. Afternoon free or join an optional tour to Cefalu`. A delectable cuisine awaits you for dinner.

Travel to Corleone where the social phenomena started, a UK born inhabitant of Corleone will discuss this topic and what the locals are doing to eliminate organised crime. But first participate in a cooking lesson and prepare some traditional dishes, then enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. Farewell dinner.

Your Embracing Sicily tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Independent arrival at your hotel in Acireale (21km from Catania). Collect your informative brochure on check in.

Morning briefing with your guide, depart for Tindari, visit the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna. On to Cefalù visit the famous Norman Cathedral built by Ruggero II, the first King of Sicily.
* Possibility to join the tour on Sunday with independent arrival in Palermo, day at leisure, dinner in the evening.

Guided tour of Palermo, visit the Royal Palace its Palatine Chapel and the Cathedral. Then to Monreale to the Cathedral renowned for the fine Byzantine mosaics, visit the Cloister. Optional excursion to Mt Pellegrino and Mondello, a quaint fishing village.

In Segesta, visit the Doric temple whose majestic appearance dominates the landscape. On to medieval Erice from the top Mt San Giuliano view the Norman Castle and Cathedral. Taste the almond specialties. Visit the Greek Acropolis in Selinunte.

At the Valley of Temples, view the Temples: Juno and Concorde, Ercules and Castor and Pollux. At Piazza Armerina taste local specialties, then visit Villa Romana del Casale with the late Roman mosaics, panoramic of the city and Cathedral.

At Mt Etna, the largest protected parkland in Italy with varied vegetation and landscapes, we reach the Silvesti Craters (1.900m). Option to continue by jeep. Visit a beekeeper taste the honey and local wines. On to Taormina, set on a rocky plateau on the slopes of Mt Tauro.

We visit the baroque city of Noto, then to Siracusa, one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island, view the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari, the historical Island of Ortigia with its Cathedral.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.
* For the clients who have started the tour on Sunday from Palermo, you will have a free day in Acireale with lunch and dinner at hotel. Your tour will end on Sunday evening in Palermo as per programme (ref. day 2).