Sicily Discovery

Overview

Relax and immerse yourself in the gracious towns, dramatic landscapes and stunning ancient treasures of this scintillating island.

UK - Rome

On arrival in Rome, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the evening.

Your tour starts today. The rest of the day is free to explore Italy’s ancient capital. Tonight, meet your local host/Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Rome - Sorrento

Travel south along the Highway of the Sun to spend the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the charming bayside resort of Sorrento with its cafés, shops, beaches, and colourful alleys.

Sorrento - Villa San Giovanni - Ferry Crossing - Taormina Area

Today, travel through the rustic mountainous scenery of Italy’s southernmost region, Calabria, before boarding the ferry for a 45-minute crossing to Sicily. Continue to the Taormina area.

Taormina area - Mount Etna - Taormina area

Magnificently situated on a 700 foot plateau overlooking the Ionian Sea, the heart of Taormina is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unrivalled views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take a stroll along the Corso Umberto, and maybe taste a refreshing granita or a sumptuous cannolo? Later, enjoy a visit to the heights of Mount Etna with the option of a jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano (subject to weather conditions).

Taormina area - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento

Drive to Piazza Armerina, a maze of steep streets positively overflowing with the colourful atmosphere of Sicilian life. At nearby Casale, visit the Roman Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its mosaics, including the whimsical “Bikini Girls.” On to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, one of Italy’s archaeological jewels. Visit the Doric Temple of Concord, one of the finest examples of Greek civilisation existing today, and the hilltop Temple of Juno Lacinia.

Agrigento - Selinunte - Marsala - Palermo

Leave for Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily. At the apex of its power before 409 BC, the city exceeded 30,000 people, excluding slaves. Here, you will see the remains of the Acropolis with its temples and fortifications. On the western coast of Sicily, stop in Marsala, known for its celebrated Marsala wine. Here, you will visit a local salt mill and learn how this local product is extracted and refined. Then, head to Palermo, capital of Sicily.

Palermo - Trapani - Erice - Palermo

Two Sicilian treats are on the agenda today. First, visit enchanting Trapani with a local guide, set on a harbour that was once at the heart of a powerful trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice. The city centre stretches along the port and was built in primarily baroque style. Next is the medieval hilltop town of Erice, reached by cable car. Situated about 2,500 feet above sea level, it immediately impresses with its defensive walls and castle, affording breath-taking views over the Trapani Gulf and Egadi Island and on clear days, all the way to the African coast. Return to Palermo.

Palermo - Overnight Ferry Crossing To Naples

A full day to enjoy this busy and colourful city full of interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style — from Moorish to baroque. Join the included sightseeing tour to learn more, and visit the magnificent Cappella Palatina. This evening, embark for an overnight ferry crossing from Palermo to Naples.

Naples - Rome

Get to know Naples with a local guide. You'll discover a multifaceted city, elegant and decadent at the same time, lively, fascinating, and colourful. Later, return to Rome, the “Eternal City.”

Rome - UK

Your tour ends after breakfast today.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.