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Highlights of Sicily

Moulded by the Italian, Greek, Arab, Spanish and French cultures, Sicily offers a charming mosaic of history, beauty and warmth.

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Itinerary
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Optional Excursions

The Greco Amphitheatre at Taormina
Sicily's pretty coastline
The Greek Theatre at Taormina
One of the mosaics at the Piazza Armerina
Selinunte
Some of the ruins at Agrigento
Sicily

DAY 1: UK - Naples - Sorrento.

Fly to Naples where you will be met by our representative and transferred by coach to your hotel in Sorrento. (D)

DAY 2: Sorrento - Villa San Giovanni - Taormina area.

We travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy's far south to board the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. It is then a short coach journey to your hotel in the Taormina area. (B, D)

DAY 3: Taormina.

The day is yours to get your bearings and explore the beautiful resort of Taormina. For a breathtaking view of the coast and Mount Etna, head to the Piazza Nove Aprile, the heart of the town set spectacularly on a precipice overlooking the sea. You may wish to join us for an optional Sicilian evening. (B, D)

DAY 4: Taormina - Mount Etna - Syracuse.

Called 'Mountain of Mountains' by Sicily's Arab settlers, Europe's largest active volcano is an impressive sight, its towering peak rising up from a landscape of pine woods and citrus groves. Join us for an included visit, during which you can enjoy stunning views from the heights of the volcano and, if you choose, take an optional jeep ride (or cable car when operating) to approximately 7,500 feet. Note: This may be subject to minimum participation. We then head south to Syracuse where you can take our optional tour of it's fascinating heritage site (the extensive 'Zona Archeologica' has a wealth of impressive Greek remains) or spend some time exploring the town at your own pace. You will stay in the Syracuse area. (B,D)

DAY 5: Syracuse - Noto - Agrigento.

Today we travel south to the town of Noto a unique UNESCO heritage site, referred to as the Baroque Jewel and built on a plateau overlooking the citrus tree valley of Asinara. Then it's on past the sulphur mines of Caltanissetta to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, one of Italy's most impressive archaeological sites. Your included sightseeing tour with a local guide will include visits to the exceptionally well preserved Greek Temple of Concord and the awe-inspiring Temple of Juno Lacinia. You will stay overnight in Agrigento. (B, D)

DAY 6: Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo.

Our next stop is Selinunte, another of Sicily's fascinating heritage sites (entrance fee included). Much of the city still lies buried, but there are extensive remains to be explored, including the Acropolis, which has ruins of temples and fortifications, as well as the foundations of rows of shops. We then head north east to Sicily's capital, Palermo, where you will stay for the night. (B)

DAY 7: Palermo.

A full day to explore Sicily's busy and colourful capital, set in a valley called 'Conca d'Oro' (the 'Golden Shell'). In the afternoon, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour for a more in-depth look at the city, which has a wealth of lovely squares and market places, churches and palaces? Also included is a visit to nearby Monreale with it's unique Arab-Norman style Cathedral. In the late afternoon, we head for the harbour to take the overnight ferry to Naples. (B)

DAY 8: Naples - UK.

The ferry arrives in Naples in the early morning, after which you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Ischia, Sorrento, on another tour or on a Mediterranean cruise.

Accommodation on Tour

Sorrento: Tirrenia (3*); Taormina area: Albatros at Letojanni (3*); Syracuse: Parkhotel (3*); Agrigento Area: Akrabello (3*); Palermo: Politeama (4*).

Your Holiday Map

Highlights of Sicily

The Greco Amphitheatre at Taormina
Sicily's pretty coastline
The Greek Theatre at Taormina
One of the mosaics at the Piazza Armerina
Selinunte
Some of the ruins at Agrigento
Sicily

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

SICILIAN EVENING

In the beautiful scenery of Naxos bay, enjoy an evening at the popular rustic taverna "La Spelonca", where you will experience the magic atmosphere of the true Sicilian traditions. A wedge of pizza and bruschetta together with a drink of choice are included.

€25 (Euro)

SYRACUSE & ORTIGIA

Founded by the Greeks as a colony, Syracuse became one of the largest cities of the known world. With a local expert, see the Greek and Roman theaters. Stroll through old Syracuse on the island of Ortigia to see the Apollo Temple and Cathedral.

€35 (Euro)

PALERMO & MONREALE

Palermo "The Queen of Sicily", the capital and main port, is sheltered by Mount Pellegrino, the most beautiful promontory in the world. It was founded by the Phoenicians despite its Greek name meaning "All harbour" and was a crossroads of various people: Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards and Bourbons who have left memorable art treasures, churches and palaces. Visit the main highlights and the golden churches of the Normans built both in Palermo and Monreale.

€34 (Euro)

CITY ORIENTATION & DINNER

Orientation coach tour of this fascinating city takes in some of the most important sights such as the Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo and Teatro Politeama. Then to a lovely restaurant on the coast in front of the "Isola delle Femmine" for a three-course meal with unlimited wine and mineral water.

€40 (Euro)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

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