Classic Sicily

Accommodation throughout the holiday is typically in comfortable 4-star hotels with lift, bar and restaurant.

Typical of the hotels you will stay in are the Fiesta Resort Hotel in the Campofelice di Roccella area and the Hotel Antares near Taormina. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished in traditional style and feature private facilities, TV and telephone.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/Catania

Depart on your flight to Catania. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the Syracuse area for an overnight stay.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Syracuse

In the morning join our included visit to Syracuse. We explore the old town of Ortigia, set on a peninsula linked to the rest of the town by a bridge. Ortigia is home to the island’s oldest Doric temple, the Temple of Apollo and we’ll also see the Greek Theatre, a 5th century BC relic carved out of solid rock, and enjoy the harbour views of Porto Grande.

In the afternoon we visit Piazza Armerina to see the Roman Villa del Casale and its amazingly decorated floor mosaics. We then continue to the site of Agrigento, an ancient city dating back to the 6th century BC, epitomising the historical and cultural importance of Sicily. Overnight stay in the area.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Valley of the Temples/Cefalù

Join our included morning visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of ancient Sicily’s finest archaeological sites and one of the most important sites of this kind in the world. Of the nine temples remaining, the most impressive is the Temple of Concord which has remained almost entirely intact since its construction around 430 BC.

Turning north, our tour continues to the picturesque fishing port of Cefalù, near Palermo. The resort is dominated by one of Sicily’s finest Norman cathedrals, housing some of the island’s earliest and best preserved Byzantine mosaics. In the late afternoon we check into our hotel in the Campofelice di Roccella area for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Campofelice di Roccella

Free to relax in the beach resort of Campofelice di Roccella. Take time to enjoy the beaches in your resort or explore the small town. Alternatively you may choose to join our optional full-day excursion to enjoy the island’s marvellous capital, Palermo. The city has a wealth of architecture, ranging in style from Arabic to Norman, Baroque to Art Nouveau. Perhaps you will enjoy browsing in the many outdoor markets in the city which sell everything from colourful fresh produce to seafood, souvenirs and antiques. Listen out for lively local dialects as the regulars haggle over prices.

We also see Massimo Theatre – as much a focal point of the city now as when it was first built. Also included on the excursion today is a visit to the magnificent hilltop town of Monreale, with its beautiful 16th-century Benedictine Abbey.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Letojanni

Today we head east along the northern coast via the port of Messina to the Taormina area for a three-night stay in Letojanni.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Taormina

Today join our included visit to Taormina, a sensational town with a lively contemporary culture and well preserved history. There will be plenty of time to explore this picturesque resort, spectacularly situated on the cliff-top over looking two sweeping bays.

There’s the option to visit the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre (entrance extra), or simply enjoy the excellent panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Letojanni

Free to relax in the pretty coastal village of Letojanni. The waters and beaches in this small village are picture perfect and attract locals and tourists alike. In the evening enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the promenade which is lined with charming bars and restaurants. Today you may wish to join our optional excursion to the world famous Mount Etna. This three-quarter day excursion takes you to Sicily’s most famous attraction and Europe’s highest volcano at a height of 10,910ft. Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has been a sacred sight for many generations. There is an option to view the volcano from the highest point possible, and the breathtaking views are amazing.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Catania/UK

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

Meals: Breakfast