Your itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Sicily
Arrival in Sicily – Upon arrival in Catania, you will be transferred to our hotel where a welcome drink awaits you to help you get to know your fellow travellers better. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, either relaxing at the hotel or exploring the local area.
Need some recommendations? Our friendly Tour Manager will be on hand at the hotel to provide insights on the must-see sights of each destination, making sure you get the most out of your free time.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Valley of the Temples
Valley of the Temples – This morning, we embark on a journey to witness one of the most impressive sights of antiquity: the Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples. With seven temples spread across a ridge, these towering structures overlook the sea, a breathtaking spectacle visible for miles. Their grandeur must have made a strong impression on anyone who passed by, whether by sea or land, sending a clear message of dominance and authority.
Among these, the Temple of Concordia stands out, remarkably well-preserved with only its roof missing. Its graceful columns, gently tapering towards the sky, and its warm golden hue make it an unforgettable sight. It’s fascinating to think about the ancient builders labouring under the sun, creating such a timeless masterpiece.
In small groups along with an expert local guide, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the site. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the local museum, which showcases artefacts from the temples and surrounding areas, including a remarkable collection of ancient vases. Afterwards, we head to the charming town of Agrigento, with its medieval ambience and narrow, winding streets that lead to peaceful piazzas offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
In the afternoon, we return to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 3
Piazza Armerina & Taormina
Piazza Armerina & Taormina – Leaving Agrigento, we head towards Piazza Armerina, a quaint town where one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century was uncovered: a 4th-century Roman villa, likely belonging to a co-emperor, which explains its grand size and lavish decor.
Buried for centuries, remnants of the vibrant frescoes can still be seen, while the stunning mosaics depicting animals and hunting scenes are some of the finest from Roman times. This grand estate, complete with baths, provides a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Roman elite. After a guided tour of the villa led by an expert local guide, we continue our journey to a cosy agriturismo nestled in the Sicilian countryside. This family-run farm stay provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where we’ll enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch, prepared with fresh, local ingredients like vegetables, homemade pasta, and freshly pressed olive oil and wine. Dining at an agriturismo is a true taste of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage, far removed from the high-end restaurants of the city.
Afterwards, we’ll make our way to Taormina on Sicily’s eastern coast, where we’ll spend the next five nights.
Meals: Lunch
Day 4
Taormina
Taormina – Today, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through Taormina at your own pace. Known for its elegance and exclusivity, this charming town offers a perfect blend of old-world character and modern sophistication. Perched high on a hill, it provides sweeping views of both the sea and Mount Etna. Taormina is famous for its lush gardens and vibrant atmosphere, but its crowning jewel is the ancient Greek theatre, which is still in use today, hosting everything from concerts to theatrical performances.
A key part of the Italian experience is the aperitivo, a leisurely moment to enjoy a drink and unwind. We’ll indulge in this tradition with a selection of local delicacies, all while soaking in the incredible vistas of Taormina and the sparkling coastline.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 5
Mount Etna
Mount Etna – Rising above eastern Sicily, Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano. In the morning, we’ll head toward the base, driving as close as possible to the snow-covered peak. As we make our way up the winding roads, the landscape transforms into an otherworldly scene, with jagged black rocks in dramatic shapes, and vast stretches of land nearly void of vegetation. When we reach the cable car station, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the entire area.
Depending on the conditions, you’ll have the chance to continue your journey to even greater heights with the cable car, jeep, and a knowledgeable guide.
Finish your morning with a guided tour and lunch at a local winery nestled on the fertile lower slopes of Mount Etna. Surrounded by spectacular views of the vineyards, you’ll discover the unique growing conditions that produce these distinctive organic wines. A delicious lunch will follow, with local dishes paired perfectly with deep red and aromatic white wine.
Afterwards, we’ll head back to our hotel in the afternoon.
Meals: Lunch
Day 6
Free day
Free day – Today, is free to spend as you wish. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, making the most of its outdoor amenities, or venture out to explore the surrounding area at your leisure.
Alternatively, you could travel back to Taormina, taking advantage of the local public transport or taxis, to peruse the main street lined by designer boutiques and jewellers. The side streets, some of which are so narrow you can touch both sides at once, lead to intimate piazzas lined with atmospheric family-run restaurants – the perfect place to stop for a spot of people watching over lunch.
Or, perhaps, take one of Taormina’s very own cable cars down to the beach area of Mazzarò to explore the extensive beaches, rocky coves, tiny islands and sea stacks that make this coastline so enchanting.
Our knowledgeable Tour Manager is happy to help provide suggestions on how to spend your free time to get the most out of your trip.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 7
Syracuse
Syracuse – Today we head to Syracuse, one of the wealthiest and most attractive cities in the ancient world. Syracuse has been home to many famous residents throughout history, the most notable being Archimedes – the genius who discovered the principle of displacement while taking a bath. According to folklore, he ran through the streets in full nudity shouting “Eureka!” which means “I’ve found it!”
The city features a delightful array of limestone buildings that date back to the 1600s and 1700s. An impressive Baroque Cathedral houses an ancient temple, and opposite it stands the Bosco Palace. The traditional old port is charming, with small fishing boats gently bobbing in the serene waters. You will have time to explore the old town, known as Ortigia, at your own pace; this island is connected to the mainland by three bridges.
Before we return to our hotel, we have a special treat – a cruise around Ortigia. Prepare to be amazed by the exquisite beauty of the golden limestone cliffs and discover some magnificent caves. We will also get a close-up view of Ortigia’s ancient architecture, all from the comfort of our boat.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 8
DAY 8
Return home
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Syracuse & Ortigia Old Town Visit
Explore Ortigia, Syracuse’s island heart, wandering lanes of creamy limestone to Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral of Syracuse, whose nave rises from the ancient Temple of Athena. Harbourside promenades, artisan shops and café-lined squares capture the city’s maritime grace.
Admire Baroque facades rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and seek out the mythic Fonte Aretusa. Stories of Archimedes and Greek power mingle with everyday Sicilian life, making Syracuse a vivid encounter with the island’s classical soul.
Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour
Step inside the sumptuous 4th-century Villa Romana del Casale, famed for its dazzling mosaics. Marvel at the playful “Bikini Girls” mosaic, the vast Great Hunt scene, and rooms depicting banquets, athletes, and exotic animals—all preserved by a protective mudslide that sealed the villa for centuries.
Your guide reveals late-antique luxury: private baths with intricate geometric floors, grand reception halls, and refined domestic spaces. The artistry and colour underfoot offer a vivid portrait of elite Roman life in the Sicilian interior.
Sicilian Farmhouse Lunch at a Countryside Agriturismo
Savour traditional Sicilian cuisine at a family-run agriturismo set among orchards and vines. Enjoy seasonal antipasti, handmade pasta and farm cheeses, all complemented by estate olive oil and local wines—an authentic farm-to-table experience celebrating Sicily’s garden-like abundance.
Hosts share the rhythms of rural life, from pressing olives to tending kitchen gardens. Between courses, breathe in herb-scented air and countryside views, as family hospitality turns a simple meal into a warm, memory-making encounter.
Taormina Orientation Stroll & Aperitivo with Views
Acquaint yourself with Sicily’s most elegant hill town as you stroll Corso Umberto past Belle Époque cafés and artisan boutiques to Piazza IX Aprile, where terraces soak up the views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Pause for an evening to enjoy an aperitivo while the bay blushes with late light.
Hear how Taormina’s Greek, Roman and medieval layers shaped its streets and palazzi. This graceful introduction balances atmosphere and orientation, leaving ample inspiration for your own exploring during your time in Taormina.
Mount Etna Scenic Drive to the Crater Stations
Ascend Sicily’s living volcano as you travel up the slopes of Mount Etna through chestnut woods and vineyards to Rifugio Sapienza cable car station. Step out among otherworldly lava fields, crater rims and sweeping viewpoints across the Valle del Bove, where fresh flows etch patterns in black basalt.
Guides explain Etna’s geology and how ash-rich soils nurture vines and orchards below. The mountain’s elemental drama—steam, cinders, and stark textures—offers striking photography and a powerful sense of nature’s constant creation.
Etna Winery Tour, Tasting & Lunch
Tour a historic Etna winery on the volcano’s fertile slopes, stroll vine rows, and sample Etna DOC wines shaped by ash and altitude—elegant reds from Nerello Mascalese and Carricante-based whites. A seasonally inspired lunch pairs local dishes with glasses that express the mountain’s volcanic terroir.
Learn about alberello-trained old vines, cooling breezes and lava-stone cellars that moderate temperature. The tasting reveals minerality and spice unique to Etna, with hosts sharing techniques that balance tradition and innovation.
Ortigia Caves and Coastline Boat Cruise
Cruise the Bay of Syracuse to circle Ortigia’s shore, gliding beneath golden limestone cliffs into shimmering sea grottoes. From the water, admire the skyline of domes and palazzi and the fortress profile of Castello Maniace at the island’s tip.
Your skipper highlights geology and history as light dances on turquoise water and swallows skim the waves. It’s a fresh perspective on Syracuse—ideal for photography and a tranquil close to your exploration of Ortigia.
Mount Etna Summit Excursion by Cable Car & 4x4 (Weather Dependent)
For an extra dose of adventure, ride the cable car above the lava fields and continue in a guided 4×4 ascent with alpine experts toward the upper craters. Walk short sections on cindery paths, feeling the heat and hearing the wind across moonlike landscapes.
This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, subject to weather, volcanic conditions and availability. Warm layers and sturdy footwear are essential; altitude can exceed 2,800 metres.
Teatro Antico di Taormina Entry
Step inside the Ancient Theatre, Taormina’s Hellenistic–Roman jewel, and gaze across the stage to Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Stone tiers, arches and the cavea’s perfect curve reveal a Hellenistic–Roman landmark still used for concerts and festivals.
This optional visit is at additional cost and typically payable locally; your Tour Manager can advise on timings and access, which may vary during events or performances. It’s a classic Taormina moment for culture and photography lovers.
Agrigento Archaeological Museum (Pietro Griffo) Visit
Deepen your Agrigento experience and visit the Pietro Griffo Archaeological Museum, home to treasures from ancient Akragas. See the imposing Telamon from the Temple of Zeus, fine Attic ceramics, and artifacts that bring the Valley of the Temples’ sanctuaries to life.
This optional visit is at additional cost and typically arranged locally; your Tour Manager can assist with practical details. The museum’s clear displays and context-rich collections reward archaeology enthusiasts and curious first-time visitors alike.
Valley of the Temples Guided Visit, Agrigento
Join a guided tour through Agrigento’s UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, where colonnaded sanctuaries line a sunlit ridge above the sea. Pause before the Temple of Concordia, among the best-preserved Doric temples in the ancient world, and admire its golden Doric colonnades glowing against olive and almond groves.
Hear how wealthy Akragas rose to prominence in the 5th century BCE and imagine processions along the Sacred Way. Your guide illuminates architecture, myth, and daily life in Magna Graecia while sweeping coastal views frame every photo stop.
Welcome Drink & Tour Briefing
Meet your group and meet your Tour Manager over a convivial welcome drink at the hotel. Get acquainted with fellow travellers as your host outlines the journey’s highlights and practicalities, helping to set the scene for your Sicilian journey with insider tips and suggestions tailored to your interests.
Learn how Sicily’s layered cultures—from Greek and Roman to Arab-Norman and Baroque—shape the landscapes and flavours you’ll encounter. This relaxed, hosted moment invites questions and conversation so you begin your adventure with clarity and confidence.
