Current as of: November 19, 2019 - 12:49 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 Treasures of Sicily Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Guided Group 9 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Italy Min age: 16 ADZ Leisurely / Programmes: Culture Moderate Trip Overview Sicily is one of the most fascinating islands in Europe, thanks to the indelible marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilisations. This comprehensive tour explores its sophisticated cities, picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. It starts with an excursion on Mt Etna, continuing to the towns of Syracuse, Agrigento and Selinunte - all listed as UNESCO heritage sites. There is also a day in Zingaro National Reserve with magnicent views of the Mediterranean. At a Glance 7 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels and 1 night agriturismo, all en suite Sightseeing on foot and 2 daywalks Group normally 6 to 18, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs Travel by private air-conditioned minibus Trip Highlights Explore Baroque heritage in Noto and Ragusa Ibla Visit archaeological sites in Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte Cover the island's highlights and best heritage sites in nine days Is This Trip for You? This is a comprehensive itinerary, with a few long and busy days due to the amount of distance that we cover. There is some gentle walking involved on most days during the sightseeing but it won't be strenuous. All transfers are by private air-conditioned minibus allowing us to enjoy comfortable journeys. Please note that due to traf c restrictions in place in a lot of the historic centres visited you may have to carry your suitcase over cobbled pavements, although the bus will be leaving you as close as possible to your hotel. Please also be aware that sometimes hotels don't have a lift. There are also two excursions on foot included in this trip: on Mt Etna we walk for up to 2 hours on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash and sand. A second walk will take place in the stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve, where we will walk for up to 3 hours (including stops) along idyllic Mediterranean coast. Both of these walks are optional: there are cafés not far from the trails, where you can sit and wait for the rest of the group, should you prefer not to join these walks. Since we spend the rst two nights in the same accommodation, you may even choose to spend the day exploring the wonderful baroque town of Acireale instead of Etna. The overall Activity Level for this trip is 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) meaning that it is suitable for all people who are in good health and tness. Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition. Group A local leader will be on hand throughout the week to help with your orientation and to make sure everything runs smoothly. However, due to Italian legislation, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in cities, museums and churches. Local licenced guides will accompany the group in Siracusa & Ortigia, Agrigento and Palermo & Monreale. Our tour leader will also accompany the group on the two walking excursions on Mt Etna and in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. You will be free to sightsee at your own pace in Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Selinunte and Erice. Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 6 Max group size: 18 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Aci Trezza End City: Taormina Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start in Aci Trezza Our tour starts in Aci Trezza, a small charming shing village just 10km north of Catania and a short drive from Taormina. The symbol of Aci Trezza and its crystal clear sea are the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, eight rock stacks that legend has it have been there, just off the town's beach, since the giant Cyclops Polyphemus hurled them against Ulysses as he escaped by ship. The village is also celebrated as the setting of I Malavoglia, Giovanni Verga's 19th-century literary masterpiece of life in a poor, isolated shing community. Today it boasts a lively seafront and a number of good restaurants. Day 2 Excursion on Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano; afternoon wine tasting. After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We hike up past several old lava ows to be rewarded with a dramatic panoramic view of the volcanic landscape and old craters (1 to 2 hours walking, 5 km). You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. In the afternoon we enjoy a delicious wine & cheese tasting in one of the famous wine cellars of the area. Transfer back to Aci Trezza. Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Drive to Syracuse to visit its archaeological site; on to the UNESCO Baroque town of Noto. This morning we drive to Syracuse (approx. 1h 20 mins drive), the most powerful city-state in the Greek world and briey capital of the Byzantine Empire. Here we visit the superb Neapolis Archaelological Park with its spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied by a local guide. In the afternoon we drive to our next destination, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Noto (approx. 45 mins). This is an absolute gem: a beautiful town built in the unique Sicilian baroque style using beautiful honey-coloured stone. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Morning visit the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla; transfer to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approx. 1hr 30 mins), a fascinating maze of winding streets dotted with remarkable baroque churches, and continue on to Agrigento (2hrs 30 mins). Here we enjoy a guided visit of its magnicent Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved Doric temples in all the Greek world, the Temple of Ercules and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. We then overnight in Agrigento. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Visit ruins of Selinunte, overlooking the Mediterranean; drive to the hilltop village of Erice. Our day starts with a transfer to Selinunte (1hr 30 mins) to explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (1hr 30 mins) , and stop en route for a view of the famous salt ats of Mozia, dotted with characteristic wind mills (time permitting). Once in Erice, we have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best almond cakes (cassata) on the island. Overnight near San Vito Lo Capo. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Walk in the stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve; afternoon transfer to Palermo. This morning we take a break from the cultural highlights of the island and head to the coast to explore one of the best examples of idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 7km between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve boasts some stunning walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves and pristine beaches. We take a leisurely walk for up to 3 hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon we make our way to Palermo (approx. 2hrs) where we can enjoy some time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets lled with restaurants and bars. We then overnight in Palermo. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Morning visit to Monreale Cathedral; guided tour of Palermo and free time. After a short transfer to Monreale (approx. 1 hr), we visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We then head to Palermo (approx. 1 hr) and our local guide will show us the most important sites of this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the Cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon we have some free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace. We overnight in Palermo. Day 8 Drive to the shing village of Cefalu to visit its Norman Cathedral; on to charming Taormina; free time to explore. This morning we drive to the shing village of Cefalu (approx. 1 hr 15 mins), where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding mediaeval streets. Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approx. 2hrs 40 mins drive). We have time to visit its Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mt Etna and the sea. We overnight in Taormina. Day 9 End in Taormina. Our tour ends in Taormina in the morning of day 9. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation 3 and 4-star Hotels and Agriturismo Agriturismo Baglio Fontana, Buseto Palizzolo On this trip we use different comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels and one agriturismo . Some of them have been chosen for their warm hospitality and typically Sicilian character and others for their convenient location. They are often located in proximity of the historic centres we visit so that we can easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time.