Highlights

What's Included

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    Sicily, Crossroads of the Mediterranean
    Bespoke & Tailor Made ToursItaly

    Sicily, Crossroads of the Mediterranean

    Duration8 Days
    CountryItaly

    Layer by layer, Sicily's history opens up as your group crosses the island from west to east: the Arab-Norman mosaics of Palermo and Monreale, the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, Greek Syracuse and baroque Noto. Mount Etna and a winery lunch on its slopes lead on to Taormina and its Greek Theatre above the Ionian Sea.

    Day by Day

    1

    Day 1

    Arrival in Palermo

    Your group lands at Palermo Airport, where a BRACAP representative is waiting for the private transfer along the coast into the city. After check-in, an evening walk leads along Via Maqueda to the fountain of Piazza Pretoria, then on to a welcome dinner of Sicilian street-food specialities and island wines. Overnight in Palermo.

    2

    Day 2

    Arab-Norman Palermo

    Breakfast, then a licensed guide explores Arab-Norman Palermo, a UNESCO site: the Palatine Chapel inside the Norman Palace, the cathedral and the Quattro Canti, before a tasting walk through the stalls of the Ballarò market. The afternoon is free for the Teatro Massimo, the Kalsa quarter or a coffee and cannolo in the old town. Overnight in Palermo.

    3

    Day 3

    Monreale & the Valley of the Temples

    After breakfast the coach climbs to Monreale, where golden mosaics cover the cathedral walls and the cloister looks out over the Conca d'Oro. The road then crosses the island to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, visited with the guide in the late-afternoon light as the Temple of Concordia turns golden. Overnight in Agrigento.

    4

    Day 4

    Across Sicily to Syracuse

    Breakfast, then the coach crosses the interior of the island east to Syracuse, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon a guided walk explores Ortigia, the island heart of the old city, from the Temple of Apollo to the cathedral built into a temple of Athena and the Fountain of Arethusa by the sea. Overnight in Syracuse.

    5

    Day 5

    Neapolis & Baroque Noto

    After breakfast the guide leads the group through the Neapolis Archaeological Park, with its Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the cavern known as the Ear of Dionysius. The afternoon visits Noto, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 as a jewel of golden stone and Sicilian baroque. Overnight in Syracuse.

    6

    Day 6

    Mount Etna to Taormina

    Breakfast, then the coach climbs the southern slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, to walk the rims of the Silvestri craters. An optional cable car and off-road vehicles reach higher, conditions permitting. Lunch and a wine tasting at a winery on the volcanic slopes precede the drive to Taormina. Overnight in Taormina.

    7

    Day 7

    Taormina's Greek Theatre

    After breakfast a guided walk leads through Taormina to its Greek Theatre, carved into the hillside with Etna and the Ionian Sea as a backdrop. The rest of the day is free along the Corso Umberto, down to the bay of Isola Bella or up to the village of Castelmola. A farewell dinner closes the island journey. Overnight in Taormina.

    8

    Day 8

    Farewell from Catania

    Breakfast, then free time until the agreed hour for a last granita and brioche on a Taormina terrace. A private transfer then follows the coast below Etna to Catania Airport, closing a journey through the Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman layers of the island. End of our services.

    Highlights

    Palatine Chapel mosaics
    Monreale Cathedral mosaics
    Valley of the Temples
    Ortigia and Fountain of Arethusa
    Neapolis Greek theatre
    Noto's baroque old town
    Etna craters and winery lunch
    Taormina Greek Theatre

    What's Included

    • Accommodation

      7 nights in central 4★ hotels, twin-share

    • Transport

      Private coach; Taormina shuttle from Lumbi parking

    • Guide

      Licensed local guides for every guided visit

    • Meals

      Daily breakfast, 2 dinners, Etna winery lunch

    • Entrance Fees

      Palatine Chapel, Monreale, Temples, Neapolis, Taormina theatre

    • Support

      Meet & greet, 24/7 BRACAP emergency line

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