Italy

Sicily: East to West

Citrus, seafood and stunning scenery

Sicily is an ancient intersection of Mediterranean civilisations, with its strategic position resulting in a wealth of cultural influences. Displaying the traces of multifarious cultures over the ages, Sicily is a treasure trove of history and art with layers of diverse architecture just begging to be explored. Mount Etna’s numerous eruptions have sculpted the island, creating a dramatic contrast between land and sea. In its wake, lemon, almond and pistachio trees thrive in the fertile soil and delicious Sicilian dishes use the freshest ingredients. From the glittering azure seas, to the imposing mountain crowned with smoke, to the vibrant green meadows in between, Sicily’s juxtaposing scenery is some of the very best Italy has to offer.

SICILY: EAST TO WEST

Discover this unique island via its architecture, mosaics & ruins

  • Discover Taormina, in the shadow of Mount Etna
  • Syracuse – explore Ortygia, the small island which is the town’s historic core
  • Villa Romana del Casale – visit this fascinating Roman country villa
  • Valley of the Temples – Sicily’s premier archaeological site in Agrigento
  • Discover Palermo and its Palatine Chapel, and be awed Monreale’s cathedral
  • Segesta – an immaculate preserved Doric temple
  • Erice – enjoy this medieval hilltop town
  • Return flights included
  • 3 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in the east of Sicily
  • 1 night half board accommodation in Agrigento, overlooking the Valley of the Temples
  • 3 nights bed & breakfast accommodation on the west coast of Sicily

From £1,399
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 35 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

March, April, May, June, September, October, November

Suggested Hotel

Grande Albergo Maugeri, Acireale

  • 4-star, family run hotel with excellent hospitality
  • Central location in lovely Sicilian town
  • Bed & breakfast option offers the chance to explore local restaurants
  • Traditional décor and newly renovated public area
  • By the foot of Mount Etna, this hotel has incredible views

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Suggested Hotel

Colleverde Park Hotel, Agrigento

  • Charming, relaxing 4-star hotel with character
  • Located between historic Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
  • Lush grounds overlook the ancient temples and the ocean
  • Traditional and elegant rooms
  • Has its own restaurant specialising in Sicilian cuisine

Suggested Hotel

Hotel Al Madarig, Castellammare del Golfo

  • Lovely 3-star hotel by the sea, offering excellent value for money
  • Within the historic centre of Castellammare del Golfo
  • Classic charm and helpful staff
  • Spacious and comfortable bedrooms
  • Close to a great selection of restaurants

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Taormina
    Ruins-of-the-ancient-greek-amphitheater-of-Taormina-Sicily

    Dating back to 4th century BC, this hilltop town is a highly popular tourist destination, and for good reason. Discover how the town’s diverse history spanned Greek, Roman, and Norman rule, before being fully revived as a tourist destination in the 18th century. The Greek horseshoe-shaped theatre is an absolute must-see, with incredible views of Mount Etna to the south.

  • Syracuse
    Piazza-Duomo-Syracuse-Unesco-World-Heritage-during-the-blue-hour

    Once the largest city in the ancient world, Syracuse holds an eternal beauty, with ancient ruins and historic architecture nestled amongst vibrant lemon groves. One of Sicily’s best archaeological sites and a colossal amphitheatre carved into the hillside just beg to be explored. Learn about the city’s grisly past by exploring the catacombs where thousands of survivors from the war between Athens and Syracuse were imprisoned in 413 BC.

  • Villa Romana del Casale
    Europe-italy-sicily-mosaics-of-the-Casale-Roman-Villa-in-the-Piazza-Armerina

    Dating back to the 4th century AD, this Roman country villa in Piazza Armerina displays extensive Roman mosaics. Fascinating and well-preserved, the villa likely belonged to a governor or nobleman, and the different sections of the residence tell us much about rural Roman life. Vivid and detailed mosaics are spread throughout the villa, showing scenes from everyday life as well as mythical tableaux.

  • Valley of the Temples
    In-the-valley-of-temples-1210855

    Sicily’s archaeological jewel, the Valley of the Temples is one of the most well-preserved and extensive sites from classical Greek civilisation. The remains of grand Doric temples line a dusty escarpment that once formed the city of Akragas, part of Greater Greece. The culmination of these fascinating ancient ruins is the Temple of Concordia, which was built in the 5th century BC and remains remarkably intact today.

  • Palermo
    Piazza-Pretoria-Palermo_cristina-gottardi-1141126-unsplash

    Fascinating Palermo tells the story of its multi-layered history with its labyrinthine streets, exotic aromas and heady mix of sounds and sights. Delving into the city’s seductive and mysterious atmosphere reveals dilapidated palazzi, shaded cloisters, souk-like markets and a vast array of architectural styles. Palermo’s Palatine Chapel is a treasure trove of artistic delights, with its astounding interior of opulent gilding, sacred images and luminous mosaics.

  • Monreale Cathedral
    Cathedral-monreale-1210674-1599x921

    Monreale’s magnificent cathedral is one of the greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture. Built to compete with Palermo’s grand Palatine Chapel, the cathedral is an extraordinary masterpiece of glimmering mosaics, spectacular cloisters and fine sculptures with a clear Byzantine influence.

  • Segesta
    Greek-temple-in-the-ancient-city-of-Segesta-Sicily

    One of the best-preserved ancient temples in the world, the spectacular Segesta is an unfinished Doric temple in a stunning hilltop position. Once forming part of the ancient city of Segesta, this site was lived in until the Middle Ages and has other fascinating remains – including a dramatic amphitheatre – which show the varied occupation by different civilisations over the centuries.

  • Erice
    Historic-Castle-of-Venice-in-Erice-Sicily

    The romantic, medieval hilltown of Erice exudes allure. Ringed by ancient walls and topped by the Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus), this atmospheric town enjoys a dramatic position and far-reaching panoramas. It’s not just medieval delights within the smooth stone streets, however: the windows of the town’s renowned pasticceries display teetering, tempting stacks of crisp cannoli and mouth-watering almond pastries.

Enquire

Jo

Team Comments:

“If you have limited time this is a great way to get a flavour of Sicily.” (Jo)

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Sicily is an ancient intersection of Mediterranean civilisations, with its strategic position resulting in a wealth of cultural influences: a treasure trove of history and art with layers of diverse architecture just begging to be explored.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Bed & breakfast accommodation
  • Taormina & its ancient amphitheatre
  • Syracuse - home to one of Sicily's best archaeological sites
  • Noto - a charming baroque town
  • Hidden Sicily - explore 'The Godfather' villages

Details

From £1,199
per person

Sicily is an ancient intersection of Mediterranean civilisations, with its strategic position resulting in a wealth of cultural influences: a treasure trove of history and art with layers of diverse architecture just begging to be explored.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Bed & breakfast accommodation
  • Palermo & the Palatine Chapel
  • Cefalù - a relaxed historic town
  • Segesta - an ancient Doric temple
  • Erice - a charming medieval hill town

Details

From £1,299
per person

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