Classic Sicily, Etna & Taormina

Fly from the UK to Catania, Sicily, Italy.

Touch down on Sicily’s sun-drenched east coast and meet your tour manager before travelling on to your first hotel in lovely Mazzaforno. With the journey behind you, the rest of the day is yours to ease into island life at a gentler pace. Take a moment to breathe in the sea air, settle into your surroundings and start soaking up that unmistakable Sicilian atmosphere. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and toast the beginning of a memorable adventure filled with history, scenery and more than a little Italian charm.

This morning, discover the seaside beauty of Cefalù, one of Sicily’s most enchanting coastal towns. Framed by the dramatic rock of La Rocca and watched over by its magnificent Norman cathedral, Cefalù blends old-world character with laid-back Mediterranean appeal. Step inside the cathedral to admire its remarkable Byzantine mosaics, then wander through a maze of medieval streets filled with hidden corners and local character. There may even be time for a climb towards the Temple of Diana for those feeling energetic. Later, relax on the sandy beach or enjoy the cafés, shops and easy-going atmosphere before returning to the hotel.

Today brings a fascinating introduction to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant and wonderfully complex capital. Before reaching the city, visit Monreale and its extraordinary cathedral, famed for dazzling golden mosaics and a striking mix of Norman, Byzantine and Arab influences. Then continue to Palermo for a guided walking tour through streets shaped by centuries of conquerors, cultures and contrasts. From grand architecture to buzzing piazzas, the city is full of stories waiting to be told. Pause for a coffee in one of its many cafés, watch the world go by and soak up the atmosphere before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Say goodbye to Mazzaforno this morning and head into Sicily’s scenic heartland, where wooded hills and historic towns reveal a different side of the island. Your destination is Piazza Armerina, close to the remarkable Villa Romana del Casale, home to some of the finest Roman mosaics in Europe. Wonderfully preserved and rich in detail, these ancient artworks offer a vivid glimpse into everyday life during the Roman Empire. After exploring this extraordinary site, continue to your next hotel in the resort of Giardini-Naxos, where the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy dinner.

Today is packed with Sicilian icons, beginning with mighty Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most famous active volcano. Travel to its southern slopes and ascend by cable car to around 2,300 metres, where, on a clear day, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Later, continue to Taormina, a town that seems determined to be effortlessly photogenic from every angle. Stroll its elegant squares and flower-filled streets, perhaps stopping for lunch, before visiting the celebrated Greco-Roman theatre, dramatically perched above the sea. It is a day of grand scenery, fascinating history and proper pinch-me moments.

Today is free to enjoy at your own pace, or you may choose to join an optional excursion to the breathtaking Aeolian Islands. Travel to the port of Milazzo and board a ferry for a scenic crossing across the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing volcanic landscapes and glittering blue waters along the way. Arrive on Lipari, the largest of the islands, after passing brooding Vulcano and its unmistakable crater. Once ashore, spend time exploring Lipari Town, with its inviting streets, island charm and relaxed atmosphere. Later, return to the mainland and back to your hotel for dinner.

Step into the ancient world today with a visit to Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most impressive historic cities. Once one of the greatest powers of the Greek world, Syracuse still wears its past with pride. Explore the atmospheric island of Ortigia, the city’s ancient heart, where layers of history unfold between elegant piazzas, Baroque facades and the remains of mighty temples dedicated to Apollo and Athena. It is a place where every corner seems to tell a story.

After a week of unforgettable landscapes, ancient treasures and deliciously varied Sicilian experiences, it is time to say arrivederci to this captivating island. Leave your hotel and transfer to the airport, taking with you memories of volcanic views, coastal towns, grand cathedrals and lively city streets.