Immerse in Sicily’s unique blend of scenery, culture, history and mouth-watering cuisine. Ancient civilisations, prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches, Baroque buildings and majestic landscape – the island has all these and more. Lively and intriguing, its capital, Palermo, is a wonderful place to explore. The island has been a melting pot of cultures, but a major influence was that of the ancient Greeks and we search for their footprints on our exploration of intriguing Tyndaris and the once-powerful Syracuse. The scenic resort town of Taormina is home to one of the most spectacular Greek theatres in the world. We also discover the island’s natural attractions in the Madonie Mountains, along the northern coast in beautiful Cefalù. Volcanic presence has resulted in spectacular canyons and natural swimming pools being formed from lava flows. Majestic Mount Etna (3350m), one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, is omnipresent in the eastern part of Sicily and forms a dramatic backdrop to many a rural scene, as well as reflects the turbulent spirit of this intoxicating island.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Tue) Arrive in Palermo. |
| 2 | Visit Monreale and enjoy coastal walk in Zingaro Nature Reserve. Explore charming village of Scopello (2 hours). |
| 3 | Travel to Cefalù and walk in surrounding mountains. Visit Tindari and ruins of old Greek city of Tyndaris. Afternoon coastal walk before travelling to medieval Montalbano (3 hours). |
| 4 | Short walk through Montalbano and forest of Malabotta. Walk to Moio dell’Alcantara (4 hours). |
| 5 | Walk to charming hill town of Castelmola and explore its medieval streets. Walk down to Taormina with spectacular views en route. Afternoon at leisure (3.5 hours). |
| 6-7 | Full day trip to Mount Etna with expert volcano guide. Walk on recent lava flow, along Monti Silvestri, up the southern slopes and on to the summit (4 hours). |
| 8 | Visit charming Sortino. Walk through Anapo River Valley, passing prehistoric burial site, chapels, Byzantine villages and baroque churches. Drive to Ragusa (3.5 hours). |
| 9 | Visit baroque city of Modica. Coastal walk in the nature reserve of Vendicari. Visit Noto, then travel to Syracuse (3.5 hours). |
| 10 | Walking tour through historic Syracuse (2.5 hours). |
| 11 | Tour ends after breakfast in Syracuse (Fri). |
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
11 days |
Trip Code |
PESY |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Easy), Walking (Moderate) | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Italy | |
Start City |
|
| Palermo | |
End City |
|
| Syracuse | |
