A Week in Sicily

ARRIVAL IN PALERMO

Arrival in Sicily, and check-in to your hotel. Continue to explore Palermo, where a walking tour is ideal to fully appreciate the unique Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, a rare multicultural experiment which embellishes the city's streets and numerous alleys.

Piazza Politeama, Palermo's main square; Via Ruggero VII, commonly referred to as 'salotto di Palermo' (the 'Cultural Salon of Palermo'); the Teatro Massimo, the biggest opera house in Italy; Via Maqueda, a historic commercial strip; Quattro Canti, a Baroque square splitting the old historic district into four sectors; the spectacular Palermo Cathedral; the Royal Palace of Palermo (also Palace of the Normans) with its Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel); and Mercato del Capo, a famous market — these are only a few sights you will get the chance to explore in Palermo.

TRAPANI

After breakfast, visit Trapani, which offers a wide range of attractions: the city centre featuring historic buildings, the renowned fish market where you can bask in mesmerising views of the Mediterranean, and the ancient salt works and windmills, a sight to experience at least once in your lifetime.

VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES AND SCALA DEI TURCHI

Today after breakfast, leave Trapani and head south to Realmonte in the province of Agrigento, where you can visit the Roman Villa located in Punta Grande. From here, the journey takes you to the 'Scala dei Turchi' (the 'Stair of the Turks') — alluring snow-white views and a soft limestone staircase overlooking the intensely blue water will be a feast for the eyes.

In the most powerful city of Magna Graecia (Agrigento) is the Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. These are the remains of the ancient Akragas, once the original centre of Agrigento. Settled along a rocky edge are majestic Doric temples dating back to 580 BC, originally dedicated to Hellenic deities.

PIAZZA ARMERINA AND RAGUSA IBLA

During the day we reach the very heart of Sicily to lose ourselves in the colours of the Roman mosaics of the Villa del Casale, situated only a few kilometres from Piazza Armerina. Dating back to the fourth century, the villa's mosaics depict scenes of the Romans' daily life and are incredibly charming, with vivid colours that have remained almost unchanged over the centuries.

We then move on to Ragusa Ibla, where we visit Piazza Duomo, the Hyblaean gardens, St. George's portal, St. Joseph's Church and Piazza Pola.

NOTO, PORTOPALO DI CAPOPASSERO, MARZAMEMI

The main attraction of the day is Noto, Baroque's masterwork and a World Heritage Site since 2002. The city discloses itself in the full splendour of its reconstruction after the devastating earthquake of 1693: from Chiesa di Santa Chiara (St. Clare Church) to the Cattedrale di San Nicola (St. Nicholas Cathedral) and the main monuments of the old town centre.

At the southernmost tip of continental Europe is the municipality of Portopalo di Capopassero, where you can find the 'Isola delle Correnti' (Island of Currents) — a crumb of Sicilian land bathing in distinctive waters. Right here, the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet and merge, yielding a unique play of colours. From here, you can easily pop down to Marzamemi, an old fishing village, very well known for its tonnara (tuna processing plant). Ambling through the village's lanes will certainly be an unforgettable experience.

SIRACUSA, ORTYGIA

Ortygia is a small island which constitutes the historical centre of the city of Syracuse. Seeing tuna filleting happen right before your eyes is a highlight of the Old Market of Ortygia, along with shopping for local delicacies. The Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo di Siracusa) sits at the crossroads of two apparently distinct cultures, one rising from Magna Graecia and the other peculiarly Catholic.

TAORMINA

Between the blue Ionian Sea and the magnificent Mount Etna lies Taormina. Wander its squares and streets lined with fragrant jasmines and colourful bougainvilleas, stroll along Corso Umberto and savour every luxurious sight.

SICILY HOTEL – SICILY AIRPORT TRANSFER

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Sicily Airport for your flight back home, or continue your stay in Europe at your own request. Tour ends.