Sicily: Vino & Volcanoes

Arrive at your first hotel in the centre of old town Ragusa Ibla. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Ragusa Ibla is an important city of the arts in Italy with a legacy dating back thousands of years. Overnight Hotel Barocco 3*, Ragusa Ibla.

Take your time exploring Ragusa Ibla, adorned with architectural treasures including the Duomo di San Giorgio. The city of Ragusa is divided into two large districts: Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla of which the latter sits high on the hilltop, home to ruins of the old city. Wander the original medieval streets and historic centre, home to more than 50 churches and baroque style mansions. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from Ragusa Ibla to Noto, growing ever closer to the spectacular Sicilian coastline. Overnight in Palazzo Landolina in Noto.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is a Baroque beauty with much to offer its visitors. This sun-drenched corner of Sicily is home to the magnificent Church of San Domenico and the inspiring Fountain of Hercules. Enjoy an icy glass of granita or the famous ice cream as you amble along the cobbled streets with a new treasure discovered around every corner. Later in the day, we have arranged a wine tasting for you  in a local enoteca with a sommelier. This includes 4 wines paired with 4 tasty Sicilian tapas. Overnight in Palazzo Landolina.

Spend the morning exploring more of Noto before you're transferred to your next Sicilian destination - Syracuse. Your base is the small island of Ortigia, located in the historical centre of Syracuse. The old town of Ortigia is a labyrinth of charming medieval streets packed with over 2,500 years of history. The wider area of Syracuse is home to the spectacular Greek Theatre, the popular archaeological park and the mythological Ear of Dionysios, a cave with a peculiar shape resembling an ear with fantastic acoustics - the story goes that Dionysius used this cave to listen to the cries of his prisoners! Overnight Hotel Gran Bretagna 3*, Syracuse.

On the island of Ortigia, we recommend visiting the Temple of Apollo dating back to the 6th century, the Piazza Archimede and the Fountain of Diana, the Roman goddess. The Piazza Duomo is dominated by the fascinating Cathedral of Syracuse, built around the ancient Temple of Athena. Ortigia plays host to an incredible market where you’ll be greeted with a feast of colours, scents, and authentic flavours of the island. We have also arranged a morning boat tour from Ortigia Island (approx. 1hr) to see the beautiful coastline from a different perspective. Overnight Hotel Gran Bretagna 3*, Syracuse.

Take some more time in Syracuse or head over to Taormina in the morning on our included transfer. Spectacularly perched on the side of the mountain, Taormina is an unmissable destination on Sicily. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of the town, making it very easy to explore the pedestrianised centre. Make your way to one of the best viewpoints in Taormina, the Piazza IX Aprile home to a huge panoramic terrace overlooking the bay below and Mount Etna in the distance. Perhaps the most famous monument of Taormina is its Greek theatre dating from the 3rd century, yet remarkably well preserved. Another treasure is the tiny island of Isola Bella which is well within walking distance. Here, you’ll find beautiful coves and beaches where you can enjoy boat tours, kayaking and snorkelling should you wish. Alternatively, catch the local bus up to the small village of Castelmola, famous for its ruined medieval castle and home to some of the best viewpoints of the valley and across Etna. The local speciality of the village is almond wine should you wish to try some. Overnight Hotel Isabella 3*, Taormina. 

What better way to end your trip to Sicily than venturing onto Mount Etna. It's the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world. We have included a guided group tour of Mount Etna, where we explore the volcano's diverse and accessible range of features such as craters, lava flows and caves with an expert guide. The tour comprises of a short walk (2 hours) and lunch as well as transfers to/from your hotel in Taormina are included. Overnight Hotel Isabella 3*, Taormina.