The Best of Sicily with Aeolian Islands Add-on

Day 2 Mount Etna

It's Sicily's most famous attraction, its name known the world over, and today you’re going to see Mount Etna up close. We’ll ascend Europe's tallest active volcano by cable car to an altitude of around 2,500 metres. You’ll then have some free time to take in the far-reaching views and explore the lava fields of this UNESCO-listed site at your own pace. After our descent, we’ll visit a traditional farm shop to learn about their delicious produce. We’ll try different flavours of honey, taste locally produced olive oil, olives and vegetable pâté and sample three different types of wine.

Day 3 Taormina

We're off to Taormina today, a fascinating town which overlooks two sweeping bays. We’ve arranged for a Local Guide to show us around and one of the highlights will be a visit to the town’s magnificent Greco-Roman theatre, perched dramatically on a clifftop. As well as exploring this ancient site, you can take in panoramic views of the sea with Mount Etna looming large in the distance. Our tour will end with a tasting of granita. This semi-frozen dessert, which originated here, comes in many delicious flavours and is utterly refreshing. You’ll then have some time to yourselves to explore Taormina at leisure. Perhaps find an inviting restaurant for lunch or take a stroll through the pretty streets and piazzas.

Day 4 Villa del Casale - Campofelice di Roccella

We're going to head to our next base today, Campofelice di Roccella, near Cefalu, but not before the chance to revel in some Roman history. Our journey takes us to the 4th century Villa Romana del Casale, close to the town of Piazza Armerina. Here, excavations have revealed one of the world's richest and most complex collections of Roman mosaics, as you view them, you'll be amazed by their excellent condition. We’ll stop for a light lunch at agriresort, Tenute Leano, with olive oil tasting.

We'll continue to our hotel and once you've unpacked, why not head out for a stroll and explore your surroundings.

Day 5 Valley of the Temples

Our included excursion today takes us to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a Hellenic archaeological site dramatically situated on a ridge overlooking the sea. Here, a Local Guide will point out all the must-see sights, which include the Temple of Concord, famed for its surprisingly well-preserved columns, and the Temple of Zeus, said to be the largest temple built by the Greeks. Those who are feeling energetic can also climb to the Temple of Juno for fabulous views over Agrigento and the sea.

After the tour, you will have some free time to enjoy lunch if you wish, and then the rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel.

Day 6 Campofelice di Roccella - at Leisure

How you spend today is entirely up to you. Relax at your hotel or on the beach or maybe take a local shuttle to nearby Cefalù, a pretty fishing port. There's lots to discover here, including its winding medieval streets, sandy beaches and one of Sicily's finest Norman cathedrals. If you peer inside, you'll see some of the island's earliest and best-preserved mosaics, with the spectacular Christ Pantocrator above the altar, particularly memorable. The town’s pretty piazzas are also a lovely place to take the weight off your feet with a gelato or well-earned coffee.

Day 7 Palermo & Monreale

Today we’ll visit Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, boasting a wealth of architecture ranging in style from Arabic to Art Nouveau. The city is famous for its street food tradition and we’re going to a local restaurant to enjoy a street food experience. You'll be able to sample a wide variety of seasonal dishes, for example deep-fried tuna, a cheese made from sheep's milk, and arancini, which are rice balls filled with ragu sauce. Also on the menu will be caponata, a sweet and sour dish made with aubergines and other vegetables, served in a tomato sauce. It promises to be a real treat for your tastebuds! After you've eaten you could take some time to explore the light-filled Capella Palatine Chapel, which proudly exhibits intricate Byzantine mosaics.

After a short drive, our next stop will be the beautiful Monreale Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture in the world. The pleasant yet unremarkable exterior of the cathedral offers no clue as to the exquisite golden paintings and spectacular mosaics you'll discover when you venture inside.

Day 8 Lipari

Today we will leave our hotel on Sicily and travel to the beautiful Aeolian Island of Lipari, where you'll stay for four nights. Here, you'll have plenty of time to explore Lipari's historic centre at your own pace.

Day 9 Lipari

Your day is free for you to spend as you wish. After a busy week exploring the beautiful island of Sicily why not take the opportunity to relax and unwind at the hotel. Alternatively you may wish to explore nearby Canneto beach.

Day 10 Lipari

Continue to explore the island at your own pace. Why not take a ferry to other islands in this volcanic archipelago including Stromboli. Stromboli is one of the eight Aeolian Islands and is dominated by a single large volcano that erupts regularly, much to the delight of onlookers.

Day 11 Lipari

Your day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the peaceful harbour or wander into the old town and sample the local cuisine.

Day 12 Catania

Your Aeolian adventure comes to an end today as you transfer back to Catania for a final night's stay. Why not venture out for dinner and see a little of this ancient port city as dusk falls.

Day 13 Catania - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

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