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Grand Tour of Sicily – Taormina, Syracuse & Mount Etna

11days from
£2,584*per person

Overview

11 days - Escorted Tours

From ancient Greek temples to incredibly well-preserved Roman mosaics, not to mention rocky coastlines, sandy beaches and ornate Baroque architecture, Sicily has it all. Nowhere else have the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and the Bourbons all left such an indelible legacy.  On this incredible journey, we'll see this magnificent island's greatest sights and explore some of the lesser-known spots too, sampling Sicily's UNESCO-protected sites, impressive archaeological treasures, quaint towns, historic cities and diverse landscapes. And, during time at leisure, you’ll get to soak up that laid-back lifestyle while people watching from a local trattoria or relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches.   The food here is noticeably distinct from mainland Italy as residents make the most of the fish and vegetables available locally - and we'll taste the very best they have to offer at an agriturismo (which roughly translates to farm-stay or a rural guesthouse).  This holiday is ideal for anyone who wants to get deeper under the skin of this rich culture and learn more about Sicily's fascinating history. 

Itinerary

  • Arrival in Sicily - Our Grand Tour begins with a flight to Catania. From here, we'll travel southwest to historic Agrigento for a two-night stay.
  • Valley of the Temples - This morning we'll visit one of the wonders of the ancient world: the Greek remains in the Valley of the Temples. Surrounded by flowering almond trees and beautiful coastal landscapes are the ruins of nine temples - and the remains of other structures, like tombs and gymnasiums - situated largely on a ridge looking out to sea. Visible for miles and standing proud as they do, they must have made a statement of absolute power and confidence to any passing mariner or shepherd, leaving none in doubt as to who were the masters.  The best of them, Concordia, similar in design to the Parthenon in Athens, is almost perfectly preserved, with just the roof missing. With its tapering columns and beautiful light golden colour, it is absolutely captivating. You can't help but wonder what was going through the builders’ minds thousands of years ago, toiling under a hot sun whilst creating a masterpiece.  We'll enjoy a guided tour of the site and visit the museum, which displays finds from both the temples and the surrounding area, including a unique collection of vases. We'll also visit Agrigento, one of Sicily's oldest cities. With a medieval atmosphere, it's awash with tiny, stepped streets and quite shady piazzas overlooking the blue Mediterranean in the distance. Running through its medieval core is Via Atenea, where you could find lunch. After a busy day exploring, we'll return to our hotel during the mid-afternoon to relax. You could sit on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the sea or enjoy a drink by the pool in the afternoon sunshine before dinner this evening. Included experience - Guided tour of the Valley of Temples.
  • Cefalù - Leaving Agrigento this morning, we’ll drive through Sicily's mountainous interior to Cefalù. Its atmospheric medieval centre clings around the base of a huge rocky outcrop called La Rocca which dominates the terracotta-coloured roofs below and at whose summit is a temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. On arrival, we will have a short orientation walk, before time at leisure to explore as you wish. It’s hard not to fall in love as soon as you set eyes on Cefalù, its golden sands and sparkling blue sea draw you in. But look beyond the coast, and you’ll find that the town’s golden-hued stone buildings and narrow cobbled streets have their charm too. The jewel in Cefalù’s crown is its cathedral, a majestic Norman edifice - the pinnacle of Sicilian Romanesque architecture - containing mosaics, which though smaller, are exquisite.  You can soak up the ambience, enjoying the maze of picturesque medieval streets, with a great selection of shops, cafes and bars. Perhaps you'll while away the hours in the quaint Piazza Garibaldi (with a gelato and a Negroni, of course) or continue to explore. Whatever your choice, you're guaranteed an idyllic day in this spot before we continue on to our hotel to check in. Included experience - Visit Cefalù.
  • Palermo - Driving westwards our scenic coast journey offers tantalising views of blue waters and Sicily's mountainous interior. Our destination is the island's capital, Palermo, where we'll take a guided tour to unravel the past's mysteries and gain insight into what makes this fascinating island tick.   There are some incredible monuments here, most dating from before 1861 when Sicily was an independent kingdom. You will love some of Italy’s most brilliantly decorated churches - plus tiny, almost timeless piazzas - but the most outstanding of them all is the Norman Palace.  Once the seat of kings, now occupied by the Sicilian government, in the Middle Ages it was Europe’s most decorated royal court. During our visit, we'll see the huge Carthaginian foundations, whilst upstairs is the royal church, literally covered in some of the finest gold medieval mosaics in existence and without doubt Palermo’s undisputed artistic gem.  We will have some free time to explore Palermo’s slender side streets lined with palazzi (mansions) and terracotta-toned landmark buildings. You could seek out the city's ancient past at one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Palermo, including palaces, churches and cathedrals and more. Included experience - Guided tour of Palermo, including the Norman Palace. Signature experience - Experience Palermo's aristocratic and culinary culture on a visit to an 18th-century palazzo on the seafront, owned by a Sicilian Duchess. We will find out more about the history of the palace, where writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa - author of the famous novel The Leopard - once resided. Afterwards, we will enjoy a drink and canapes in the mesmerising surroundings of the palazzo looking out of the twelve windows of its façade and the lush terrace, a real hanging garden rich of Mediterranean and sub-tropical essence before returning to our hotel in Cefalù.
  • Free day in Cefalù - Cefalù is an idyllic spot for some sunbathing, its golden sandy crescent beaches blend perfectly with the dusty browns and whites of the historic buildings behind. Today is at leisure, you could scope out the best spot on the beach this morning (they can fill up quite quickly) and relax by the sea. As the sun gets hotter, you’ll find shade - and lunch - in the city's narrow roads browsing the little stores and gelaterias. Or perhaps escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the hotel’s pool, set in the greenery of its private grounds.
  • Villa Romana del Casale - We'll head out of Cefalù and drive to the small town of Piazza Armerina, home to one of the most amazing archaeological discoveries of the last century. The Villa Romana del Casale is one of the best-preserved and best-known Roman villas developed between the 4th and 5th centuries AD.   It's thought to have been owned by one of the joint Emperors - which explains its size and richness of decoration - but was buried for centuries. On our guided tour, we'll see the remains of pastel-coloured frescoes on the walls and fine mosaics from Roman antiquity, depicting animals and hunting scenes. This palatial building, complete with its baths, illustrates with great clarity the evident high standard of living of the Roman elite.  After our tour, we’ll carry on to a local agriturismo (which roughly translates to farm-stay or a rural guesthouse) in the heart of the Sicilian countryside. Here, we'll stop for a home-cooked lunch featuring local produce, such as vegetables, pasta and often wine and olive oil that's fresh off the farm. Since many of Sicily's gastronomic traditions aren't found in swanky city restaurants but rather in the homely kitchen of a Sicilian nonna, dining at an agriturismo offers an authentic dining experience. We'll then continue to the east coast of Sicily to Taormina, where we stay for five nights. Included experience - Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale and lunch at a local agriturismo.
  • Taormina - Today, we’ll visit Taormina with time to explore as you wish. It's one of the smartest and most exclusive small towns in Italy – it has everything! Retaining much of its medieval charm, wonderfully situated on a high balcony, it offers panoramic views of the sea to one side and Mount Etna to the other. Taormina is renowned for its beautiful gardens and charming atmosphere but its greatest claim to fame is the ancient theatre. It’s a legacy of the ancient Greeks and still in use today, playing host to a wide array of performances from musicals to gladiatorial battles. Included experience - Visit to Taormina. Signature experience - Quintessential to the Italian lifestyle, the aperitivo is the moment of the day to relax with a drink. We’ll do this in style with a delicious array of delicacies, whilst enjoying the sensational views over Taormina and the surrounding coastline.
  • Syracuse - Today we'll take the drive to Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most attractive cities.   Called "the greatest and most beautiful of all Grecian cities" by Cicero in the ancient world, Syracuse rivalled Athens and Carthage in size and status. You can explore the old town at the eastern end of the city, called Ortygia; it’s an island connected to the mainland by three bridges. It’s a web of narrow streets lined by Greek, Roman and Baroque buildings which you can explore during time at leisure in the city. You could stumble upon piazzas, like Piazza Archimedes (named after the city's most famous resident and mathematician) with the beautiful Fountain of Diana, the Roman goddess. Or visit Syracuse’s extraordinary cathedral incorporating an ancient temple with a lovely interior and Bosco Palace, which is just opposite. The old port area is extremely beautiful and very traditional, full of small fishing boats unloading their catch.  You will have the option to take a boat trip around the bay before returning to the hotel. Signature experience - Join us on a unique adventure today as we set sail around Ortigia. Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of golden-hued limestone cliffs and explore some of the most impressive caves. But that's not all - we'll be venturing towards the seafront for an up-close look at Ortigia's historic architecture. And what better way to experience it all than from the comfort of our boat while sipping a refreshing drink? Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey! 
  • Free day - Today, is free to spend as you wish. You could spend the day in and around our hotel in Giardini Naxos. You could relax by the pool (open in the summer months, weather permitting), wander around the local area or spread out along the long sandy beaches this resort town is famous for.  Alternatively, you could travel back to Taormina, taking advantage of the local public transport or taxis, to peruse the main street lined by designer boutiques and jewellers. The side streets, some of which are so narrow you can touch both sides at once, lead to intimate piazzas lined with atmospheric family-run restaurants – the perfect place to stop for a spot of people watching over lunch. Or, perhaps, take one of Taormina’s very own cable cars down to the beach area of Mazzarò to explore the extensive beaches, rocky coves, tiny islands and sea stacks that make this coastline so enchanting.
  • Mount Etna - Dominating eastern Sicily is Europe’s highest volcano, Etna. This morning we'll take the drive as near to the snow-capped summit as possible. Ascending the winding road, the landscape becomes increasingly eerie and alien, with razor-sharp black rocks in contorted formations, and some areas devoid of almost all vegetation. As we near the cable car station itself you can enjoy extensive views over the whole area.  Subject to certain regulations, you will have the opportunity to take the cable car, jeep and guide to explore even higher levels. Included experience - Visit to Mount Etna. Signature experience - We'll end our tour of Mount Etna with lunch at a historic winery on the volcano's fertile slopes. Admiring the breathtaking views over the vineyards, you'll learn about the unique conditions that produce such interesting organic wines followed by a delicious lunch featuring local dishes paired with a perfect selection of robust red and fragrant white wine.
  • Return home - Today, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight, arriving back in the UK the same day with memories of rocky coastlines, mighty mountains and ancient cities.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

  • See the remarkably preserved frescoes and ancient mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale on a guided tour of Piazza Armerina's Roman villa
  • Step back through time on a guided tour of the ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites
  • Visit Mount Etna - the largest active volcano in Europe - on a drive towards the often-snow-capped summit
  • Explore the beautiful Sicilian towns and cities of, Cefalù, Taormina and Syracuse with time at leisure
  • Take a guided tour of Palermo, Sicily's capital city with a gorgeous medieval and Baroque centre and Norman palace

Our Price Includes

  • The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single and sea view rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes: 
  • Direct return flights 
  • 10 nights’ accommodation 
  • Daily breakfast, dinner and two light lunches 
  • All local taxes and transfers 
  • All tours as mentioned 
  • Entrances to Valley of the Temples, Villa Romana at Piazza Armerina and Palermo’s Norman Palace 
  • The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager 
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Dates and Prices

 
April 2025
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Accommodation

Hotel Sant Alphio Garden -

★★★★

This hotel was carefully selected by our team of experienced Product Managers for it’s ideal location by the seafront which is lined with quaint seafood restaurants and fishing boats drawn up onto the beach. The Sant Alphio Garden Hotel has a host of fantastic facilities including a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, two bars, an outdoor pool surrounded by shady palm trees and beautiful bougainvillaea and even a poolside bar where you can relax and soak up the sun after a hard day’s sightseeing. The hotel also boasts a private beach just a short walk away and spa with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym (local charges may be applicable). Rooms are modern, air-conditioned and equipped with private facilities, mini-bar, safe and all have a terrace or balcony affording views over the surrounding area. There is a varied buffet breakfast, and dinner offers a three-course meal including starter, main and dessert. This hotel can cater for gluten free diets, just let us know in advance. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.

Alberi del Paradiso -

★★★★

There is a spa (local charges may be applicable) and pool for relaxation, whilst for the energetic there is also a tennis court. The superbly comfortable lounge built in Sicilian style with exposed stonework, is the perfect spot to relax, whilst the restaurant presents local and international cuisine. After dining you may wish to visit the bar terrace with extensive panoramic views and live background music several times weekly. A shuttle bus operates to Cefalu’s centre and beach (shuttle bus operates from June to September). Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.

Hotel Baia di Ulisse -

★★★★

This stylish and tasteful hotel is lovingly cared for by its owner with his own antique furniture, fine paintings and exquisite ornaments displayed throughout. Set beside a beautiful pine forest which runs down to the hotel’s private beach, San Leone, just a few miles from Agrigento. Dining at the hotel includes a varied breakfast and a three-course dinner including dessert. The hotel can cater for gluten free diets, just let us know in advance. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. Local charges may be applicable for spa and wellness facilities.

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Other Information

Holiday code

R675

Holiday provided by Riviera Travel

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Riviera Travel (ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Riviera Travel holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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