Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a melting pot of cultures, where Greek and Arab influences are evident in its architecture, ancient ruins from various civilisations, and distinctive cuisine. A land where the earth spills fire from ancient volcanoes and the sun warms the emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

A region of archaeological wonders, marvellous baroque towns and rich, ancient traditions. But Sicily is not only a place of extraordinary monuments, enchantingly beautiful scenery and beautiful towns. It is also a land that offers an incredible variety of excellent vintages, ancient cellars and vineyards, as well as traditional dishes and foods rediscovered in their original style.

 

Highlights of Sicily – Curated self-drive

This self-drive holiday, including prearranged excursions, allows you to discover the many delights of Sicily including:

  • Palermo, the majestic Sicilian regional capital, with its ancient theatres, the characteristic streets and the Capo market
  • Erice, a magnificent medieval city
  • Agrigento and Valley of the Temples
  • Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its Sicilian-style baroque architecture
  • Syracuse, an important and strategic political centre in the Ancient World
  • Taormina, a small town, with elegant streets and wonderful views of the Emerald Sea
  • Delightful food and wines

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Welcome dinner in a typical local restaurant.

Day 2: Palermo, Monreale

Guided historical and foodie walking tour of Palermo. See the sights and sample local specialities en route. Drive to Monreale – mosaics and Byzantine architecture of the UNESCO-listed Cloister of Santa Maria La Nuova.

Day 3: Erice, Marsala, Agrigento

Drive to the medieval city of Erice. Marsala winery visit and tasting. Drive on to Agrigento.

Day 4: Agrigento, Syracuse

Guided tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. Optional visit to Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, featuring remarkable mosaics. Dinner, showcasing traditional dishes, in Syracuse’s Ortigia.

Day 5: Syracuse, Modica, Ragusa

Guided tour of Syracuse and the old town of Ortigia. Drive to Modica and then Ragusa – both with fine examples of Baroque architecture.

Day 6: Syracuse, Mount Etna, Taormina

Drive to the Mount Etna area. Vineyard visit and wine tasting.

Day 7: Taormina

Afternoon guided tour of Taormina, Ancient Greek Theatre and local artisan studios.

Day 8: Departure

Drive to Catania.

 

What’s included

  • Flight from London (other airports available)
  • 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in 4* hotels – Palermo 2 nights, Agrigento 1 night, Syracuse 2 nights, Taormina 2 nights
  • Welcome dinner
  • 2 light lunches with wine tasting
  • Dinner at a typical restaurant in Ortigia · Guided street food tour in Palermo
  • 3 private guided tours: Agrigento, Ortigia, Taormina
  • Entrance fees to: Palatine Chapel (Palermo), Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park (Agrigento), Greek Theatre (Taormina). 3 private guided tours: Agrigento, Ortigia, Taormina
  • Car hire (private driver available for supplement)

 

Indicative prices

All of our holidays are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 8-day suggested holiday will cost from £2,599 per person based on two sharing.