The tour starts at 3.30pm on Friday 15 March, at Rome Fiumicino airport.

The tour ends at 6.30pm on Sunday 31 March, at Rome Fiumicino airport.

Meet your tour leader at Rome Fiumicino airport to commence the tour. There is a group flight to Catania, then transfer by coach to our hotel in Siracusa. This evening meet for a light dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Siracusa (D)

This morning we visit the main archaeological sites of the town. Highlights of our visit include the famed theatre of Siracusa, the altar of Hieron II, and the ancient quarries (where thousands of Greek prisoners were held during the Peloponnesian War). In the later afternoon we’ll visit the Museo Aretuseo dei Pupi, housing a collection of traditional Sicilian puppets, followed by a performance of traditional puppetry at the adjoining theatre. This evening we have our welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Siracusa (B, D)

This morning we make our way to the excellent Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum. Extensively renovated in recent years, the Paolo Orsi is one of the most important archaeological museums in southern Italy. Its artefacts, found throughout Sicily, survey the Greek, Roman, and early Christian epochs. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Byzantine-era Jewish baths which are over 1,500 years old. Overnight Siracusa (B)

Today we take a round trip of the south-east tip of Sicily, visiting the towns of Noto and Ragusa. These towns are famed for their exuberant ‘Sicilian Baroque’ architecture, created after a devastating earthquake of 1693 that destroyed the earlier towns. Overnight Siracusa (B)

We depart Siracusa this morning, heading westward through the geographic centre of Sicily. Today’s highlight is the Villa Romana del Casale at Piazza Armerina, featuring a series of intact floor mosaics from the 4th century AD, created by North African artisans. After lunch we continue to Agrigento, located on the south coast of Sicily, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is in our hotel. Overnight Agrigento (B, D)

Agrigento – ancient ‘Akragas’ — was founded in the 6th century BC and enjoyed a reputation as one of the wealthiest colonies of the Greek world. The extensive and well-preserved sacred area is testament to these riches, comprising four wonderfully preserved large temples as well as a number of smaller structures. Today we tour the temple site with a local guide and visit the nearby archaeological museum. The afternoon is free to relax. Tonight, we have dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Agrigento (B, D)

Our first stop is to see the larger than life-size Dancing Satyr of Mazara del Vallo, a Greek bronze statue that was found by a Sicilian fisherman in 1998 in the waters of the Mediterranean. We continue to Selinunte (ancient Selinus), the last of the important Greek cities on our itinerary. At its peak, Selinus had a population of 25,000 but it was comprehensively sacked and its ruins inspired generations of Romantic poets and artists, such as Goethe. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant. Overnight Palermo (B, D)

Palermo is a colourful city, with the atmosphere of North Africa or perhaps Asia rather than of Europe. Its heritage as a meeting point between European civilisation and the Arab and Byzantine worlds is borne out in the splendid medieval buildings of the Norman kingdoms. Today we tour some of the main historic sites of the old city, including the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, with its gold mosaics, and the Byzantine-influenced church of La Martorana. After lunch we visit one of the oldest museums in Sicily, the Archaeological museum, which posses one of the richest collections of Punic and Ancient Greek art in Italy. Overnight Palermo (B)

The cathedral and abbey of Monreale, in the hills overlooking Palermo, were founded by the Norman King William II in the 12th century to demonstrate the power of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily. There are more than 6,000 square metres of mosaics here, using 2,200 kg of real gold. We spend the morning visiting the cathedral and enjoying the surrounding medieval hill town. After returning to Palermo, the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Palermo (B)

Today we take a ferry to Mozia where, among the salt pans, we explore the ruins of the former Carthaginian settlement. The island also houses a small museum with some unique pieces. We then continue to Segesta, an evocative ruin perched on a hill. The theatre and temple here are truly memorable, and have inspired artists and writers for centuries. In the late afternoon we head back to Palermo. Overnight Palermo (B, L)

We depart Palermo this morning, heading along the north coast. We spend the greater part of the day in Cefalù, a fishing town dominated by a splendid Norman cathedral, reputedly built after King Roger II survived a shipwreck near the town. There is also a Greek sanctuary above the town (a steep walk) and an idiosyncratic art gallery with some fine works. These include a wonderful portrait by Antonello da Messina. After lunch we travel to Milazzo where we take a ferry to the island of Lipari, our base on the Aeolian Islands for the next three nights. Dinner is served in our hotel. Overnight Lipari (B, D)

A local guide shows us the main archaeological site of Lipari this morning, an island inhabited since at least 5,000 BC. Later on, weather permitting, we take an afternoon boat excursion to the islands of Panarea and Stromboli, 20km from Lipari, enjoying the natural beauty and unspoilt traditional lifestyle of these islands. A highlight of the excursion is the chance to view the volcano of Stromboli. We have a light dinner on Stromboli before returning to Lipari in the early evening. (Alternative plans, such as a visit to the nearby island of Vulcano, or to Milazzo, will be made if the weather is too rough for the excursion) Overnight Lipari (B, D)

This morning is free to explore the town or relax in the hotel. Later in the afternoon we take a trip around the island by coach, enjoying the landscape and views to the other islands. This evening there will be a talk in the hotel. Overnight Lipari (B)

Returning to the mainland, we travel to the city of Messina to visit the fine Norman cathedral and the Regional Museum of Messina, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina. We continue on to Taormina on the east coast of Sicily. After checking into our hotel, we have a welcome drink on the terrace. Overnight Taormina (B)

Sitting above the sea with superb views to Mount Etna, Taormina is a memorable final destination for our journey. We spend this morning visiting the Graeco-Roman theatre and other highlights of the town. This afternoon and evening are at leisure. Overnight Taormina (B)

Today we join our coach for an excursion to the summit of Mount Etna itself. Europe’s largest and most spectacular volcano, Mt Etna is still very active. Assuming conditions are safe we will explore the south side of the volcano, travelling by coach, cable car and finally jeep to a height of 2,900 metres. The landscape and the views are unforgettable. (Please note that the last part of the excursion involves walking over uneven surfaces. It may not be possible for all passengers to undertake this segment.) Returning to Taormina there is time for a stroll around the town before we meet for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Taormina (B, D)

Our flight departs mid-afternoon for Rome, arriving in time to meet the late evening departing flight for Australia. (B)

Hotels have been selected principally for their central location. All hotels are a comfortable four-star standard.

Siracusa, Grand Hotel Ortigia (4 nights)

Agrigento, Hotel Colleverde Park (2 nights)

Palermo, Eurostars Central Palace (4 nights)

Lipari, Hotel Tritone (3 nights)

Taormina, Hotel Monte Tauro (3 nights)

A trip to Sicily provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy a short pre-tour excursion to nearby Malta. For more information on this optional tour extension, please see view the detailed itinerary.

Monday 11 March - Arrive Valletta
Flights from Australia via Dubai arrive mid-afternoon in Malta. An escort will meet the group on arrival and transfer to the Excelsior hotel in Valletta. Evening at leisure. Overnight Valletta

Tuesday 12 March - The Old City
Our day begins with a half-day tour of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city with its bastion walls and gardens on top of the ancient fortifications. This afternoon we visit the Hypogeum. Overnight: Valletta (B)

Wednesday 13 March - Mosta and Mdina
The medieval walled town of Mdina is our destination today. The origins of the town date before Roman times and there are many sites to visit. Lunch is included. Overnight: Valletta (B, L)

Thursday 14 March - Gozo
Today we take a full-day tour to the nearby island of Gozo with its stunning seascape and quiet rural life. Lunch included. Overnight: Valletta (B, L)

Friday 15 March - Depart for Sicily
Much of today is at leisure. Mid-afternoon there is a transfer to the ferry terminal for the late afternoon ferry to Pozzallo. Upon arrival, there is a coach transfer to meet the group in Siracusa where the main tour program begins. (B)