SICILY & THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Day 1 | Friday 11 September
Arrive Rome – To Siracusa
Meet your tour manager at Rome Fiumicino airport in the afternoon to commence the tour. There is a group flight to Catania, before we transfer by coach to our hotel in Siracusa, set on beautiful Ortigia Island overlooking the Ionian Sea and connected to the mainland via a short bridge. The afternoon is at leisure, and you might like to unwind after the day’s travels with an aperitif. This evening we enjoy dinner in the heart of Ortigia. Overnight Siracusa (D)

Day 2 | Saturday 12 September
Ancient Siracusa
Described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all", Siracusa once equalled Athens in size during its golden age. We begin the day by exploring Ancient Siracusa, starting at the Neapolis Archaeological Park to view some of the most important Greek and Roman remains.
Here we will have a chance to marvel at the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre, the ancient stone quarries, the most famous cave in Sicily – called the “Ear of Dionysius” – and the altar of Hieron, the largest stone altar built in the Greek world, dedicated to Zeus. We then continue to the 17th-century Basilica of Santa Lucia, dedicated to Siracusa's patron saint, which houses the impressive Caravaggio painting of the burial of Saint Lucia. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the charm of Siracusa, before we reconvene in the evening, first attending a performance of Sicilian “pupi” or puppets performed in a traditional theatre, before moving onto our welcome dinner in a charming local restaurant. Overnight Siracusa (B, D)

Day 3 | Sunday 13 September
Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
Siracusa and its surrounds has been a melting pot of culture for a millennia, influenced by the Greeks and Romans. The Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum houses a fantastic collection of artefacts charting the area's prehistory, as well as the city's development from its foundation to the late Roman period. Following our morning visit through the musuem, we enjoy a light lunch, before venturing to a neighbourhood which was once home to the Jewish residents of Ortygia, known as “Giudecca”. Our first point of call is the Church of San Filippo Apostolo, which offers a fascinating microcosm of Siracusan history, with Greek, Jewish and Christian layers coexisting across three underground levels in this single site. We then make our way 30 feet below what was once the medieval palazzo of the Jewish Bianchi family, where we view the spectacular Byzantine-era Jewish baths, also known as “mikveh”, the largest and oldest in Europe dating back over 1,500 years. Returning above ground, we conclude our day with a talk in our hotel. Overnight Siracusa (B, L)

Day 4 | Monday 14 September
Sicilian Baroque in Ragusa and Noto
Today we take a round trip of the south-east tip of Sicily with a full day excursion to Ragusa and Noto, two towns which were reborn after an earthquake devastated the area in 1693, and are now famed for their exuberant ‘Sicilian Baroque’ architecture. We arrive first in Ragusa, a charming hilltop town which is split in two, the modern Ragusa Superiore at the top, and labyrinthine Ragusa Ibla, or old town splayed out below. Here our guide will take us on a tour of the quaint streets, featuring over 50 exquisite UNESCO-listed Baroque churches and palaces. We then continue on to the elegant town of Noto. Rebuilt from golden yellow limestone, the entire town casts a golden hue when the sunlight hits its Baroque buildings, and we will have ample time to soak up the atmosphere of the town. Highlights not to be missed include the wide and beautifully situated Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main thoroughfare which is punctuated by iconic Baroque plazas and churches, the 17th century French inspired Palazzo Ducezio, now Noto’s Town Hall, and the 18th century Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, considered one of the best examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. On our return to the hotel, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Siracusa (B)

Day 5 | Tuesday 15 September
The Villa Romana
We depart Siracusa this morning, heading westward through the geographic centre of Sicily. Our first stop is Caltagirone, made famous for its vibrant yellow and blue ceramics (known as 'majolicas'). Here we enjoy a guided tour of this lively Baroque town, with the importance of ceramic in plain view across its splendid palaces and church facades. After a break for lunch in town, we then proceed to the highlight of the day, the Villa Romana del Casale at Piazza Armerina. With a history spanning back to the 4th century BCE, this impressive and elaborate Roman Villa is famed for its mosaics created by North African artisans that decorate the floors of almost every room; the finest in situ mosaics found anywhere in the Roman world. After our visit we continue onwards to the hilltop town of Agrigento on the south coast of Sicily. Dinner this evening is in a fine retaurant located in the heart of the Valley of the Temples. Overnight Agrigento (B, D)

Day 6 | Wednesday 16 September
Agrigento Temples and Museum
Agrigento – known as  ‘Akragas’ in ancient times, was founded in the 6th century BCE and enjoyed a reputation as one of the wealthiest colonies of the Greek world. Today is dedicated to exploring the extensive and remarkably well-preserved sacred areas which are a testament to Agrigento’s riches. We begin with the breathtaking Valle dei Templi – the Valley of the Temples – the most important vestige of ancient Greek culture in Sicily. Situated on a plateau rather than an actual valley, this is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites, rivalling Pompeii and Heraklion in importance, and comprising of imposing Doric temples built to honour the gods such as Zeus and Hera, as well as smaller sanctuaries. We then visit the nearby archaeological museum, which boasts an impressive collection of over 5,000 artefacts that illustrate the history of the region. In the afternoon we return to Agrigento, where there will be time to freshen up before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Agrigento (B, D)

Day 7 | Thursday 17 September
Romanticism at Selinunte
We depart Agrigento this morning, making our way to the final ancient Greek city of our journey: Selinunte (or Selinus in ancient times), once the most important city in Sicily with a history spanning back to 628 BCE. Wealthy and powerful, the ancient Greeks built seven temples dedicated to Gods and Goddesses before it was destroyed by the Carthaginians in 409 BCE. The city was never rebuilt and lay in ruins, inspiring Romantic poets and artists, such as Goethe and Oscar Wilde. En route, we first visit the town of Mazara del Vallo, a blend of Arab-Norman architecture which lies on the south-western coast of Sicily. Here we will gaze upon the larger than life-size Dancing Satyr, a Greek bronze statue that was found by a Sicilian fisherman in 1998 in the waters of the Mediterranean, now housed in the 14th century red domed capped church of St Egidio. We then continue to the captivating Acropolis at Selinunte, built on a large plateau overlooking the sea, as well as its impressive defensive walls, which nevertheless were not a match for the invading Carthaginians. In the afternoon we make our way to our next hotel in Palermo, where we check in before enjoying dinner together. Overnight Palermo (B, D)

Day 8 | Friday 18 September
Palermo
The regional capital of Sicily, Palermo has a distinctive cultural atmosphere more reminiscent of North Africa and even parts of Asia than of Europe. Teeming with art galleries, museums and historic markets, its Arab-Norman cathedrals and Baroque palaces add to its unique charm. We devote our day to the city centre, beginning with a walking tour through its historic heart. Our tour takes in the vibrant streets and markets around the Quattro Canti, including Piazza Bellini and the striking churches of La Martorana and San Cataldo. After a lunch break, we visit the Castle of La Zisa, a 12th-century Norman hunting lodge and summer palace that beautifully reflects Palermo’s Arab-Norman artistic fusion. Our next stop is the serene cloisters and red domes of San Church of Saint John of the Hermits, followed by the Palermo Catherdral, whose exterior reflects the stylistic diversity of the city itself with a blend of Norman, Moorish, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical influences that span centuries of additions and alterations. We conclude our day with a special private visit of the extraordinary Cappella Palatina within Palermo’s Norman Palace, one of Sicily’s greatest treasures, renowned for its golden Byzantine mosaics and architectural harmony. Overnight Palermo (B)

Day 9 | Saturday 19 September
Glittering Monreale
We spend the first part of our day in the hills and fertile valley above Palermo to visit the town and Comune of Monreale on the slope of Monte Caputo. The area has a compelling history, influenced by the Arabs in the 9th century and then by the Normans, who took over the region in the 11th century.  To demonstrate the power of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily, the Norman King William II founded one of the world’s most stunning architectural treasures in the 12th century – a cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary where we begin our tour. The cathedral is utterly unique, incorporating elements of North African and Middle Eastern culture and art, as William II employed some of the most skilled Arabic, Byzantine and Norman craftsmen, resulting in a fusion of architectural styles, and artistic traditions. Here we will have time to enjoy 6,000 square metres of swirling gold mosaics, using 2,200 kilograms of real gold to portray kings, saints and angels. We then enjoy free time for lunch in the charming town before returning to Palermo in the afternoon. Overnight Palermo (B)

Day 10 | Sunday 20 September
Motya & Segesta
Today we delve into the ancient Phoenician and Carthaginian world, travelling to Marsala where we depart by ferry for the town of Motya, founded in the 8th century BCE. Motya’s proximity to Carthage and North Africa made it one of the most important mercantile settlements, and we will see the ancient salt pans which played an important role in the commerce of the region, from ancient times right through to the 19th century. We will also explore the star of the island, the ruins of the former Carthaginian settlement, including its spectacular northern gate, Necropolis, and excavated villas. We then tour the Whitaker House Museum, which houses some truly unique pieces, its main attraction known as The Youth of Motya, a stunning marble sculpture regarded as a national treasure, and arguably one of the finest surviving examples of classical sculpture anywhere in the world. We pause for lunch together in the beautiful grounds of the museum before departing back to the mainland and our final stop of the day, the evocative ruins of Segesta, built by the Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. Here we will have time to marvel at the magnificent 5th century BCE theatre and Doric temple, which have inspired artists and writers for centuries. In the late afternoon we head back to Palermo, where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Palermo (B, L)

Day 11 | Monday 21 September
Cefalù and the Aeolian Islands
Departing Palermo this morning, we head along the north coast to Cefalù – a picturesque fishing town dominated by a splendid Norman cathedral, reputedly built after the Norman King Roger II survived a shipwreck near the town. We will enjoy a leisurely visit to the town, first exploring the 12th century Cathedral which displays stunning Sicilian Romanesque features, in particular its luminous gold interiors. Dominating the town is La Rocca, where there is the option of making the steep walk to visit the beautiful ancient Greek temple of Diana that still stands above the town. Within the charming medieval streets there is also the Museo Mandralisca, which houses a variety of objects and artworks, from ancient vases and coins to a wonderful portrait by Antonello da Messina. The afternoon sees us travel to Milazzo, where we take a Hydrofoil across the crystal blue waters, past the island of Vulcano, to Lipari, our island base on the Aeolian archipelago for the next three nights. After checking in, there will be time to freshen up before our dinner in the hotel this evening. Overnight Lipari (B, D)

Day 12 | Tuesday 22 September
Boat Trip to Panarea and Stromboli
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian islands, enriched by thousands of years of history and glorious, wild landscapes, and it is a perfect base to explore the surrounding islands. The day begins with a talk in the hotel, followed by time to explore the charming town or simply relax in the hotel. We reconvene in the afternoon where (weather permitting) we take a boat excursion, first visiting the tiny pedestrian only island of Panarea, enjoying its natural beauty and unspoilt traditional Sicilian lifestyle. We then head to the island of Stromboli, sometimes called the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean”, with a chance to view the end of the northern side of the island, called the Sciara del Fuoco – Street of Fire – where lava from the magnificent volcano has flowed for centuries. We return to Lipari in the late afternoon with dinner this evening in a local restaurant. Overnight Lipari (B, D) 

Day 13 | Wednesday 23 September
Lipari
This morning is at leisure, though you may like to explore the Lipari Castle – a fortified citadel with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here you also find the Aeolian Museum, divided into thematic sections relating the history of the islands, and considered to house some of the most important collections in the Mediterranean. In the afternoon we embark on a specially guided trip around the island by coach with a local guide, spending the afternoon we exploring the island’s dramatic landscapes and discovering its volcanic origins as we stop at scenic viewpoints to take in sweeping panoramas of the Tyrrhenian Sea and neighbouring islands such as Salina and Vulcano. We return to Lipari in the late afternoon, where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Lipari (B)

Day 14 | Thursday 24 September
Messina
We say farewell to the islands today and return to the mainland as we travel to the harbour city of Messina. Considered to be the gateway to Sicily, Messina exudes old world charm, a crossroads of nature, mythology, and religion, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea meet. We have time to truly get a feel for this seafront city, with a visit to its Norman cathedral, followed by the Regional Museum of Messina, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina. There is free time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city – and perhaps even enjoy a Pignolata, a soft Italian pastry covered in chocolate and lemon-flavored syrup, which originated in Messina. In the afternoon we depart for the east coast and our base for our final three nights, the gorgeous seaside town of Taormina, dotted with intimate piazzas and 15-century palazzi. After checking in, we will enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace of our hotel, enjoying the beautiful views across the Ionian Sea, after which the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Taormina (B)

Day 15 | Friday 25 September
Taormina
We begin this morning with a walking tour of the town, enjoying the vibrant tapestry of historical attractions, charming boutique shops, streetscapes and palazzos. We will also pay a visit to the ancient Graeco-Roman theatre, which dates back to the third century BCE, and is the second largest theatre after the one in Siracusa. Quite apart from its magnificently preserved setting, the theatre also has splendid views toward the Calabrian coast, the Ionian coast of Sicily and Mount Etna. Taormina
is a city to be savoured, and we will have the afternoon and evening at leisure to enjoy this pearl of the Mediterranean and its abundant historical and culinary charms. Overnight Taormina (B)

Day 16 | Saturday 26 September
With the gods on Mount Etna
Arguably Sicily’s most famous landmark, Mount Etna is an imposing and majestic sight which has followed us throughout our tour, and thus it is only fitting that on our final full day, we join our coach for an excursion to the summit of Mount Etna itself. Mount Etna is Europe’s largest, most spectacular and most active stratovolcano, with an eruptive history spanning over 500,000 years, its almost continuous eruptive activity shaping entire civilisations and the landscape of the region. Assuming conditions are safe, we travel by coach to the south side of the volcano, where we will take the Funivia dell’Etna (cable car) followed by an off-road vehicle to the summit, which stands at a height of 2,900 metres. Here, the landscape and the views across the Ionian sea are unforgettable, and one of those truly once in a lifetime moments. (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.) Upon our descent, there is time for a lunch break in the traditional restaurant at the base of Mount Etna, before we return to Taormina. There will be time to relax this afternoon before we reconvene in the evening for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Taormina (B, D)

Day 17 | Sunday 27 September
Depart Taormina – To Rome
The morning is at leisure in Taormina, before departing at Midday for our mid-afternoon flight for Rome, arriving in time to meet the late evening departing flights for Australia. (B)