Sicily: Jewel of the Mediterranean

Sicily: Jewel of the Mediterranean

Sicily is home to a unique mix of culture borne of years of foreign domination. From the Phoenicians to the Bourbons, each has left an architectural stamp on the island - culminating in a jumble of historic sites in Palermo, Monreale and utterly charming Syracuse. As we circle the island on our Sicily tours, we’ll also seek out some of Sicily’s other treasures, including the Valley of the Temples, and postcard-pretty Taormina. It's not all about sights on our Sicily holidays, though - we’ll also sip wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna and taste rich Modica chocolate and almond-infused pasticcini biscuits.

What’s Included:

• 9 nights in hotels
• International flights
• 18 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
• 1 day free time

13 included excursions and visits

• Guided tours of Syracuse, Segesta, Selinunte, Valley of the Temples, the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina, and Taormina (including Greek theatre and Alcantara Gorge)
• Visits of Aci Castello, Catania, Cefalù, Monreale, Palermo and Mount Etna
• Wine tasting at Cantina Murgo

Plus all these benefits

• Portable audio headset system on excursions
• Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
• Titan tour manager
• Travel in destination by coach
• Porterage

Day 1: UK - Catania

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Catania. On arrival we drive to our hotel for the next three nights, the UNA Hotel Palace (4T) or Katane Palace Hotel (4T), where dinner is included this evening.

Day 2: Syracuse - Ortigia

Today we travel south with our local guide to Syracuse, rich in Ancient Greek history. Later we visit Ortigia, a small island joined to Syracuse by a bridge since the 16th century, but its past goes further back and it is a pleasure to explore the narrow medieval lanes. Dinner is included at the hotel. Excursions & visits: Guided tours of Ortigia with boat cruise and Syracuse Archaeological Park (morning)

Day 3: Aci Castello - Catania

This morning we travel to Aci Castello, whose 11th century Norman castle is built out of lava, before moving on to Catania, Sicily’s second largest city, and its beautiful historic centre shaped by Mount Etna’s temper. You are then free for the rest of the day. Excursions & visits: Excursion including guided tours of Noto and Ragusa (all day)

Day 4: Cefalù - Santa Flavia

We spend some time in the pretty beach town of Cefalù on our way to the Palermo area. Wander its narrow lanes, or perhaps treat yourself to a gelato to enjoy by the sandy beach. Stay overnight in Dominia Zagarella Sicily, Santa Flavia (4-star). Excursions & visits: Visit to Cefalù (afternoon)

Day 5: Palermo - Monreale

We visit Palermo for a guided tour of this bustling city. We’ll then travel to Monreale to visit the magnificent cathedral, famed for its multi-coloured marble paintings and mosaics. Excursions & visits: Guided city tour of Palermo, including Palatine Chapel and cathedral and visit to Monreale, including cathedral entrance (all day)

Day 6: Segesta - Trapani - Selinunte - Agrigento

Our first stop today is Segesta for a guided tour including a visit to the fascinating Greek temple ruins. We then continue to the fishing port of Trapani. Lastly, at Selinunte, we’ll be joined by a local guide to view the Greek archaeological site. We arrive early evening at our hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel Baia di Ulisse, Agrigento (4-star) Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Selinunte and visit to biscuit bakery (all day)

Day 7: Agrigento - Valley of the Temples - Piazza Armerina - Giardini Naxos

We start our day with one of the highlights - a guided visit of the nearby Valle dei Templi, a collection of classic Greek temples scattered across a valley of almond trees. After time for lunch, we head east to Piazza Armerina. A guided tour of the Roman villa reveals an incredible floor mosaic. We then continue to Giardini Naxos, a lovely coastal resort. We stay at our hotel for the next three nights, the Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa (4T) or similar. Excursions & visits: Guided tours of the Valley of the Temples and the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina (all day)

Day 8: Taormina

Our walking tour shows us the sights of the cliffside town of Taormina, including its Etna-view Greek theatre. We’ll then continue our journey to nearby Alcantara Gorge. Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Taormina (morning)

Day 9: Mount Etna

This morning we take a drive to the slopes of Etna. After a short walk, there will be free time to explore this fascinating area at your own pace. Be sure to bring a camera - on a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. Later, we visit Cantina Murgo winery for a tasting of delicious Sicilian wine and local produce. Excursions & visits: Visit to Mount Etna (morning) Visit a local winery, cellar visit and wine-paired lunch (afternoon)

Day 10: Giardini Naxos - Catania - UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.