The charming resort town of Taormina, set in a beautiful location between the Mediterranean Sea and the foot of Mount Etna, boasts one of the most spectacular Greek theatres in the world. An easy walk enables us to uncover the charm of the city and its surroundings. Travelling inland we explore the unique Alcantara Valley and spend a day on Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. The landscapes that we explore today possess an otherworldly quality and an atmosphere like no where else in Italy or the rest of continental Europe. Our journey then takes us to the southern part of the island, where we see remnants of the various civilizations that have made Sicily their base over the centuries. In the Anapo Valley we take a scenic walk along prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches and Baroque buildings before travelling on to Syracuse, once the most powerful ancient Greek cities in the world. As well as exploring this intriguing city, we also visit some of the other beautiful Baroque towns of the southeast. Wining and dining are also part and parcel of the Sicilian experience and we also have a chance to sample the area's most famous wine - the Nero d'Avola. This journey not only showcases the cultural highlights of the Mediterranean's largest island, but also its natural wonders. In doing so, we also get to taste the flavours and savour the ambience of life in southern Italy.

Highlights

Catania

Taormina

Alcantara Canyon

Mount Etna

Pantalica

Syracuse

Baroque cities of Sicily

Itinerary:

1 (Sun) Arrive in Taormina.2 Walk through town, breathtaking views of Mt Etna. Hike up to fortified city of Castelmola (3 hours).3 Travel to Alcantara canyon and explore on foot. Walk to village of Francavilla (4 hours).
4 Full day visit to Mount Etna. Travel to Linguaglossa then along the MareNeve road to view recent lavaflows (4 hours).5 Travel to Necropolis of Pantalica, a prehistoric burial site. Walk through River Anapo valley and see small chapels and Byzantine churches (5 hours).6 Travel to beautiful baroque city of Noto. Explore ruins; sample local wine. Afternoon free to explore Syracuse.7 Trip ends in Syracuse after breakfast (Sat).

Included: Peregrine tour leader, transport and sightseeing.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, drinks, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Notes: Pre-departure document PDI Please carefully read these trip notes in conjunction with the pre-departure document (PDI) which you will recieve upon confirmation of your holiday. This important document contains further information about your European trip that you will need to know before you travel.
Meals: 6 breakfasts,3 lunches,3 dinners
Valid From: 1/01/2007
Starts/Ends: Taormina/Syracuse
Trip Reference: PESY