Highlights of Sicily

Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal.

Head out for an orientation walk of Palermo's historic city centre.Continue to Cefalú, often cited as one of Italy's most beautiful townships, and stroll through cobbled streets to a picturesque cove by the beach. With free time, observe local fisherman working on their boats, visit the 12th century Duomo di Cefalú, opt to enjoy an aperitivo with incredible views, or simply wander around this postcard-pretty town which director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso.

Travel to the Aeolian Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic lands known as "the pearls of Italy" for their intriguing natural formations. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, spend the next few days exploring pockets of this coastal paradise. Take a car and ferry to reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to visit a local beach, or take another short ferry to see Vulcano's active crater.

Enjoy a free morning in Lipari. Later, head out for an excursion to explore the beautiful islands of Panarea and Stromboli by boat. Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Junco, stroll through Panarea's scenic whitewashed village, and explore the town of Stromboli before taking an unforgettable sunset cruise. In the night breeze of the open sea, witness active Mount Stromboli's spectacular eruptions.

Say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and ferry back to the mainland, then continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most visited destinations. After a short orientation walk, enjoy free time to visit the stunning Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheatre with commanding views of Mount Etna. Travel onwards to Catania for the evening.

Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk to get your bearings in Catania. Afterwards, you'll have free time to continue exploring this town and all of its museums and historic attractions. Maybe visit La Pescheria market or walk the Via Etnea.

Spend another whole free day in Catania. Choose to visit Mt. Etna, Catania's cathedral located in the centre of the old town, or the Piazza Del Duomo just near the port area in the heart of the city. Later in day perhaps head out with the group for a delicious Sicilian meal.

Travel to Syracuse, an enchanting city by the Ionian Sea that was once at the centre of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Take a cooking class on arrival and learn how to make Arancini — an iconic Sicilian specialty — to enjoy as a light lunch! Later, explore the old town's baroque piazzas and medieval side streets with a CEO-led orientation walk.

Enjoy a full free day in Syracuse. Opt to visit the impressive Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, or travel to nearby Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city renowned for its baroque architecture built with a unique golden limestone.

Travel to the baroque city of Ragusa before heading to the medieval hilltop town of Piazza Armerina. Visit the world's most varied collection of Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Known for their incredibly well-preserved state "in situ", or in their original location, observe ancient scenes of hunting, fishing and athletics depicted beautifully in mosaic tile. Continue to Agrigento.

Take a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's best-known attractions. Learn the history of this magnificent site as you explore the ruins of its seven temples, nestled on a ridge below Agrigento. Continue to Trapani, stopping en route in Marsala to see some of Europe's oldest salt marshes.

Enjoy a free day to explore the charms of Trapani and its nearby towns. Opt to cruise the idyllic Egadi Islands, spend the day hiking at a nature reserve filled with local flora and fauna, or hop on a funicular to explore the walled town of Erice.

Travel to Monreale to visit the 11th century Monreale Cathedral, intricately decorated with thousands of gold mosaic tiles. Admire panoramic views of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Continue to Palermo and enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival.

Depart at any time.

Hotels (13 nts).

Private vehicle, ferry, walking.