Back Roads Touring The Splendours of Sicily

• Embark on a Mafia-themed walking tour of Palermo
• Indulge in a delicious chocolate tasting session amidst the magnificent Baroque architecture of Modica
• Visit an organic farm and taste award-winning olive oil

• 8 nights in boutique accommodation
• Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
• Premium mini-coach transportation
• 8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Day 1: Palermo – Monreale – Selinunte

Today we’ll meet in Sicily’s capital, Palermo, and dive straight into its streets for a Mafia-themed tour. Then: it’s onwards to Monreale. We’ll pay a visit to the impressive cathedral before moving on to our idyllic farm stay in Selinunte – where a welcome dinner awaits us.

Day 2: Selinunte – Mazara del Vallo – Sciacca – Favara

This morning, we’re in for a culinary treat: prepare to sample some of the farm’s tasty olives, award-winning olive oil, fresh breads and more! Then: en route to Favara, we’ll stop by the historic fishing port of Sciacca. Back in the times of Ancient Greece, its natural thermal springs were a great attraction – and we’ll have plenty of time to explore them before we move on to our hotel.

Day 3: Favara – Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa

After breakfast we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples – where a local guide will reveal the history of the archaeological site. En route to Ragusa, we’ll make a stop at Villa Romana del Casale, which contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.

Day 4: Ragusa – Modica – Ragusa

We’ll start our day in indulgent style: with a chocolate tasting session in Modica. And then? The gastronomic theme will continue as we come together for a ricotta tasting session and included lunch in Sant’Angelo Muxaro. Appetites satisfied, we’ll return to Ragusa – where we’ll have the rest of the day to wander the town at our leisure.

Day 5: Ragusa – Noto – Syracuse

On today’s agenda: a visit to the city of Noto, where we’ll learn more about almond cultivation with a local expert. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll press on to lovely Syracuse – where we’ll take some time to orient ourselves on a walking tour.

Day 6: Syracuse

Seaside Syracuse – which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece – is yours for the taking today. We recommend taking some time to wander the temples and sacred caves before losing yourself in the city’s winding streets – which open out on baroque piazzas, bustling markets and beautiful sea views.

Day 7: Syracuse – Mount Etna – Carruba

Today we head towards Mt Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the surrounding landscape, with the option to take a closer look at its smouldering craters. Then: we’ll move on to a local farm for lunch (complete with wine tasting) before journeying onwards to Carruba, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 8: Carruba – Taormina – Carruba

We’ll make a pit stop in the town of Savoca (where The Godfather was famously filmed) before moving on to Taormina for a walking tour. After a day spent exploring, tonight’s farewell dinner will be well-deserved.

Day 9: Carruba – Catania

Today, our tour will end in Catania – but not before a walking tour of the ancient port city. With an included visit to a local market, you can stock up on foodie souvenirs to take home (including favourites such as olives, biscotti, cheese and wine). We’ll even pass by Catania’s oldest cannolo shop, where we’ll have the chance to fill our own cannoli with ricotta cheese. What a way to round off the trip!

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.