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Arrive
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Day 1 Palermo
Your English-speaking driver will whisk you from Palermo airport to the classic Villa Igiea - your home for the next two nights, steps from Palermo's glistening Tyrhennian waterfront. This hotel has a touch of gilded glamour about it, from its ironwork staircases to glittering chandeliers. In the evening, take to the historic town as the locals do: by Vespa, making pitstops at hidden street food favourites. The ideal culinary acclimatisation to Sicily's storied capital.
Overnight: Villa Igiea
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Day 2 Palermo and Monreale
Palermo's Arab-Norman architecture and the spectacular cathedral churches of Monreale - a small but no less historic town just southwards - were recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This morning, explore Palermo's centre with a local guide, including stunning Baroque buildings and the 9th-century Palazzo dei Normanni: the seat of Sicily's parliament since the kings that ruled during the Norman conquest. Its royal chapel is a divine vision embellished by Arab, Norman and Byzantine artists. Palermo's vibrant, colourful street markets will build up an appetite for a typical lunch at a local trattoria, before an afternoon focussing on Monreale's grand, cloistered cathedral. Glistening mosaiced ceilings soar and pilgrims continue to flock here, and its panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro is a captivating sight to behold.
Overnight: Villa Igiea
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Day 3 Agrigento
Sicily's south-west is full of ancient, archaeological ruins and Greek temples, nowhere more so than Agrigento. On your way there, your driver will stop in Menfi for a boutique vineyard tour, tasting and gastronomic lunch. Near the coastal ruins of Greek Selinunte (where Sican, Elymian and Phoenician heritage intertwined), the vineyard's focus is on sustainable viticulture. In Agrigento itself, take a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, another fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amid almond groves and olive trees, the remains of seven excavated Doric temples stand in impressive form, 2,500 years after they were built. This evening, rest at the intoxicating Villa Athena. Albeit 300 years old, this incredible villa is sleek and modern, and has the Temple of Concordia in sight from its privileged terrace.
Overnight: Villa Athena
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Day 4 Agrigento to Noto
The Syracuse region commands Sicily's Ionian coast, and here you will stay for two nights in Noto, a Baroque city with charming credentials. Stop at Palma di Montechiaro to visit a local azienda agricola (organic farm), which produces some of the island's finest olive oils. Over a tasting and lunch, the owner will be delighted to show you how this liquid gold is made, and how best to enjoy it. As you continue towards Noto, admire Piazza Armerina's extraordinarily preserved Roman mosaics on a guided tour of the Villa Romana del Casale. Roman sportswomen play in bikinis, muscular giants wrestle snakes, and a tiger prowls in a huge hunting scene from the 3rd to 4th century - a mind-blowing archaeological site. Settle in at Seven Rooms Villadorata: once home to a prince, now a boutique Baroque hotel that stands out for its monochrome chic and Italian flair.
Overnight: Seven Rooms Villadorata
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Day 5 Val di Noto
Having been shattered by an earthquake in 1693, the Val di Noto region was rebuilt in the 18th century, in handsome style. Venture out on an urban walk around Noto, to discover the prima donna of Sicilian Baroque, followed by Ragusa Ibla, a town preserved in finely carved gold stone. Lunchtime heralds a truly Sicilian treat. Meet our friend and favourite local nonna, Signora Giovanna, at her home for a memorable meal and informal private cooking class. Together you will roll up your sleeves and make scaccia, a typical Ragusan bread stuffed with cheese, tomato, onion or perhaps aubergine. For dessert, continue for a chocolate tasting in Modica, where a tour will illuminate the town’s two sides: the Modica Alta, atop a rocky hill, and Modica Bassa, on the slopes below.
Overnight: Seven Rooms Villadorata
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Day 6 Noto via Syracuse to Mount Etna
The Greek city of Syracuse is steeped in classical history. This morning your tour will wend its way through the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, with its 5th-century BC amphitheatre that could seat 16,000, and on to the Baroque island stronghold of Ortigia - the heart of Syracuse for 2,700 years. Sample salumi and sandwiches at a salumiere (Italian delicatessen) for a light lunch in its Old Town.
You will head northwards to reach your characterful boutique hotel for the next two nights, Monaci delle Terre Nere. The location of this 46-hectare working vineyard estate at the foot of Mount Etna is simply unbeatable. Yes, it may be the world's largest active volcano, but rest assured - this site was first approved in the 18th century by monks of St Anne's order. The renovated barn and stable rooms give a contemporary nod to sustainability, with views of smouldering Etna and the Mediterranean horizon.
Overnight: Monaci delle Terre Nere
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Day 7 Mount Etna
A local mountain guide will escort you to
Europe’s tallest volcano, still smoking actively, for a mountainside drive in a
4x4 past flowing lava and a thrilling walk across one of the world’s most
surreal landscapes. Before descending to the foothills, visit a boutique Etna
DOC vineyard for a private wine tasting in its cellar. Discover the region’s
complex wines over lunch in the company of the vineyard’s owner, and learn how
Etna’s fertile volcanic soil has attracted prosperous winegrowing families for
centuries.
Overnight: Monaci delle Terre Nere
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Day 8 Departure
Travel to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.
Option: Take the short ferry journey to Malta and discover the island's rich history and beauty on our introductory itinerary, 'A Long Weekend in Valletta'.
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Depart
