7 nights from £795
Nowhere of comparative size in the Mediterranean can compare with the historic treasure house that is Sicily. After all not only did Greeks and Romans occupy it but they, together with the Normans, Phoenicians and Saracens, bequeathed to the island splendid examples of their civilisation which can still be seen today. Physically the island is a continuation of the chain of the Apennines and Atlas Mountains with the rugged countryside dominated by Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. The Mediterranean vegetation has consequently been influenced by the volcanic eruptions, climate and lava to create a unique environment. Various species of oak and stone pine, as well as birch and beech, cover much of its sloped surface. Broom plant and other shrubs dot the area, especially at lower altitudes.
Our exploration commences in the area of Taormina, a popular resort spectacularly situated overlooking the coastline, with its narrow atmospheric streets and fine Greco-Roman theatre. From Taormina we visit Syracuse founded in 733 BC by Corinthian settlers and one of the first Greek colonies on the island. The ancient city was up to three times the size of present-day Syracuse and we view the castle attributed to Archimedes, Arethusa fountain, the cathedral and Roman amphitheatre. We continue to Agrigento, originally founded as a Greek colony, besieged by the Carthaginians in 406 BC and taken by the Romans in 261 BC. The Valley of the Temples is the site of the original ancient city and subsequent settlements were built above the valley. Explore the valley and visit the fine Doric temple of Concordia continuing to the Villa Casale, a Roman villa of the late Imperial period with its wonderful Roman mosaics. Finally our stay in Palermo reveals its Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Norman influences, which exist alongside modern Palermo, and the Gothic cathedral in nearby Monreale.
