Explore Sicily’s cultural and natural heritage in the footsteps of ‘Inspector Montalbano’, to the Baroque towns of South-east Sicily, the Godfather village and Sicily’s ‘secret’ Aeolian islands
Catania - 1 night
Vulcano Island - 2 nights
Noto - 2 nights
Ragusa - 2 nights
The successful TV programme ‘Inspector Montalbano’ reveals delightful settings in south-east Sicily including a rewarding group of UNESCO World Heritage Baroque towns such as Noto, Caltagirone, Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, all re-built in harmonious style after the 1693 earthquake. The mayor of Scicli moved office as fans of the series wish to view it, whilst the real owner of his beachside ‘home’ started a B&B!
Of course the excellent food is not a fiction, so some special meals are included and time is allowed to dine out and sample Sicily’s wines and regional specialities.
The Aeolians, Sicily ‘secret’ islands are now a UNESCO World heritage Site with still active volcanoes that have given their name to two of the main types of eruption, Vulcanian and Strombolian. Stay at a fine hotel with views of all the islands and nearby volcanic hot pools (option of a cruise to view the lava of Stromboli island, which is of course where Jules Verne’s adventurers emerged from their ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ in his classic novel!). Film aficionados will also enjoy a visit to the Sicilian village of Savoca used in filming ‘The Godfather’.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Improved Itinerary
Historic / 5-Star Hotels
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guide
Group Size: 8 – 25
A private visit to Palazzo Fiorini in Acireale; a tour by private appointment with specialist guide in Ragusa Ibla of the ‘Circolo di Conversazione’ club, the Donnafugata theatre and the private garden of Palazzo Arezzo-Bertini.
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An excellent tour guide (Maurizio), with excellent hotels, a right balance of sights versus 'down time'...
Day 1 Fly London Gatwick to Catania. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Principe centrally located and surrounded by a good selection of restaurants.
Day 2 Travel north to Milazzo and sail to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago. Check in for two nights at the contemporary 5-star Hotel Therasia on Vulcano island with fine views of the islands. In the afternoon, sail to Lipari island to visit the citadel. Free time on the island before sailing back to Vulcano island. B, D)
Day 3 Free day or optional cruise departing late morning to visit the islands of Panarea and Stromboli with its active volcano, including free time on both islands and then cruising back past Stromboli at sunset to see the lava flow (£55, pre-bookable). (B)
Day 4 Sail to the mainland. Visit Savoca village, hillside setting for ‘The Godfather’ film and enjoy a private visit to a palazzo in Acireale, an unique insight into an historic building. Two nights and dinner at Villa Favorita, a charming 18th-century country house near Noto. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the Roman villa of Tellaro decorated with extremely refined mosaics on the floor. Light lunch with wine tasting at Villa Giulia, a country manor. Travel to Sicily’s southern-most point and the charming fishing village of Marzameni. Walking tour of Noto, UNESCO cultural site, including the cathedral and exuberantly Baroque Palazzo Nicolaci. Free time for dinner in Noto. (B, L)
Day 6 Visit the caves of Ispica, an ancient necropolis. Continue to Scicli with the mayor’s office and the ‘home of Inspector Montalbano’ coast at Punta Secca. Two nights at the 4-star Hotel Villa Carlotta, 10 minutes drive from Ragusa overlooking the Hyblaean plateau. (B, D)
Day 7 Private tour of Ragusa Ibla including the Gardens of Palazzo Arezzo Bertini, the Theatre of Donnafugata and the “Circolo di conversazione”. Explore the city centre and the cathedral. Free time for lunch in the old town. Visit Donnafugata Castle in the Province of Ragusa. Free time for dinner in Ragusa. (B)
Day 8 Travel to Catania for a walking tour including the Amphitheatre and cathedral. Return flight to London. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
A central, 4-star hotel, 5 minutes’ walk from the cathedral and fish market. Bar, lounge, WiFi (free) and 77 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently per person per night: €2.50.
Located on the Aeolian Island of Vulcano the contemporary 5-star Therasia Hotel has an amazing location with fine views. A selection of restaurants, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 97 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A charming 18th-century country house near Noto. Restaurant, outdoor pool, terrace, gardens and WiFi (free). 30 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €1.50 per person per night.
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A 4-star hotel located at the entrance of Ragusa, overlooking the Hyblaean plateau. Restaurant, pool, massage room, WiFi (free) and 25 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £295
Accommodation Upgrades
Sea view (Hotel Therasia) £75
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe from £125
Optional Excursions
Panarea & Stromboli Cruise £55
Extension Options
Extra nights- Catania
Hotel Principe (per night) £65
Single supplement £42
Departure transfer £32
Independent Arrival
Save £220
Arrival transfer add £32
Departure transfer included with group
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, entrance fees, itinerary as described, services of a guide and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, tipping, any government or local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €2.50 (Catania), €1.50 (Noto), €2.00 (Modica) per person per night.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
