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 - 3 nights
Ragusa - 1 night
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. Whilst Noto re-located, Ragusa could not decide, giving uniquely Ragusa Superiore (post-earthquake) and Ragusa Ibla (pre).
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 time is allowed to dine out and sample wines and regional specialities.
New for 2018 is the Aeolians, Sicily 'secret' islands and now a UNESCO World heritage Site. 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 new visit to the Sicilian village of Savoca used in filming 'The Godfather'.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guide
1 Lunch and 3 Dinners
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 – 25
Private visits to palazzos Conte Federico, an unique insight into this historic building, guided by the countess or count, Fiorini and Arezzo-Bertini garden. Visit ‘Circolo di Conversazione’ club and the Donnafugata theatre at Ragusa.
An excellent tour guide (Maurizio), with excellent hotels, a right balance of sights versus 'down time'...
Day 1 Fly London Gatwick to Catania. Transfer to Hotel Principe for overnight.
Day 2 Travel north to Milazzo and sail to the Aeolian Islands. Visit Lipari and stay on Vulcano island. Two nights at the 5-star Hotel Therasia with fine views of the islands. (B, D)
Day 3 Free day. Optional cruise departing late morning to visit the islands of Panarea and Stromboli, with free time for dinner and then cruising back past Stromboli at sunset to see the lava flow (£48, 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. Three nights and dinner at Villa Favorita near Noto. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the Roman villa of Tellaro and its mosaics. Travel to Sicily’s southern-most point and the fishing village of Marzameni. Light lunch with wine tasting at Villa Giulia, a country manor. Walking tour of Noto 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 also featured in the series, Scicli, including the mayor's office and the 'home of Inspector Montalbano' coast at Punta Secca. (B)
Day 7 Visit Modica, Donnafugata Castle and the cathedral of Ragusa Ibla. Private tour of Ragusa Ibla. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Villa Carlotta near Ragusa (May 13 - Hotel Modica Palace). (B, D)
Day 8 Travel to Catania for a walking tour. View the Amphitheatre, Odeon and cathedral. Return flight. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Day 1 Fly London Gatwick to Catania. Overnight at the 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 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 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. Two nights and dinner at Villa Favorita near Noto. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the Roman villa of Tellaro and its mosaics. 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 near Ragusa. (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. Free time for dinner in Ragusa. (B)
Day 8 Travel to Catania for a walking tour. View the Amphitheatre, Odeon and cathedral. Return flight. (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.
2019
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
2020
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £245
(2020 £295)
Accommodation Upgrades
Sea view (Hotel Therasia) £75
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe from £125
Optional Excursions
Panarea & Stromboli Cruise £48
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
