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7 nights from

£2625

Secret Sicily

A very varied journey through Sicily’s less-visited sites, this tour reveals the hidden gems of cultural heritage and contrasting landscapes, from Aeolian Islands to ostentatious Baroque towns, and from fishing villages to the fictional world of Inspector Montalbano

This is an entertaining insight to the natural, historic and intriguing sights, for a repeat traveller to Sicily, this tour takes you to places which are new to you but may seem familiar, as it fuses fact with fiction in film, TV, and literary locations. It begins off Sicily’s northern shore, as we sail to the UNESCO World Heritage cluster of the Aeolian Islands, with hot pools, active volcanoes, and the lava flow of Stromboli, where Jules Verne’s adventurers emerged from their ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. Following days see us in Savoca, the setting for scenes of ‘The Godfather’; visiting a palazzo in Acireale; viewing Roman mosaics, found below a 400-year-old farmhouse; seeing Ispica’s ancient necropolis caves, and relaxing in a picturesque, south coast fishing port. We stay in the southeast to tour to four very individual towns, but with much in common. Noto, Scicli, Ragusa and Catania all feature in the UNESCO listed ‘Towns of Val di Noto’; all were destroyed in the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt in the florid façades of Baroque splendour; and each is focused on a fine cathedral and speciality Sicilian food. Scicli and Ragusa also share the fame of film locations for Inspector Montalbano, along with seaside Punta Secca, where his ‘home’ is now a B&B!

Overview

  • Catania  - 1 night
  • Vulcano Island  - 2 nights
  • Ragusa  - 2 nights
  • Noto  - 2 nights

Overview - September 2024

  • Castelmola  - 1 night
  • Vulcano Island  - 2 nights
  • Noto  - 2 nights
  • Ragusa  - 2 nights
Book Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Walking tour of Cantania
  • Enjoy a cruise with a swim stop
  • Visit the hill top town of Savoca
  • See two UNESCO Heritage sites
  • See catacombs at Cava d’Ispica

A very varied journey through Sicily’s less-visited sites, this tour reveals the hidden gems of cultural heritage and contrasting landscapes, from Aeolian Islands to ostentatious Baroque towns, and from fishing villages to the fictional world of Inspector Montalbano

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.

The itinerary at Aeolian Islands depends on weather conditions.

For departures on 11 June and 10 September 2024, you will be staying in the Villa Sonia in Taormina. The walking tour of Catania will take place either on your arrival day or your departure day depending on flight times.

2025 - The walking tour of Catania can take place either after your flight arrival on Day 1 or before your flight departure on Day 8 depending on flight times.

Accommodation

Hotel Principe - Catania

A central, 4-star hotel, 5 minutes’ walk from the cathedral and fish market. Bar, lounge, WiFi (free) and 77 air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally.

Hotel Mediterraneo Palace - Ragusa

A modern 4-star hotel located in heart of historic Ragusa and a short walk from Piazza Libertà, Corso Italia, Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, The Municipal Gardens of Villa Margherita and the Archaeological Museum. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 98 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally.

Hotel Therasia - Vulcano Island

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 hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Les Sables Noirs Hotel & Spa - Vulcano Island

A 4-star boutique hotel recently renovated and located on the Aeolian Island of Vulcano. Private beach, restaurant, pool, spa, lounge bar overlooking the sea and WiFi (free). 53 air-conditioned rooms all equipped with kitchenette and terrace and with hairdryer, safe, fridge and satellite TV.

Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Notes:

For departures on 11 June and 10 September 2024, you will be staying in the Villa Sonia in Taormina. The walking tour of Catania will take place either on your arrival day or your departure day depending on flight times.

Extra Nights

Stay in Catania before you start your tour or before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

Hotel Principe
(per night) £75
Single supplement £50
Arrival transfer  £75

Hotel Principe - Catania

A central, 4-star hotel, 5 minutes’ walk from the cathedral and fish market. Bar, lounge, WiFi (free) and 77 air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally.

Optional Excursions

From £64pp

Panarea and Stromboli Cruise

On this optional excursion, explore Panarea and Stromboli, part of the majestic Aeolian Islands. Although it’s the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, Panarea has beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a quick swim stop before reaching the island. Upon arrival free time to discover the main town with time for lunch. Later on, take a boat towards Stromboli, known to be one of the most active volcano, in Europe. The island itself is beautiful with black sand beaches, clear blue waters and charming villages. Around sunset, take the boat towards Strombolicchio, a big reef near the lava flow. While on the boat, you will gaze out at the “sciara del fuoco” (stream of fire) from a distance, in hope to experience the explosion of the mighty Stromboli Volcano (not guaranteed).

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double room

Tue 20 May 2025
From London Gatwick
Tue 27 May 2025
From London Gatwick
Tue 10 Jun 2025
From London Gatwick
Tue 09 Sep 2025
From London Gatwick
Tue 23 Sep 2025
From London Gatwick
Tue 07 Oct 2025
From London Gatwick
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 between €1.50 and €3 per person per night.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £375
Upgrades
  • Les Sables Noirs - Sea View Suite Twin/Double from £215
  • Les Sables Noirs - Sea View Suite Single from £275
Optional Excursions
  • Panarea and Stromboli Cruise (2025)
  • £64
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £250
  • Arrival transfer
  • £35 (2025 £75)
  • Departure transfer
  • with group included

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