Day 1 - Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Catania.

Day 2 - Arrive Catania - Taormina (3 nights)
Welcome to Sicily! After check-in at your hotel, time to relax and unwind. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. 

Hotel: Caesar Palace (3 nights)

Day 3 - Taormina Orientation & at leisure
Today we will discover a Hidden Treasure! But first we explore Taormina, founded in 400 BC and beautifully located overlooking the sea and the peak of Mount Etna. We see the Greek theatre and the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens before strolling along elegant Corso Umberto to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian Sea. Later, enjoy free time perhaps to shop for handmade lace on the Corso. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 4 - Syracuse Excursion
Today we leave for Syracuse, the ‘Greek city’ and birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes, where the local guide, using the audio system, shows us the archeological excavations including the Greek theatre, the so-called Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheatre. In the afternoon we visit the Ortygia Island, the historical centre of Syracuse. Later we return to Taormina and enjoy a delicious dinner in a family run restaurant where we taste all the local specialities. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner)

Day 5 - Taormina - Piazza Armerina - Enna - Agrigento
This morning we leave Taormina and soon have views of the impressive fortress town of Enna. Then we visit Piazza Armerina where we find the 4th century Roman Villa of Casale which is renowned for its unique mosaics covering almost the entire floor. Later, on arrival in Agrigento, our local guide takes us to visit the Valley of the Temples, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily and rivaling those of Athens in their Grecian grandeur. We see the splendid Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno overlooking the sea before continuing to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Kore

Day 6 - Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo (2 nights)
Today we drive north to Selinunte to visit the Dorian Temples and Acropolis, which are built on a natural balcony overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Then we drive on to Erice, the only Sicilian town that has been inhabited since pre-history, and which lies 800 metres above sea level on a small peak near the coastal town of Trapani. The oldest structure in the town is the protective thick boundary wall which dates back to Punic times. Since then, the town has been home to the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Romans, the Arabs and the Normans who built the castle above the harbour. We enjoy wonderful views from the castle gardens before continuing to Palermo the vibrant Sicilian capital.  (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Astoria Palace (2 nights)

Day 7 - Palermo Sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning guided sightseeing tour, using the audio equipment, takes us to Piazza Bellini and the cathedral. Later we stop to view the Conca d’Oro from Monreale where we visit the 12th century Norman Cathedral. Finally we visit the fishing village of Mondello before time at leisure. Tonight, we get together with our travelling companions and Tour Director for a festive Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant to celebrate the end of our tour together. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 8 - Palermo - Canada
Farewell to Sicily, our Tour Director and new-found friends as we are accompanied by our return flights. (Buffet breakfast)

Free airport transfers:
Transfers on Day 2 at Catania Airport will operate at 10.00, 12.30 & 15.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Palermo Airport at 06.30 and 08.30.

Departures from May to September 2010