Sicily Private Tour

You will be met by a guide who has a depth of knowledge about all aspects of Palermo. First you will look at a series of sights that provide an insight into both Palermo and Sicily – the Quattro Canti, the fountain Fontana Pretoria, and the exteriors of the Arab-Norman churches of San Cataldo and the Martorana. Then our driver will pick you up and together you will travel to Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Monreale is on the outskirts of Palermo, a 30 minute drive. Start by visiting the cathedral at Monreale, with incredible golden mosaics. It is said to be one of the finest Norman buildings in the world. Go on to visit the cloisters at Monreale, a particularly evocative setting lined with marble columns and inlaid stone. On returning to central Palermo you will bid farewell to your guide. You have the afternoon to explore central Palermo indepenndently. There are many things to see and taste, we will provide details on how to make the best use of your time. Accommodation: either the Quintocanto Hotel, Hotel Massimo Plaza or the Eurostars Central Palace (all 4 star), Palermo 

Today depart from Palermo and travel first to Agrigento, with its famous ‘Valley of the Temples’. This UNESCO World Heritage site features the beautiful Temple of Concordia and is one of the most photogenic spots in Sicily. You will be shown around by an expert guide, who explains to us the phases of civilisation here, as well as the current discoveries that are being made. Strolling through the archaeological area gives a sense of the gravitas of history, as well as a pleasant experience of continued traditions, surrounded by almond groves and olive trees. After lunch continue on to your hotel in the town of Ragusa, arriving in the early evening. Ragusa is one of the best examples of the Sicilian baroque style, with ornate edifices and intricate detailing. Accommodation: Ragusa – San Giorgio Palace Hotel / Hotel Itria Palace / Hotel Antico Convento (all 4 star hotels) 

You will be driven to spend the morning in the nearby town of Modica. While Modica is one of Sicily’s famed baroque towns, here we also have an ulterior motive, and that is chocolate. Modica is an important centre for chocolate making, and has its own distinctive style known as ‘cioccolato modicano’. This is made using a different production method to regular chocolate, based on Aztec techniques brought in during the period of Spanish rule. We organise for you a demonstration of the production of this chocolate and a tasting. There are a range of features to see and do in Modica, such as the church of San Giorgio, ancient frescoes, and simply enjoying the atmosphere of this elegant town. We will provide details for what to see and do. You will return to Ragusa around lunchtime, and you’ll have the afternoon free to be charmed by the elegant palazzos and the picturesque winding streets. We suggest you follow our ‘Sicilian Baroque Ragusa Walking Route’, which reveals many elements of this distinctive architectural style. Some of Sicily’s architectural gems are scattered through Ragusa. The buildings we see in this style were built from 1693 onwards, and feature elegant balconies and balustrades. Accommodation: Ragusa – San Giorgio Palace Hotel / Hotel Itria Palace / Hotel Antico Convento (all 4 star hotels) 

Today you will be driven to Siracusa, a treasure trove of ancient palazzi, a fascinating old centre, and many harbourside restaurants where good living comes first. The old town of Siracusa is the island of Ortigia, the heart of Siracusa, with the remains of the ancient Greek city. First walk through the Ortigia markets. Here the particular speciality is seafood, with the fishing fleet heading out from the adjacent port and bringing the fresh catch here each morning – the huge swordfish are an impressive sight. It is in places like markets that you really get a good feel for the people and the lifestyle of Sicily. Go on to visit the Duomo (the main church), elegant and domineering in the beautiful central piazza. This church has an intriguing history, going right back to its origin as the Greek Temple of Athena. We still see the ancient Greek columns forming part of the structure of the current church. You time in Siracusa is self guided, we will provide details of what to see in the morning, and our lunch recommendations. If you choose to you can spend time first at the Siracusa Archaeological Area, with the Greek theatre and numerous ancient sites. This is on the outskirts of Siracusa, and following a visit there you will be driven on to Ortigia, the central area. Accommodation: Grande Albergo Alfeo (4 star), Siracusa

In the morning your driver will pick you up and take you along the coast to your next destination, the town of Taormina. Start with a guided walk through Taormina, finishing with a visit to the ancient theatre, built first by the Greeks, and enlarged by the Romans. This theatre continues to be a premier location for performances in the present day. Now that you’ve been shown around the town with your guide, you have the rest of the day to yourselves. Taormina offers a range of possibilities for your day. Taormina is like visiting an elegant film set, such is the combination of spectacular views (over the sea and Mt Etna), beautiful old buildings, plus a touch of the ancient (both Greek and Roman). You can also take the cable car from Taormina down to the beach below the town, and the island Isola Bella. Around town, as well as the archaeological sites, there are numerous ceramics shops and cafes on the piazza. Accommodation: Grande Albergo Alfeo (4 star), Siracusa 

We organise transport for you to your departure point in Catania and bid you “buon viaggio”.