The sparkling isle of Sicily will be your home for the next seven days; a land of beautiful architecture, mysterious coves and fiery volcanoes. Landing in Palermo, a private transfer will be waiting at the airport to whisk you to your first hotel. There’ll be time to freshen up before meeting your fellow travellers and Pack Leader over a welcome drink. Come evening, you’ll head out with your group on a street food tour of the city. Soaking up the atmosphere of the lively streets, lined with aperitivo bars and restaurants, you’ll sample local delicacies from bruschetta and sfincione pizza to gelato and seasonal cake. Buon appetito! 

This morning, head straight into the beating heart of Palermo, accompanied by a local chef. Diving into the market stalls, you’ll select some fresh seasonal ingredients which you’ll then transform into a delicious Sicilian feast. In a hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn your caponata from your cannoli, before digging into a well-earned four-course lunch with your group. Relax and enjoy some free time this afternoon, before delving into the city’s sinister history on an anti-Mafia tour. Meeting an eyewitness from the Mafia era, you’ll hear first-hand how brave campaigners spoke out against the culture of organised crime and the sacrifices that were made.

Say arrivederci to Palermo as your journey onward to Taormina, a Roman hilltop town in the shadow of Mount Etna. Just offshore, in a stunning cove, lies the nature reserve of Isola Bella. Reached by a narrow sandbar, your group will spend some time snorkelling in the clear blue water surrounding the tiny isle. Look out for parrotfish, groupers and large schools of saddled seabream. Later, you’ll embark on a private sunset boat tour. Sip aperitivi as you cruise along the picturesque coast, feeling pampered by the sun’s last rays and soaking up the magical atmosphere created by the fading light. This is what Italian dreams are made of.

Prepare to get wet on this morning’s adventure, as you explore the spectacular Alcantara Gorges. After kitting up into a wetsuit and helmet, you’ll raft your way down through its rivers and ravines. Instead of using a raft, however, you’ll simply use your body to glide effortlessly downstream. Float through rock pools and gullies framed with wildflowers, swimming and free-diving down a series of small waterfalls as you go. After an active morning, take the afternoon to relax in Taormina. Catch the cable car into the Old Town for dinner, or wander down to a nearby beach to enjoy a warm evening dip.

You’re in for a thrilling morning with an up-close exploration of smouldering Mount Etna, its towering presence looming ominously over the island’s eastern landscape. You’ll hike across lava fields and stony tracks before heading underground (equipped with helmets and torches) to explore a lava cave hidden beneath the volcanic slopes. Enjoy a light lunch in the sunshine paired with delicious wines at a local vineyard. Appetites sated, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the ancient port city of Catania. With its vibrant markets, baroque cathedrals and medieval monasteries, Catania is a city brimming with Sicilian heritage.  

Today’s adventure will take you to Noto, a Unesco World Heritage Site boasting regal architecture and elegant streets. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, the city was rebuilt from ruins into the baroque beauty you see today. Wander through the streets with your group, absorbing the architectural riches and historical detail surrounding you. Dive into one of the renowned gelaterias to sample some inventive flavours – and a memorable ice-cream sandwich – before heading down to the beach for a sun-soaked afternoon. As evening falls, gather with your group for a farewell feast back in Catania, raising a toast with your group to a week of Sicilian adventure.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then it’s over to you to make your own way to the airport. Want to see more of Italy? Why not tie your Sicilian adventure with our Northern Italy or Southern Italy adventures? Our team of trip experts are ready and waiting for your call.