Sicily: Eastern Island

Highlights

• Stunning beaches and turquoise seas.
• Miles and miles of vineyards rivaling Tuscany and Piedmonte.
• Walk along Mt. Etna, Italy’s highest mountain.
• Stunning architecture left behind by centuries of invaders, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks, from the Moors to the Romans.
• Sicilian delicacies such as grantia, fresh seafood, artisan chocolate, and heady wines.

Departure dates

You choose the date and let us do the rest. We recommend travel between April and October for our Custom Collection. Tell us when you want to start and we’ll do the rest!

This trip is offered by request only.

Prices are based on your choice of country casual, deluxe, or luxury accommodations. Exclusive hotels available upon request.

PLAN A TRIP

Try this sample itinerary or ask us to create one for you especially for you.

DAY 1 SOUTH EASTERN SICILY

Meet the guide(s) at your hotel around 11 a.m. Begin with a short drive to the woods of Niscemi, stopping on the way for a light lunch or typical picnic. Breathe in air scented by the typical evergreens as you walk along trails in the Mediterranean Macqui Forest. There’s time to freshen up before our first group dinner à la Siciliano. Afterwards, meander through the narrow village streets of Ragusa, a Baroque treasure. It is here that the Siciels, one of Italy’s ancient tribes, have their origins.

The walk: 5 kilometers
Accommodations: Hotel De Stanfano Palace, Ragusa or similar for luxury/deluxe trip. Il Barocco or similar for country casual. (L,D)

DAY 2 RAGUSA, IBLA, AND THE IRMINO RIVER RESERVE

Following a hearty Sicilian breakfast we’ll transfer to the countryside and open fields of Ragusa. Our first walk of the day follows the Irmino River, passing old stone walls,rural homes, and typical Mediterranean vegetation. Included today is the lateBaroque period town of Scicli. Next, enjoy a stop in Modica where we’ll take a guided tour inside an artisan workshop specializing in chocolate. Of course, we conclude our visit with some mouthwatering delicacies. Yum!!!

The walk: 6 to 8 kilometers
Accommodations: Hotel De Stanfano Palace, Ragusa or similar for luxury/deluxe trip. Il Barocco or similar for country casual. (B)

DAY 3 CAVE d’ISPICA

We begin our day at the Ispica quarry, a fantastic gorge of limestone rocks and the necropolis of Phoenician tombs. You’ll taste regional wines including the Nero d’Avola. Of course,there’s also the famed grappa to taste. We’ll stop at a local Sicilian farm producing organic fruits and vegetables such asthe world-famous Pachino tomato. Before our farm-fresh lunch, we’ll taste specialty extra virgin olive oil (Monti Iblei D.O.P.)

The walk:6 to 8 kilometers
Accommodations: Hotel De Stanfano Palace, Ragusa or similar for luxury/deluxe trip. Il Barocco or similar for country casual. (B, L)

DAY 4 VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE

Vendicari Nature Reserve

Europe’s southern most wetlands and marshes can be found at the Vendicari Nature Reserve where we can meander along hidden beaches to a medieval watchtower. Stunning views of lagoons, sand dunes and the rocky coastline beckon. Weather permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. Continue to Nota or the fishing village of Marzamemi on the extreme edge of Europe. Experience a real North African atmosphere blended with Italian culture. In July and August, an incredible population of migratory birds passing from Africa will amaze you. A local guide will take you through the town of Siracusa, founded by the ancient Greek-Corinthians. It’s best known for its rich Greek history, amphitheatres and as the birthplace of famed Archimedes. Join us for a special Sicilian dinner.

The walk:6 to 8 kilometers
Accommodations: Hotel De Stanfano Palace, Ragusa or similar for luxury/deluxe trip. Il Barocco or similar for country casual. (B, D)

DAY 5 TAORMINA

A short transfer brings you to Taormina, the “Pearl of the Ionian coast.” Weather permitting; enjoy a boat trip along the coastline to arrive at the beautiful beaches of Mazzaro and Isola Bella. Don’t forget your bating suits. At the end of the day, there’s time to meander the pedestrian streets of Taormina.

The walk: Variable
Accommodations: Villa Ducale or equivalent for deluxe trip. Hotel del Corso or similar for country casual. (B)

DAY 6 NORTHERN SLOPES OF MOUNT ETNA

Walk along the impressive volcanic landscape of Mt. Etna – Europe’s highest and still active volcano. Discover wineries on the sunny side of the slopes and taste some Etna DOC specialties from the high-altitude vineyards. These are paired with homemade appetizers and Sicily’s hearty durum wheat bread. The peculiarity of the cool temperatures combined with mineral-rich lava soil has resulted in some exceptional wines from pioneer winemakers in the region.

The walk: 5 to 15 kilometers depending on the group
Accommodations: Villa Ducale or equivalent for deluxe trip. Hotel del Corso or similar for country casual. (B, D)

DAY 7 HOMEWARD BOUND

Following breakfast our guides will help you on your way with a transfer to Catania Airport.

Accommodations: (B)

Depending on your flight schedule, there is free time to visit the rest of Taormina, followed by a transfer to Catania airport. We can help you plan your extension trip to the mainland.

INCLUDED: Pick up and drop off in Catania, full time guide for each day, hotel, hotel taxes and gratuities, all breakfasts, some dinners, two lunches, guided walks, wine tasting, specialty food tasting, luggage transfers, FICAV contribution.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance (mandatory), pre and post trip arrangements, personal purchases, mini-bar services, alchohol unless specifically included, gratuities for guide and driver.

PLAN A TRIP

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through Garth Allen Marksted Travel, Quebec Licensee.

* Personalized Departure Dates: We can customize any of our trips to begin on a date that is convenient to you. Supplemental charges may apply. We can also offer this itinerary with luxury hotels. Prices are based on your hotel selection.

* Custom Collection: These trips arearranged individually for each group. Departure dates vary according to requests. Group discounts offered for groups of 5 or more people travelling at the same time on the same itinerary.