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Experience Greek, Roman, Norman & Baroque culture A leisurely tour to explore each site with a more in depth view The holiday is accompanied by an expert guest lecturer
Syracusa & Piazza Armerina After time in Syracusa, a town that once rivalled Corinth as the most important and beautiful in the Greek world, we take the road to Noto, a Baroque gem of outstanding beauty and, it is said, a city containing the island's finest architectural examples of this style. Then, from Piazza Armerina, a village that takes us back to a more ancient and even more influential civilisation - the Roman Empire - we have plenty of time to wander the Villa Imperiale to see the famous mosaics as well as travelling on to the remains of the 6th century BC Morgantina.
Beyond the Valley of the Temples Agrigento's Valley of the Temples is a testament to one of the most prosperous centres of old and we enjoy a thorough exploration before driving to the lesser-know site of Heraclea Minoa. Next the Acropolis, fortifications and town of Selinunte prove to be yet another highlight en route to the old Phoenician island-town of Mozia and the beautiful mountain settlement of Erice, where alleyways thread through dramatic stone buildings. The island's capital, Palermo, is a melting pot of historical influences and we'll explore the city's vibrant heart as well as the nearby sites of Monreale and Solunto.
Towards Taormina Next we head east along the spectacular coast and up into the mountains on our way to Sicily's celebrated resort, Taormina. Here we visit the Greek theatre and enjoy possibly the most famous view in Sicily - the snow-capped Mount Etna acting as a backdrop (often an active one, at that!) to the columned stage. The energetic can take a trip to walk on the slopes whilst a final free day allows us revisit the site or simply reflect on the sights we have seen.
This morning we drive to the ruins of Solunto, a Roman town abandoned in AD 300. The ancient site was once thought to be Phoenician Solus, but we now know that the Punic settlement was at Cozzo Cannita, some 5 miles away. The excavations are beautifully situated high above the sea on the slopes of Monte Catalfano, and give a fine impression of the variety of buildings and layout of a Roman city. The site includes paved streets, houses (some with mosaics), a theatre, a bouleuterion, cisterns and baths. After our explorations we return to Palermo where the afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or shopping.
Sicily’s capital stands at the foot of Monte Pellegrino with the fertile valley of Conca d’Oro behind. It was once one of the richest cities in Europe from the 9th to the 12th centuries AD when Islamic culture, Byzantine magnificence and the vigorous world of medieval Europe were merging into a fascinating civilisation. Today the city contains numerous Islamic, Norman and Baroque buildings, together with some noteworthy museums and art galleries. After breakfast we’ll visit the Norman palace, a fascinating mixture of styles: Saracenic, Byzantine and Norman influences appear in its architecture and decoration. The rich marble and mosaics in the Cappella Palatina were mostly executed by Byzantine craftsmen. The remaining time before lunch will be spent driving into the hills to the majestic Norman cathedral of Monreale. After lunch we will then go for a walk touring the Gothic Cathedral, founded 1185 by the Englishman Walter of the Mill, and the area around Quattro Canti, the Baroque city centre. In the afternoon we . Founded in 1174 by William the Good, the cathedral is famous for its extensive mosaics and beautiful cloisters showing both Romanesque and Islamic influences.
Palermo has a fascinating market crammed with exotic goods and is a veritable treasure trove of artistic and cultural sites. The day has been left free for you to explore at your own pace.
Leaving Palermo we drive along the spectacular coastline to the picturesque fishing town of Cefalu. Here we stop to visit the Norman Cathedral, to see the stupendous mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. Next we’ll continue along the coast road to the archaelogical site of Tindaris. Our journey today ends in Giardini Naxos, near Taormina.
PLEASE NOTE for tour beginning 15th of September, you will be staying in the nearby town of Letojanni, not in Giardini Naxos.
We are a Travel Agent based in The Pantiles,Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
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