A to Z of Sicily with small group tour

CAROLINASUSI Italia Tours has Sicily covered from A to Z with a 15-night small-group tour in October of this year that takes-in everything from the historic Ionian Sea-side city of Acireale at the foot of volcanic Mt Etna, to the Temple of Olympian Zeus that took 638 years to build – only to be pillaged and left in ruins by barbarians in the 3rd century AD.

Along the way there’ll be visits to centres as diverse as grand medieval cities and picturesque fishing villages, one of the oldest theatres in Sicily that’s still in use today, cultural icons and archaeological wonders including temples, cathedrals and villas dating from ancient Greek and Roman times, an archaeological park, and even a nature reserve with strutting flamingos.
 
And for those who like their food, a unique lunch with a local chef who specialises in bringing together the flavours of many differing cultures, a tasting at the oldest chocolate factory on the island, another at a town famous since medieval times for its decadent pastries, wineries for tastings – and enough time for shopping.

And rather than a whirlwind of nightly hotel changes, this tour has four nights in Taormina, two in Palermo, three in Marsala, one in Agrigento and five in Siracusa – with all hotels either 4- or 5-star, and daily touring by luxury private coach.

The price starts from $8975pp twin-share with a $1495 single supplement available. All breakfasts, some lunches and most dinners are included and this tour, that is limited to just 20 participants, will be led by a local tour leader personally chosen and assisted by local specialist guides; air travel is additional.