Italy is a country of wonderful contrasts, and the mystical island of Sicily in the south of the country is a very special place with its own distinctive heritage and culture. Perhaps the most historically cosmopolitan region in the whole of Europe, so many cultural influences have shaped this land – Asian, African, Greek, and Roman to name but a few – there is no other place quite like it. It is a unique place full of art, archaeology, history, folklore and breathtaking scenery. And, of course, great food and wine! You will be enchanted.

Spend time exploring the island on an independent basis with as many or as little private guided tours as you would like and then join a multi-day small group tour of the island. Remember, there is always the option to add a full day or afternoon of private guided services throughout your small group multi-day tour. Do things your way, at an affordable price, knowing that you have 24/7 support as you travel.

In general, the small group tours depart every 2nd Monday from May 21, 2012 until September 24, 2012, with only 1 departure in August (Aug. 27th) with a maximum of 16 people per trip.

Few places in the world can match Palermo's alluring mystique. Sicily's largest city is flanked by rocky peaks and straddles an azure sea along the rim of the Conca d'Oro and the Gulf of Palermo. At street level, the Sicilian capital is a busy and exciting metropolis that reflects 3,000 years of history as the Mediterranean's most important cultural crossroads. Its urban fabric is rich with baroque palaces from the Bourbon reign, mosaics, museums and colorful outdoor fish markets. Unlike any other, the city straddles past and present and north and south.

Avail of a private Airport (Falcone Borsellino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

There are lots of great sites within easy distance from Palermo allowing you to get out of the city and do an excursion for half the day or longer. Places you may consider visiting in the company of a professional driver and Guide are: Cefalu - an enchanting small village on the sea, which offers a beautiful artistic view of colours and lights as well as the Osterio Magno, a fortified building possibly of Norman origin; Monte Pellegrino & Mondello - at Monte Pelligrino, you can visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia and enjoy a spectacular view of the bay of Palermo. If you feel like traveling futher afield, consider a day trip to Agrigento - where you can visit the Magnificent Valley of the Temples, which was erected by the Greeks in the course of the 5th century BC. Other sites (designated a UNESCO world heritage) in the area include the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules. You could also visit the Roman Villa del Casale, a luxurious roman dwelling, and one of the most important roman vestiges in Sicily. Segesta, Erice and Trapani all located south east of Palermo are places of historical and natural beauty. Mont Etna is a popular day trip, though better accessed from Taormina. If you feel like doing some hiking in the Capo Gallo Natural Reserve or taking a stroll through a local market, enjoying a cooking lesson followed by a lunch (which you have a had a hand preparing), these can all be arranged - just ask your Sales Advisor.

This 18th-century aristocratic hotel, with many original features remaining, is located in the historic centre of Palermo, 900 metres from the Norman cathedral and 500 metres from Massimo Theatre. The 104 guestrooms are decorated in soft shades with antique furnishings and luxurious fabrics; all offer cable television, minibars, direct-dial phones, air conditioning and shower/tub combinations. Guests can enjoy a rejuvenating sauna and workout at the gym, unwind over drinks in the bar and coffee shop, and sample regional and continental dishes in Centrale Palace Hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight at Centrale Palace (4*).

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

You'll meet up with your travelling companions for your first Sicilian dinner this evening. There will be plenty of time to explore this fascinating city tomorrow, so relax this evening and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Overnight at Centrale Palace (B) (or similar).

Palermo is one of the most conquered cities in the world – and all those influences are evident in the local architecture, culture, food and general character of the place, making it one of the most intriguing of cities to visit. Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Gothic, Arab – all these influences are there and more. The streets of old Palermo are an intriguing and secretive maze, while the churches, castles and palaces are a mix of a whole range of classical, medieval and baroque styles. The only way to understand Palermo is to experience it yourself, which you will get to do today with a local guide as you enjoy a morning guided city tour.

This afternoon, leave the capital of Sicily behind to visit the wonderful cathedral of Monreale (Royal Mountain), just outside Palermo on the slopes of Mount Caputo. Famed for its glorious golden mosaics, it is truly a sight to behold.

Overnight at Centrale Palace (B) (or similar).

Todays destination is Agrigento, but first on thelist today is the medieval town of Erice, lying close to the port of Trapani on the island's western coast. From here, it is onwards to the pretty town of Marsala, where you'll get the chance to sample its distinctive and eponymous wine. In the seafaring days of the 18th century rum was the standard drink of sailors – however when it was substituted with local Sicilian wine, the only way to ensure the wine lasted longer was to fortify it with brandy – hence marsala wine was born. Used much these days in cooking, it is a tasty drink not dissimilar to port or madeira – try it and see!

 Following the Sicilian coastline, we have time to visit the fascinating Greek ruins of ancient Selinunte, set high on a promontory above the sparkling Mediterranean. This once-important city, founded in 628BC, enjoyed centuries of prosperity before being reduced to rubble by the Carthaginians during the First Punic War. The city was later abandoned, but its Doric temples still offer us a glimpse of its former grandeur, as they stand out in relief against the blue sky.

At days end, you will arrive at Agrigento - your home for tonight.

Enjoy your overnight stay in Agrigento this evening (details on hotel will be provided on confirmation).

Overnight at Hotel - confirmed upon confirmation.

Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is one of the greatest legacies of ancient Greece and is, not surprisingly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological treasure-chest comprises a series of beautifully-preserved Doric temples dating back to the 5th century BC, the remains of the Greek city of Akragas. Your local guide will bring the past to life as you explore this stunning historical site this morning.

Then we head east towards Syracuse, visiting on the way Caltagirone, an ancient city which has preserved its rich history. However the city is perhaps best-known for its artisans who create masterly works of art in ceramic, a tradition dating back to the 5th century BC.

Overnight at Hotel - confirmed upon confirmation.

Syracuse, an ancient town by the sea, once rivalled Athens as the most important city of the Greek world. It boasts superb archaeological sites and a delightful historic centre on the island of Ortigia. Not only of great historical importance, being also the city of Archimedes and Aeschylus, in mythology it was here that Artemis changed Arethusa into a spring of water to escape the god Alpheus. There is plenty to enjoy in Syracuse, and you will get to explore all the main sights this morning on a guided tour.

This afternoon we travel further west to the delightful coastal town of Giardini Naxos, famous for its excellent beaches and bustling fishing port, where we stay for the next two nights.

Overnight at Hotel - confirmed upon confirmation.

This morning's destination is Mount Etna, a slumbering volcano which dominates the landscape for miles around. The highest volcano in Europe, it is one of Sicily’s most iconic sights, and reaching the summit and seeing inside the smoking craters is a thrilling experience.

Change pace this afternoon and  spend some time in Taormina, a delightful town built high on the cliffs, offering breathtaking and memorable views over the Mediterranean. Taormina is a busy and fashionable town, with designer shops and many good restaurants and cafes. You might want to visit the splendid Greek Theatre, or perhaps the 13th century Cathedral of San Nicola.

Overnight at Hotel - confirmed upon confirmation.

Today the destination is westwards to Cefalu and will be reached in a leisurely fashion. Take in all of the sights of the dramatic coastline and villages as you meander along the pretty northern coastline.

This afternoon you are free to relax in whatever way you wish in the delightful town of Cefalu, a popular resort, but one which pleasingly retains its links with the past. You can admire its picturesque harbour, alleyways and medieval buildings and its magnificent cathedral, or why not enjoy the beautiful beach lapped by crystal-clear water.

Tonight, gather together for a final group dinner, and exchange stories on personal highlights of the weeks' adventure.

Overnight at Hotel - confirmed upon confirmation.

After a leisurely breakfast you'll be transfered back to Palermo, where you can say goodbye to your travelling companions before your onward travels.

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

After dinner, meet your English speaking driver at your hotel and depart for a night time panoramic tour of the city! Enjoy seeing the illuminated buildings, stopping for photos at the Cathedral, Massimo Theater and Pretoria Square. Depending on your preference, your driver can also take you out to Monte Pellegrino for a fantastic view of the illuminated city, or to Mondello for a stroll along the beach. You will be returned to your hotel after approximately 3 hours.

Overnight at Centrale Palace (4*).

Avail of a private Airport (Falcone Borsellino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).