Classic Sicily tour

Today, dive into the history of Palermo as you tour three of its most important structures — the glittering Capella Palatina, the magnificent Cattedrale di Palermo, and the ornate La Martorana church. In the afternoon, you can take some free time to explore a bit farther afield with a trip to the beach at Mondello or to view the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale, filled with stunning Byzantine-Arab mosaics.

This morning, depart Palermo for Agrigento, home to a collection of classical Greek temples that top the ridge just below the town. Along the way, stop at the exquisitely preserved Villa Romana del Casale. After touring the Roman estate and viewing its vibrant mosaics, you stop for lunch at a recommended local restaurant. After lunch, you continue to Agrigento and have the rest of the day free to relax or explore.

Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to five massive Doric temples that have survived since the ancient Greek city of Akragas. You can meander your way down from the top of the valley during your visit here today. Along the way, we recommend you pay special attention to the Temple of Concordia, the best-preserved and largest of the valley's monuments, and the Temple of Juno.

Leaving Agrigento, you continue moving east, stopping in the hillside towns of Ragusa and Modica. In Ragusa, you can take the winding walkway from the upper to the lower part of the town, weaving in and out of the characteristic Baroque buildings along the way. Continuing to Modica, you see more Baroque influences in the architecture and have the chance to sample some of the chocolate for which the city is known. Following your visits, you travel to Syracuse for a night at leisure.

In ancient times, Syracuse was one of the most important cities in the Greek Empire, as evidenced by the wealth of Greek ruins still standing. Visiting the archaeological park with your guide, you can see the ancient Teatro Greco, where many famous Greek plays made their debut. Next, you return to the island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. After visiting the Piazza del Duomo and exploring the winding streets, you finish your morning in the lively marketplace for lunch. In the afternoon, you journey to the bustling city of Taormina for an afternoon free to explore. We suggest visiting the city's Greek theatre or heading down to the beach at Isola Bella.

Today, you summit the slopes of Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna. As the altitude rises and the temperature drops, you're treated to increasingly wide-reaching views of Sicily below, if it's not too cloudy. After your trek, you stop at a local winery for lunch and a tasting of wines produced on the volcano's slopes.

Your private driver will take you to the airport in Catania for your departing flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.