I love the outdoors and exploring ancient towns and architecture, learning about history and soaking up the atmosphere, but I do also like to indulge in a little relaxation by the pool and to treat myself to wonderful Italian food & wine.
That’s why Sicily holidays tick all the boxes for me, and of all the wonderful areas we work with, Sicily is the one that has particularly captured my imagination. This is my Sicily holiday itinerary which I wanted to share with you.
NIGHTS 1 – 3 Casa Turchetti, Taormina
When I first started working at Long Travel, Taormina was the town that first caught my eye! The pictures in our brochure and and on our website were so inviting that I really couldn’t wait for my first opportunity to enjoy a holiday in Sicily. Needless to say I wasn’t disappointed when I first travelled to Sicily and was able to see the views for myself from Casa Turchetti’s roof terrace!! The views over the rooftops to the sea on one side, and Mount Etna on the other, are just stunning.
Famous for its concerts, fantastic mediaeval centre, superb array of excursions and some of Sicily’s best restaurants, Taormina has so many things to do and places to see on holiday. Perhaps you may need more than just 3 nights…
Casa Turchetti is so comfortable and elegant, with superb attention to detail and an amazing breakfast selection. Pino and Francesca certainly make you feel at home – it really is no surprise that this hotel keeps winning award after award!
NIGHTS 4 – 7 - Villa Del Lauro, Ragusa
Heading south, the next stop on my Sicily holiday itinerary would be a visit to some of the 8 historic towns making up the Val Di Noto World Heritage site, home to a wealth of fascinating architecture and, more recently, Inspector Salvo Montalbano.
Ragusa and Modica are particular favourites of mine – Ragusa for the spectacular food which is sure to be a highlight of any holiday in Sicily (5 Michelin Stars in one small town is truly amazing) and stunning views across the valley from Superiore to Ibla; Modica for the vibrant street life and unique chocolate – Dairy Milk it most certainly is not!!!
Villa Del Lauro is the perfect hotel to enjoy your stay in Ragusa, with comfortable, stylish rooms in a great location, giving easy access to the towns fantastic restaurants. Don’t worry if you over-indulge, the beautiful garden and swimming pool are perfect for relaxing after another hard days holiday in Sicily!
NIGHTS 8 – 10 - Santa Anastasia, near Cefalu
Finally, I would head North, via the wonderful old towns of Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina, to Castelbuono and the fantastic Santa Anastasia. It’s a long drive, around 3.5 hours, but the beautiful, varied countryside and regular stops for coffee, lunch and gelato should keep you going!
Not too far from Cefalu and the motorway, Santa Anastasia is a great base for the next stop on your holiday in Sicily, to explore this area of the island, including the Monte Madonie National Park, boat trips to the Aeolian Islands and even a day trip to Palermo (by train, of course!).
Or perhaps after all the “hard work” sightseeing during your stays in Taormina and Ragusa, you might prefer to relax by the fantastic pool and enjoy the food and wine!
Sadly, now reality strikes at the end of your holiday in Sicily and it’s time to head back to the airport at Catania (an easy 2 hour drive) and fly home. There’s still so much of Sicily left to explore, perhaps it isn’t too early to start planning your next Sicily holiday…
If you have been inspired by my Sicily holiday itinerary, I’d love to help you plan your own tailormade holiday. Just give me, Paul, a call 01694 722193 or request a callback now.
