Luxury Sicily 14 nights

WHERE YOU WILL STAY:

Nights 1-4 at Masseria Della Volpe 
Nights 5-7 at La Foresteria 
Nights 8-11 at Santa Anastasia 
Nights 12-14 at The Ashbee Hotel 

SOUTH EAST SICILY - The Southeastern tip of Sicily is home to mile after mile of largely unspoilt sandy beaches and a series of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Siracusa, once one of the most powerful cities in Ancient Greece, has retained its ability to awe, while the towns of the Noto Valley, comprising Noto, Ragusa (Michelin star restaurants), Modica (Aztec chocolate recipes), Scicli and Caltagirone (ceramics), are of immense architectural importance, shining examples of Sicilian Baroque extravagance. Places to visit-
• In 1693 a massive earthquake destroyed vast areas of the southeast including Syracuse and the smaller centres of Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Caltagirone and Scicli, killing around five percent of the population of Sicily in the process. The 18th century rebuilding of these towns is a delight for anyone who finds perfection in baroque architecture. Syracuse, with its stunning archaeological site and the lovely island of Ortygia, and the towns of the Noto Valley are at last starting to receive the recognition they deserve.
• Roman villa (mosaics) near Piazza Armerina
• Some of the best beaches in Sicily are to be found south of Siracusa, at the Vendicari Nature Reserve and around the point on the south coast, where seemingly endless stretches of sand follow the coast through Pozzallo, Marina di Modica, Sampieri, Donnalucata, Marina di Ragusa and Punta Secca.

WESTERN SICILY - From the delightful coastline of Scopello and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, dotted with small pebbly beaches, one continues round the northwestern point of Sicily to the long stretch of white sand of San Vito Lo Capo, arguably the most beautiful beach in Sicily. The west coast is home to the historic towns of Erice, Trapani and Marsala, the Egadi Islands, the fascinating salt pans, the Stagnone lagoon, with its little archipelago and Carthaginian island of Mozia, and Italy's largest fishing port, Mazara del Vallo. Places to visit-
• Temples (Agrigento, Selinunte,Segesta)
• Marsala – famous wine and medieval town
• Near Palermo – Monreale – Norman church/abbey
• Grotta del Genovese cave in Levanzo

NORTH SICILY - Cefalù offers a great deal, including sandy beaches, winding Mediaeval streets flanked with all manner of shops, excellent restaurants serving the freshest of fish and last but probably first, its unique Norman cathedral. Directly south of Cefalù is the wonderful Madonie National Park with its charming villages and towns, such as Castelbuono, its delightful scenery, its impressive mountains and some wonderful walking. Places to visit -
• Madonie Mountain National Park
• Castelbuono (medieval fortress town)
• Aeolian Islands
• Norman cathedral in Cefalu

NORTH EAST SICILY - Perfect for visiting the mighty Mount Etna but also the dramatic town of Taormina idyllically perched on a rocky promontory high above the sea. Taormina has been the most popular tourist destination in Sicily for a couple of hundred of years, ever since it became an integral part of the Grand Tour and is one of my absolute favourite people watching towns. Places to visit-
• Mount Etna.
• Teatro Greco (Greek theatre) in Taormina centre, the Ancient theatre of Taormina is an ancient Greek theatre, in Taormina, southern Italy, built in the third century BC.
• Castemola - the beautiful hamlet of Castelmola is widely considered to be one of the most stunning locations in Sicily. With its 13th century castle ruins, winding streets, olde-worlde charm and striking views of the coastline and Mount Etna, Castelmola allows visitors to immerse themselves in the Sicilian culture whilst enjoying the quiet, tranquil atmosphere of a small village. The views surrounding Castelmola rival even those of Taormina, perched approximately 1,800 feet above sea level. There is a small selection of shops, traditional restaurants and bars serving a local wine called Vino alla Mandorla.
• Taormina - Idyllicly perched on a rocky promontory high above the sea, Taormina has been the most popular tourist destination in Sicily for a couple of hundred of years, ever since it became an integral part of the Grand Tour. Beautifully restored mediaeval buildings, breathtaking views around every corner and a giddy network of winding streets strewn with shops, bars and restaurants make for a perfect holiday spot.