Colours of Sicily (Winter)

Start your Sicilian journey in Palermo, whose rich trading history has left its unforgettable mark on the city's Italian, Arab and Norman-styled piazzas, street markets and churches. Enjoy some free time to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure. (D) Stay: Garibaldi

Head to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo where a Local Specialist will guide you through one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture, the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale.

This evening, why not join an Optional Experience to the beautiful fishing village of Sferracavallo, at the foot of Mount Capo Gallo? Here you'll feast on Palermitano specialties, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine. (B)

Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Leaving Palermo behind, we head to Erice, the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches'. You'll have some free time for lunch before continuing to Marsala, home to the nutty-flavoured wine which shares its name.

Dive Into Culture along the way, stopping at the salt pans to visit the Infersa Mill to learn about the ancient 'culture of salt' and industry which has shaped this region. You'll be thrilled with an evening at leisure in picture-perfect Marsala with its marble streets and expansive piazze filled with colourful restaurants. (B) Stay: Seawater

Today's first stop is Agrigento where you'll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. You'll explore one of the world's most treasured centres of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There's time for lunch before we head to Ragusa, a city with two very different souls – the lower and older Ragusa Ibla and higher Ragusa Superiore are separated dramatically by a deep ravine, the Valle dei Ponti. (B/D) Stay: Poggio del Sole

This morning we pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before we Dive Into Culture and learn the secrets of Modican chocolate.

Later, we return to Ragusa to learn about the rebuilding of the city following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of it. Your Local Specialist will reveal how this devastating seismic event led to the development of an entirely new city on a nearby ridge, while some of its brave residents remained to rebuild what was lost. You'll hear how it was only in the early 20th century that the two were eventually fused together.

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, or perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience to a unique local farm restaurant. (B)

Once a major Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, the historic city of Syracuse takes centre stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colourful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortygia, the ancient heart of the city connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Your afternoon is open to spend as you wish.

This evening you'll join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Mercure

Continue up the coast to Catania, the city that lies in Mount Etna's shadow. You'll have some free time to explore on your own and perhaps sample arancini, a favourite Catania snack.

Later join a Local Specialist to delve into the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A particular highlight of this afternoon will be a visit to the beautifully preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina. Imagine masked actors performing against the backdrop of glorious sea views more than 2,500 years ago. You'll have an evening on your own to spend as you wish or consider joining our Optional Experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties. (B) Stay: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos

Taormina is yours for the taking today. You could choose to visit the 10th century Palazzo Corvaja with its Islamic-style tower or explore the elegant boutiques along Corso Umberto. Work up an appetite and stop for some of the city's signature cannoli or cool down with a famous Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a piping-hot brioche. Movie buffs will delight in an Optional Experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village of 'The Godfather'.

Later this evening, learn the art of Sicilian cuisine on a charming Be My Guest experience. (B/D)

Your journey through Sicily has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your return journey home. (B)