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Ancient Syracuse by Coach

Availability | Full Day

After breakfast, the tour bus will collect you from the agreed meeting point and take you to the wonderful city of Syracuse, During the trip there will be a short stop for refreshments, so you can enjoy this break with a cup of Italian coffee.

On arrival in Syracuse, a local guide will show you all the impressive sites of this town. Starting at the magnificent Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which is home to a staggering number of well-preserved Greek (and Roman) remains. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theatre that dates back at least until the 5th Century BC.

Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient Greek world, bigger than Athens or Corinth, and this park is living proof of the power that was once on display.

Beside the theatre, you will find the mystic 'Latomies of Paradise', a deep, steep limestone quarry riddled with catacombs and now boasting many fragrant citrus and magnolia trees. Here stands the 'Ear of Dionysius' - The name was given by Caravaggio during his visit in 1608 and legend would tell us that it was used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his bitterest enemies. The excellent Cathedral-like acoustics meant that he could hear their conversations from outside.

Here you can also admire the ruins of the 2nd-century Roman Amphitheatre, which was originally used for gladiatorial combats and horse races. The last attraction in this Archaeological Park is the towering Altar of Hieron II, a monolithic sacrificial altar.

The tour continues towards the island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Connected to the mainland by three bridges, this charming island is a lovely place where you can wander down the narrow medieval lanes past baroque palaces and churches. Whilst here, you have the chance to visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal by the sun in one of the local traditional restaurants. Indulge in a Sicilian Cannoli for dessert.

Enjoy your free time to stroll around the Grand Harbour on the 'Foro Italico' promenade before returning. You will be back at the meeting point in time for a refreshing afternoon gelato.

Important notes

Entry fees not included (free for EU citizens under 18 with a valid ID)

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The Mosaics of Palermo & Cefalú by Coach

Availability | Full Day

The bus will collect you at the agreed meeting point and take you on a guided journey around two of the most important art cities in Sicily.

Located in the western side of Sicily, Palermo is your first stop. Follow the local guide as you explore this city's highlights. Starting at the 'Quattro Canti' Baroque square, which marks the traditional town centre, moving along to the Church of the Martorana with its dazzling golden mosaics, to Piazza Bellini and Piazza Pretoria, with its beautiful fountain, just soak in the ancient Roman heritage displayed in every corner. Tour Palermo Cathedral and see the tombs of emperors and royal figures, including a Roman sarcophagus. Follow your guide to the beautiful Palace of the Normans, former seat of the Kings of Sicily. Marvel at the wonderful mosaics and the Arabic arches and scripts adorning the roof of the Palatine Chapel, the royal chapel located on the palace's second floor.

For lunch, you can go to a restaurant downtown and savour the traditional Sicilian cuisine - why not try the Pasta alla Norma and indulge in a Cannoli for dessert?

After lunch, the bus tour proceeds to Cefalú, in the north coast. Set in the medieval district, this town is marked by Norman influences. The famous Duomo, a majestic two-towered Norman cathedral is a must-visit, with its interior decorated with lovely mosaics created by twelfth-century Byzantine artists - A large Christ Pantocrator on a gold background dominating the apse, above the Madonna, archangels and Apostles. These gleaming mosaics are one of Sicily's greatest sights.

Enjoy the return journey via Messina along the coast, as you soak in the scenery and a beautiful sunset.

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Alcantara & Circumetnea around Mount Etna (1,900m) by Coach

Availability | Full Day

The tour bus will collect you early in the morning and a tour leader will guide you on this journey around Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

The impressive Alcantara Gorge is the first stop of this journey, located on Mount Etna's north-eastern slopes. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago, when the Alcantara River carved deep incisions into the rock after a series of volcanic eruptions. Take the stairs and descend into the heart of the gorge, where you can admire the beautiful waterfalls, small beaches and vertical cliffs in whimsical forms.

The tour continues towards the 'black town' of Randazzo, named after the fact that most of the town was constructed from the plentiful supply of black lava stone. Here you will board the "Circumetnea", a traditional narrow-gauge train that follows a 114km trail around the base of the volcano, affording fantastic views of Etna. Stopping at Adrano, a bus will take you to an altitude of 1,900 meters. You'll have an opportunity to soak up the astounding views, and, if you wish, enjoy soft trekking to visit the most recent lava flows and the now extinct mystical Silvestri craters.

Enjoy the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant and allow yourself to simply marvel at the views on your return journey.

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The Blazing Nature of Alcantara, Randazzo & Mount Etna (1,900m) by Coach

Availability | Full Day

The tour bus will collect you early in the morning and a tour leader will guide you on this journey around Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

The impressive Alcantara Gorge is the first stop of this journey, located on Mount Etna's north-eastern slopes. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago, when the Alcantara River carved deep incisions into the rock after a series of volcanic eruptions. Take the stairs and descend into the heart of the gorge, where you can admire the beautiful waterfalls, small beaches and vertical cliffs in whimsical forms.

The tour continues towards the 'black town' of Randazzo, named after the fact that most of the town was constructed from the plentiful supply of black lava stone. A fine example is the Basilica di Santa Maria. This stunning cathedral is the town's medieval masterpiece, with its black columns and a marvellous collection of 18th-century paintings.

The tour continues towards Mount Etna - The bus will take you to an altitude of 1,900 meters. You'll have an opportunity to soak up the astounding views, and, if you wish, enjoy soft trekking to visit the most recent lava flows and the now extinct mystical Silvestri craters.

Enjoy the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant and allow yourself to simply marvel at the views on your return journey.

Includes

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The History behind Agrigento & Piazza Armerina by Coach

Availability | Full Day

You will be collected from your hotel early in the morning, for what will be an unforgettable historical journey. Travelling across Sicily by coach, along with a tour leader and a local guide, delight in the stories of two great ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.

Heading towards the south coast of the island, there will be a short stop for services before arriving at Agrigento, a region brimming with history that was once considered one of the most important Greek cities in the Mediterranean.

Agrigento is famous for its archaeological park, the 'Valley of Temples'. Surrounded by pastoral countryside, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of well-preserved temples built by the ancient Greeks between 510 and 430 BC. Whilst here, you have a chance to explore the ancient temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Zeus. Some of the temples remain remarkably intact and you can still admire the exquisite art and architecture.

You can stop here for lunch at a seaside restaurant and savour deliciously fresh seafood dishes.

The journey will continue to Piazza Armerina, in the heart of Sicily. A splendid art city where various well-preserved monuments tell of its glorious past. Here visit the Villa Romana del Casale, the extravagant 3,500 square meters property of a powerful Roman family dating back to the 4th Century AD. This is a magnificent rural residence, known for its vivid mosaics produced by North African artisans, dealing with numerous subjects, ranging from Homeric escapades and mythological scenes to portrayals of daily life and are considered the most beautiful and best-preserved of their kind.

The bus will take you back to your hotel, ending this jaw-dropping historical journey just in time for dinner.

Important notes

Entrance fees to sites not included (free for EU citizens under 18 with a valid ID).

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