Sicily Grand Tour

The variety and richness of Sicily's heritage is unparalleled - nowhere else have the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and Italians left such an indelible historical legacy. On this incredible journey we sample the island's best UNESCO heritage sites, impressive archaeological treasures, quaint villages and its diverse landscape. With so much to see and do, a two week itinerary is ideal for those who want to cover the whole of the island at a reasonable pace. With sufficient time on our hands, we can also venture inland into the heart of Sicily, for a visit to the world famous UNESCO mosaics of Piazza Armerina.

We use three- and four-star hotels and occasionally comfortable B&Bs. Some were selected for their warm hospitality and typical Sicilian character and others for their location close to the historic centres we visit. Don’t forget your swimwear – some of the hotels have swimming pools. 



The accommodations used on this trip are found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout hotels. 



Piazza Armerina: Suite d'Autore (nights 6-7) 







For something completely different, there’s Suite d'Autore. This art hotel in Piazza Armerina traces the history of design from the 20th century to today through its decor and displays. The rooms are, unsurprisingly, individual, while outside the front door is a honey-coloured cathedral. 



Taormina: Villa Esperia (night 14) 







Our final night is spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has two restaurants: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes, and Mazzarino, a pizzeria.