Itinerary
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Booking this tour: IV Travel

If you fly to Sicily, this tour starts at Catania, but as soon as you arrive, you will head north along the coastal highway to Taormina, one of the most interesting and picturesque towns in Sicily.  During the next couple of days, you'll explore the twisting streets, full of wonderful shops, restaurants and cafes, and descend by cable car to its beaches which offers many delights of its own.

The "must sees", just above the town are the incredible ruins of the Greek amphitheatre, built in the 3rd century BC and the Castle which you reach by stairs leading up from behind the tourist office.  You can also use the cable car to descend to the beaches below the city.  But, perhaps the most enjoyable thing to do in Taormina is stroll the flower bedecked city streets, full of interesting shops and cafes and the comfortable piazzas which are scattered throughout. 

Today, you will drive south again - this time to the ancient city of Siracusa.  But, on the way you'll stop at Fornazzo on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna - Sicily's famed and very much alive volcano.  At Fornazzo you will have the opportunity to see Mount Etna up close - and to visit the information center operated by the National Park authority.

Onward to Enna - into Sicily's spectacular interior where you will find the ancient, virtually impregnable city of Enna sitting 1000 meters (over 3000 feet!) off the rolling valley floor.  During your stay in Enna there is much to see: the views of course, but also, the 16th century cathedral, the extremely impressive 13th Century Castello Lombardia and two very good museums, the Museo Alessi and the Museo Varisano.  Good cafes, restaurants, trattoria and shops abound...so even if you don't do much other than wander the streets and piazzas, you will enjoy the city.  If you are there on Tuesdays - visit the lively market in Piazza Europa below the castle.

Tonight you will stay in Ragusa, but on the way we highly recommend a stop near the small city of Piazza Armerina - the ruins of the Villa Romana del Casale about 5 km southwest of the city.  Dated back to the early 4th century BC, possibly by Emperor Maximianus, the villa contains rooms on a grand scale, courtyards, fountains and extraordinary mosaics showing a Roman-African influence.

If you have time, a visit to Piazza Armerina is recommended.  Dominated by its cathedral and an ancient castle, and buildings of the 16th to 18th centuries (through which some modern towers arise) the city is an amiable one.

Before driving into Ragusa, you'll drive to your hotel just south of the city, have dinner and tuck in for the night.  The Hotel Eramo is meticulously converted convent where you will feel very welcome and very comfortable.

Next day - drive up to the busy city of Ragusa - which you will see has been divided into two distinct parts by a violent earthquake.  The older and lower part is Ragusa Ilba - the newer part rises above.  Ragusa Ilba is where you can wander through medieval streets, perhaps taking time to see the glories of the Church of San Giorgio.  But the upper town has its attractions too - including the Duomo, in Piazza San Giovani.
 

Siracusa, is renowned as one of the most important and brilliant cities of the ancient Mediterranean world - settled since 733 BC.   The oldest part of the city is an island, Ortygia.  The mainland part of the city is divided into four areas: Achradina, Tyche, Neapolis and Epipolae.  There is much to do and see in Siracusa so you'll be staying for 2 nights.
 

• It's a relatively short drive to Catania where you can leave your car at the airport and embark for home.  Or - stay  in Italy a little longer.  See some of the other itineraries VisitsItaly has to offer below.

* VisitsItaly.com reserves the right to select hotels within the same class depending on availability at the time of booking.