Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,999 - $6,099 pp dbl occ
($1,550 for sgl occ)
"Fertile the isle," said Shakespeare of Sicily. And how true those words ring. Warmed by the Mediterranean sun, salted by the sea air and nurtured by the rich volcanic soil of legendary Mount Etna, Sicily's natural treasures flourish. They're in the landscape, the food and the wine. They've shaped the history, the art and the architecture. And they're the pride of the island's warm and passionate people. The Bard said it best in Winter's Tale, but Sicily dazzles year-round.
Start Palermo / End Catania
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Start your hiking journey walking postcard-perfect paths in the coastline-hugging medieval village of Cefalù | Wander mazelike walkways between sunlit buildings artfully adorned with greenery | Hike mountain trails on La Rocca for sensational views | Take a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea from our hotel's private dock | Follow a trail from the charming hamlet of Castelbuono, known for its grand Arab-Norman castle | Immerse yourself in this slow-food paradise—dine on fresh-caught seafood and taste the island’s prized and peppery Nero d’Avola wine.
An exquisite bougainvillea-laced coastal retreat featuring private beaches, tranquil gardens and elegantly minimalist rooms with Sicilian flair. (pool)
Catch your first glimpse of imposing Mount Etna, celebrated in literature from Homer to Goethe | Hike into the Alcantara River gorge, whose rich volcanic soil produces lush olive groves, hazelnut orchards and vineyards | At our Sicilian hideaway, unwind on your secluded terrace.
Chic and modern but with a traditional sensibility, this boutique resort overlooks Sicily's picturesque vineyards, olive groves and oak forests. (pool, spa)
An unforgettable panorama is revealed as you hike Etna’s northern slopes from Piano Provenzana | Greco-Roman history, incredible cuisine and luxury accommodations await in hilltop Taormina, known as the Pearl of Sicily | Take in Sicily’s breathtaking landscape from Castelmola, a quiet medieval town nestled among the mountaintops | Climb up to the remains of a historic castle for 360-degree views stretching across the water | Follow trails among marbled cliffs and green Mediterranean vegetation on Monte Venere | The sense of history is almost palpable on a visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater | Raise a glass to an extraordinary week before a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
This seaside retreat features contemporary rooms with private terraces and a private beach. Leading Hotels of the World property. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
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Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
The terrain on this trip is mostly hilly and includes cobblestone and paved walkways, well-groomed trails and some rocky mountain paths, particularly in the Madonie Mountains and around Mount Etna.
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
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