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.
"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.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start Palermo / End Catania
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Start your family hiking vacation walking postcard-perfect paths in the medieval coastline-hugging village of Cefalù | Wander mazelike walkways between sunbaked 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 mythical Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano and one of the world's most active | Hike wooded trails and across black lava on the lower flanks of this dramatic peak, storied in literature from Homer to Goethe | Lounge poolside at our stylish hideaway.
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 picturesque 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 with family before a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
Sea-view rooms await at this elegant beachfront property, an early 19th-century villa set among lush gardens by the Mediterranean. (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.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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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