6-7 Days

Eastern Sicily has many attractions to offer including 3 or 4 nature reserves, the spectacular volcano Etna which can be visited on foot, by 4x4 or by helicopter, well-equipped beaches and beautiful towns and cities to visit.
We recommend staying at one of the following properties in the area: Nerolie near Catania, Donna Franca at Taormina or Orange Grove and  Donna Carmela at Giarre.

• Day 1: a tour of Catania, including the historic area of the city. We recommend seeing the "Castello Ursino" and the Cathedral and, for those interested in shopping, a tour of the numerous, elegant shops in the centre or a visit to the shopping centre "Etnapolis" desgined by the famous architect Fuksas. In the afternoon a visit to Acicastello and Acitrezza with views of the Ciclopi rocks
• Day 2: an entire day to visit the volcano Etna and its craters, the largest active volcano in Europe. We recommend taking a guided tour of the area.
• Day 3: visit Taormina. In the morning swim on the beach at Isola Bella (very crowded in summer) or at one of the beaches nearby (which are generally less crowded) such as Fiumefreddo which was awarded the Blue Flag award by the Legambiente environmental association in 2009. In the afternoon a visit to the delightful small town of Taormina followed by a candle-lit dinner at one of its many restaurants.
• Day 4: visit the archeological park at Syracuse and take a swim at one of the beaches in the area. In the afternoon walk around the historical centre of Syracuse located on the island of Ortigia
• Day 5: a visit to Caltagirone which is famous for its hand-painted majolica ceramics. In the afternoon a brief stop at Vizzini followed by a visit to the baroque city of Palazzolo Acreide which is a UNESCO world heritage site and dinner in one of its many fine restaurants
• Day 6: a visit to the Villa Romana del Casale at Piazza Armerina followed by lunch at Fogher (a reservation is essential: +39 0935 684123 & +39 339 1579005). In the afternoon a visit to the ruins at Morgantina
• Day 7: a day at the beach with a visit to the Vendicari Nature Reserve and a swim at the beach inside the Reserve or, for those who like walking, a walk along the splendid beach of Calamosche