The Highlights of Eastern Sicily

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Taormina

   Taormina is the most famous destination in Sicily, hosting actors and actresses in an atmosphere of glamor, luxury, and seaside relaxation. We recommend visiting the fascinating Greek theater, nestled in a splendid location with spectacular views of scenic beaches and the snow-capped volcanic Mt. Etna. Then take time for a walk among the picturesque medieval streets and go shopping for local handicrafts, which include coral, lace, ceramics, and sweets.

   Upon arrival at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall to take you directly to Taormina, a 40 minute drive.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Taormina

   

   Taormina at Sunset Small Group Walking Tour

   Admire Taormina in a whole new light with a small group sunset walking tour. You'll experience the unique relaxed atmosphere of the most famous Sicilian resort on this 2.5-hour walking tour, strolling down its magic medieval streets lit with romantic lights. Enjoy the charming scents of citrus and fresh seafood in the air, beautiful sounds of music played on the vivid streets, hear from your guide about the history and culture of Taormina and Sicily itself, and see the important sights. You will end your sunset tour on the terrace of one of the best restaurants in the very heart of Taormina with a distinctive view of smoking Etna and illuminated Ionian coastline. You will be offered a glass of Aperol Spritz or wine of your choice, accompanied by light appetizers. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2.5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Taormina

   

   Etna and Alcantara Group Hike

   If you want to hike Mt. Etna, this is the tour for you. Early in the morning, a 4x4 will take you to Mt. Etna, where you'll proceed on a 5 kilometer hike with an experienced guide. At the end, you'll climb atop a crater created by a volcanic eruption. You'll then head into a forest, to find what lies below the volcano's hard surface. In an underground adventure, you'll venture deep into the mountain to discover its innermost secrets, visiting a cave carved by a lava flow. After a break for lunch, you'll visit the scenic Alcantara Valley, with its columnar basalt, before heading home.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : ~ 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Arancini Group Cooking Class

   Enjoy arancini, but wish you could prepare them yourself, especially once you're back home? Join this cooking class in the heart of Taormina and find out how to make these amazing and delicious stuffed rice balls that have been breaded and deep-fried. The owner of a local bakery will show you around a market, teaching you how to choose the best ingredients. Returning to their place, you'll learn how to make the original Arancino Siciliano, with a filling of your choice.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2.5 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Swim and Dive Around Isola Bella

   The local beach in front of Isola Bella is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon and a sunset cocktail in one of the upmarket hotels with privileged access to the tiny beach. You can also try some easy diving around the local bay near the blue cave and the sunken Roman columns, which is ideal for beginners. We recommend a local company, Nike Diving Taormina: https://diveniketaormina.com/en/

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Ragusa by Private Transfer / Arrival in Ragusa

   

   Today you'll be saying "a dopo" to Taormina and leaving the coast behind, to explore inland Sicily. A driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you for two and a half hours, first between Mt Etna and the sea as you go along the coast, and then into the hills and valleys that lead to Ragusa. If you would like to make more of a day of it, your local JayWay contact can arrange for a stop along the way, for an extra fee. If you're into street food, an early start and a stop (maybe even for a guided tour) at the bustling central market of Catania is a must. Should decorative arts be more your thing, then Caltagirone, famed for its hand-painted ceramics, is just a small detour. Upon arriving at Ragusa, your driver will leave you at your accommodations in atmospheric Ragusa Ibla.

   There are two Ragusas (three if you count Dubrovnik, once also known by that name). Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore. Ragusa Ibla is the one you've seen in pictures and maybe the Inspector Montalbano books and TV series. Before the 1693 Sicily earthquake, the town of Ragusa was located on the site of the current Ragusa Superiore. After that was destroyed, a new town was built on the slightly lower neighboring hill, in the late Baroque style fashionable at the time. This is the town known as Ragusa Ibla. It's one of eight towns that make up the "Late Baroque Towns of the Noto Valley" UNESCO World Heritage listing. Fast forward to modern day, when a new town was built on the ruins of the original, and this is Ragusa Superiore, where most locals live. The rabbit warren of narrow streets and alleyways of Ibla is in stark contrast to those of Superiore. Superiore is a great place to avail yourself of all the conveniences of a modern town, as well as some excellent restaurants where you'll be the only foreigner, it doesn't have the same magic that Ragusa Ibla enjoys.

   Your driver will bring you as close as possible to your accommodation located in the historic center of Ragusa Ibla.

   

   The Paradise Beaches of the Vindicari Natural Reserve

   After a few days of exploring the artistic and historic treasures of this corner of Sicily, we recommend enjoying some relaxation on the area's splendid beaches. You will need a rental car or a driver since the best locations are known only to locals, who usually take along what they need for a day on the beach, including towels, drinking water, and snacks. One of the best spots, with Caribbean-like sand and crystal waters, is San Lorenzo Beach. Nestled in the splendid Vindicari natural reserve and visited seasonally by pink flamingos, this 7km (4.34 miles) beach will give you a castaway feeling.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Ragusa

   

   Ancient, Baroque, and Fascist Architecture Private Tour

   Ancient Ragusa's strange history is remains visible despite the 1693 earthquake that left the city in ruins. Peer past the Baroque buildings put down amidst the city's ruins, and you can still find traces of its Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman rulers. The Baroque buildings may have brought the town its UNESCO World Heritage listing, but with this tour you'll also see the 20th century buildings designed by fascist architects when Upper and Lower Ragusa were united into one provincial capital in 1926. You'll witness the different steps in the development of Ragusa, from its upper reaches to its ancient pre-Roman center.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Siracusa by Private Transfer / Arrival in Siracusa

   

   Today it's time to head to Siracusa, an artistic gem. Along the way you'll stop at the splendid UNESCO-listed baroque cities of Noto and Modica. The drive itself takes a little over 1.5 hours, plus several hours for the stops.
   

   With a history stretching back 27 centuries, there's a lot to see and do both in and around Siracusa (also known as Syracuse). While the main, relatively modern, town of Siracusa itself isn't so impressive, the tiny island of Ortigia, occupying less than half a square mile, is the real thing. It's still a functioning town in its own right, with over 3,000 inhabitants, but is also UNESCO-listed. This is where you'll spend much of your time and where you'll stay. The Greeks found plenty to like when they set up home in what they first called Neapolis (new city), and by the 5th century BC it rivaled Athens itself in population. Although it is the hometown of Archimedes (who built extraordinary machines to defend the city from Roman besiegers) and the location of several ancient Greek ruins (and some Roman ones too), many come here to admire the Baroque architecture you'll find around the town. Like many places in Sicily, at the crossroads of so many empires and dominions, there are traces to be found of each of the civilizations that passed through Siracusa.

   Your driver will bring you as close as possible to your accommodation located in the historic center of Siracusa, on the splendid island of Ortigia.

   

   A Journey to the Origin of Writing

   The unique micro-climate of Ortigia allows the natural growth and production of papyrus, the natural material used since the beginning of mankind until modern paper was introduced. A few high-quality craftsmen still create this unique material which can be purchased in Galleria Bellomo. For a comprehensive journey through this magic material we recommend visiting the museum.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Siracusa

   

   Ortigia & the Archeological Park Private Tour

   If you love learning more about history, or you just want to see some interesting, ancient monuments and buildings, this guided tour to Ortigia & the Archeological Park will really amaze you. With a private guide you'll see sights dating back to ancient times, in a curious mix of architectural styles that attests to the rich cultural history here. After touring the area and getting tips for the best museums and restaurants, you'll head back to your accommodation.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Colors and Flavors of Sicilian Cuisine

   If you're drawn to the rich, vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine, begin your day with a morning stroll through one of the island’s bustling street food markets. These markets are perfect for sampling authentic breakfast fare such as arancini, ricotta-filled pastries, and fresh local fruit. For a truly memorable experience, visit Aromi di Sicilia, renowned for its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The owners operate an organic farm, producing unique items like pink pepper and candied ginger. To deepen your understanding of Sicilian culinary traditions, consider joining a hands-on cooking class or a guided food tour. These experiences offer valuable insights into local techniques and ingredients.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   It's time to depart sensational Sicily. Say a fond "arrivederci" to Siracusa as you head north to Catania airport for your departing flight. The jounrey should take a little under an hour.