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Seductively beautiful, Sicily has been luring visitors for centuries. Experience the unique legacy of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans, crusading Knights of St. John, the Bourbons and Ottoman Turks, all on this stunning island of Sicily. Staying at a luxury sea front villa in Marina di Modica, discover ancient towns, churches, Roman ruins, a rumbling stratovolcano and the delectable layer-cake of Sicilian culinary influences in two amazing weeks.

The Setting: An exclusive seafront villa with private swimming pool situated in the beautiful and small seaside resort of Marina di Modica on the southern coast of Sicily. Surrounded by a luxuriant garden, the prestigious property boasts large, well-equipped terraces with panoramic sea views. Furnished in contemporary style, the comfortable interior is divided into two separate buildings overlooking the large swimming pool and includes 9 air-conditioned bedrooms, eight luxurious bathroom, two kitchens, two living rooms and a lounge. The villa is situated not far from the UNESCO-listed centres of Modica, Scicli, Noto, Ragusa Ibla and near the ancient city of Syracuse.

Pricing per person:

13 Days

23 Sep - 5 Oct 2019*; 21 Sep - 3 Oct 2020**

Note: Connects to Tuscan Experience 7 – 21 Sep 2019*; 05 to 19 Sep 2020**

Hosted from Catania, Sicily by Renato Di Stefano

2019

From $6,999 pp twin share

From $8,429 pp sole occupancy

2020

From $7,499 pp twin share

From $9,029 pp sole occupancy

Tour inclusions:

• 9 nights villa stay in Marina di Modica
• 1 night accommodation in Agrigento
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Taormina
• Travel by mini coach as per itinerary
• Sightseeing per itinerary with entry fees
• Culinary art sessions with Renato
• 25 meals including Continental breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 4 dinners (with limited wine*)
• Services of professional guides at selected locations
• Pre-departure function with antipasti and wine, tour documentation

*Additional wine can be purchased

With prior notice given, catering arrangements can be made for those with an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet or gluten intolerance.

Day 1 Catania to Agrigento

Meet at Catania airport, for the transfer at 1100am to Agrigento. Later, discover the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO-listed site is home to five ancient Greek temples dating from the 6th century BC. One of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, Valley of the Temples represent some of the greatest ruins beyond the Hellenic world. Following a group dinner at a typical restaurant enjoy the beauty of the temples by night. (D)

Stay Agrigento – 1 night

Day 2 Piazza Armerina, Marina di Modica

Travel from Agrigento to Piazza Armerina and visit Villa del Casale. This ancient Roman villa is grandiose and particularly famous for its spectacular mosaic floors which almost completely adorn the villa floors like a singular masterpiece. After lunch, travel to the villa in Marina di Modica.

(B, L, D)

Stay Marina di Modica - 9 nights

Day 3 Marina di Modica and Ispica                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Spend a relaxing day at the villa with lunch on the terrace followed by a leisurely walk to Marina di Modica. This evening, enjoy an aperitivo on the veranda before dining out in Ispica at the Torre Marabino restaurant (B, L, D)

Day 4 Siracusa                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 After lunch at the villa, travel to Siracusa, the most important city of Magna Grecia. Visit the archaeological park with its ancient Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry with the ear of Diogenes, famous for its acoustic effects. A short distance away in Ortigia - the old city, see the Temple of Apollo and the beautiful Piazza Archimede. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure with a group dinner (not included) at a typical restaurant. (B, L)

Day 5 Marina di Modica and Pozzallo

Enjoy the morning at leisure. Later, join Renato in the kitchen as he prepares a delicious lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free with aperitivo on the terrace. Tonight, enjoy dinner (not included) at a restaurant in Pozzallo. (B, L)

Day 6 Noto and Marzamemi

Following lunch at the villa, visit Baroque Noto and discover the beautiful churches and splendid palaces of the aristocracy. Enjoy a guided visit of Palazzo Nicolaci. Enjoy some free time for perhaps gelato at the famous Caffè Sicilia before journeying to Marzamemi, an enchanting 17th century fishing village on the southern point of Sicily with dinner (not included) at a typical seaside restaurant. (B, L)

Day 7 Marina di Modica                                                                                                                                                                                           Enjoy a lazy Sunday morning, followed by a culinary art session with Renato. Sample a glass (or two) of local vino and indulge in the fruits of your labour at lunch. Stroll to Marina di Modica beach for a gelato then later, enjoy an evening aperitivo on the terrace. Dinner (not included) is at a local restaurant. (B, L)

Day 8 Scicli

After a leisurely morning, travel to UNESCO-listed Scicli, a monumental baroque city. Scicli is one of the filming locations for the hit television series ‘Montalbano’, and viewers will enjoy spotting familiar scenes. Dinner (not included) is at the Satra restaurant in Scicli. (B, L)

Day 9 Ragusa and Modica

Set amid rocky peaks, visit beautiful Ragusa Ibla with its tangle of narrow streets, steep staircases and Baroque palazzi. Walk to the churches and noble palaces. Later, discover atmospheric Modica with its steeply stacked medieval centre and spectacular baroque cathedral. Visit also the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily. Dinner (not included) at a typical restaurant (B)

Day 10 Marina di Modica                                                                                                                                                                                                       Enjoy the day free to relax and then to pack for our morning departure. Enjoy a group lunch, afternoon drinks on the terrace and farewell dinner at the villa. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Mt Etna and Taormina

Bidding beautiful Marina di Modica farewell, travel towards the summit of Mt Etna (3300m), the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Visit the Gambino winery on Mt Etna for a degustation lunch accompanied by some excellent wines. Proceed to the magical city of Taormina, renowned for the beauty of its monuments, elegant buildings and gardens and most importantly for the magnificent Greek theatre. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)

Stay Taormina – 2 nights

Day 12 Taormina

A morning tour of Taormina concludes with a visit to the magnificent Greek theatre where the views of the coast and Mt. Etna are just fabulous. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join Renato for a farewell drink on the rooftop bar of the hotel (B)

Day 13 Taormina to Catania

Farewell Taormina today with an 0900am transfer to Catania airport. (B)