Main Palace Hotel QQQQ

The Godfather tour

This is an excursion that you would be hard-pressed to refuse. It will take you to the charming villages of Savoca and Forza D’Agro, both of which have featured in the 1972 film The Godfather owing to their traditional Sicilian appearances.

In Savoca, you will pass through a Norman double entrance and explore the village’s oldest parts – including the 12th-century Mother Church. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, local nobles and priests chose to be embalmed at the church following their death. Today, you can see these mummified men and women in the crypt below a capuchin monastery in Savoca.

Your next destination is Forza D’Agro, a town located on the lower peak of a small mountain. It, too, has a Norman past, evidenced by its ruined castle. Its rustic appearance, combined with its inaccessibility to cars, makes this the perfect place to stop and enjoy authentic Sicilian scenery.

Half day

Mount Etna

For volcanic legends, look no further than Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. Its name in Greek means ‘I burn’, and Etna has been burning since the Neogene period, approximately 2.6 million years ago.

Your tour vehicle will navigate roads which were created by Etna’s old lava flows to arrive at one of the volcano’s refuges. During your visit, you will see Etna’s three distinct levels.

First is the lowest, fertile and rich in vineyards. Blanketing the second level are forests of chestnut, beech, oak and pine trees. Finally, the highest level consists almost entirely of ash, sand, lava and slag.

On this excursion, you will have an opportunity to purchase refreshments, browse the souvenir shops or take a trip on the cable car to Etna’s summit (not included in the price of your excursion)

Three-quarter day

Catania

Take a trip to Sicily’s second largest city, located in the shadow cast by Mount Etna. Being so close to the volcano, Catania has experienced its fair share of seismic events, the most devastating of which occurred in the 17th century when an earthquake shook the city to its very foundations. The result was a city rebuilt in the Baroque style and, even more impressive, utilising the cooled lava as a building material.

During your walking tour, you will see the Roman amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD and pass along Via Crociferi, lined with architecturally impressive 18th-century churches.

Half day

Acireale

Positioned in the hills above the coast, Acireale is one of the gems of baroque Sicily and is delightful to explore independently. In addition to the 17th-century cathedral and numerous churches, the lively town features several cafes providing an opportunity to enjoy a Sicilian cassata or a brioche with a coffee granita.

Half day

Syracuse and harbour cruise

Transfer to Ortigia for a walking tour of the peninsula with a local guide. Syracuse is of Greek origin and the old centre, Ortigia, is comparatively small and relatively easy to walk around.

During your tour you’ll see the Duomo, before transferring to the archaeological park at Neapolis (entrance included), to see the Roman and Greek theatres, and Roman amphitheatre.

Full day

Villa del Casale and Caltagirone

Visit the ruined Villa Romana del Casale, where entrance is included. Located a few miles outside of the town, the villa is famous for its mosaics, which are considered to be some of the finest in the world.

A local guide will provide added insight as you admire the excavations. Lunch is not included, but you can purchase refreshments outside the site entrance, should you wish.

In the afternoon you’ll transfer to the town of Caltagirone, where you can spend some time at leisure exploring. The town is famous for its colourful hand-painted ceramics, which make ideal souvenirs.

Full day