The largest island in the Mediterranean and coveted by history’s main players from the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans to the French and the Spanish, it is no wonder Sicily has evolved into a cauldron of competing influences all culminating to an exotic flourish. Locals consider their homeland as a separate entity from the rest of Italy and travel writers quipped that a holiday there might as well be travelling out of Europe. From the poetic chaos of Palermo’s streets, statuesque temples in Agrigento to the lava-strewn Mount Etna, and not forgetting possibly the most flavourful regional Italian cuisine, a customised Sicily tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours will bring you to where incredible scents, sounds and sights are just a part of what every Sicilian has to cope with on an everyday basis – not exactly a bad deal anyone would suppose
Blowing hot and cold at Mount Etna
Sicilians, especially Catanians, who live under the massive hulk of Mount Etna consider Europe’s largest active volcano as a life giver. While its irrepressible energy often sparks unpredictable eruptions, it is exactly the same that results in the region’s wondrous fertile soil which in turn nurture some of the world’s best produce. While Mount Etna is both revered and feared, locals engage with their most important symbol in a seemingly carefree manner. While hiking along its dead lava craters and seeing the sight of red liquid and smoky ash is probably the quintessential experience, many do not know that a great skiing experience also awaits the keen adventurer from end November to April each year. A true tale of fire and ice indeed.
Valley of the Temples
Agrigento, nestled around Sicily’s southwestern shore, is one of Magna Grecia’s (Greater Greece) most important cities during Hellenic rule, and possibly nowhere, not even in Athens will you find a collection of Greek temples in one massive site this finely preserved. Proudly perched above the sea in a grove full of almond trees, highlights of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site include the seven Doric-style Greek temples of which Temple of Concordia is the most famous. In fact, it is so representative that UNESCO uses it as their defining emblem. Spend a day amidst its stunning environs and if you can, watch a magical sunset with the sun descending and shining its rays through the gorgeous lines of these ancient columns.
One-of-a-kind beach
Destinations around the world are not born equal because of many factors and weather is one of them. Sicily had just about won the lottery ticket for this too. While northern Europeans lament the end of their short summer season, Sicilians continue to enjoy balmy weather for much longer and maybe even into the tail end of the year. Needless to say, there are plenty of spots for a good date with the sun, but for the best visual and emotive experience, head to Scala dei Turchi in southern Sicily. Massive chalky white cliffs miraculously eroded to form natural white stairs and “sun lounges” make it a unique coast like no other, and we have not even mentioned that you will be overlooking Africa from your soft sun bed – now that’s truly a one-of-a-kind beach.
To discover more of Italy’s stunning destinations, see:
Discover Sicily’s intense mix of cultures, traditions, flavours and stunning natural sights with a customised Sicily tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Catania. Upon arrival, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a short tour taking in the sights of Catania such as Ursino Castle. Thereafter, transfer to Syracuse visit the archaeological area and explore sites such as the famous Latomie of Paradise and Ear of Dionysius. Next, depart for Modica to visit a chocolate factory, learn the techniques of chocolate production and create your own bar of chocolate. Stay overnight in Ragusa.
Syracuse Downtown
This morning, visit Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising of well-preserved mosaics depicting mythological themes and hunting scenes. After lunch, depart for Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour to discover Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, Temple of Juno and Temple of Hercules.
Valley of The Temples
After breakfast, depart for the capital of Sicily, Palermo. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Palermo and Cathedral of Monreale, with its unique Moorish architecture. Return to Palermo to taste Palermo’s street food, renowned throughout Italy and all over the world. Next, visit Palazzo Mirto, which served as the residence of the noble Filangeri family for 4 centuries.
Cathedral of Palermo
Today, depart for Marsala, famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Stop for a guided tour of the historic wine cellars and taste wines paired with local produce. En route back to Palermo, stop in the region of Trapani for a tour of the salt windmills and basins, which are still in use today. Upon arrival in Palermo, proceed for your overnight ferry to Naples.
Marsala Vineyard
This morning, take a high-speed train ride to Rome. Upon arrival at the train station, meet your driver and transfer to the city centre for sightseeing. Meet your guide and commence on a city tour to take in important sights such as Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and more. You may also wish to visit Vatican Museums or spend the rest of the day to discover more of the delights of Rome.
Trevi Fountain
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.