Compare Italy's Epicurean Journey by The Italian on Tour vs Classical Sicily by Explore!

Day 1 (Sunday)  

• Welcome to Italia! Meet your guide at 1pm and enjoy a comfortable ride in our private vehicle from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport directly to Ascoli Piceno. No need to wait for buses or taxis, just hop on with your guide and arrive directly at your hotel. Enjoy the scenery of the National Park on the way or simply nap to recover from your jet lag!
• Arrive to Ascoli Piceno in the late afternoon and settle into your home for the duration of your stay. Your Hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from one Italy’s most beautiful Piazzas making it the perfect location to relax and explore the city by foot.

Day 2 (Monday)

• Every day will begin with a delicious breakfast made with local products which will be served in the elegant courtyard of your hotel.
• Today our tour will begin with a visit of Ascoli Piceno, the city of travertine and 100 towers. We will explore its magnificent piazzas and visit the local Pinacoteca Museum with a private guide. Learn the secret of an Italian-American art connection, a true story that is unknown by most locals!
• Aperipranzo at a historical venue in Piazza del Popolo, voted one of the 10 most beautiful squares in Italy. Then head out to the local travertine quarry to discover how travertine and marble masterpieces are created.
• After we will make our way to a 17thcentury Villa and Agriturismo perched on the surrounding hills.
• Meet an amazing local Chef and Cooking instructor for a private cooking class in a 300-year-old family-run kitchen.
• Tonight we will enjoy the fruits of our labour and dine on a meal made with local and organic ingredients. Many of which have been grown onsite at the Villa’s garden. This is zero kilometre dining at its finest.

Day 3 (Tuesday) 

• Today we are headed to Fermo, a hill-top city situated close to the water with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys.
• Enter into the depths of this city and step inside one of Italy’s best kept Roman aqueducts, built over 2,000 years ago and recently restored to its former glory. Discover the life blood of this ancient city and find out how the water was stored and transported throughout during ancient Roman times.
• After we will make our way across town to visit an historical Italian theatre, “Teatro dell’Aquila”, considered to have one of the most acclaimed acoustic experiences in the country. Built in 1760 this theatre has been the epicentre of Marche’s culture for over 200 years and was fully restored in 1997.
• Lunch will be at a traditional establishment near the historic centre. Giovanni will guide you through the menu offering you selections based on his personal favourites and knowledge as Sommelier.
• We will head back to Ascoli Piceno in the late afternoon. This evening you will be on your own to explore, navigate thecentro storico, and enjoy a meal at one of Ascoli’s many restaurants.

Day 4 (Wednesday)

• Today we will have an early start and make our way to Loreto, a sister city of Nazareth. Here we will visit Loreto’s Sanctuary. A pilgrimage second only to Lourdes. Legend has it that the house of Nazareth is located within its walls.
• After we will head down to the stunning seaside for lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Here the pasta is always fresh, handmade, and proudly prepared with only the best ingredients. If you are lucky enough you might even be able to see Gina rolling out the dough for one of her many creations.
• Admire the coastline, feel the sand between your toes, and dip your feet into the blue Adriatic. Don’t want to get wet? Then take a relaxing walk along the promenade and breathe in some rejuvenating ocean air!
• Return to Ascoli in the late afternoon where you will have the evening free Now’s the perfect time to head out for a “passeggiata” or grab an evening aperitivo.

Day 5 (Thursday) 

• This morning we will head to  Civitella del Tronto, the largest most formidable fortress in Italy, which remained unconquered for over 350 years!
• We will continue our journey across the beautiful valley of Val Vibrata and visit a world class organic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine producer.  Here among olive groves and acres of vineyards we will enjoy a tasting and visit the wine cellar where thousands of vintages are stored.
• After learning about their winemaking process, we will continue on our gastronomic adventure and make our way to a family-run restaurant that is passionate about Slow Food and traditional family recipes.
• Following our leisurely lunch, we will return to Ascoli. Take some time to visit our town’s lovely shops, relax in one of our many cafes, or maybe just hit the cobble stone streets for a little solo exploration.   

Day 6 (Friday)

• Today we will visit a pioneer of organic wine production in the region. The family of four runs a beautiful winery that is located high in the hills, and they are one of only a handful of regional producers using the Bordeaux grape in their production.
• Make yourself comfortable and sit back to admire the beautiful vista of the vineyards below. Here we will sit among friends and stay to enjoy a light lunch of local charcuterie, paired with organic olive oil and fresh artisan bread.
• Now is the perfect time to lunch and learn! Take home the souvenir of knowledge! Giovanni will share his expertise and show you how to pair wines and olive oils with the local products you are feasting on.
• Upon our return to Ascoli we will take a short break. In the late afternoon we will travel to the heart of our region’s Truffle country. Now it is time to make some traditional dishes with a third generation chef and learn some of Nonna’s secret recipes!
• Tonight we will have a feast of refined rustic cuisine among friends. May the conversation be good and the red wine flow!

Day 7 (Saturday)

• This morning we will travel to Offida, a magnificent medieval borgo that was voted one of the most beautiful in Italy. Walk the streets of this medieval beauty and be transported back in time.
• Surrounded by vineyards Offida is home to award winning wines and full of local tradition. Enjoy a prelude to lunch with wine tasting at a local cantina and a visit to a well know wine producer.
• From Offida we will make our way to a treasure of architectural beauty with a story that spans over 700 years. Immersed in botanical gardens, overlooking the gentle rolling hills, we will sit down to enjoy a lunch composed of dishes that are a modern and eclectic take on Italy’s traditional cuisine.
• After lunch we will head back to Ascoli. Now is the time to relax and take some time for yourself before enjoying a light dinner among friends.  Tonight you will be a guest at the home of Giovanni, your trip experience officer and local sommelier.  Take a seat, enjoy some good conversation, and enjoy a local home cooked meal of fresh ingredients paired with wine from the regions you have visited.

Day 8 (Sunday) 

• Have a leisurely start to the day and get in that much needed second cup of espresso. Today we will taste the best espresso in town with a visit to our favourite local café.  Here you will learn about the machines used and how they make the coffee taste exceptionally smooth.
• After we will venture into wine country and visit Ripatransone a medieval village known for the narrowest alley in Italy! Here you will have the opportunity to explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets while admiring the view from this hill-top town.
• Next up is a place that holds a special spot in our hearts, and defines the local living experience at its best. Let’s eat where the locals eat and meet the man behind the food at one of our favourite local trattorias.  Here the ingredients speak for themselves.  Everything is fresh and in season, brining your taste buds on an unforgettable journey of Abruzzese cuisine.
• Insider’s tip: Don’t forget to ask about the “Arrosticini”. Word has it they are the best in town!
• Tonight is your last evening in Ascoli. Your night will be on your own to relax, pack your things and grab those perfect pair of Italian shoes that you just can’t stop thinking about!

Day 9 (Monday) 

• After a final breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Ascoli Piceno and your new found friends and local community.We will accompany you to Ascoli Piceno’s train or bus station. Your time with us may be over, but we hope this is only goodbye for now or as the Italians say “Ci vediamo”! Until next time “Arrivederci”!

*The order of activities is subject to change. Please note that some activities are dependent on the weather and may vary due to the time of year and forces beyond our control.  We always leave some room for spontaneity, whether it is going to a special event or festival.  This ensures we can offer you the best of what is available in season!

Day 1 Join trip in Syracusa

Our tour of Sicily starts today in Syracusa. During the Greek Classical period, this east coast city was the largest in the ancient world - even bigger than Athens. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's also notable as being the birthplace of antiquity's greatest mathematician, Archimedes. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is about a one-hour drive away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to walk into the historic centre of Ortygia Island, which is about 20-30 minutes from our hotel. Artemis Fountain and the Baroque cathedral are lit up beautifully at night. Tonight will be your first opportunity to sample Sicilian cuisine and wine. According to Greek legend, the god Dionysus brought wine to Sicily, however, it's more likely that wine has been produced here since ancient times due to the island being blessed with plenty of sunshine and reliably moderate rainfall, along with fertile volcanic soils. Nowadays there's a huge variety of delicious red and white wines to choose from. You might also like to try a typically Sicilian dish such as pasta with sardines and wild fennel, aubergine stew or boiled pork in salsa verde and saffron.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Discover Syracusa's historic Neapolis and Ortygia Island

We'll start today by driving the short distance to the city's Neapolis Archaeological Park, where a local guide will show us its famous Greek theatre, hewn out of the hillside, and the fine Roman amphitheatre where gladiators once fought. We'll then drive over to Ortygia Island, where we'll have free time to have lunch and explore. This small island is the historical centre of the city and home to many landmarks such as the Fonte of Aretusa, Temple of Apollo ruins, Maniace Castle, and the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter with its old baths found under the Residenza Alla Giudecca Hotel. Alternatively, you could take a short boat trip along the rocky cave-strewn coastline. Thanks to its limestone buildings and pretty harbour, Ortygia Island is also a great place to sit and watch the world go by in a local café or restaurant. You could try cannolo, a traditional Sicilian dessert, a crisp shell filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips topped with candied fruits. If you\ d prefer a savoury snack then arancini is just the thing - a rice ball stuffed with a range of fillings such as beef ragu and gooey cheese, it's simply delicious. Leaving Syracusa this afternoon, we'll drive for a couple of hours inland to our base for tonight, Piazza Amerina, a charming market town set amid rolling countryside. This town is off the tourist trail and tonight you'll have the opportunity to dine in one of the delightful family-run restaurants. As you stroll along through the peaceful streets and picturesque squares you can see the local men gathering to discuss the events of the day and put the world to rights - just as their families have been doing for generations.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 See the mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale and the Valley of the Temples

Today we'll visit two of Sicily's most important historic sites. We'll start at the Villa Romana del Casale, which is just a short hop from our hotel. We'll aim to arrive before the crowds. A local guide will show us the ruins of this magnificent country mansion that contains some incredibly well-preserved and beautiful Roman mosaics, such as the famed bikini girls, fishing cupids and hunting scenes featuring exotic wildlife like tigers, rhinos and elephants. The mosaics are UNESCO-listed and spread over a remarkable 3,500 square metres. We'll drive on to Agrigento, which was once one of the most prosperous cities in Sicily. The ancient acropolis, now the modern city, overlooks a southern ridge, misleadingly named the Valley of the Temples. Visiting these temples with a local guide, we'll walk around the ruins of the largest Doric temple ever constructed - the Temple of Zeus. Standing next to this monumental structure, you feel tiny staring up at the gigantic pillars above you. We'll also explore the perfectly proportioned Doric columns of the Temple of Concord, as well as the oldest temple in the complex, honouring Hercules. Later this afternoon, we'll drive north along the coastline for two hours to tonight's hotel in Marsala. Our hotel this evening is a 25-minute walk from the centre of town. We'll head into the centre to the Porta Garibaldi from where our local guide will take us on a short walk through the old town. After time for dinner, we'll return to our hotel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Explore Erice and the Greek ruins of Segesta en route to Palermo

This morning, we'll drive up the twisty mountain roads to one of Sicily's best-kept secrets, the delightful medieval hilltop walled town of Erice. Here, we'll have the morning free to soak up the atmosphere and get lost among the maze of cobbled narrow streets. At 750 metres above sea level, on a clear day, you can see right across the valley to the sea below from here. The town is home to a number of churches that you can visit, you could also drop into the courtyard of the Norman fortress, Castello di Venere or the nearby Garden of Balio. It's also well worth noting that Erice is home to Sicily's most famous cake shop - Maria Grammatic. Early afternoon will see us travelling on to Segesta - one of the best-preserved ancient sites. Once home to the Elymians, who it's believed descended from the Trojans. The two most famous monuments found here are the Doric temple and the amphitheatre that sit on the slopes of Mount Barbaro in a stunning natural setting - no modern-day structures mar your appreciation of the site. Along the old entrance roads to the city are the Sanctuary of Contrada Mango and the Agora - the central meeting place of the city. Near to the amphitheatre, you can see the more recent remains dating from around 1442 of a castle, mosque, and church. If you visit in springtime, you can spot colourful wildflowers and giant fennel as you walk around the site. The site is large and hilly but there's a complimentary bus service that operates in the archaeological site. On leaving magnificent Segesta, we'll drive for around one hour along the north coast to our hotel in Sicily's capital, Palermo where we'll have the evening free.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Visit the Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral, free time in Palermo

This morning, we'll get to experience some of Sicily's Norman history. In Palermo, we'll visit the Palatine Chapel with a local guide. This is the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily and is packed with spectacular Byzantine mosaics. Driving into the hills just a short distance out of the capital, we'll go with our guide to visit the majestic Norman Cathedral of Monreale. Founded in 1174 by William the Good, the cathedral is also famous for its extensive mosaics, as well as its cloisters showing both Romanesque and Islamic influences. Returning to Sicily's capital, the afternoon is free to enjoy Palermo. The city stands at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, with the fertile valley of Concha d'Oro behind. It was one of the richest cities in Europe from the 9th to the 12th centuries AD when Islamic culture, Byzantine magnificence and medieval Europe were merging into a fascinating civilisation. Today, the city maintains a sense of cultural diversity and is famous for its art, music and food. You might like to visit Palermo's cathedral with its ornate facade, the grand Teatro Massimo opera house, the natural beauty of the Botanical Gardens or the extensive catacombs under the city, to name just a few of the attractions on offer. If you fancy a snack whilst exploring then you could try panelle, which is a popular street food. It's a fritter made from chickpeas eaten in a roll like a hot sandwich. If you fancy something sweet then cassata is Sicily's most famous cake, which is normally covered in marzipan and green icing over a moist fruity sponge layered with ricotta.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Drive along the coast with a stop in Cefalu en route to Giardini Naxos

Leaving Palermo this morning, we'll drive along the spectacular northern coastline to the picturesque fishing village of Cefalu. Here, we'll stop to explore the town and have the opportunity to go for a swim. You might like to visit the Norman Cathedral, with its stupendous mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. Alternatively, if you're feeling active then you can walk up the steps passed the Temple of Diana ruins to the Castle on the Rock (the ascent is 278 metres) - the incredible seaviews make the climb worthwhile. From Cefalu, we'll continue our drive along the coast to the small coastal town of Giardini Naxos, which will be our base for the next two nights. This sweet little fishing town sits in the shadow of Mount Etna and is the spot of the oldest Greek settlement in Sicily back in 735 BC. It's a great place for relaxing beside the sea and tucking into fresh fish and gelato. When in Sicily you have to sample the gelato… the region has some of the creamiest in all of Italy.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 7 Travel to Mount Etna, afternoon in Taormina

This morning, we'll travel to the base camp of Mount Etna to explore the lunar landscape, craters and lava fields of one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. We'll head directly to the cable car base at Rifugio Sapienza, which is on the south side of Etna and 1,900 metres above sea level. Here there are several cafes and gift shops, and you can also see the old Silvestri Craters. There's the option to board the cable car up to 2,500 metres where there's another cafe and gift shop and you can have a walk around on the mountainside, please note this is an additional expense, see the optional activities section for more details. From here, you have the option of boarding a four-wheel drive coach up to 2,900 metres to take a short walk (around 45 minutes) with a mountain guide to view the craters formed in the 2002/3 eruptions and the fumaroles at around 3,000 metres, which is as close to the summit as we're currently permitted to go. You then return down the mountain the same way. This afternoon, we'll meet back up at base camp (1,900) meters and travel the short distance to Taormina, Sicily's most famous resort. Once a haven for the likes of D. H Lawrence and Oscar Wilde, Taormina is still a popular tourist destination today. A short walk around the chic town, with its pretty medieval churches and charming streets, will show you just why it's so loved. We'll join a local guide to visit the Greek Theatre. The snow-capped Mount Etna acts as a spectacular backdrop to the remarkably preserved columned stage - it's easy to see why this is possibly the most famous view in all of Sicily. We'll also visit the Roman Odeon before having the rest of the afternoon free to explore. In the early evening, we'll return to Giardini Naxos. You might choose to visit the Villa Comunale Gardens which offer a peaceful escape from Taormina's bustling main street. Here you can walk amidst magnolia, hibiscus, and bougainvillaea trees. If you'd like to enjoy a drink and a snack, then we'd recommend taking a stroll down one of Taormina's side streets where you'll find plenty of authentic bars and restaurants (which are less crowded than in the centre of town).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 8 Trip ends in Giardini Naxos

Our trip ends after breakfast this morning at our hotel in Giardini Naxos. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Giardini Naxos at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is about a one-hour drive away.

Meals Provided : Breakfast