Itinerary Details

Sept 29 / Arrive in Taormina

We will gather at the beautiful beach island of Isola Bella in Taormina with its narrow path connection to the mainland and views of surrounding grottos. Relax and unwind while overlooking the multi-hued Mediterranean on this tiny nature reserve known throughout the region as he pearl of the Ionian Sea. That evening we will meet up at 7:30pm for a gourmet welcome dinner on the veranda of our hotel, the Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay carved into a rock hillside with terraces that sweep down to Baia delle Sirene — the Bay of Mermaids. A cable car to the city center is a four-minute walk from the hotel.

Sept 30 / Taormina
A mandatory stop for anyone on the Grand Tour. It’s easy to see how for centuries Taormina has enchanted visitors with its inherent charm. And what better way to discover it than with a slow-paced informative walking tour on Day Two. While photographing Taormina & its beauty, we will learn about its history and observe the culture of this sophisticated beach town — including such sites as the Piazza Duomo, Palazzo Corvaja and the 3rd Century BC Greek amphitheater. There are so many views to take in during our photographic stroll along the vibrant main street Corso Umberto which follows the ancient Via Consolare Valeria once trodden by Greeks and Romans. And the best part is that Taormina will be our home for the tour so you can spend time photographing the Old Town lit up in the evening along the Mediterranean….or as the morning sun rises in a golden display.

Oct 1 / Mount Etna
Photogenic from any angle, Mount Etna has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological, scientific and cultural value. We’ll go to the top of the highest active volcano in Europe and experience its unique — and some say magical — landscapes via a nature trek that’s a perfect balance of adventure and learning. From the top, we will take in views of the Valle del Bove depression five kilometres in diameter and explore a lava flow cave. Below Etna are spectacular views of vineyards and orchards on its lower slopes as well as the broad Plain of Catania to the south.

Oct 2 / Catania
We will be spent time exploring Catania, a vibrant city noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy. Its old town is one of biggest examples of baroque architecture in Italy and it is also a World Heritage Site. We will stroll along its small streets, large boulevards and piazzas. The city’s wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell Elefante statue — a lava stone figure of an elephant dating to the Roman period — and the richly decorated baroque Catania Cathedral (originally constructed in 1078 AD, but rebuilt many times since). As well, there are two notable ancient Roman sites: the 300 BC amphiteatre and the Baths of Achilliane located under the cathedral.

Oct 3/ Alcantara Gorges
We’ll take in one of the most unique of natural European landscapes: the Alcantara Gorges with rock formations dating back more than 300,000 years. These gorges are actual canyons made of black lava walls up to 50 meters high and were shaped like prisms when the lava flow cooled. The crystal clear waters of the Alcantara River flow along the Sicilian Apennine consisting of Mount Etna, Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains. The entire area is characterized by waterfalls and circular ponds called “ gurns” as well as being surrounded by unspoiled and stunning landscapes. The gorges are considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sites in all of Italy.

Oct 4 /Ortigia

The Henry Charme Hotel
We travel down to the coast to a city that ancient Roman statesman Cicero proclaimed as the most beautiful of all. The entire city of Syracuse is a World Heritage Site — and it is evident why when taking in all the history and culture found in this 2,752-year-old city filled to almost overflowing with remnants of its Greek, Roman, Swabian, Aragonese and Muslim past that mingle new and ancient buildings and monuments along its streets and byways. We’ll walk the lively Ortigia Market on Via Emanuele de Benedictis (which is located on its own island) where youll find the freshest local vegetables, meats, dairy products, legumes and — above all — fish and shellfish. And yes, Syracuse is mentioned in the Bible — adding another layer to the historical and cultural lure of this amazing city.

Oct 5 /Ortigia

We are staying in the magical town of Ortigia. With it’s endless small streets, ancient building and literally underground history. This town is an endless photographic experience of markets, piazza, coastline and squares which you have the whole day to explore.

Oct 6 / Caltagirone
We’ll head inland on Day Six to one of the most interesting of Sicilian destinations: the cityof Caltagirone. Perched on three different hills in the Erei mountains which boast of stunning views of the valley below, the city is famous for the quality and sophistication of its ceramics. In fact, while under Arab rule the town took the name of Qal ‘at al Gharùn — meaning “Fortress of Jars”, a reference to the clay industry there. One cannot miss the beautiful ceramics stairway with its 142 steps – almost a symbol of the last ten centuries of ceramics history.  We will travel back in time to Villa Romana del Casale, another UNESCO site and one of the most luxurious Roman villas of its kind. The Villa is noteworthy for the richness and quality of the mosaics which decorate almost every room; they are the finest mosaics anywhere in the world. Be sure to see the colorful tigress in the big game hunt & mosaics. And for those who savor regional cuisine, Caltagirone is known for its many restaurants and
street foods.

Oct 7 / Noto
We will discover the baroque architectural masterpiece city of Noto — so gorgeous you might mistake it for a film set. Famous for its fine buildings of the early 18th century –many of which are considered to be among the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style — Noto has more than 30 outstanding churches and its pièce de résistance is Corso Vittorio Emanuele III, an elegant walkway flanked by thrilling baroque palazzi and, of course, churches. The beautiful light reflected off these amazing buildings make photographs look incredible, especially in the early evening when the red-gold buildings seem to glow with asoft inner light. The charm and beauty of Noto will not disappoint.

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May 29/ Breakfast and Departure
In the morning, we will enjoy a lovely breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean before departing for the airport.