Sicily is billed as perhaps the world’s first true cosmopolitan, multi-racial society. Asians, Africans and Europeans have all ruled this island at various stages. Forget your impression left by The Godfather… Sicily is a friendly, vibrant, bustling island fringed with golden orchards, lush forests and the unforgettable soaring Mount Etna. Sicily is everything that the Mediterranean promises. It offers a slow pace of life, wonderful weather and sunshine most of the year. In fact, if you love food, history and quaint villages, you cannot help but fall in love with Sicily – the Mediterranean’s largest island. If wine is your thing – expert or not – then Sicily will delight. Famous for Marsala, Moscato and Passito, a glass or few, late in the afternoon - and then on to the evening - will never disappoint. While Sicily is governed by Italy, the locals are definitely Sicilian. They are passionate, talkative but laid back at the same time. Don’t get in the way of a local and a TV screen playing soccer. They are football-mad!
Between Sicily and Tunisia lies the tiny volcanic island of Pantelleria. While Italian, the Arabic influence in architecture and culture is undeniable. Its pre-history of dwellings and artefacts takes you back 35,000 years, and bronze-age defensive ramparts are still found here. It played a strategic part in World War II due to its coveted trans-continental location in the Straits of Sicily. Much of the black-rock island is covered in vineyards, and those who love sweeter wines might develop a taste for the regional tipple Passita.
The Aeolian Islands lie in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily and near Italy’s “foot”. They comprise of a volcanic archipelago of 8 islands, with Mt Stromboli - on the island of Stromboli - being highly active over the years. At night time, a spectacular display of lava and fire is not uncommon. The largest of the islands is Lipari which, in the middle of summer, attracts many tourists from the mainland. The Aeolian Islands are truly representative of the Mediterranean lifestyle. “Why do today, what can be put off until tomorrow” captures the lifestyle.
Join us on this slow-paced, small group tour of these gorgeous islands. Be warned however, you may not want to return home.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The crazy, mad and vibrant capital - Palermo
- Cefalu and the stunning cathedral
- Food, glorious food
- Mount Etna jeep drive
- Stromboli by boat at night
- The peace and serenity of volcanic Pantelleria
