Eastern Sicily Walking

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1 Eastern Sicily Walking Duration: Start: Finish: Price From: 7 Days / 6 Nights Siracusa Catania Airport US$6,995 (based on 4 people, double occupancy). Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by Christina Cain From her love of biking to her infectious energy to her travel experience world-wide, Christina Cain was practically made to be a B&R Trip Planner and guide. After living in Italy for more than 10 years and becoming an internationally certified sommelier, she shares our passion for both the country and its wine. With guiding experience across Italy, Slovenia, Greece, Myanmar, Croatia and Vietnam, Christina now calls the Canary Islands home. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars Butterfield & Robinson Inc

2 Your Journey This journey explores the best Sicily has to offer! We ll start with the Necropolis of Pantalica before heading to the splendid expression of Sicilian Baroque in Modica on the ancient eastern side of the island. Our journey continues on to Noto and the nearby coast where we meet with local producers and enjoy some of the freshest ingredients imaginable. We then turn our radar north to Mount Etna the highest summit of Sicily at about 11,000 ft. (and still active). Cloaked in snow in the winter, this massive volcano is one of the island s greatest points of interests, not only for its evocative volcanic displays, but also for keen trekkers. Our journey finishes in beautiful coastal Taormina, offering breathtaking views across the sea. Throughout our sojourn we delve into a gastronomic paradise where fresh seafood, local vegetables and, of course, wine are the main stars. Day 1 Necropolis di Pantalica & Noto This morning, your guide will meet you in Siracusa at the Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel. You ll be driven 40 minutes to the Anapo Valley to begin your walk. After an introduction to the area, we ll head out amongst oak trees and waterfalls in search of Necropolis tombs, cave dwellings and a former Byzantine village in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Necropolis of Pantalica. This collection of cemeteries with rock-cut chamber tombs dates from the 7 th -13 th century BC. We ll stop off at an agriturismo in the valley, settling into a fabulous welcome lunch with ingredients plucked straight from the garden. After our meal, the walking continues as we follow the old railway tracks through the valley to meet our afternoon shuttle. Our drive to Modica (1h 15 min) will get us to our home for the next two nights in time for some well deserved downtime. In the early evening we ll regroup with our local expert for a guided tour of Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage site and fine example of baroque architecture. Not only is this town full of architectural gems, it s also known for its incredible chocolate recipes (said to be one of Europe s earliest). This evening, we ll have a chance to sample some sweet local specialties and see how they are made at a chocolate laboratory before exploring the town, where your guide will point you in the right direction for a fabulous local meal. Meals: Lunch Activity: A relatively easygoing walk on footpaths and gravel road running along the old railway line of about km ( mi) 2

3 Cave d Ispica & Ragusa Day 2 This morning, we ll take a short drive to the start of our walk through the Cave d Ispica. This 12- kilometer-long Karst gorge is host to Byzantine rock churches, subterranean catacombs, and ruins dating back to Neolithic times. We ll also visit the church of San Nicola, boasting original frescoes still visible. Our walk will continue through the countryside, immersed in nature, before we stop off for lunch en route. After our lunch, we ll catch a ride back to Modica where you ll have some time to relax. This evening, we ll drive 30 minutes to Ragusa, where you may opt to dine at one of the Michelin star restaurants (the town boasts 3!) and enjoy some independent exploration. Ragusa, like many towns in the Val di Noto was devastated by the earthquake of Reconstruction took place in Baroque style on the highland above the site of the original settlement. The old town was also rebuilt, maintaining a medieval style and the result is quite a unique mix of architecture between Ragusa s old town and Ragusa Ibla. Enjoy wandering the charming streets and tucking into one of the restaurants for a fantastic meal. Your guide will meet you after dinner to bring you back to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: An easygoing walk through the gorge on gravel roads and paths of about 7-10 km ( mi) HOTEL The Palazzo Failla (The Failla Mansion), Modica This property offers guests an unforgettable time in a place where the old traditions combine with modern comforts. Over the years the hotel has maintained the characteristics of a noble Sicilian building, with details such as majolicas (local hand-made ceramics), wrought iron, frescoed vaults and antique furniture. With just 10 rooms, its intimate scale and exquisitely attuned staff make guests feel pampered and at ease. Day 3 Sweet Romana Almond & Noto This morning, we head east into the countryside near Noto. We ll hop out for a short walk, which brings us to a family run farm, where we ll be introduced to the famous (and wonderfully sweet) Noto almond. Our friend Concetto will show us his almond orchards, set in one of Sicily s most beautiful agricultural landscapes, and we ll learn all about this Slow Food Presidium. We have a wonderful 3

4 exploration of the Sicilian almond in store: we ll watch almond milk extraction and savour a sweet break with almonds, almond cookies and other delicacies related to this delicious fruit. The exceptional Romana almond, grown only in this area, is particularly sought after by confectioners. We ll settle into lunch with Concetto, offering fabulous views towards our next destination Noto. After lunch we have an easygoing walk in the countryside into Noto, our new home for the next two nights. Enjoy some downtime before we regroup with our local expert for a guided tour of the town where we ll wander Noto s winding streets, viewing the handsome monuments, grandiose squares and dominating cathedral with our local expert. Noto boasts a handful of excellent dining options and your guide will be sure to point you in the right direction for a fabulous meal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: Easygoing walking in the countryside outside of Noto (on gravel country roads) of roughly 8-12 km total ( mi) Day 4 Vendicari Nature Reserve & wines from another Planet(a) This morning we take a short drive to Villa Romana del Tellaro. This Roman villa, dating back to the late Roman Empire, is home to an impressive collection of floor mosaics, rediscovered only 30 years ago. After we visit the mosaics, we ll start our walk here heading towards the coast and Vendicari Nature Reserve. Vendicari is a wildlife oasis offering some of the coast s most pristine beaches, rocky cliffs jutting into the deep blue sea, old stone quarries dating back to the 5 th century BCE and the old tonnare used for the tuna fishing industry. We pass Byzantine catacombs, finishing at the Cittadella, a Byzantine village from the 6th century, used at the time of the Phoenicians and Greeks as a trading area. At the end of our walk we ll take a quick drive to the fishing village of Marzamemi where we ll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the seafront. After lunch, it s back to our hotel to prepare for the evening festivities! As the afternoon light turns golden, we ll head to the Planeta family s 51-hectare Buonivini wine estate. Among Sicily s most renowned winemakers, the Planeta family grows their Nero d Avola and Moscato Bianco grapes here, which are used to make Santa Cecilia DOC and Passito di Noto DOC wines. We ll stroll through the vineyards and visit its invisible wine cellar before taking part in a memorable wine tasting and an Italian evening of refreshments, the apericena (a sunset aperitif with so many hors d'oeuvres, it s a meal!) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: Easygoing walking along the coast of roughly 7-9 km ( mi) 4

5 HOTEL Seven Rooms Villadorata In the heart of historic Noto, Seven Rooms Villadorata is an exclusive Sicilian guesthouse, occupying part of a 17thC palazzo. Decorated with precious textiles and exquisite items of furniture by Italian and French designers Villadorata's bedrooms offer a charming combination of old world luxury and contemporary comfort. The passionate owners dreamed of finding an historic building to bring back to life with the aim of creating a rejuvenating holiday resort for friends, guests, as well as for themselves. And they ve done just that! Mount Etna & Taormina Day 5 Today we ll get an early start for our trip to Mount Etna. We ll drive on the scenic Mareneve road through larch and pine woods to the start of our walk at the Piano Provenzana. Here, we ll meet with a local volcano expert who will join us on the walk. We ll climb up the craters of the eastern side of Etna through its lunar landscape George Lucas inspiration for his planet Mustafar in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. With the stark contrast of black lava amongst the evergreen pine forest, it s no wonder why Lucas was drawn to film here. We ll enjoy a simple lunch at a mountain rifugio to refuel for the rest of our walk before moving on to coastal Taormina. This beguiling and bucolic hill town has, for more than a century, been a favored winter and summer retreat, offering flower-scented piazzas, charming streets, chic boutiques, subtropical gardens and endless sea views and mountain vistas. This evening, enjoy exploring this charming hilltop town and its plethora of dining options. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: A moderately challenging walk of about 3-5 hours on Etna, based on individual interest Day 6 Today, we ll start with a challenging yet rewarding climb up to Castelmola, offering spectacular views across the coast. Our walk takes the ancient Saracen path up to the ruins in the small hamlet of Castelmola, 500 feet above sea level. Enjoy this breathtaking view before continuing on downhill to the coast. (You may opt to hop in the cable car to reach the seaside, or continue by foot down to the coast.) Today, we ll enjoy lunch, seafront at our favorite local restaurant, with the option to spend the afternoon at the beach before returning back up to Taormina. 5

6 This evening, we ll leave you to dine independently, your guide will be sure to point out some favorites. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: Roughly 3-5 hours of walking HOTEL Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina Allegedly one of the best hotels in Italy, Grand Hotel Timeo is located on the rugged hills of Taormina close to the 2000 year old Greek amphitheater; it offers modern luxury and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. Homeward Bound Day 7 Based on your onward travelling plans, your transportation will be arranged to Catania airport. 6

7 The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers US$9,295 per person based on double occupancy 4 travellers US$6,995 per person based on double occupancy 6 travellers US$6,395 per person based on double occupancy Start: Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, Siracusa Finish: Catania Airport Best time to visit: April to October LEVEL OF ACTIVITY ENTHUSIAST While most of the hiking is relatively easy, expect to contend with the occasional challenging climb. The Etna hike will be the most challenging but will be adjusted based on your ability. Daily routes range from 2-5 hours of walking. WHAT S INCLUDED 6 nights hotel accommodation All breakfasts, all lunches and 1 dinner, with wine (as selected by B&R) Services of 1 B&R trained local guide and 1 support vehicle Use of two telescope light walking sticks Maps, route suggestions and water bottle All special events and private tours as described All transportation from rendezvous to drop off All baggage transportation WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for your local guide Gratuity for baggage porters, local guides, etc. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars Butterfield & Robinson Inc page 7

8 About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, pack your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price are finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Call or us with any remaining questions and to reserve your dates ( ). Once you are booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip, customizing your experience to match your interests and tastes. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations Butterfield & Robinson Inc