Kayaking Sicily

Your guides will meet you in the lobby of our hotel in central Cantania. After introductions and brief orientation we will head to a local restaurant for some fine Sicilian food and a further discussion of the trip details.

After breakfast at the hotel we'll venture out for a short walk to Catania's famous morning fish market. After opening in the very early morning activity at the market is at its peak between 9 and 10 AM. After the market we'll drive a short distance to Aci Castello and paddle the Cyclops islands the largest of which is topped by an 11th century Norman castle built on the ruins of a 7th century Byzantine fortification. After taking out we'll drive to our B&B near Syracuse. Dinner tonight is in a charming restaurant in old Syracuse.

Launching at a sandy river mouth we’ll paddle to old Syracuse and the fortified island of Ortigia. Founded by the Greeks, Syracuse was once a city state to rival Athens. Kayaking along the city wall we’ll have chance to stop at a beach, explore the warren of narrow streets and sample anicy almond granita before carrying on around the city. The snows of Mount Etna gave rise to the Sicilian taste for things icy and sweet. After a full day in and around Syracuse we’ll drive to our hotel located near Noto and settle in before another spectacular Sicilian dinner.

Starting at Marzamemi, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all Italy, we’ll set course south along the shore toward Capo Passero and the town of Portopalo. Broad sandy beaches will give us the opportunity to stop for lunch and a swim along the way. After returning to the hotel there will be time to relax before a sunset walk in the Sicilian Baroque masterpiece that is Noto, perhaps a glass of the local DOC Nero d'Avola and then dinner in a family-run trattoria.

Today we'll have a shorter but nevertheless memorable paddle to the golden sand beaches, rock formations and caves of Punta Ciriga. The area provides some great opportunities for exploration and relaxation and is regarded as one of the best "secret" beaches in Sicily. After a stop at the hotel in the late afternoon we'll head back Marzamemi and have time to wander this town that was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century before a dinner of the freshest seafood served at the water's edge.

After a sumptuous breakfast at La Corte del Sole we’ll drive from Noto to Ragusa along the Baroque route. Both towns, and much of Catania for that matter, were all rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style after a devastating earthquake in 1693. After exploring the town’s winding streets we’ll have a lunch in the Piazza della Repubblica and set of northward towards the imposing mass Mount Etna. Our route to the mountain’s north slope takes use through Bronte where the best pistachio’s in the world are grown. A stop for pistachio gelato is a must. Arriving at our agriturismo there will be time to enjoy the view and relax before a true farm to table dinner accompanied by local wines.

After breakfast our Etna mountain guides will arrive with Land Rovers and we’ll start an amazing tour of the mountain involving some light hiking and spectacular views. Winding through a stark landscape defined by old and very recent lava flows we’ll be able to reflect on what would entice someone to live on the side of an active volcano. One answer will be apparent when we arrive at the tasting room and restaurant of Gambino Vini, for wine tasting and lunch at the vineyard. After arriving back at the agriturismo there will be an ample respite before another Sicilian farm to table dinner.

Descending back to sea level we’ll launch our kayaks from the beach at Giardini Naxos and paddle through the clear water toward Isola Bella. The mass of Etna is still very much present and ancient Taormina beckons from a hilltop ahead. After landing and lunch on the seashore we’ll take the funicular up to Taormina. Founded by Greeks, the town has a reputation for elegance and has been popular destination for visitors since 19th century. The Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre provides one of the most memorable settings and views anywhere. After a full day we’ll drive to our hotel in Catania and get ready for a celebratory final Sicilian dinner followed by a walk through lively Piazza Bellini in front of Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania’s opera house.

Breakfast, perhaps a morning walk and it's time go. The hotel will be happy to arrange transport to the airport. Arrivederci!