Trip Itinerary

Our trip begins in Catania, Sicily's second-largest city, situated at the foot of Mount Etna. The city has been repeatedly rebuilt, most notably following the devastating 1693 earthquake that led to its stunning Baroque reconstruction. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring magnificent black lava stone buildings, the grand Piazza del Duomo with its elephant fountain symbol, and the impressive Cattedrale di Sant'Agata. Must-sees in town include an ancient Roman amphitheater and a vibrant fish market surrounded by an intriguing, diverse variety of restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood.

Overnight: N/A

Meals: N/A

We meet in Catania's historic center at 10:00 am and drive northward along the coast to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily. We launch our kayaks from a white-sand beach where Greek triremes landed over 2,700 years ago. Paddling through the clear water toward Isola Bella, the mass of Mount Etna is very much present above us, and ancient Taormina beckons from a hilltop ahead. After landing and lunch, we'll take the funicular up to elegant Taormina and visit its crown jewel, the ancient Greek-Roman Teatro Antico, a magnificently preserved amphitheater with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. After descending, we set off northward towards imposing Mount Etna. Arriving at our agriturismo on the mountain's north slope, there will be time to enjoy the view and relax before an authentic farm-to-table dinner accompanied by local wines.

Overnight: Il Borgo di Alcantara

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a sumptuous breakfast at the agriturismo, we set off up Mount Etna. After passing through the village of Linguaglossa, we climb through a verdant landscape of pine forest, punctuated by stands of white-trunked Etna birch trees and evidence of historic lava flows, before arriving at Piano Provenzana. Here, we board 4x4 vehicles for a trip up to 2,900 meters, led by volcanological guides. The tour offers short hikes and stunning views of the north craters, the famous Valle del Bove, and the coast beyond. Descending through a stark landscape defined by both 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 become apparent when we arrive at Gambino Vini's tasting room and restaurant for wine tasting and lunch at the vineyard. After lunch, we carry on to our accommodations at a seaside villa outside of Syracuse. Dinner this evening is at a restaurant on one of the medieval streets of Ortigia, an enchanting island that forms the historic heart of Syracuse.

Overnight: Villa Sunset

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Descending to sea level, we'll drive to Aci Castello on the "Cyclops Riviera" and paddle the Cyclops Islands that figure in Greek mythology and Homer’s “Odyssey.” The largest of the islands 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.

Overnight: Villa Sunset

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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 a chance to stop at a beach, explore the warren of narrow streets, have lunch, and sample a refreshing almond granita before carrying on around the city. The snows of Mount Etna and the sugarcane introduced by the Arabs 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.

Overnight: La Corte del Sole Lido di Noto

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Starting at Marzamemi, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of 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.

Overnight: La Corte del Sole Lido di Noto

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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 to Marzamemi and take time to wander this town, which was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century, before a dinner of the freshest seafood served at the water's edge.

Overnight: La Corte del Sole Lido di Noto

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a sumptuous breakfast at La Corte del Sole, we’ll drive “The Baroque Route” from Noto to Modica and on to Ragusa. All three 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 lunch in an outdoor restaurant. 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 in the lively Piazza Bellini in front of Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania’s opera house.

Overnight: Hotel Manganelli Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

Overnight: NA

Meals: Breakfast