Tailor-made specialist Audley Travel adds Sicily to its portfolio

Following the launch of mainland Italy as its first short-haul destination at the end of last year, tailor-made travel specialist Audley Travel has added Sicily to its portfolio.

Audley Travel’s Sicily

Audley Travel’s tailor-made trips to Sicily can be arranged as either a standalone destination or combined with other destinations from the Italy programme launched last year. Highlights in Sicily include:

Palermo — visiting three of its important structures – the glittering Cappella Palatina, the magnificent Cattedrale di Palermo and the ornate La Martorana church.

Agrigento — walking among the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno in the UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples. The site is home to five large Doric temples that have survived since the ancient Greek city of Akragas. On the journey from Palermo, Audley recommends visiting the Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale.

Syracuse — touring the island of Ortigia, known as the historical heart of Syracuse. Recommended sites include the Piazza del Duomo and exploring the winding streets, as well as enjoying lunch in the lively marketplace.

Taormina — visiting the Teatro Greco, a well-preserved ancient arena perched on a hillside and still used for performances or heading down to the beach at Isola Bella. From Taormina, clients travel to the summit of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, to explore the craters and enjoy the breath-taking views followed by a tasting of wines produced at vineyards on the volcano’s slopes. Film fans will welcome a tour to take in some of the key filming locations of The Godfather including the infamous Bar Vitelli, restored to look as it did in the film, where clients enjoy a wine-tasting experience.

Audley Travel’s Sicily itineraries

Audley offers sample itineraries of varying durations for clients to design their tailor-made trip to Sicily around. Both take in Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse and Taormina (with a visit to Mount Etna).

Audley’s Classic Sicily itinerary costs from £3,425 per person (based on two sharing) for eight days. The price includes flights, accommodation, private excursions and a private car with driver and guide. For more information visit www.audleytravel.com/italy or call 01993 838960.

Audley’s Highlights of Sicily itinerary costs from £7,205 per person (based on two sharing) for 13 days. The price includes flights, accommodation, private excursions and a private car with driver and guide. For more information visit www.audleytravel.com/italy or call 01993 838960.

For clients wishing to combine Sicily with mainland Italy, Audley recommends a trip to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. On arrival in Naples, clients head south to Pompei to enjoy a privately guided tour of the ancient city. Time on the Amalfi Coast continues in Ravello and Amalfi with a scenic hike along the Path of the Gods, beginning in the small town of Bomerano and continuing to the small hamlet of Nocelle. Clients also enjoy a boat ride to Capri, home to light-filled grottoes and offers unspoiled views of the sea. The next stop is Sicily’s Syracuse for three nights – once one of the most important cities in the Greek Empire and then on to Taormina, also for three nights.

Audley’s Sicily and the Amalfi Coast itinerary costs from £5,570 for 11 days. It includes time in Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Syracuse and Taormina. The price includes flights, accommodation, private excursions and a private car with driver and guide. For more information visit www.audleytravel.com/italy or call 01993 838960.

Suzanne McGrory, Product Manager for Italy at Audley Travel, says: “Italy is selling well, with our clients delighted with the choice of itineraries now available close to home. We are really excited to be able to add Sicily as an option for trips departing from this summer.”