The tastes of Sicily west to east

Today you will learn about the history of Cefalù with your private guide before continuing to Abbazia Santa Anastasia, a converted medieval abbey turned winery where you can enjoy amazing views and a delicious wine paired lunch. Before returning to Cefalù, you will enjoy some free time in the charming village of Castelbuono, up in the Madonie foothills.

Today you will drive one hour into the vibrant city of Palermo with your driver. This city is a real melting pot of architecture, culture and of course food. With a private guide, you will delve into one of the city's bustling markets and enjoy a range of street food as well as taking in some of the main sites such as the Quatro Canti. After your tour, you will head back to Cefalù.

You will travel southwest today to the amazing La Foresteria Planeta wine estate just outside of Menfi. You will then have the day at leisure to explore the amazing grounds and facilities.

Today you can take your pick from a host of amazing experiences on offer at La Foresteria Planeta Estate, from wine tasting and cookery classes to gourmet bike tours. In addition to the panoramic outdoor pool and spa, for those wanting a more relaxed day you can visit the nearby Insula Beach Club.

Next stop an hour east is Agrigento, home to the Valley of the Temples UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will head first to settle into your accommodation at the intimate Fontes Episcopi agriturismo. Here you will enjoy a local cooking experience with a real Sicilian mamma and learn to make simple and authentic local dishes, before tucking into them. This evening you will visit the Valley of the Temples with your guide. You will take a gentle stroll down through the archaeological area, learning about the ruins of what was once the great city of Akragas founded in 581 BC with its five massive Doric temples for which the valley takes its name.

You will be fully immersed in everyday Sicilian life as you visit the ancient hilltop village of Sant’Angelo Muraxo. You will see the village's thriving community including a local farm, a woman who makes fresh Ricotta daily and a baker. You will of course be able to taste some samples too! The day culminates with a stop at a local home for some homemade food and wine.

You will journey east today through the Sicilian countryside to your next base, the tiny island of Ortigia. This one-kilometer square island forms the historic center of Syracuse and is linked to the rest of the city via two small bridges. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to settle into your charming hotel and explore the cobbled streets teaming with shops and cafés on Ortigia.

With your private guide today you will walk through the winding streets of Ortigia. You’ll visit the stunning Piazza del Duomo as well as the buzzing market area and learn about the island's historical heritage. Many fascinating ruins can also be found in the archaeological park on the mainland, where you will travel with your guide and driver. The most impressive is the 5th-century Teatro Greco, an ancient theater which sat 16,000 people and where many of the most famous Greek Tragedies were premiered.

Time to get active today and see the natural beauty of eastern Sicily with a guided walk through the Vendicari Nature Reserve. This reserve is the most visited in Sicily and certainly one of the most scenic. In addition to stunning landscapes, the reserve is a wildlife hotspot, particularly for bird species. Due to its location, many migratory birds stop here during their journey from Africa to Europe, species often seen include herons, egrets and flamingos. Loggerhead sea turtles are also native to the reserve, and they lay their eggs on the beaches. After your tour and perhaps a sea dip, if you wish, you will be transferred back to Ortigia.

This morning you will depart from your hotel with your private driver and head for the Baroque town of Noto, where you will have some time to explore. The main street is filled with Baroque architecture with impressive buildings such as the Duomo, Teatro Vittorio Emmanuele III and the Palazzo Ducezio. From Noto, your driver will take you to the picturesque seaside town of Marzamemi, where you will have free time for lunch. Afterwards, you will head to a local winery. You will tour the winery, learning about the production process before having the chance to sample some local wines, each perfectly paired with aperitivi or mini desserts. When you are finished at the winery your driver will drive you to your final base of Taormina.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano. With your guide and driver, you’ll drive around the base of the mountain before ascending. Once you’ve reached as far as you can by road, you will continue your journey by cable car to reach the upper slopes. From here you’ll jump in one of the all-terrain vehicles that take you up through the barren landscape to the dramatic craters at the summit. With a resident mountain guide, you will have chance for a short walk to view more of the landscape on foot. After heading back down, it will be time for some lunch. The rich volcanic soils here make the slopes of Etna excellent for wine production. You will be taken to a local winery for a tasting lunch.

Today, you will embark upon a scenic boat ride along the bay of Taormina, taking in sweeping views of the dramatic coastline, then head to Isola Bella, a tiny island off the coast of Sicily known for its biodiverse plant and marine life. You can enjoy time to swim, snorkeling or simply sunbathe. Later today you are at leisure and may wish to spend your time strolling around the center of Taormina which is rich with history and teaming with shops, cafés and restaurants.

Your private driver will take you to the airport in Catania for your departing flight.