Gardens and Villas of Sicily

Following breakfast we visit Villa Trinità, an elegant garden born from lava, which thrives on the slopes of Etna. Its design features both native and exotic species – picture gangly cacti peering above vibrant citrus trees.

After lunch here, we depart on an afternoon excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano and greatest natural wonder, where we will venture as far as we can take our coach up the winding roads. Depending on the weather we should reach 2000 metres (7000ft.) where we will see the ‘Silvestri’ craters dating from 1986, and some of the latest lava flows from 2002/2003, in an amazing lunar landscape of black rock and steam. The views across the island are truly breathtaking, but please remember that Etna is a highly active volcano so things may have changed by the time this holiday happens!

Following breakfast, today is ours to explore Taormina and its many highlights. We begin with a trip to the private garden of Casa Cuseni, which boasts spectacular views across the city and the sea. Created by Robert Kitson, a British painter of the early 20th century, its house and exuberant plantings demonstrate clear links with the Arts and Crafts movement.

Following this is a guided walking tour of old Taormina, featuring Greco-Roman ruins, winding streets, and a host of medieval architecture. It's easy to see why the town is Sicily's most popular tourist destination.

We check out of our hotel this morning and pay a visit to the gardens of Princess Maria Carla Borghese, which were created out of barren ground almost fifty years ago. Evocative scents of jasmine and rose intermingle with the fragrance of a Roman-style stone pine avenue.

After an opportunity for lunch (not included) we head south, stopping at the San Giuliano estate in Villasmundo, for an insight into Sicilian gardening. As part of our tour, we observe the estate's traditional Arabic irrigation channels in action, as well as the 15th century farmhouse's distinctive “gardenette”.

This morning we discover an extensive collection of herbs and spices with a multisensory tour of Gli Aromi Sicily.  We will explore varieties both native to Sicily and imported to the island by the garden's passionate owners – one of whom will be our highly informative guide. Lunch here makes for today's biggest highlight: a home-made feast prepared with an abundance of fresh herbs and devotion.

The afternoon is free for us to enjoy Ragusa at our own leisure. Discover the archaeological museum or enjoy a delightful exploration of the many local churches. 

This morning we travel between the remote villages of northern Sicily, pausing for an authentic lunch at a former Benedictine monastery, in the heart of the verdant Madonie Mountains.

Our afternoon involves a visit to the crowning glory of Monreale village: its amazing Cathedral and Abbey, complete with 70,000 square feet of mosaics in gold leaf and colourful glass. This astounding display echoes the opulence of the Alhambra, and is a sight not to be missed.

Following our visit, we continue to our hotel in Palermo.

Palermo was once known as Sicily's “garden city”. We find out why during our morning visit to the local Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest and most significant centres of plant research in the Mediterranean. The public garden of Villa Giulia sits next door, its beautiful trees and flowers a lasting testament to the 18th century viceroy's wife after whom it was named.

We end the day, and our trip, on a high, with a full guided tour of Palermo that features the impressive Norman Palace, an architectural gem encapsulating both Norman and Arabic influences.

We transfer to Palermo airport for our onward travel arrangements.