12-Nights Sicily and Its Isles

Salina

Salina is a lush island of the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily of southern Italy. Divided into 3 villages, the entire island of Salina is surrounded by high mountains, smooth coastlines, diverse flora and rich vegetation. Salina was named after the salt works of Lingua, one of the small villages found on the island. Traces of Greek and Roman culture remained on Salina after the Greeks settled on the island in 4 BC, and the Romans during the reign of Imperial Rome. Visitors passing by Salina can trek Fossa Delle Felci, a famous volcano and UNESCO world heritage site. Although the beaches and pristine waters often call out your name, visitors are also able to make a pilgrimage to Santuario Della Madonna Del Terzito or tour Museo dell'Emmigrazione Eoliana.

Ragusa

Ragusa is a city located in Sicily that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Baroque city dates from 1693 and Ragusa (Superiore & Ibla) is a gem full of architectural delights.

Taormina

The east coast of Sicily is considered by many to be its most magnificent. Lovely Taormina was called "the greatest work of art and nature" by Goethe in his Italian Journey. Situated above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as a spectacular backdrop, this storybook town of sculpted gardens, stately palaces and ancient monuments is easily one of Sicily’s most striking sites. There is much to see and do here; the main attractions in Taormina are seen on foot. Incredible vistas are available from Taormina's Public Gardens which are filled with exotic flowers and plants. In Giardini-Naxos, close to the pier, the Bourbon fort contains a fine museum, Museo Archaeologico. The entrance is via a garden bisected by an ancient lava flow.

Agrigento

Agrigento is a small town on the Southern coast of Sicily. The beach is wonderful and the small streets of the old town are quaint and charming. Just outside the city, you will find magnificent Greek temples located in the Valley of the Seven Temples.

Trapani

Trapani was founded in antiquity on Sicily's western coast by the Sicanians. Trapani is an unusual Sicilian city for its westward position, which affords spectacular views of some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful sunsets. The oldest parts of the city have been modernized in many respects, but Trapani shows its medieval past. The Annunciation Sanctuary was built in the fourteenth century in Romanesque Gothic style and still retains splendid medieval elements such as the facade's portal and rose window, though the church's interior has been modified. The Pepoli Regional Museum is renowned for its medieval and modern collections, including articles from the Bourbon era, though it also houses ancient finds. Giudecca Palace is a Catalan Gothic structure built in the sixteenth century. The Church of Saint Mary of Jesus has a splendid Renaissance Gothic facade. The Church of Sant'Agostino is Romanesque Gothic with a beautiful rose window. The Cathedral and Collegio Church were built in Baroque style during the seventeenth century.

Palermo

Palermo is a city and seaport in Italy on the northwestern coast of Sicily, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the largest city and chief port of Sicily. Many of the oldest buildings in the city date from the period when Sicily was a Norman kingdom and show Arab, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. Outstanding examples are the cathedral (1169-1185), the Palatine Chapel (1140), and the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (1132).