Sicily: Mount Etna and more

Fly to Catania and transfer to Caltagirone (45 miles, one hour).

Stay three nights at the 4-star NH Hotel Caltagirone Villa San Mauro (3Q+), with views over old town and the countryside, or the 4-star Hotel Mediterranero Palace (3Q+), in Ragusa. D

Today you can join a full-day excursion that drives into the stunning baroque south-east of the island, visiting baroque Modica and the hilltop town of Ragusa, which was rebuilt in two separate parts following the 1693 earthquake. B, D

On another included full-day excursion you will head to Syracuse with its ancient ruins and baroque plazas. Visit the Greek Theatre and the island of Ortygia which is home to the Temple of Apollo and the Cathedral. B, D

heck out of your hotel and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Piazza Armerina, famous for its vast, well preserved Roman mosaics. Continue to Palermo (121 miles, two hours and 30 minutes), on the northern coast, pausing en route for a typical Sicilian buffet lunch.

Spend three nights at the 4-star B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti (3Q). B, L, D

This morning, join a guided walking tour of the exotic capital, whose history is reflected in its varied architecture of Arabic, baroque and art nouveau styles. See the Cathedral, Piazza Pretoria and Cappella Palatina before heading to a 15th-century palace, still inhabited, where you can sample local pastries and the ubiquitous limoncello. Later continue to Monreale to see its cathedral, one of the great sights of Norman Sicily. B

Spend the day at leisure or perhaps join an optional excursion that ventures to the summit of Monte Pellegrino and visits the coastal resort of Mondello. B

Travel via Cefalu to see its striking cathedral en route to Giardini Naxos (160 miles, three hours), which is set on an attractive bay, backed by Mount Etna.

You'll spend your final three nights at the 4-star Hellenia Yachting Hotel (4Q). B, D

Spend the day at leisure, or perhaps join an optional tour to Catania. B, D

This morning join an excursion that visits Mount Etna and takes you to the Silvestri Craters. Later enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful resort town of Taormina where you will visit a Greek Theatre and take a stroll through Corso Umberto. B, D

Travel to Catania airport (37 miles, 40 minutes) for your return flight to the UK. B