Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Syracuse - Noto - Etna - Naples
100% customisable for you
Today’s the day you say ciao to Italy as your luxury getaway to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast begins. Your direct flight from London to Catania takes around three hours, so sit back and relax as you travel above the clouds.
When you land, pick up your hire car and enjoy a scenic drive to your hotel in the tranquil Syracuse countryside, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. The drive takes just under an hour, leaving you with ample time this evening to unpack, settle in and savour some authentic Sicilian cuisine in a local restaurant. Then it's time for an early night ready for a busy day of exploring tomorrow.
Your Sicily and Amalfi adventure gets properly underway today with a half-day tour of Syracuse. Drive to Syracuse to meet your knowledgeable guide and start your sightseeing at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. History lovers take note: it’s home to a Greek theatre dating back to the fifth century BC, and one of the largest Roman amphitheatres ever built. Next up, visit the Catacombs of St John, a vast tangle of tunnels which were built during the fourth and sixth century AD.
This afternoon, fuelled by a delicious Italian lunch, explore the charming streets of Ortigia, Syracuse's Old Town. Discover the Piazza Duomo and its impressive Baroque cathedral; visit the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, which houses a world-famous Caravaggio painting; and tour the ruins of the Apollo Temple.
After a culture-filled first day, return to hotel in time for supper and an early night.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, ready to explore the beautiful Baroque city of Noto and its sublime surroundings. After a short half-an-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the wonderful Vendicari Nature Reserve. Led by your private guide, spend the morning discovering white sand beaches and salt lakes and keeping your eyes peeled for birdlife and ancient archaeological sites.
As the day heats up, take a refreshing dip in a small harbour. Then it’s a 20-minute drive to the quaint fishing village of Marzamemi for a traditional seafood lunch in a local eatery.
After lunch, drive to Noto, where winding old streets are adorned with beautiful Baroque churches. Don’t miss Via Nicolaci, a street with some of the most beautiful Baroque balconies in the world. Once you’ve got to know this wonderful, white-walled town, it’s time to head back to your hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, pack your bags and drive to your hotel, your home for the next two nights. The drive takes just over an hour, leaving the rest of the day to spend as you wish. After a busy day yesterday, you may prefer to take it slow and relax at the hotel to recharge your batteries, or opt to wander around the grassy foothills of Mount Etna.
Mount Etna is a must-see during a luxury getaway to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. Your day begins bright and early as you’re collected from your hotel and driven in a 4x4 up the slopes of Southern Europe’s tallest active volcano (hold on tight for half an hour of exciting off-roading).
It's not every day you’re surrounded by such dramatic views – have your camera at the ready to capture the other-worldly landscape. Your driver will point out landmarks, like a house entombed in lava, or guide you on an easy hike to the edge of an extinguished side crater.
You’ll likely work up an appetite from all this adventuring, so along the way tuck into some Sicilian specialities, washed down with a glass of wine. Once your driver drops you back at the hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
After reliving yesterday’s adventures over a leisurely breakfast, make your way to Catania airport – a 40-minute drive away – to drop off your hire car and board your direct hour-long flight to Naples.
On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You will be staying here for the next four nights, so unpack, make yourself at home and toast the next part of your journey over a delicious dinner.
Soak up the splendour of the Amalfi Coast today as you hike from Bomerano to Nocelle along the picturesque Path of the Gods. Journey to the start of the hike, where you’ll be met by your private guide, before making your way along the winding trail.
The walk takes approximately three hours – a little longer, perhaps, if you factor in time spent snapping shots of the spectacular scenery. There’s a reason it’s the most popular hike on the Amalfi Coast, and you’re sure to understand its enduring appeal as soon as you step foot on the trail.
Expect steep inclines and uneven terrain in parts, but rest assured – every step is rewarded by extra-special views of sun-kissed olive groves, dramatic cliffs and the sparkling sea.
From here, travel by bus back to the hotel and treat yourself to a well-earned Mediterranean feast.
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring, with a lunchtime stop to fuel up ahead of an evening spent sunset gazing. Board a traditional gozzo (an Italian fishing boat) and head to the secluded Conca dej Marini, a quiet fishing village which has remained relatively under the radar. Cruise across the bay as the setting sun paints the landscape pink and stop for drinks in a local beachside restaurant just in time to catch the last of the rays over sundowners.
After you've had your fill of the Amalfi Coast’s boundless beauty, journey back to your hotel, reflecting fondly on another day well spent.
We’ve left the penultimate day of your Sicily and Amalfi trip free for you to do as much or as little as you like. Perhaps you fancy relaxing at the hotel (a good chance to look back over your holiday snaps so far). Or maybe you’d prefer to continue exploring with a hike in the hills or a swim in the sea. Whatever you’re in the mood for, this captivating coastline can deliver.
It’s almost time to head home, but not before you visit one of the region’s most remarkable spots. After checking out of your hotel, make a pitstop at Pompeii for a two-hour guided tour of this vast archaeological site.
If Pompeii isn’t already on your bucket list, it really should be. Explore the excavated ruins of streets and houses and learn about this once-thriving Roman city which was buried under ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Your tour offers a fascinating look at a city frozen in time and is a suitably memorable way to bring your trip to a close.
From Pompeii, it's on to Naples to catch your flight back to London, a journey that takes approximately three hours.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
