Gardens & Villas of Sicily 738
Gardens & Villas of Sicily 738
Gardens & Villas of Sicily 738
8 Days Starting in London, UK and ending in Palermo, Italy
Visiting: Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Ragusa, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSIC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through the Gardens & Villas of Sicily, where nature and history intertwine beautifully. This tour invites you to explore the lush landscapes and cultural treasures of Italy's largest island. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive up the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, and delve into the vibrant gardens of Villa Trinità. Discover the private garden of Casa Cuseni in Taormina and enjoy a guided tour of Palermo's eclectic mix of cultures. Delight in a multi-sensory experience at Gli AROMI, exploring an extensive collection of herbs and spices. Visit the awe-inspiring cathedral and abbey in Monreale, and savor a lunch at a former Benedictine Monastery in the Madonie Mountains. With comfortable coach travel and carefully selected accommodations, this tour promises a seamless and enriching experience of Sicily's natural and cultural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel in Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Dinner
We fly from London to Catania this morning. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel in Giardini Naxos. Here we settle in with a welcoming drink, followed by dinner.
Day 2
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: hotel in Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 3
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: hotel in Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 4
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: accommodation in Ragusa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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) at a nearby Cactus Nursery we head south, stopping at the San Giuliano estate in Villasmundo, where the head gardener gives us an exclusive 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”.We then continue to our accommodation in Ragusa. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 5
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: hotel in Ragusa
This morning we discover an extensive collection of herbs and spices with a multi-sensory tour of Gli AROMI. 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. We return to our hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 6
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel in Palermo
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. Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 7
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel in Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 return to the hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 8
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, after breakfast, we check out of the hotel – once again, please ensure any extras are paid for before taking your luggage to the coach. We then travel to Palermo airport in time to check in for our return flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are provided as per the itinerary.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is included throughout the tour.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits as outlined in the itinerary are included.
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Services of a professional tour manager & local guides
The services of a professional tour manager and local guides are included.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Lunch on Day 4
Lunch on Day 4 at a nearby Cactus Nursery is not included.
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Extras at the hotel
Any extras at the hotel must be paid for before departure.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with our coach service, providing seamless transfers between destinations, including scenic drives up Mount Etna and through the picturesque villages of northern Sicily, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in carefully selected hotels throughout Sicily, including welcoming accommodations in Giardini Naxos, Ragusa, and Palermo, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant experience after each day's exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, providing seamless transfers between destinations, including scenic drives up Mount Etna and through the picturesque villages of northern Sicily.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as per the itinerary, although lunch on Day 4 at a nearby Cactus Nursery is not included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable stays in carefully selected hotels throughout Sicily, including accommodations in Giardini Naxos, Ragusa, and Palermo.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager and local guides are included in the tour.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Mount Etna?
The highlight of the visit to Mount Etna is venturing as far as the coach can take you up the winding roads, potentially reaching 2000 metres to see the 'Silvestri' craters and the latest lava flows, offering breathtaking views across the island.
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What unique experience is offered at Gli AROMI?
At Gli AROMI, you will have a multi-sensory tour of an extensive collection of herbs and spices, guided by one of the passionate owners, followed by a home-made feast prepared with fresh herbs.
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What can I expect to see in Monreale village?
In Monreale village, you will visit the amazing cathedral and abbey, which feature 70,000 square feet of mosaics in gold leaf and colorful glass, reminiscent of the opulence of the Alhambra.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.