Sicily and the Eternal Spring All the highlights of the Mediterranean's largest island

Day 1: Switzerland - Genoa

Journey via the Gotthard into Ticino, past Milan and on to Genoa. Embarkation for Palermo and overnight on board.

Day 2: At sea - Castellammare

Ferry crossing to Palermo. After disembarking in the Sicilian capital, a short drive to the picturesque harbour town of Balestrate. (Flight) Morning flight from Zurich to Palermo and transfer to the hotel in the tranquil harbour town of Balestrate.

Day 3: Palermo

Guided walk in Palermo to the art treasures of the lively Sicilian capital, such as the cathedral, the Norman Palace or Piazza Pretoria with its famous fountain. Magnificent palaces, churches and cathedrals alternate with typical southern Italian street scenes. Visit to Monreale Cathedral, probably the most famous building near Palermo.

Day 4: Castellammare - Agrigento

You visit the romantic hilltop town of Erice, which sits proudly on its rock. From the castle you enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea. Over a cup of coffee you can enjoy a tasting of almond biscuits. Afterwards, continue to Agrigento.

Day 5: Agrigento - Aci Trezza

You will hardly find more beautiful Greek temples than those in Agrigento, not even in Greece itself. Stop at Piazza Armerina and visit the Villa Romana del Casale, built around 300 AD. The complex owes its great art-historical value to the magnificent floor mosaics, which have been preserved in most of the rooms. These mosaics depict chariot races, scenes from mythology and sporting games. Continue to Aci Trezza on the east coast.

Day 6: Aeolian Islands

(Optional excursion) You travel by coach to Milazzo and then by boat to Lipari, which offers fantastic views of the Aeolian Islands, while the island of Vulcano beckons with its steaming volcanic activity.

Day 7: Noto - Syracuse

Excursion to the most beautiful Baroque town in Sicily, Noto, and to the splendid Syracuse with its old town of Ortigia on an island. Dinner on an orange and lemon plantation.

Day 8: Etna - Taormina

Excursion to Europe's largest still active volcano, Etna. It is a giant among volcanoes and one of the largest in the world. Barren lava fields and bizarre crater landscapes stand in impressive contrast to fertile orchards and vineyards. The view from the ancient Teatro Greco over the town and the smoking Etna is simply breathtaking. Stroll along the shopping street Corso Umberto, between the town gates Porta Messina and Porta Catania.

Day 9: Cefalù

Visit to the picturesque fishing town of Cefalù, which lies on the north coast of Sicily at the foot of the Rocca di Cefalù, a 270 m high limestone rock. The town looks back on a eventful history, and various peoples have left their mark here. Return to Palermo and embarkation on a ferry that takes you overnight to Naples.

Day 10: Naples - Castiglion

Morning arrival of the ferry in Naples. After disembarking, continue by coach to Castiglion near Arezzo for the final overnight stay.

Day 11: Castiglion - Switzerland

Return journey past Milan to Switzerland.