Sicily with the Family
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Etna is epic!
Travel to the fertile north side of the mighty Mount Etna. From Catania airport it’s about an hour’s drive to the traditional agriturismo where you will be spending the next few days. The property is set amongst vineyards and olive trees and features a swimming pool with great views over the Alcantara valley. Relax with a glass of local wine whilst the kids play in the pool.
Mount Etna dominates the view and you’ll have time to explore this impressive volcano. We can arrange an excursion in advance or it’s also easy to book when you’re there through your accommodation. If the weather is good and the volcano remains calm, you can take a 4×4 to the north-eastern crater at an altitude of 2,800 metres. A local guide will lead you past solid lava fields and point out steaming cracks in the ground as you head to the Etna crater.
During your stay we have arranged a pizza making class together with pizza baker Roberto. He will show you how to make the perfect pizza from dough kneading to baking. You’ll make the sauce with fresh tomatoes and choose your own topping then as the pizzas are in the oven shake the flour from your hands and take a seat ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour! Buon Appetito!
Day 4 – To Milazzo
Depart Etna and drive for around 2.5 hours, largely along the coast, to your next destination in Sicily: Milazzo. You’ll stay overnight in a small-scale hotel in the harbour. This is convenient for the next day because this is where your day trip to the volcanic islands starts. If you arrive in Milazzo early, take a look inside the city walls of the town. Here you will find a beautifully preserved citadel on top of a mountain with beautiful views. Of course there is also time for a gelato!
Day 5 – Volcano islands boat trip
It’s an early start today for a day trip to the Aeolian Islands: seven islands that were formed over time by volcanic eruptions. Two of the islands are still active! You gather in the morning around 9am and board the boat in the port of Milazzo. First stop on your boat trip will be Lipari, which is the largest of the islands. Disembark and stroll through the bustling port and the picturesque old town. Back on the boat you’ll sail onto the island of Vulcano, with its dramatic craters and black sand beaches. You’ll have the opportunity to take a dip in one of the healing mud baths if you wish. You’ll be back at the port around 6pm, where you’ll get in your hire car and drive to Cefalù in about 1.5 hours.
Days 5-8 – Seas of time in Cefalú
After your volcano islands boat trip you’ll drive to the cozy fishing village of Cefalù. This picturesque seaside resort is known for its narrow streets and beautiful beaches. It’s a bit quieter here than the seaside resorts around Catania, although you are certainly not the only one here in the summer.
You will stay in a family friendly agriturismo with a sea view, just two kilometres outside Cefalù. This converted farmhouse is surrounded by fruit and olive trees, and the owner makes her own olive oil and jam. The rooms are a little basic but all have sea views, and you’ll be warmly welcomed and made to feel at home.
Fill the next few days however you please. Enjoy the sun, sea and calmness on one of the several beaches in the Cefalú area. Sant’Ambrogio is about 6kms form the centre and is the quietest. Or if you prefer to stay active, the other side of the city wall is a hiking trail, which follows the coast and runs from the old harbour to the lighthouse via several city gates and through the narrow streets, passing Norman cathedral and many other traditional buildings.
Days 8-9 – Snorkelling & sightseeing in Taormina
A trip to Sicily is not complete without visiting Taormina. Located between Etna and the Ionian Sea, Taormina is an atmospheric, historical town offering breathtaking scenic views. The winding streets are dotted with perfectly preserved medieval buildings, alongside shops and restaurants. The historic centre is connected by cable car to the nearby beach area of Mazzarò. So, you get the best of both worlds: beach and culture! The next few nights you will sleep in a centrally located hotel with a swimming pool. It’s a short walk to the cable car which is great fun to experience with your children.
During your stay we have scheduled a snorkelling excursion for you. You’ll join a small group on a boat with an instructor, and will be supplied with snorkelling equipment. The trip lasts around 1.5 hours and you’ll stop in three different places to explore the underwater world. After the excursion there is still time to explore the town further or visit one of the beaches that you saw from the boat.
Day 10 – Ciao Sicily!
Today you’ll drive from Taormina to Catania (approx 1 hour) in time to drop off your hire car at the airport and head to the terminal for your flight home.
Accommodation
