Backroads of Italy - Sicily
While Sicily is separated from mainland Italy by only 3 km of water, a Sicilian experience is markedly different from an Italian one – to the extent that Sicilians pride themselves in saying they are Sicilians first and Italians second. Truly at the crossroads of civilizations, each one has left a distinct mark on the land – its language, its food, its culture, its architecture and most importantly it’s psyche. Add to this the blessings of mother nature – picturesque islands with backdrop of a mangificent active volcanoe makes this itinerary a complete vacation.
Trip Highlights
- A region of breath-taking natural beauty, tremendous history, umpteen UNESCO Heritage sites, excellent wines and one of the few regions from where you can access a live volcano!
- Visit the Valley of Temples to see remains of the most exquisite Greek temples, or Villa Romana del Casale – with the more than 3500 well preserved mosaics from the Roman empire, or Ragusa & Modica – the pinnacles of Baroque art in Europe
- Take a train or cable car to Mount Etna – Europe’s tallest active volcano, or an evening hike on Volcano Stromboli to watch the spectacular nightly fireworks of active eruptions
- Snorkel in the clear waters of the Aeolian islands, or simply relax on their sandy beaches sipping local wines
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a visa to visit Italy.Â
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 10 days for exploring Sicily. You may want to combine this vacation with a few days in Rome as its the most convenient airport
Best time to visit
Summer months of July-Aug are the best time to visit, while shoulder months of May-June and early September offer lesser crowds and slightly cooler temperatures.
active volcanos, vineyards & wine tasting, greek & roman history, scenic drives, warm sandy beaches, water sports
Did you know
- Sicily is home to the largest opera house in Italy. Built in Palermo in 1897, the Teatro Massimo also features in a famous scene in The Godfather, Part Three.
- The sonnet first originated in Sicily. Most associated with the works of William Shakespeare, sonnets were in fact invented in the early 13thcentury by a poet from the Sicilian school of poetry, Giacoma da Lentini.
- Sicily is separated from the mainland by just 1.5 miles of water (The Strait of Messina)
- About 70 percent of people in Sicily actually speak Sicilian not Italian. In fact Sicilian is so different from Italian that even though it is referred to as a dialect, it could be a language in its own right.
