Eastern Sicily, including Ortigia in Siracusa,
Ragusa, Catania,
Mt. Etna and Taormina
9 days/8 nights
Discover the rich and unique culture of this beautiful Mediterranean Island. With a flavor all its own, Sicily’s language, food, architecture, art, and history reflect the legacies of all the nations that have conquered it. Gaze upon astonishing archaeological treasures, stunning baroque villages, splendid countryside, and breathtaking towns perched between the sky and the sea.
Pre- or post-tour options: Rome or Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
Ragusa, Catania,
Mt. Etna and Taormina
9 days/8 nights
Discover the rich and unique culture of this beautiful Mediterranean Island. With a flavor all its own, Sicily’s language, food, architecture, art, and history reflect the legacies of all the nations that have conquered it. Gaze upon astonishing archaeological treasures, stunning baroque villages, splendid countryside, and breathtaking towns perched between the sky and the sea.
Pre- or post-tour options: Rome or Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through Italy, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: May - October |
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Bella Sicily Tour:
2 nights on the Island of Ortigia in Siracusa 2 nights at a luxury villa in Ragusa 2 nights Catania 2 nights Taormina Pre- or post-tour options: • Rome • Naples and the Amalfi Coast |
DAY 1: ARRIVE CATANIA AND TRANSFER TO SIRACUSA |
Catania's Fontanarossa Airport is the gateway to the Eastern side of Sicily. We'll be transferred about 1.5 hours to to the lovely town of Syracusa.
Our 4-star hotel hosts our guests within the splendor of a 19th Century estate facing the Gulf of Ortigia, with breathtaking sea views, private balconies, king beds, authentic Sicilian antiques and art and L'Occitane toiletries.
The island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Siracusa with a 2700 year history. It is famous for its rich Greek and Roman history and is also the birthplace of the famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. We’ll check-in, freshen up, and grab a bite before we head out on a tour of the Island with our local guide. We’ll walk through the charming streets and limestone palazzi of Ortigia. Along the way we stop to see the 6th century Temple of Apollo, the stunning square, Piazza Duomo and the extraordinary Cathedral of Siracusa. We will also stop by the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia containing Caravaggio’s masterpiece, Burial of Saint Lucy.
This evening we begin your introduction to the local food and wine of Sicily with a sunset toast at the famous mythological Fountain of Aretusa, before included welcome dinner.
Overnight in Siracusa, 2 nights with breakfast
Our 4-star hotel hosts our guests within the splendor of a 19th Century estate facing the Gulf of Ortigia, with breathtaking sea views, private balconies, king beds, authentic Sicilian antiques and art and L'Occitane toiletries.
The island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Siracusa with a 2700 year history. It is famous for its rich Greek and Roman history and is also the birthplace of the famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. We’ll check-in, freshen up, and grab a bite before we head out on a tour of the Island with our local guide. We’ll walk through the charming streets and limestone palazzi of Ortigia. Along the way we stop to see the 6th century Temple of Apollo, the stunning square, Piazza Duomo and the extraordinary Cathedral of Siracusa. We will also stop by the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia containing Caravaggio’s masterpiece, Burial of Saint Lucy.
This evening we begin your introduction to the local food and wine of Sicily with a sunset toast at the famous mythological Fountain of Aretusa, before included welcome dinner.
Overnight in Siracusa, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY TRIP TO NOTO |
This morning we make our first visit to the Val de Noto in Southeastern Sicily. Val di Noto is famous for its eight glorious Baroque towns and sublime countryside covered with carob, almond and olive trees.
We’ll also stop for a delectable gelato prepared by a maestro sweet maker whose legacy is maintained by his children. He knew and honored Sicily’s ancient tradition of gelati, granite and pastries. Many believe his gelato is the best in all of Italy.
Dinner is on your own.
Overnight in Siracusa.
We’ll also stop for a delectable gelato prepared by a maestro sweet maker whose legacy is maintained by his children. He knew and honored Sicily’s ancient tradition of gelati, granite and pastries. Many believe his gelato is the best in all of Italy.
Dinner is on your own.
Overnight in Siracusa.
DAY 3: ON TO RAGUSA |
Today we’re off to another Baroque wonder in the Val di Noto, the breathtaking town of Ragusa. Our first stop is a small farm, where we’ll try Caciocavallo Ragusano, the most famous cheese in Sicily, a warm bowl of fresh ricotta with homemade bread and freshly made cannoli!
We’ll explore the historic center of Ragusa then climb the steps to the terrace of the Church of Santa Lucia for a grand view of tiled rooftops, campanile, domes and facades.
Our luxury 5-star accommodation for the next two nights is a restored 12th-century fortress and monastery situated in the Iblean highlands south of Ragusa.
Tonight we’ll feast on delicious local specialties at our included dinner at our villa
Overnight at the villa, 2 nights including breakfast
We’ll explore the historic center of Ragusa then climb the steps to the terrace of the Church of Santa Lucia for a grand view of tiled rooftops, campanile, domes and facades.
Our luxury 5-star accommodation for the next two nights is a restored 12th-century fortress and monastery situated in the Iblean highlands south of Ragusa.
Tonight we’ll feast on delicious local specialties at our included dinner at our villa
Overnight at the villa, 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 4: A DAY OF LEISURE |
Today you may choose to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our villa and relax or travel a short distance to the Mediterranean and the beautiful beaches of Marina di Ragusa. Feel the sand between your toes, take a dip and enjoy the lovely ambiance of this coastal gem. The day and evening are yours to enjoy.
Overnight at the villa
Overnight at the villa
DAY 5: TO CATANIA |
Today we travel north to Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th-century Roman villa containing the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman floor mosaics in the world.
We’ll stop for lunch (not included) in the town of Piazza Armerina and then are off to Catania, Sicily’s ancient port city sitting at the foot of impressive Mt. Etna.
Set in the heart of the city with breath-taking views of Etna from its spacious roof garden, our 4-star hotel has been faithfully restored to offer modern comfort with Sicilian style. After checking in, we’ll take a leisurely orientation stroll through the historic center of Catania.
Tonight enjoy our included dinner in Catania
Overnight in Catania, 2 nights including breakfast
We’ll stop for lunch (not included) in the town of Piazza Armerina and then are off to Catania, Sicily’s ancient port city sitting at the foot of impressive Mt. Etna.
Set in the heart of the city with breath-taking views of Etna from its spacious roof garden, our 4-star hotel has been faithfully restored to offer modern comfort with Sicilian style. After checking in, we’ll take a leisurely orientation stroll through the historic center of Catania.
Tonight enjoy our included dinner in Catania
Overnight in Catania, 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 6: A DAY IN CATANIA |
Catania Fish Market
Before breakfast, I invite you to take a short walk with me to Catania’s famed and ancient fish market, one of largest and most colorful markets in Sicily.
Mt. Etna
This morning we meet our guide in the hotel lobby for our guided tour of Mt. Etna. As we travel up the slopes of Mt. Etna, we will enjoy the breathtaking views and learn about this mountain’s fascinating history. We’ll walk on a crater and begin to understand the love affair Sicilians have with their beautiful mountain they call, Mongibello.
Included wine tasting and lunch. After we have worked up an appetite, we'll travel down Mt. Etna to our next stop. Tucked into the incredibly fertile slope of Mongibello, a winery tour and lunch will be waiting for us overlooking the beautiful, blue Ionian Sea.
Dinner tonight is on your own.
Overnight in Catania.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
Before breakfast, I invite you to take a short walk with me to Catania’s famed and ancient fish market, one of largest and most colorful markets in Sicily.
Mt. Etna
This morning we meet our guide in the hotel lobby for our guided tour of Mt. Etna. As we travel up the slopes of Mt. Etna, we will enjoy the breathtaking views and learn about this mountain’s fascinating history. We’ll walk on a crater and begin to understand the love affair Sicilians have with their beautiful mountain they call, Mongibello.
Included wine tasting and lunch. After we have worked up an appetite, we'll travel down Mt. Etna to our next stop. Tucked into the incredibly fertile slope of Mongibello, a winery tour and lunch will be waiting for us overlooking the beautiful, blue Ionian Sea.
Dinner tonight is on your own.
Overnight in Catania.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
New! dig a little deeper
Mt. Etna Guided Hike. If you would like your Mt. Etna to include more hiking, consider this option. Start the tour with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Catania. Climb into a comfortable 4x4 vehicle and set off for Mount Etna. Arrive at the starting point for your off-the-beaten-track hike. As you begin to walk, admire the fascinating landscape of the Valle del Bove, the biggest depression of Mount Etna, and its moonlike deserts. From there, you will take in the breathtaking views of the smoking summit craters and the surrounding landscape facing the Ionian Sea. The tour also includes the opportunity to explore a lava tube with helmets and flashlights. Experience the incredible natural phenomenon created when the surface lava solidified but magma continued to flow into the tunnel.
DAY 7: TO TAORMINA |
This morning we continue our journey with a short drive to Taormina. Founded by in the 5th century B.C.E., Taormina was conquered by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Bourbons. This long series of dominations finally ended with the unification of Italy in 1860. Taormina’s tumultuous history has left a legacy of fine architecture. Idyllically perched ‘Tra Cielo e Mare’ - between sky and sea, Taormina is the prized jewel of Sicily. We’ll arrive in the historic district of Taormina on a sun-drenched hill above the bay of Naxos, relax and enjoy a limoncello on the breathtaking terrace before we walk though this beautifully restored town on our private tour of the city.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, swim, paint or explore. You may want to venture down the hill to one of Taormina’s delightful beaches or climb the hill above the town to visit the peaceful village of Castelmola where you can enjoy a cappuccino and eye-popping views of the coastline. Taormina is definitely the place to shop. You’ll find boutiques filled with sophisticated Italian fashions and super-cute local stores filled with handmade shoes and handbags. Look for typical local products like colorful ceramics, honey and marzipan fruits.
Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and say, “Ciao to Sicilia! Ciao to Italia! And Ciao to our wonderful adventure!”
Overnight in Catania.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, swim, paint or explore. You may want to venture down the hill to one of Taormina’s delightful beaches or climb the hill above the town to visit the peaceful village of Castelmola where you can enjoy a cappuccino and eye-popping views of the coastline. Taormina is definitely the place to shop. You’ll find boutiques filled with sophisticated Italian fashions and super-cute local stores filled with handmade shoes and handbags. Look for typical local products like colorful ceramics, honey and marzipan fruits.
Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and say, “Ciao to Sicilia! Ciao to Italia! And Ciao to our wonderful adventure!”
Overnight in Catania.
DAY 8: TRANSFERS TO THE CATANIA AIRPORT FOR FLIGHTS OUT OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY TO ONE OF OUR POST TOUR OPTIONS |
Included transfers to the Catania Airport for flights our or on to your Post-tour option. Below are a few suggestions:
EXCURSION SUGGESTION TO rome
Day 1. “Tutte e strade portano a Roma” – “All Roads lead to Rome.” Rome is one of the most beautiful, exciting cities in the world. Today’s Rome is a combination of romance, relics and ruins amidst a modern, sprawling, living city. Medieval churches sit atop ancient basilicas above Roman palaces. Gleaming office buildings incorporate fragments of eroded Roman columns. Roads and piazzas follow the lines of ancient city walls. Rome’s history began over 2000 years ago, far before the time of Jesus Christ. It was the capital of the Roman Empire and is still the capital of Italy. We’ll arrive in Rome in the late afternoon and check in to our hotel, located right in the historic centre of Rome. It’s walking distance from all the major sites and serves breakfast right at the foot of the Pantheon.
Tonight we’ll take a walking orientation enroute to included dinner.
Day 2. This morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel to enjoy a private tour of Ancient Rome, including the Capitoline, Forum and Colosseum. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
In that area after the tour, you might want to think about:
• Visiting the Wedding Cake (Tomb of Victor Emmanuel) and go up the elevator for a great view of Ancient Rome, then go next door to the Capitoline Museum which is really good. Then go over and see Michelangelo’s Moses at St. Peter’s in Chains.
• San Clemente, a church where you can walk down various levels to view centuries of archaeological finds.
• Stroll up Via del Corso and do some shopping and finish at the Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps are crowded, and are ... steps, but a good afternoon destination for gelato and people watching. This is also at the top of a major shopping district in Rome - Via Condotti.
• Walking along the Tiber and then visiting the synagogue at the ghetto, or Jewish Quarter. There is a whole lively street of great restaurant choices. Not to be missed: The Jewish Artichoke! This local treat dates back to Imperial times, when the Roman Jewish community numbered about 50,000. They look like golden sunflowers and their leaves have a delicious nutty crunchiness. You can also visit the synagogue after lunch. You don’t need advanced reservations, but can go get tickets before lunch for an afternoon tour.
Day 3. This morning we enjoy a private tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s square.
This afternoon you can:
• Stay in the Vatican area for lunch and then stroll down to the Castle of the Angels. It’s a lovely museum with great views of Rome.
• Take a taxi to the orange grove to peek through the keyhole to see a cool view of St. Peter’s dome. Ask your guide for details.
• Dig a Little Deeper with our optional Rome excursions listed above
Tonight: Included Farewell Dinner
Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions:
Before and After-Hours VIP Tours to the Vatican and St. Peter's. Che Bella is now offering off-hour tours, away from the heat of the day and the crowds of the general public.
Opera at the Baths of Caracalla. Formerly public baths for Romans and later enhanced with libraries, the Baths of Caracalla date back around 212-217 AD. the Baths of Caracalla today serve as the perfect backdrop for enjoying an opera. Not only does this outdoor theater offer marvelous acoustics, but there are also stunning lightshows projected onto the Baths’ ruins that accompany and enhance all operatic performances. Every summer, the Baths of Caracalla host a selection of operas from the Teatro dell’Opera. Beginning promptly at 9:00pm, these evening performances are all set in the outdoor theater, Teatro alle Terme di Caracalla. With English and Italian subtitles provided, tickets range from €25 to €100. Please inquire about the performance schedule.
Underground Rome Tour. Every time I'm in Rome, I see new diggings. Be it for the new metro line, a shopping mall or sewage pipes, a new piece of underground Rome is excavated, examined and cataloged. There is a whole world to discover beneath Rome's surface. This tour Peel back Rome's layers of history with visits to three of Rome's eeriest sights: the Capuchin Crypt, the Prscilla Catacombs and the Basilica of San Clemente.
Trastavere Foodie Tour. We came! We saw! We ate! Trastevere is a neighbourhood like no other. Its ivy-coated, cobblestone streets come alive at night, earning it comparisons to Greenwich Village and Paris’s Left Bank. It’s where Romans choose to eat with their families on a Sunday and where young Romans go for buzzing nightlife at evenings and weekends. You can’t leave Rome without walking these streets and tasting the best food in Rome. During this local walking tour, you'll enjoy learning about the history of the area, visit the local food spots, taste along the way, enjoy a magnificent sit down dinner and end with some of the best gelato in Rome.
Enroute to or from Rome, we'll make a 3-hr. stop in wonderful Orvieto, Umbria. It’s a great pedestrian town with artisan shops and a city wall that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. You can tour Orvieto’s famous cathedral or see some of the best artifacts in Tuscany in an underground system of tunnels and caverns carved by the Etruscans.
Tonight we’ll take a walking orientation enroute to included dinner.
Day 2. This morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel to enjoy a private tour of Ancient Rome, including the Capitoline, Forum and Colosseum. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
In that area after the tour, you might want to think about:
• Visiting the Wedding Cake (Tomb of Victor Emmanuel) and go up the elevator for a great view of Ancient Rome, then go next door to the Capitoline Museum which is really good. Then go over and see Michelangelo’s Moses at St. Peter’s in Chains.
• San Clemente, a church where you can walk down various levels to view centuries of archaeological finds.
• Stroll up Via del Corso and do some shopping and finish at the Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps are crowded, and are ... steps, but a good afternoon destination for gelato and people watching. This is also at the top of a major shopping district in Rome - Via Condotti.
• Walking along the Tiber and then visiting the synagogue at the ghetto, or Jewish Quarter. There is a whole lively street of great restaurant choices. Not to be missed: The Jewish Artichoke! This local treat dates back to Imperial times, when the Roman Jewish community numbered about 50,000. They look like golden sunflowers and their leaves have a delicious nutty crunchiness. You can also visit the synagogue after lunch. You don’t need advanced reservations, but can go get tickets before lunch for an afternoon tour.
Day 3. This morning we enjoy a private tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s square.
This afternoon you can:
• Stay in the Vatican area for lunch and then stroll down to the Castle of the Angels. It’s a lovely museum with great views of Rome.
• Take a taxi to the orange grove to peek through the keyhole to see a cool view of St. Peter’s dome. Ask your guide for details.
• Dig a Little Deeper with our optional Rome excursions listed above
Tonight: Included Farewell Dinner
Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions:
Before and After-Hours VIP Tours to the Vatican and St. Peter's. Che Bella is now offering off-hour tours, away from the heat of the day and the crowds of the general public.
Opera at the Baths of Caracalla. Formerly public baths for Romans and later enhanced with libraries, the Baths of Caracalla date back around 212-217 AD. the Baths of Caracalla today serve as the perfect backdrop for enjoying an opera. Not only does this outdoor theater offer marvelous acoustics, but there are also stunning lightshows projected onto the Baths’ ruins that accompany and enhance all operatic performances. Every summer, the Baths of Caracalla host a selection of operas from the Teatro dell’Opera. Beginning promptly at 9:00pm, these evening performances are all set in the outdoor theater, Teatro alle Terme di Caracalla. With English and Italian subtitles provided, tickets range from €25 to €100. Please inquire about the performance schedule.
Underground Rome Tour. Every time I'm in Rome, I see new diggings. Be it for the new metro line, a shopping mall or sewage pipes, a new piece of underground Rome is excavated, examined and cataloged. There is a whole world to discover beneath Rome's surface. This tour Peel back Rome's layers of history with visits to three of Rome's eeriest sights: the Capuchin Crypt, the Prscilla Catacombs and the Basilica of San Clemente.
Trastavere Foodie Tour. We came! We saw! We ate! Trastevere is a neighbourhood like no other. Its ivy-coated, cobblestone streets come alive at night, earning it comparisons to Greenwich Village and Paris’s Left Bank. It’s where Romans choose to eat with their families on a Sunday and where young Romans go for buzzing nightlife at evenings and weekends. You can’t leave Rome without walking these streets and tasting the best food in Rome. During this local walking tour, you'll enjoy learning about the history of the area, visit the local food spots, taste along the way, enjoy a magnificent sit down dinner and end with some of the best gelato in Rome.
Enroute to or from Rome, we'll make a 3-hr. stop in wonderful Orvieto, Umbria. It’s a great pedestrian town with artisan shops and a city wall that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. You can tour Orvieto’s famous cathedral or see some of the best artifacts in Tuscany in an underground system of tunnels and caverns carved by the Etruscans.
EXCURSION SUGGESTION TO NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST
Post-Tour Day 1. Train to Naples for day tour and on to Sorrento
We’ll begin with a stop at the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you’ll have a private tour and time to see the best of the artifacts from both Pompeii and Herculaneum … and the secret erotica room! After your museum tour, we’re on to Pizza to fortify you for the afternoon. We’re then on our way to our private tour of Herculaneum, with its expansive houses, impressive mosaics and lavish marble in the remains.
We’re then on to the Amalfi Coast, one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
Our Sorrento hotel located above the town. All rooms will have balconies that look over the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius, with included breakfast and a pool.
Tonight we’ll enjoy our passagiatta strolling through the winding streets of Sorrento enroute to Included Dinner.
Post-Tour Day 2. A Day in Positano
Today is a day of leisure in the beautiful town of Positano. We’ll be back in the late afternoon so you can walk down in to Sorrento as well. Transfers from and back to Sorrento included.
Dinner tonight is on your own in Sorrento.
Post-Tour Day 3. A Day in Capri
This morning we’ll board the fast ferry for a day on the island of Capri.
You’ll have the afternoon to explore more of Sorrento and tonight we’ll have an included Farewell dinner to say arrivederci to Italy.
Post-Tour Day 4. Arrivederci Italia!
Transfers to the Naples Airport.
We’ll begin with a stop at the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you’ll have a private tour and time to see the best of the artifacts from both Pompeii and Herculaneum … and the secret erotica room! After your museum tour, we’re on to Pizza to fortify you for the afternoon. We’re then on our way to our private tour of Herculaneum, with its expansive houses, impressive mosaics and lavish marble in the remains.
We’re then on to the Amalfi Coast, one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
Our Sorrento hotel located above the town. All rooms will have balconies that look over the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius, with included breakfast and a pool.
Tonight we’ll enjoy our passagiatta strolling through the winding streets of Sorrento enroute to Included Dinner.
Post-Tour Day 2. A Day in Positano
Today is a day of leisure in the beautiful town of Positano. We’ll be back in the late afternoon so you can walk down in to Sorrento as well. Transfers from and back to Sorrento included.
Dinner tonight is on your own in Sorrento.
Post-Tour Day 3. A Day in Capri
This morning we’ll board the fast ferry for a day on the island of Capri.
You’ll have the afternoon to explore more of Sorrento and tonight we’ll have an included Farewell dinner to say arrivederci to Italy.
Post-Tour Day 4. Arrivederci Italia!
Transfers to the Naples Airport.