Located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, Sicily is a fascinating melting pot of classical, medieval and contemporary cultures. A multi-centre classics tour of the island will extend understanding of how, amongst others, the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans helped shape the land and left their impact on Sicilian culture.

At Segesta, students can investigate the construction and materials of the beautifully preserved amphitheatre, reflect on the comedies and tragedies performed in this space. Visit Selinunte, where Greek civilization flourished for two centuries. Examine the Doric architectural style of the public buildings. At Agrigento Nine temples dominate the landscape for miles giving a view ‘fit only for the gods’. The majestic Temple of Concord is one of the finest examples in the world. Encourage your students to consider how the Romans, and later generations, used this site.

The immense Roman villa at Piazza Armerina is renowned for its extensive beautiful floor mosaics, a fine example of Roman decorative art skills. The impressive ruins of  the city of Siracusa, founded by the Greeks nearly three 3,000 years ago, are now a World Heritage Site. Visit the tomb of the famous scientist Archimedes and investigate one of the most important Greek theatres in the world. Students should assess the economic and cultural significance of this ancient city.

The Graeco Roman site at Taormina, with it’s Greek theatre remodeled by the Romans, forms a balcony overlooking the sea facing the steaming volcano Mount Etna.

Our best value sample itinerary from £620

8 Days to Sicily by Air

Day 1:
London to Palermo by Air, meet your coach and tour guide. Transfer to you accommodation Overnight stay in Palermo area.

Day 2:
Have breakfast and collect your packed lunches. Spend the morning in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. See the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, built in 1132. Continue to Monreale – Visit the Cathedral, its interior is decorated in multi-coloured marbles, paintings and mosaics. Overnight in Palermo area.

Day 3:
Depart for Segesta, this archaeological site was once one of the main cities in the Mediterranean basin. Visit the Greek theatre and Doric temple. Then continue on to visit Selinunte, the ruins of this ancient Greek city are impressive. There are also 5 other ruined temples in this area to explore. Continue to Agrigento for an overnight stay.

Day 4:
Depart for Temple Valley, Agrigento. Of the 10 temples built in the late 5th and 6th Century BC, parts of 9 are still visible. Visit the Temple of Hera, Concordia, Hercules, Zeus, Castor and Pollux. Also visit the Archaeological Museum. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the new town of Agrigento. There is a medieval quarter above the modern town. The ancient ruins are on the ridge below.
Return to your hotel in the Agrigento area.

Day 5:
Depart for Giardini Naxos visiting the Piazza Armerina en route. The immense Roman villa dating from the 3rd or 4th Century is famous for its floor mosaics which cover almost the entire floor space. Overnight in Giardini Naxos area.

Day 6:
Depart for Siracusa. The Archaeological Zone of Siracusa over looks the Ionian Sea. Visit the former quarry of Latomia del Paradiso is the Ear of Dionisio – see also the tomb of Archimedes. Overnight stay in Giardini Naxos.

Day 7:
Morning visit to Taormina – The Greco – Roman site is at an altitude of 250m, forming a balcony overlooking the sea and facing Etna. Also well worth a visit is the Giardino Pubblico, the Corso Umberto and the Belvedere. Overnight stay in Giardini Naxos.

Day 8:
Transfer to the airport for return flight to London.