Sicillian spirit guaranteed

Visit Sicily with Peregrine Adventures and experience the charms of Mediteranean village life, whilst exploring the unique Alcantara Valley and brooding presence of Mount Etna. Later, visit prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches and Baroque buildings, all allowing for reflective sampling of the island’s most famous wine.

Sicily’s charming hotels, delectable cuisine and spectacular mountains together conjure all the passion that is Italy. Peregrine Adventures has guaranteed places on its 7-day Spirit of Sicily tour, departing Taormina 1st June 2008.

The tour begins in the seaside town of Taormina, known in ancient times as the Gardens of Naxos. Set in a beautiful location between the Mediterranean Sea and the foot of Mount Etna, the resort boasts one of the most spectacular Greek theatres in the world - Teatro Greco. Spend an initial 2-nights exploring the ancient city and its surroundings. Next, travel inland to the protected area of the Alcantara Canyon, carved out of an ancient lava flow from Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

The landscape here possess an otherworldly quality and an atmosphere like nowhere else in Italy or the rest of continental Europe. Take a circuit walk of the Sartorius Mountains, finishing at a mountain hut, offering spectacular views over the Strait of Messina, the mountains of mainland Italy a constant backdrop. The journey continues to the southern part of the island, where remnants of the various civilisations that have made Sicily their base over the centuries, can been seen - the most impressive being the prehistoric burial of Necropolis of Pantalica.

In the Anapo Valley, enjoy a walk past prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches and Baroque buildings en route to Syracuse, one of the world’s most powerful ancient Greek centres. Here, visit the beautiful city of Noto, completely rebuilt in Baroque style after a devastating earthquake in 1693 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wining and dining are also an integral part of the Sicilian experience and travellers get a chance to sample the area's most famous wine - Nero d’Avola, not too mention other very drinkable lesser labels.

The tour costs £830 p/p including hotel accommodation, most meals, Peregrine tour leader, transport and sightseeing.

For more information, visit Peregrineadventures.com.