A WEEK IN S.E. SICILY ON THE TRAIL OF COMMISSARIO MONTALBANO – with Lits (FULL)

UNESCO heritage sites, Baroque splendour, beaches, vino,
pasta, pizza, gelato, chocolate & Montalbano!

This is a magical part of Sicily, a Baroque paradise. Created in the late 17th and early 18th century when it was completely rebuilt after a disastrous earthquake, which destroyed the existing buildings.
The architectural style is unique, characterised by elaborate decoration and light coloured limestone, which reflects the Sicilian sunshine. More recently it has been brought to our attention by the Italian TV series ‘Commissario Montalbano’ where it forms a jaw-dropping backdrop in every episode.

I have personally composed this exciting, exclusive tour to not only follow in the footsteps of our favourite famous detective, but to also incorporate what we have enjoyed on screen with the best experiences and produce the region has to offer (please see the itinerary below).

Our base will be an authentic three-star family run hotel in the beautiful old town of Ragusa, the location for much of the filming. From here we will be chauffeured daily by luxury minibus to explore the region with private guided tours in the surrounding towns of Modica, Noto, Siracusa and Scicli - going under the radar to discover much, much more……….

Day One:
Depart LGW 08.50 – arrive Catania 13.00
Transfer to our hotel for a restful afternoon and an introductory dinner together at the hotel.
Day Two:
We will explore our ’base’ city of Ragusa, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is divided into two parts; ‘Ragusa Ibla’ and ‘Ragusa Superiore’ and we will spend our day with a local guide strolling the streets to discover them both (with culinary breaks in between!).
Day Three:
A visit to the Castello di Donnafugata – built in the Venetian-Gothic style with its 8 hectares of gardens, and is the home of the Mafia boss, Sinagra, in the series.
Lunch at an agriturismo producing cheese.
Afternoon – a guided tour discovering the charming, interesting town of Sicili, where the local mayor’s office in the town hall was selected as the site of Montalbano’s office!
Day Four:
A day trip to Syracuse, a former Greek city with a wealth of archaeological sites to explore as well as a guided tour of the charming island of Ortiga, the historical centre with its maze of streets and alleyways and attached to Syracuse by a small bridge.
Day Five:
A guided tour of Modica, another glorious Baroque town and frequently used filming location characterised by the magnificent Church of St Georgio, charming street cafes and Modica’s other attraction; chocolate shops – to include, of course a chocolate tasting!
We will then head to the coast to Punta Secca, location of Montalbano’s home and favourite trattoria – with an opportunity to dine there and spend some time relaxing at the beach.
Day Six:
A free day to relax and enjoy our home base of Ragusa and perhaps partake in a leisurely lunch at another one of food-loving Montalbano’s regular haunts - ‘Trattoria San Calogero’?!
Day Seven:
A guided tour of Noto, another UNESCO heritage site, and once the administrative centre of the whole south east of the island. A visit to it’s stunning cathedral is a must!
Lunch will be with a wine tasting at a local organic vineyard. Time later to discover the beautiful seaside fishing villages on this, the most unspoilt southern tip of the whole island and a farewell dinner together at the hotel.
Day Eight:
Our day of departure and transfer to Catania after breakfast for our flight at 13.40

Cost: £1325 per person (places limited to 12 people)

The trip includes:
7 x nights bed & breakfast accommodation in a single room in a centrally located three-star hotel in Ragusa, 2 x evening meals, 2 x lunches, all transport & transfers in a chauffeur driven air-conditioned minibus, all guided tours and visits, and the full time services of Lits, an expert tour guide & leader.
(Flights and travel insurance are not included)

Recommended flights: Easyjet
Saturday 7th March
Dep LGW – 08.50 Arrive Catania 13.00
Saturday 14th March
Dep Catania – 13.40 – Arrive LGW 16.05
PLEASE DO NOT BOOK UNTIL I GIVE THE GREEN LIGHT

Please email me after your RSVP to secure your place.
lits1@aol.com / 07710 217902

A non-refundable deposit of £250 will be payable on RSVP please.

Please email me after your RSVP to secure your place.
lits1@aol.com / 07710 217902
A non-refundable deposit of £250 will be payable on RSVP please.