The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Unearth the treasures of Secret Sicily

Exclusivel­y for MoS readers: Join Alex Polizzi – the star of Exclusivel­y for MoS readers: Join Alex Polizzi – the star of

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SICILY is an extraordin­ary place, renowned for its gorgeous coastline and a foodie tradition that has inspired all the top chefs. The island at the foot of Italy has been a crossroads of the Mediterran­ean for millennia – almost nowhere else on the planet is there such a fascinatin­g mix of sights, from Greek temples to Norman churches to baroque palazzos.

You will take in many of the highlights on this superb, expert-led escorted tour. And who better to join as a special guest than Alex Polizzi? The popular television presenter’s family roots can be traced here, which inspired her to share her passion for Sicily in the brilliant series Secret Italy and Italian Islands.

This will be a Sicilian adventure to remember…

SIX REASONS TO BOOK 1. Alex Polizzi talks

You will be joined by the presenter on days seven and eight of your trip as you stay in the baroque gem of Modica. As well as talking about her love for Sicily, Alex will join you on a tour of the beautiful town of Ragusa.

2. The treasures of Palermo

The historic city on the north coast of Sicily is a heady mix of influences from Arabia to Europe. See the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily at the Palatine Chapel, marvel at the gold leaf mosaics of Monreale, and take in the sights and scents of a lively street market.

3. Off-the-beaten-track sights

Our travel partner Prestige Holidays specialise­s in unearthing hidden highlights, from a tour of TV detective Montalbano’s Scicli to chocolate-tasting sessions in Modica.

4. Valley of the Temples

Marvel at this Unesco World Heritage Site, possibly the greatest archaeolog­ical attraction in Sicily – it includes the wonderfull­y preserved Temple of Concordia.

5. Lunch at Da Vittorio

You will take a long and leisurely lunch at the fabulous Da Vittorio Ristorante, a seafood specialist located on the beach in Porto Palo di Menfi (as seen on Giorgio Locatelli’s Sicily Unpacked and Rick Stein’s Great Mediterran­ean Escapes).

6. Extend your holiday

Want to stay longer? Then take advantage of our optional two-day extension to Taormina, with its spectacula­r mountain backdrop. And you can also take an excursion to Mount Etna.

 ??  ?? BAROQUE BEAUTY: The hilltop town of Ragusa. Below: A typical street scene on the island
BAROQUE BEAUTY: The hilltop town of Ragusa. Below: A typical street scene on the island

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