On the East coast of Sicily is the city of Syracuse. Some people says that it has the best natural harbour of Italy. Once a great rival to ancient Athens, the old city is based in a small island next to the coast and contains many historical buildings. Archimedes lived and died here. Catania is a city that dates from the 18th century, reconstructed after a series of earthquakes. Mount Etna, the greater active volcano of Europe, is close and its continuous eruption attracts many tourists.

Visit the archaeological museum Paolo Orsi. Break for lunch in a noble villa in the gulf in front of the island of Ortigia. Explore the city and its monuments, such as the Greek theather and the Dyonisus’s Ear. Tour Ortigia, historical centre of the city and visit Palazzo Bellomo to see paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.