The end of October in the UK is half-term time. By then, summer holidays will be a distant memory and it will once more be time for a family break. October is a fine month in Sicily: nice and warm, generally sunny and ideal for visiting the island's numerous cultural and historical sights. With the sea generally still swimmable and a Think Sicily family villa as your home away from home, you will have all the ingredients for a relaxing, care-free family holiday.

Sicily has always been coveted by those hoping to dominate the Mediterranean basin and the 2nd World War was no exception. Indeed, Sicily was the first part of Europe to be reclaimed by  the Allied forces. After driving the German and Italian forces out of North Africa, the British commanders saw Sicily as the next natural step. The Americans preferred a direct attack on Germany through France but agreed that an advance on Sicily might help Russia...