When to go
Group: May - July | Private: September - October
Price
From £1,995 pp (including flights) | Private: £5,195pp
Flight time
3hrs 10mins
Introduction
Take a journey through time and experience the cultural legacy of Sicily. Get ready to explore ancient sites, uncover rich architectural wonders, and be captivated by the natural beauty of this spectacular Mediterranean island. From world-renowned Greek temples and enchanting Arab-inspired gardens to magnificent Norman architecture and vibrant Roman floor mosaic, this tour of Sicily will give you the opportunity to discover a wealth of hidden treasures. You’ll also explore this island’s scenic natural beauty, from its stunning sun-kissed beaches in the south to the majesty of volcanic Mount Etna.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: From £1,995 (including flights) | Private: From £5,195 (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Catania - Syracuse – Noto -Catania - Cefalu - Palermo - Monreale - Palermo - Erice - Agrigento - Taormina - Mount Etna - Taormina - Catania
Tour Type
Fully escorted tour with a local tour manager
Tour Theme
Group tour
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar) in Syracuse | Hotel Principe di Villa Franca (or similar) in Palermo | Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace (or similar) in Agrigento | Villa Diodoro (or similar) in Taormina
Board Basis
7 Breakfasts
Min|Max Group Size
Average 14 - Maximum 18
Start/Finish
Catania - Catania
Extensions
2-night tour extensions are available for Syracuse and Taormina before or after the tour. Enquire for more details.
Highlights
Enjoy Wine at Mount Etna
Taste the unique flavors of Sicily’s volcanic soil with a wine-tasting experience near Mount Etna. Sample some of the best wines in Italy, made from grapes grown in the rich soils of this active volcano.
Experience the Street Food of Palermo
Experience Palermo’s vibrant street food culture with a visit to one of its many traditional markets. Sample some of Sicily’s most beloved dishes, such as arancini (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza).
Enjoy Decadent Sweet Treats at Grammatico in Erice
Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Grammatico, one of Sicily’s oldest pastry shops in Erice. Taste their delicious cannoli, cassata, and marzipan treats, all made using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy these classic Sicilian desserts while admiring the stunning views of Erice from this historic shop.
Explore Noto, Erice, and Monreale
Discover Noto, Erice, and Monreale, some of Sicily’s most beautiful cities. Explore Noto’s stunning Baroque architecture, wander through Erice’s charming cobblestone streets, and marvel at Monreale’s impressive cathedral.
Visit the Valley of the Temples and the Palatine Chapel
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a tour of the Valley of the Temples and the Palatine Chapel. Admire the ancient Greek ruins at The Valley Of The Temples, then explore the grandeur of the Palatine Chapel, an exquisite example of Norman architecture built by King Roger II during his reign over Sicily in 1132 AD.
Sample Itinerary
Explore the Wonders of Sicily: A Sample Itinerary
Discover the beauty and culture of Sicily with this sample itinerary packed with unforgettable experiences. From Syracuse’s ancient monuments to Catania’s vibrant city life and Palermo’s bustling markets, you’ll find something unique at each stop.
Journey through Noto and Cefalu, past Monreale and Erice, explore Selinunte and Agrigento, and wander through The Valley Of The Temples and Taormina before finally scaling Mount Etna. Take in the stunning views and savor delicious local cuisine as you uncover the secrets of this picturesque island.
Day 1: Fly to Catania | Syracuse
Experience the culture and beauty of Sicily with a journey you won’t forget. Fly from London to Catania with British Airways before transferring to Syracuse, where you will spend two nights in accommodations such as Grande Albergo Alfeo. Toast your adventure with a welcome drink and begin your exploration of this island paradise.
(Flight included | Airport Transfer | N)
Day 2: Syracuse | Noto
Day two begins in Syracuse, where you will explore the Greek theatre, one of the most important examples of its kind. Built in the 5th century BC, it is still used for performances and concerts. Next, visit the Ear of Dionysius, a large limestone cave carved out by hand in ancient times.
Continue to Noto, a UNESCO-listed city renowned for its magnificent baroque architecture. Admire the stunning churches and palaces as you wander through its cobblestone streets.
(B)
Day 3: Catania | Cefalu | Palermo
Start the day with a drive to Catania, where you can marvel at the stunning Cathedral of St. Agatha and Piazza Stesicoro. The cathedral is an impressive Baroque structure, while the piazza is a vibrant square surrounded by colorful buildings.
Afterward, continue to Cefalu to visit the Norman cathedral, which dates back to 1130 AD. Its interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and other religious stories. Take some time to explore the narrow streets of this charming town before heading off to Palermo, where you will spend two nights at a hotel such as Hotel Principe di Villa Franca.
(B)
Day 4: Monreale | Palermo
Today marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience – a visit to the Norman Cathedral in Monreale, founded in 1172. This magnificent structure stands testament to Arab-Norman architecture, with its glass mosaics adding to its grandeur.
Afterward, return to Palermo for an enlightening tour of the city and its various historical monuments. The Arab-Norman Cathedral is a prime example of cultural fusion between Islamic and Norman elements, making it the symbol of Palermo’s unique style. Additionally, explore the impressive Palatine Chapel with its intricate Byzantine mosaics and visit the lively old town.
End your day with delicious street food to learn how Palermo’s cuisine has developed over the centuries.
(B)
Day 5: Erice | Temple of Selinunte | Agrigento
Today, you’ll visit the medieval town of Erice, perched atop a mountain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This charming town is filled with cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and breathtaking views.
Next, head to Selinunte to explore a collection of five temples, with the oldest dating to 550 BC. These Doric-style temples are among the best-preserved in Sicily, making them a must-see.
After, stop by Grammatico, a renowned, family-run bakery, for some delicious pastries. Finally, drive to Agrigento for a night at Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace (or similar).
(B)
Day 6: Valley of the Temples | Piazza Armerina | Taormina
Wake up in Agrigento and start your day with a visit to the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to seven well-preserved Greek temples, each more majestic than the last.
After, head to Piazza Armerina to visit the Villa Romana del Casale. This archaeological site contains some of Sicily’s most impressive Roman mosaics, depicting scenes from everyday life and mythological figures.
Finally, head to Taormina, an enchanting resort town, where you will enjoy a two-night stay at a hotel such as Villa Diodoro.
(B)
Day 7: Mount Etna
Today, you will explore Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Embark on a hike along its craggy slopes and be mesmerized by the stunning views.
Then, head to Barone di Villagrande to sample a variety of wines from local grape varieties and learn about the region’s rich winemaking traditions.
Spend the afternoon exploring Taormina’s historical sights, such as Teatro Greco – an ancient Greek amphitheater – or the beautiful 13th-century church of San Pancrazio.
(B)
Day 8: Catania | Fly to London
Today is the last day of your incredible tour of Sicily. As you transfer to Catania Airport, take one last look at the stunning Mediterranean coastline and the beautiful towns you have enjoyed exploring over the past week. Your unforgettable journey has ended, but the memories of Sicily will stay with you forever.
(Flight included | Airport Transfer | B)
