Great Sicily

Welcome to Sicily! Our driver will be waiting at Palermo’s international airport (PMO) to escort you to your hotel at either 11:30 am, or 14:30 pm. In the late afternoon, meet with our tour leader for a sightseeing tour followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.  

Hotel: Artemisia, Bel3 or similar (3 nights) 

Rendez–vous with our local guide for a walking tour of the city center including the honey-colored cathedral and Piazza Bellini. Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, a figure of major social and religious importance to the locals. From there, travel to the town of Monreale to visit the magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral. Take in picturesque views of the Conca d’Oro, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious Byzantine mosaics. Tonight, enjoy an authentic Sicilian meal in one of our hand-selected local restaurants. 

Cefalù is one of Sicily’s finest gems. This alluring fishing village is renowned for its spectacular Norman Cathedral with dazzling mosaics and for the medieval washhouses built into the rocks. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Spend the evening exploring Palermo at your leisure.  

After breakfast, leave the city of Palermo and move to the medieval hill town of Erice, situated 880 meters above sea level and surrounded by ancient Elimi and Phoenician walls. It offers breathtaking sights with truly unique landscapes. Here, there will be free time to stroll through the bustling cobbled streets to visit the traditional shops. After a scenic southward drive, arrive at the Valley of the Temples and enjoy a walking tour with our local guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world’s most striking and well-preserved Grecian ruins outside of Athens. Conclude the day with a dinner at a local restaurant.  

Hotel: Exclusive, Dioscuri, Blu Kaos or similar (1 night)

Depart to Ragusa, a city divided into two parts: the upper part, built after the earthquake in 1693, and the lower part, called Ragusa Ibla, where the baroque style is woven throughout the splendid churches and ancient squares. In the afternoon drive to Noto, perched on a plateau overlooking the Asinaro valley, covered with citrus, olive and almond trees, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its elegant Baroque style. Dinner included.  

Hotel: GH Sofia, Eureka Palace Hotel or similar (2 nights) 

Today, visit the beautiful village of Marzamemi where you can discover remnants of ancient tuna fishing traditions and relax on the beaches. Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace in Noto.

Enjoy the scenic beauty and treasures of the island’s east coast on our way to Syracuse. See the archaeological site of the famous Latomie of Paradise, the Greek Amphitheater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the “Ear of Dionisius”. Visit the island of Ortigia, famous for it’s freshwater spring “Fonte Arethusa” which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. In the evening go to Taormina, affectionately called ‘The Pearl of the Ionic Sea’. Dinner included. 

Hotel: Ceasar Palace, Villa Diodoro or similar (2 nights)

In the morning, take a walking tour of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, this beautiful city overlooks the peak of Mount Etna and the sea. Visit the Corso Umberto and the 3rd-century Greek Amphitheater, the second largest of its kind in Sicily.  Lunch will be served on the slopes of Mount Etna with a wine tasting from local farms.  Enjoy the evening at leisure. 

Arrivederci Sicilia! Your airport transfers arrive at Catania Int Airport (CTA) at 6:00 am and 10:00 am.