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Great Sicily

9 Days 8 Nights
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Explore the wonders of Great Sicily, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in a mesmerizing island getaway. From the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento to the bustling markets of Palermo and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, Sicily offers a diverse and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking archaeological treasures, breathtaking beaches, or authentic Sicilian flavors, Great Sicily promises an adventure rich in tradition and charm.

  • Easy
  • First Class Hotels
  • Palermo (PMO)
  • Catania (CTA)
  • Arrival and departure as detailed in the itinerary
  • 16
  • Luxury MiniBus
  • 1
  • 4/16

Overview

Great Sicily is a 9-day-tour starting in Palermo on Saturday and ending in Catania on Sunday, perfectly paced for you to enjoy the many wonders that Sicily has to offer.  During this marvelous tour you will enjoy many picturesque villages such as; ERICE, CEFALU, MARZAMENI and TAORMINA. You will also enjoy hand-selected local restaurants with authentic Sicilian dishes, try unique wines at some of the best wineries in the area, experience fun street food with some free time for shopping or enjoying the sights at your own pace.  

Highlights

  • 9 Day Tour – Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu’, Mt. Erice, Agrigento, Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, Mt. Etna, Taormina
  • Start in Palermo (PMO) – End in Catania airport (CTA)
  • 16 Meals to include: 8 buffet breakfast, 8 lunches/dinners

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Welcome to Palermo

    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) 

  • Day
    02

    Palermo - Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia - Monreale

    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. 

  • Day
    03

    Cefalù

    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.  

  • Day
    04

    Erice – Agrigento

    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)

  • Day
    05

    Ragusa – Modica

    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 Modica. Overlooking the Cathedral and its scenic view with some free time to taste the famous authentic chocolate of Modica. Tonight dinner included at local restaurant. 

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

  • Day
    06

    Noto - Marzamemi

    Today, visit 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. Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the beautiful village of Marzamemi where you can discover remnants of ancient tuna fishing traditions and relax on the beaches. 

  • Day
    07

    Syracuse – Taormina

    Enjoy the scenic beauty and treasures of the island’s east coast on our way to Syracuse. Following your local guide 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)

  • Day
    08

    Taormina - Winery - Mount Etna

    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. 

  • Day
    09

    Airport transfer

    Arrivederci Sicilia! Your airport transfers arrive at Catania Int Airport (CTA) at 7:00 am.

Map

Experiences

  • Palermo: walking tour (WLG)*
  • Monreale: Norman Cathedral tickets (WLG)*
  • Agrigento: Valley of the Temples tickets (WLG)*
  • Ragusa: walking tour (WLG)*
  • Syracuse: Island of Ortigia (WLG)*
  • Taormina: Greek Amphitheater tickets (WLG)*
  • Mount Etna: wine tasting
  • *(WLG) = With Local Guide

Experiences

  • Ragusa: land train ride tickets
  • Modica: land train ride tickets
  • Noto: land train ride tickets

FAQs

What is the Great Sicily tour?

Great Sicily is a curated 9-day/8-night escorted tour that begins in Palermo (PMO) on Saturday and ends in Catania (CTA) the following Sunday. It explores the cultural, historical, and natural highlights of Sicily, from ancient Greek temples and medieval hill towns to Baroque cities and the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna.

What type of accommodation is included?

You will stay in First Class Hotels, typically:

  • Palermo (3 nights): Artemisia, Bel3, or similar
  • Agrigento (1 night): Exclusive, Dioscuri, Blu Kaos, or similar
  • Ragusa area (2 nights): GH Sofia, Eureka Palace, or similar
  • Taormina area (2 nights): Ceasar Palace, Villa Diodoro, or similar

Hotels may vary but will always meet the same category and quality standards.

When are the airport transfers?

Arrival Transfers (Palermo PMO):

  • At 11:30 AM or 14:30 PM on Day 1.

Departure Transfer (Catania CTA):

  • A group transfer arrives at the airport at 7:00 AM on Day 9.

Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost if you arrive or depart outside the scheduled times.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

  • Palermo & Monreale
  • Cefalù
  • Medieval hill town of Erice
  • Agrigento's Valley of the Temples (UNESCO)
  • Ragusa & Modica (with chocolate tasting)
  • Noto (UNESCO Baroque city)
  • Marzamemi seaside village
  • Syracuse & Ortigia
  • Taormina & Greek Amphitheater
  • Mount Etna with wine tasting and lunch

Are local guides included?

Yes. Several key visits are led by certified local guides, identified as (WLG) in the itinerary:

  • Palermo walking tour
  • Monreale Cathedral
  • Valley of the Temples
  • Ragusa walking tour
  • Syracuse: Island of Ortigia
  • Taormina: Greek Amphitheater

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