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.
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First Class Hotels
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Palermo (PMO)
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Catania (CTA)
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Arrival and departure as detailed in the itinerary
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16
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Luxury MiniBus
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1
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4/16
Dates
The same itinerary, with a minimum of 6 participants, can also be offered as a private tour at no additional cost. Your private trip combines comfort, exclusivity, and exceptional value—ensuring an unforgettable Italian experience crafted just for you. Request your private tour using the form below (end of the page), or contact us at: info@greattoursofitaly.com
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Available PackagesSaturdayMarch 21, 2026SundayMarch 29, 2026EUR 3100
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Available PackagesSaturdayApril 11, 2026SundayApril 19, 2026EUR 3300
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Available PackagesSaturdayMay 9, 2026SundayMay 17, 2026EUR 3300Sold Out
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
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 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)
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.
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)
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 7:00 am.
What's included
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
Overall Trip Rating:
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By Sarah W. October 11, 2025 Amazing companyAmazing company from service to sales to the tours they offer.
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By Rose and Pat(United States (US))October 2, 2025 Lovely tourWe loved every single minute of our first tour with Great Tours of Italy. We will be looking online and at your brochures to find another tour which interests us. We loved all of the planned parts of the tour, and we loved there was a lot of free time as we like to explore on our own as well. The best part of the tour was our tour manager. He went above and beyond his responsibilities adding personal touches and advise. We racomand Great Tours of Italy.
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By Marisa A. September 28, 2025 Sicily TourFrom ancient Greek temples to seaside towns — this Sicily tour was a powerful journey through history and nature. The itinerary was varied and immersive, with carefully chosen accommodations and smooth transfers.
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By Veronica M. September 21, 2025 Sicily tripOur Sicily tour was incredible! The island has a rich history, great food, and stunning landscapes. We particularly enjoyed the visit to Syracuse and the charming coastal towns. The organization was flawless, and our guides were passionate and engaging. A fantastic experience from beginning to end.
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By Nick B. September 20, 2025 Italian getawayWe chose Great Sicily for our Italian getaway, and it was an unforgettable experience. From Palermo to Taormina, every stop felt authentic. Lodging was comfortable, transport was smooth, and the local-led excursions really added to the magic. Highly recommended.
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By Frederick(Australia)May 19, 2025 Great SicilyMy friend and I had a great time with Great Tours of Italy. We loved our tour manager, he was excellent and showed us elements of Sicily that we could never have done on our own. We met new friends in our lovely group of 16, they were fun and interesting, mostly from USA. We were very sorry to leave them all & plan another tour for hopefully next year. Our hotels, guides & pre planned meals were all top notch. Thank you.
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By James J.M. May 17, 2025 Very well organized tourWe loved every moment of this tour. Palermo, Taormina, and Agrigento were unforgettable. Very well organized and stress-free.
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By Domenica(Italy)May 2, 2025 Great Sicily TourMy husband family was emigrate from Sicily when he was kid. For this reason we decided to visit Sicily, to discover where they came from. We have choosen Great Tours of Italy following a friend suggestion because we were looking for small group and very local experience. The tour was as we had immagined: we have visited all the main city, greek archeologic areas and beautifull little towns. The tour leader was great, taking care of us every moment. We have tasted all the local foods and many of the wines and liquors. We would like to back to visit Italy with Great Tours of Italy and discover much more about Italy
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By Paula(United States (US))April 4, 2025 Super Great SicilySuper tour! My friend and I had special moments with Great Tours of Italy. The food was special, the local guides were very knowledgeable, our driver made us feel safe and comfortable all the time. We have learned so much!
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By Brian De Angelis(Italy)September 3, 2024 Perfect choiceMy family and I (4 of us) went on an 8-day G.T.I tour of Sicily in September of 2024. As it was our first trip to Italy, we chose Great Tours of italy based on their reputation shared by our friends. WE CHOSE CORRECTLY! Hotels were excellent. All our meals outside of the hotels were in excellent restaurants chosen and prearranged by G.T.I. We never waited on any significant line. We will visit Italy again (northern part next time) and we will certainly use G.T.I to do so!
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By Joseph(Italy)August 8, 2024 SicilyFamily reunion in Sicily. we had a great time, amazing food, wines and accommodations. Elisa was and outstanding tour leader. We strongly recommend Sicily tour.Date of Experience: June 14, 2024
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By Sara Cappano(Italy)July 31, 2024 Magnifico!My aunt and I went on the Great Sicily tour in July 2024. We had the pleasure of having an amazing tour guide in Enrico who made our trip truly unforgettable. His storytelling brought the sights and landmarks to life, and his enthusiasm was contagious. The hotels were top-notch, the food delicious, and our bus driver took excellent care of our entire group. The local tour guides' knowledge of the local history and culture was impressive. I highly recommend Grat Tours of Italy! Magnifico!
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By Margaret Spada(Italy)June 13, 2024 Customized tourWe just returned from our customized trip to Rome and Sicily and it was AMAZING! Perillo booked our hotels and set up our drivers and guides. The drivers were great and all arrived early. The guides were very personable and informative. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip, including my 17 and 12 year old grandsons. Thanks Great Tours of Itlay for doing an outstanding job!
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By Anna S.(Italy)June 8, 2024 Great SicilyFull immersion into the culture and sights of Sicily! Great hotels with pool. Great restaurants and/or food recommendations. Driver and guide were highly accomplished and informative in a fun, story format. Guide did a great job of mixing us together and ease into making new friends. Good mix of lots of group activities and individual time.
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By Kathleen V.(United States (US))April 20, 2024 Outstanding tourGreat Sicily was outstanding! The hotels were comfortable and well located, the bus was modern and air-conditioned, and the daily organization was flawless. Our guide handled every detail with professionalism, making the trip smooth and stress-free. A fantastic way to explore Sicily without worrying about logistics.
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By David K. December 17, 2023 Authentic experienceGreat Sicily exceeded our expectations. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and each destination felt authentic and unique.
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By Josie T. July 11, 2023My wife and I have been on the Beautiful Sicily in July. First of all Sicily is enchanting and the tour was well planned. We saw everything we could possibly think and still had time to relax and enjoy the towns we stayed in. Good trip to take.
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By Josie T(Italy)July 10, 2018 Beautiful SicilyMy wife and I have been on the Beautiful Sicily in July. First of all Sicily is enchanting and the tour was well planned. We saw everything we could possibly think and still had time to relax and enjoy the towns we stayed in. Good trip to take.
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.
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.
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.
- 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
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
