Sicily

Captivating Sicily

Destination
Sicily
Dates From
09/04/2025
Duration
11 Nights
12 Days
Price From
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Sicily Small Group Tour

Experience authentic Sicilian lifestyle and culture with our small group tour. This tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in Sicily’s idyllic climate, from the stunning Mediterranean coasts and beaches to the fertile valleys and mountainous regions. Sicily has a diverse culture all its own, just waiting to be discovered.

Fall in love with the dramatic vistas that paint the perfect backdrop as we travel from region to region, tasting locally grown authentic Sicilian cuisine. Our food is steeped in centuries of history and kept alive today, with many local seafood and vegetable markets prospering. This abundance of in-season produce allows the chefs and home cooks of Sicily to create some truly dynamic dishes. Learn to cook meals like Caponata or a fresh Pasta alla Norma, perfectly paired with a regional wine that will delight your senses. Homemade treats like rich cannoli and pistachio pastries are a must for dessert.

Sicily boasts 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites and hundreds of archaeological treasures like the Byzantine mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale and the 5th-century ruins of Siracusa. See a bit of Greece in Italy at the Valley of the Temples, a cluster of Greek temple ruins that will transport you back in time. On this tour, there’s ample time to wander ornate churches, relax on scenic beaches, and soak in the Sicilian sun each day. Unique sites like these, a rich history, culture, and food accompanied by picturesque landscapes make Sicily “Italy’s best-kept secret.” This small group tour weaves these elements like a tapestry, along with some time to explore on your own to create an authentic Sicilian tour vacation and memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights & Inclusions

  • Small group tour of 12-14 participants
  • Knowledgeable tour director in English
  • Entrance fees for all archaeological sites
  • Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach
  • Local guides in Palermo, Monreale, Corleone, Agrigento, Roman Villa, Siracusa and Taormina
  • Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
  • All breakfasts, four lunches, and five dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso, or tea
  • Transfers to your hotel and airport at scheduled times. We suggest arriving a day or two before the tour begins to acclimate to the time zone. The tour will start at 13.00 in our Palermo hotel
  • Baggage transfers or porters
  • Activity level: Light/Moderate

Itinerary

Day 1 - Step Back In Time In Palermo

Palermo sits perfectly around a sweeping harbor with a view of Monte Pellegrino from the city. The city was pivotal for the Arab Emirate in the 10th century, and their architecture and influence can be seen throughout the city. Palermo is best known for its stunning cathedrals and churches, palaces, and piazzas. We’ll begin our morning tour from our hotel with a guided walking tour of Palermo. Learn everything there is to know about this melting pot of civilizations as you wander the narrow alleys and marvel at the artistic Palatine Chapel and Royal Palace. Afterward, we’ll head to the Mercato Ballarò, for a taste of authentic Sicilian life. Our last activity of the day is exploring the historic Opera House. We will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local tavern.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodations: Overnight in Palermo

Day 2 - Ancient Segesta To Trapani Salt Pans

Our second day begins with a panoramic road trip through the hilly countryside to visit the ancient ruins of Segesta, most famous for its unfinished 5th-century Doric temple. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins that have stood the test of time as you walk through the site. Afterward, we’ll continue to the medieval hill town of Erice, which boasts stunning panoramic views of the landscape and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria before descending the mountain over the Trapani countryside.The last activity for the day is the Museum of Salt, where you’ll learn all about the rich salt pans and cultivation in this region. Later on, we will return to Palermo.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Palermo

Day 3 - Biblical Monreale To Bella Cefalu’

Day three of the tour starts in the hills of Palermo to discover the fruitful town of Monreale. Most known as the home of one of Sicily’s greatest sites, the 12th-century Norman Cathedral. We’ll have some time here to wander inside toward the golden mosaics that depict intricate biblical stories. After that, we’ll head to the seaside and visit the romantic fishing village of Cefalu’. Everywhere you look is postcard-worthy, from the streets to the churches and squares, you’re sure to fall in love with its beauty. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Palermo for an evening of exploring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Palermo

Day 4 - History Of The Mafia In Corleone To Ancient Greeks In Agrigento

Today, we move on from Palermo and head towards Agrigento. As we drive southwest, we’ll make a stop in Corleone, the birthplace of several mafia bosses. A local community member will give a talk on the history of the mafia and the role they play today. When we arrive at the ancient city of Agrigento, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Valley of the Temples. This concentration of Ancient Greek temples was once one of the most important cities in the ancient world and a prime example of the grandeur of the Magna Grecia. Tonight’s stay is a tranquil countryside boutique hotel with an included dinner

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Agrigento

Day 5 - Miraculous Mosaics & Elegant Siracusa

The day begins with a road trip through the Sicilian countryside. We’ll stop at our second UNESCO World Heritage site, the Roman villa, built in the early 4th century. This unique villa contains some of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. After a hearty local lunch, we’ll continue to Siracusa for the next three nights at a charming central boutique hotel. You’ll have the evening at your leisure to discover the wonders of Siracusa.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Siracusa

Day 6 - Tapestry Of Cultures In Ortigia

In the morning, we will visit a significant outpost of the Greek Empire with a local expert. The city has an incredible historical heritage, including the Greek Theatre, the Latomie del Paradiso, and the Ear of Dionysus. We’ll see numerous Baroque townhouses that were rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and the Piazza Duomo, which is dominated by the Cathedral and its Baroque facade and the Temple of Athena behind it. After exploring the archaeological site, we will head to a lively market to taste local fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Following this, you can wander around Siracusa and enjoy the warm evening.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Siracusa

Day 7 - Baroque Treasures Of Ragusa & Noto

On a full-day trip from Siracusa, we will venture southeast to see beautiful Sicilian Baroque architecture. First, stopping in the ancient town of Ragusa Ibla to get lost in its labyrinth of crooked lanes and tiny piazzas. We’ll then pause at an ancient Palazzo with some time on your own for sightseeing and lunch. Afterwards, depart to the town of Noto, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we will discover its unique limestone structures, which were part of the rebuild after the 1693 earthquake. Fall in love with Noto’s stunning honey-colored buildings and famous domed cathedral. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Siracusa

Day 8 - From Catania To Timeless Taormina Along The Cyclops Coastline

Today, we depart from Siracusa to Taormina, one of the most ancient destinations in Sicily. On the way, we will pass the vibrant city of Catania with some time to explore. Consider visiting the Cathedral of St Agatha, the Bellini Theatre, or the Villa Gardens for beautiful examples of Baroque architecture. We will continue along the Cyclops coast, named for Homer’s “The Odyssey,” onto the house of a Sicilian family for a home-hosted lunch. We will spend the last four nights at a small boutique hotel located in the center of the town. Enjoy dinner and wander the town at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Taormina

Day 9 - Hidden Treasures Of Taormina & Savoca

This morning we will arrange a guided tour of Taormina. Its origins go back to the time of Dionysius in about 400 BC. It remained an important city during the Greek and Roman periods and the Theatre and Odeon still survive as reminders of those times. Taormina is filled with elegant mansions and palaces that date back to the Middle Ages, as well as several ornate churches. This includes the 15th-century cathedral of St Pancras’. After an included visit to the ancient theater, our tour continues in one of Sicily’s hidden gem towns: Savoca. This quaint little town is perched near the Peloritani Mountains and is home to alluring stone cottages and haunting churches that dominate the skyline. It has remained unchanged since medieval times. We will visit the 18th-century Bar Vitelli and the church of St Lucia before returning to Taormina. Dinner is included this evening on a private beach in the fishing village of Giardini Naxos

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Taormina.

Day 10 - Traversing Mount Etna & Winery Tour

Today’s journey sees us venturing out to discover the majestic Mount Etna, the highest and largest volcano in Europe. Currently, she sits at 11,000 feet above sea level and is one of the world’s most active. We will explore the landscape and see the endemic flora and fauna of this region before heading to the village of Linguaglossa to visit a locally owned winery. Here, we will sample the unique wines that flourish in this volcanic region, accompanied by some Sicilian appetizers.

Meals: Breakfast and light lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Taormina

Day 11 - Isola Bella Cruise & An Authentic Cooking Class

This morning we’ll descend by cable car (weather permitting) to Mazzaro’ for a 2hrs private boat tour around the Isola Bella island to admire the coastline and some local caves. You’ll have the rest of the morning on your own to shop, explore and relax in Taormina. We recommend sitting in a quiet cafe or bar and enjoying the time pass sweetly and slowly, or in Italian we would say “Dolce Far Niente”. In the late afternoon, we will meet to celebrate this magnificent Sicilian tour with an authentic cooking class with our friend Luisa. What better souvenir to take home than a beautiful Italian meal you can eat repeatedly?

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodations: Overnight in Taormina

Day 12 - Arrivederci Sicilia

Today, we will depart from our tour with morning transfers to Catania airport and train station

DATES & PRICES

Starts Ends Price Status Book
09/04/202516/11/2025On RequestAvailable
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Terms and Conditions

Exclusions

*Travel insurance and visa fees/Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
*Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
*Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
*Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
*Single room supplement
*Airfares
*Ocean View Supplement at Villa Paradiso Hotel