Day 1 Welcome to Palermo
Begin your Sicilian adventure in the vibrant city of Palermo, a captivating melting pot of cultures shaped by its rich trading history. Discover the city's unique blend of Italian, Arab, and Norman influences, evident in its stunning piazzas, bustling street markets filled with local flavors, and intricately designed churches. Take some time to unwind and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner—setting the perfect tone for the exciting journey that lies ahead.
Hotel: Hotel Garibaldi Palermo
Dinner included.
Day 2 Exploring Sicily’s Capital City
Venture to Monreale, perched on the slopes of Monte Caputo, where a Local Specialist will introduce you to the magnificent 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale, a true masterpiece of Norman architecture. Later, consider an optional excursion to the picturesque fishing village of Sferracavallo, nestled at the base of Mount Capo Gallo. Here, you’ll indulge in an unforgettable feast of Palermitano specialties, expertly paired with exquisite Sicilian wine, all while soaking in the charm of this coastal gem.
Hotel: Hotel Garibaldi Palermo
Breakfast included.
Experiences included: Visit Monreale Cathedral
Optional experiences: A Visit to Cefalù; Sferracavallo with Dinner
Day 3 Journey to Ancient Marsala
Uncover the lesser-known side of Palermo with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, diving into the inspiring story of the civil anti-mafia movement. From Palermo, journey to the enchanting hilltop town of Erice, affectionately known as the 'Town of a Hundred Churches,' where you'll have free time to wander and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Continue to the fascinating Infersa Mill salt pans, where you'll learn about the ancient 'culture of salt,' a tradition that has shaped the region for centuries. Arriving in Marsala, renowned for its iconic wine, enjoy an evening of exploration in this picture-perfect town. Alternatively, enhance your experience by joining an Optional Experience at a Marsala winery, complete with a delightful dinner featuring authentic regional cuisine.
Hotel: Seawater Hotel Marsala
Breakfast included.
Experiences included: Discover the 'Culture of Salt' at the Salina della Laguna; Explore the Ancient Town of Erice; Uncover Palermo's Rich History
Optional experiences: Flavors of Marsala
Day 4 Agrigento and Ragusa
Your first stop today is Agrigento, where a Local Specialist will guide you through the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. You’ll discover one of the world’s most significant sites of Greek art and architecture, featuring seven majestic sandstone Doric temples that rise above the city. After some time for lunch, you’ll continue to Ragusa, a city with two distinct personalities. The lower, historic Ragusa Ibla and the higher, more modern Ragusa Superiore are dramatically divided by the deep Valle dei Ponti ravine.
Hotel: Poggio del Sole Hotel Ragusa
Breakfast and dinner included.
Experiences included: Agrigento Valley of the Temples
Day 5 Explore Beautiful Baroque Modica
This morning, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will guide you on an orientation tour of this Baroque gem, followed by a fascinating look into the secrets of Modican chocolate. Afterward, head back to Ragusa to learn about the city’s reconstruction after the devastating 17th-century earthquake that destroyed much of it. Your Local Specialist will share how this catastrophic event prompted the creation of a new city on a nearby ridge, while some determined residents stayed behind to rebuild the old town. You’ll also hear how, in the early 20th century, the two parts of the city were finally united. The evening is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace, or you might want to join an optional experience at a unique local farm restaurant.
Hotel: Poggio del Sole Hotel Ragusa
Breakfast included.
Experiences included: Discover the tastes of Modica chocolate; Ragusa City Tour
Optional experiences: Aromas of Sicily
Day 6 Historic Syracuse
The historic city of Syracuse, once a dominant Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, takes centre stage today. With your Local Specialist, you’ll dive deep into the city’s rich history. You’ll explore some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then head to the island of Ortigia, the ancient core of Syracuse, linked to the mainland by a stone bridge. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. In the evening, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Aretusa Palace Hotel
Breakfast and dinner included.
Experiences included: Syracuse City Tour
Optional experiences: Discover The Isle of Ortigia
Day 7 Mount Etna & Taormina
Continue along the coast to Catania, a city nestled beneath the towering presence of Mount Etna. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace and perhaps try arancini, a beloved snack in Catania. Later, meet your Local Specialist to uncover the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A highlight of your afternoon will be a visit to the remarkably preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina, where you can imagine masked actors performing with stunning sea views as their backdrop over 2,500 years ago. The evening is yours to enjoy however you wish, or you might opt to join an optional experience featuring a selection of delicious Sicilian specialties.
Hotel: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Breakfast included.
Experiences included: Catania Orientation; Taormina Greek Ampitheatre Visit
Optional experiences: Dinner in Castelmola; Sicilian Dinner and Entertainment
Day 8 Free Day In Taormina
Today is all about exploring Taormina at your own pace. During your free time, you might wander through the chic boutiques along Corso Umberto. Build up an appetite and treat yourself to the city’s famous cannoli, or cool off with a refreshing Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a warm brioche. For movie fans, there’s an optional excursion to Mount Etna and the hilltop village of Savoca, featured in The Godfather. In the evening, enjoy a charming Be My Guest experience where you’ll learn the secrets of Sicilian cuisine.
Hotel: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Breakfast and dinner included.
Experiences included: Dine on a Family Owned Lemon Farm Overlooking Mount Etna
Optional experiences: Mt Etna, Savoca and The Godfather
Day 9 Farewell Sicily
Your journey through Sicily has come to a close. All that’s left is to bid farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your journey home.
