Premium Sicily – 10 Days – From $5491
Discover Sicily’s Natural, Cultural and Historical Treasures
Explore Sicily and see how much this island in the heart of the Mediterranean has to offer. Join an expert local leader on a fully immersive 10-day Premium journey – with a sprinkling of Arab, Norman, Greek and Roman influence, this region is a hive of history and culture. See intricate mosaics, towering palaces, crumbling ruins and marble-lined laneways. Head out of the main hubs to discover Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. Taste Genovesi, arancini, local dishes like caponata and cannoli, and take a traditional cooking class to get the most out of Sicily’s celebrated cuisine. With Signature Experiences and a gorgeous Feature Stay in the countryside, what are you waiting for?
Why You Will Love This Trip
- Discover Palermo’s most symbolic places of rebellion and meet the local people who are taking a stance against the Mafia on an Anti-Mafia Movement tour.
- Get a taste for Sicily’s finest cuisines with a traditional cooking class in Palermo, a Genovesi tasting in Erice and mouth-watering cheese and chocolate tastings (yes, please) on your way to Siracusa.
- Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave.
- Spend two unforgettable nights in the Sicilian countryside at your Feature Stay accommodation – Baglio della Luna Foresteria, a countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower.
- Be swept away by Sicilian charm as you explore the backstreets and cobblestone alleys in the timeless old town of Erice, Taormina and Ragusa.
Itinerary
Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for your airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2 • Palermo
Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways and buzzing market squares. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader to see some of the symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner with a glass of local wine.
Accommodation
Hotel Principe di Lampedusa or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a Genovesi tasting (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream). After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.
This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.
This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.
Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to head to the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.
Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to Catania. The city has a unique energy – an interesting blend of young and old. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of the city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
After breakfast today, take a daytrip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for your final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Inclusions and Activities
Destinations
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (7 nights). Feature Stay (2 nights)
Premium inclusions
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
Included activities
Before You Book You Should Know
Accomodations:
Comfortable Hotel (7 nights). Feature Stay (2 nights)
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Joining Point:
Hotel Principe di Lampedusa
Piazza Cassa di Risparmio n° 17 90133 Palermo (PA)
Palermo
ITALY
Phone: +39 0918601322
Description
This modern boutique Hotel is also a starting point for exploring the entire historic center of Palermo as well as visiting the monuments that fall within the Arab-Norman route and quickly reach the Foro Italico and the monumental promenade that runs along the sea.
Instructions
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Palermo, at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through us.
For your pre-booked arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding a sign.