The Splendours of Sicily 11 Apr, 2025

Escorted Touring / Italy

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

Your Sicilian vacation begins in Palermo, the island’s capital, renowned for its old-world charm and connections to the Mafia. Learn about the city’s anti-Mafia movement before you leave it behind and enjoy views of La Conca d’Oro en route to Monreale, where you’ll see the iconic cathedral boasting some of the world’s best Norman architecture. A visit to a local farm showcases the cultivation process of olives and features some tasty olive oil and olive tastings. Onwards to the Valley of Temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its massive collection of Greek statues. Tour Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale to see one of the world’s largest collections of Roman mosaics before your trip to Sicily takes you to the hilltop town of Ragusa. 

Your Sicilian culinary adventure countries with a chocolate tasting in Modica, an almond tour in Noto, and a cheesemaking lesson in the Sicilian countryside. In the iconic city of Syracuse, you’ll tour the archaeological park to learn about the city’s legendary battles and the famous inventor Archimedes. Take advantage of a day at leisure to hire a boat to explore hidden caves or enjoy the city’s architectural icons, including the Teatro Greco. 

On the last leg of your Sicily tour, you’ll reach the slopes of Mt. Etna, the island’s famous mountain, where you’ll ride the cable car to gaze upon the smoldering craters. Stop at a local winery for a lunch with wine pairings before you reach Taormina, where you’ll explore the old town and visit the Greek theatre. Your guided tour of Sicily ends in Catania, where a walking tour showcases the local fish market before you cap off your trip by learning to make cannoli and enjoying a farewell dinner.

Highlights

Departures

2025: March 23; April 6, 13, 27; May 4, 11, 13, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22; 
July 6, 20; August 3, 17, 31; September 2, 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5

 

Trip Includes

  • 9 nights first-class accommodations
  • Transportation in Premium mini-coach with Tour Leader and driver
  • Entrance and guided tours:  Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina's Villa Romana del Casale, Teatro Greco in Syracuse, Mt Etna, Taormina’s Greek theatre
  • Tastings: Olive oil and fresh breads, chocolate tasting in Modica, cheese-making lesson, wine tasting in Mt Etna region
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 2 lunches, 3 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

An intoxicatingly vibrant capital, Palermo is where you'll meet for the start of your incredible Sicilian journey. Your included dinner tonight is an opportunity to get to know one another better and sample some of Sicily's sumptuous cuisine. Here's to the fantastic trip ahead!

Meal

Dinner

 

Hotel Plaza Opera

This luxury design hotel is situated at the heart of the culturally-rich city of Palermo. It is just steps away from Piazza Politeama and Via della Liberta. The property rises in the middle of the shopping, dining and entertainment area and many art galleries and theatres can be found close by. Nearby attractions include the A. Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum, the Modern Art Gallery and Teatro Massimo. The Central Station (coach and train station) is just 2 km away. Punta Raisi Airport is 30 km from the property. This hotel enjoys a unique ambiance, combining the traditional sense of Sicilian hospitality with international influences. Guests can relax in the sophisticated lobby and lounge bar or start their day with a great breakfast based on local delicatessen and selected fresh products. The property features a lobby with 24/24 reception desk with concierge services, deposit box and lifts. The hotel offers room service, laundry service, wireless internet access, private garage. Rooms are decorated with design furniture and top quality beds; they feature LCD tv with satellite and SKY channels, minibar, wireless internet, air conditioning and heating (adjustable individually), direct phone, hairdryer and electronic safe. They all feature ensuite bathrooms with shower or bathtub/shower combination. Light dining options are available onsite, and namely a lounge bar with a selection of sandwiches and snacks, while many remarkable restaurant options can be found in close proximity of property. Property also offers the best standards for business travelers, including working desk and WIFI in rooms, a business center and conference facilities. A private solarium penthouse terrace and a private garage are also featured at this property.

Hotel Plaza Opera

This morning you'll take to the streets to dive into Palermo's fascinating anti-Mafia movement with a local guide - visiting the house of anti-Mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino as you go. Then, it's onwards to Monreale. Perched atop Monte Caputo, overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro, Monreale is renowned for its awe-inspiring Cathedral. Here, you'll spend some time admiring the Norman-Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics, before moving on to your idyllic accommodation in Selinunte.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Agriturismo Case di Latomie

Agriturismo Case di Latomie is immersed in centuries-old olive trees and citrus groves, bears the name of the ancient quarry which supplied the stone, to build the Greek colony of Selinunte. The Centonze family welcomes you inside their own estate, where you can have a unique experience, surrounded by nature and in the Sicilian tradition. The property is located only 7 km from the sea and the Selinunte Archaeological Park, and covers about 40 hectares of land planted with olive trees and citrus groves. The millennial 'Latomie', which are located inside the estate, will frame your walks and make you feel as suspended in time between nature, history and culture.

Agriturismo Case di Latomie

This morning, you're in for a culinary treat: prepare to sample a local farm's tasty olives, award-winning oil, and fresh breads. Then, en route to Favara, you'll stop by Agrigento to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples. One of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek monuments in the world, a local guide will reveal the history of this enchanting archaeological site. Afterwards, you'll move on to your hotel in Favara where you'll enjoy a delicious local dinner together as a group.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Alba Palace Hotel

Located next to the cloisters of Florence's Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Alba Palace Hotel is an elegantly renovated property with a peaceful courtyard. It offers air-conditioned rooms with Playstation2 and DVD players. Rooms at the Alba are decorated in a traditional style with renaissance prints on the walls. Each has a minibar, satellite TV and CD player. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.

Alba Palace Hotel

After breakfast, you'll enjoy another ancient history lesson with a visit to Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale, which contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Then, you'll spend the afternoon at leisure in the magnificent hilltop town of Ragusa where your idyllic accommodation awaits. Wander around the old town’s picturesque, cobbled streets and browse various artisan shops.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Hotel Antico Convento

The Antico Convento Dei Cappuccini is located in Ragusa Ibla. This former convent is set within the Giardino Ibleo garden. A continental-style breakfast is served daily at Convento Dei Cappuccini. The Cenobio Restaurant specialises in local cuisine. Ragusa's Saint George cathedral is 450 metres from the property.

Hotel Antico Convento

You'll start your day in indulgent style: with a chocolate tasting session in Modica. And then? The gastronomic theme continues as you venture into the countryside for a fascinating lesson in cheese-making. You'll gain a unique insight into the rustic lifestyle of Sicilian shepherds from a local breeder - and learn the secrets behind creating the area’s famed provola ragusana cheese. After a delicious tasting session, you'll return to Ragusa - where the rest of the day is free to wander the sloping alleyways and historic Ragusa Ibla at your leisure.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Hotel Antico Convento

The Antico Convento Dei Cappuccini is located in Ragusa Ibla. This former convent is set within the Giardino Ibleo garden. A continental-style breakfast is served daily at Convento Dei Cappuccini. The Cenobio Restaurant specialises in local cuisine. Ragusa's Saint George cathedral is 450 metres from the property.

Hotel Antico Convento

On today's agenda: a visit to the city of Noto, where you'll learn more about almond cultivation with a local expert. After indulging in an almond-themed lunch, you'll press on to lovely Syracuse. Here, a local guide will take you around the ancient archaeological park - home to the impressive Teatro Greco. This evening, you'll enjoy some free time relaxing at your hotel or exploring the nearby Ortigia area - Syracuse's ancient town centre.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia

ran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia Syracuse offers 18 rooms in the vicinity of Fountain of Arethusa, approximately 5 minutes' drive away. The hotel also provides Wi-Fi available in the rooms. Basilica Santa Lucia al Sepolcro is about a 15-minute walk from the accommodation, while Piazza Archimede is about 5 minutes' walk away. Piazza del Duomo is at a 400-metre distance from this 3-star hotel, and Archaeological Park of Neapolis is approximately 5 minutes' drive away. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Spiaggetta di Aretusa, which is approximately 5 minutes away by car. Located in Syracuse, Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia lies only a few minutes from Temple of Apollo. The nearest bus stop is Archimede, about 5 minutes' walk away. Some of the air-conditioned rooms feature Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television as well as a mini-bar. They come with a bidet, a separate toilet, and a shower along with such comforts as shower caps and bath sheets. Staying at this Syracuse hotel, guests can enjoy view of the sea. The Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia serves a free buffet breakfast daily. Gastronomic options include a lounge bar. The seafood restaurant A Putia delle Cose Buone is located about 5 minutes' drive away.

Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia

Coastal Syracuse - which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece - is yours for the taking today. We recommend arranging a boat trip to visit the enchanting hidden caves here. Or you can spend your free time wandering the array of ancient temples before losing yourself in the city’s winding streets, which open onto magnificent baroque piazzas, enticing boutique storefronts, and beautiful sea views. How you spend your day is up to you - but a visit to the stunning Piazza Duomo is a must!

Meal

Breakfast

 

Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia

ran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia Syracuse offers 18 rooms in the vicinity of Fountain of Arethusa, approximately 5 minutes' drive away. The hotel also provides Wi-Fi available in the rooms. Basilica Santa Lucia al Sepolcro is about a 15-minute walk from the accommodation, while Piazza Archimede is about 5 minutes' walk away. Piazza del Duomo is at a 400-metre distance from this 3-star hotel, and Archaeological Park of Neapolis is approximately 5 minutes' drive away. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Spiaggetta di Aretusa, which is approximately 5 minutes away by car. Located in Syracuse, Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia lies only a few minutes from Temple of Apollo. The nearest bus stop is Archimede, about 5 minutes' walk away. Some of the air-conditioned rooms feature Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television as well as a mini-bar. They come with a bidet, a separate toilet, and a shower along with such comforts as shower caps and bath sheets. Staying at this Syracuse hotel, guests can enjoy view of the sea. The Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia serves a free buffet breakfast daily. Gastronomic options include a lounge bar. The seafood restaurant A Putia delle Cose Buone is located about 5 minutes' drive away.

Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia

Today you'll head towards Mt Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the rugged surrounding landscape. You'll take in the views from Rifugio Sapienza and have an opportunity to ride the cable car for a closer look at its smouldering craters. Then, you'll move on to a local winery for an indulgent lunch and wine pairing experience. Later, you'll make tracks for your accommodation in the foothills of Etna - where you'll spend the next two nights.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa

There is an enchanted place on the slopes of Europe's largest volcano, set between the Etna Park, the Nebrodi Park and the Alcantara River Park. Here, inside an old noble renovated farmhouse, stands Il Pìcciolo Etna Golf Resort & SPA, a refined retreat surrounded by nature. Rarefied atmospheres and classic elegance are combined with contemporary comforts for getaways full of true relaxation, in a wonderful journey to discover the magic of Sicily.

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa

Today you'll spend exploring the spectacular mountainside town of Taormina. Here, you'll have plenty of time to indulge in some Sicilian dolce vita - but first, a guided visit to the dramatically situated ancient Greek theatre is in order. After a day spent exploring, tonight’s farewell dinner will be well deserved.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa

There is an enchanted place on the slopes of Europe's largest volcano, set between the Etna Park, the Nebrodi Park and the Alcantara River Park. Here, inside an old noble renovated farmhouse, stands Il Pìcciolo Etna Golf Resort & SPA, a refined retreat surrounded by nature. Rarefied atmospheres and classic elegance are combined with contemporary comforts for getaways full of true relaxation, in a wonderful journey to discover the magic of Sicily.

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa

Today your adventure will end in Catania, but not before a walking tour of the ancient port city. Here you'll pay a visit to the city's famous fish market, where you'll have the opportunity to soak up the lively atmosphere. You'll even stop by a historic pâtisserie to fill your own cannoli with ricotta cheese and sample some traditional local sweets. What a way to round off the trip!

Meal

Breakfast

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