Overview
Itinerary
Meet your tour director at 5 PM and join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and dinner at your hotel in Palermo, Sicily's capital city. A fascinating city rich in cultural treasures, Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC, and its streets tell tales of settlements and conquests by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and more. (D)
Take a guided tour of Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of the city; it's a fascinating blend of Byzantine, Arab and Norman styles. Return to the heart of Palermo for a walking tour to see grand piazzas, ornate castles and churches, and bustling markets. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to savor the city at your own pace. (B)
Explore Sicily's culinary delights during a visit to Trapani on the west coast, including a farm-to-table lunch with music at Baglio Elena Agriturismo. Drive through the mesmerizing salt flats, where the mineral is still harvested by traditional methods used by the Phoenicians. At the renowned Cantine Pellegrino in Marsala, tour and taste their fortified wines. Arrive in Agrigento for dinner at your seaside hotel. (B/D)
Step back into ancient times as you explore one of the great achievements of antiquity and one of the largest archaeological sites in the world: the Valley of the Temples. Built by the ancient Greeks to worship their gods, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands in haunting testimony to the power and influence of the Greek Empire.
Continue your journey to Taormina, your base for the next three nights. Dine in your hotel this evening and perhaps watch the sun set behind Mount Etna. (B/D)
Delve into the charm of Taormina, a beautiful city beloved by visitors for centuries. Take a walking tour to see the Greek and Roman monuments, medieval palazzos, Baroque fountains, and public gardens. Enjoy free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the villages showcased in ‘The Godfather'. Return to Taormina for an evening free to dine and explore as you wish. (B)
Today you'll explore life on the side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Savor the sweetness of honey with a visit to Oro d'Etna, where tireless bees collect nectar from the blooms of nine types of trees, including orange, lemon, thyme, and chestnut. Drive through stunning volcanic landscapes to Silvestri, where you can walk around a crater and admire the spectacular views.
Continue to Tenuta San Michele for a winery tour with lunch and tastings. The winery offers enchanting views from its hillside perch, and its grapes are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soils. Return to Taormina for an evening free to dine and explore as you wish. (B/L)
Arrive in Messina for a walking tour exploring the historic center with its wonderful art and architecture. Visit the splendid cathedral and learn of its turbulent thousand-year history. Take free time for lunch.
Continue your journey to Cefalù for a stroll around the medieval village before visiting a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of authentic Sicilian cuisine. Return to Palermo for your final night. (B/D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cantine Pellegrino Marsala Winery: Journey into the land of wine at this renowned winery located in Marsala. Founded in 1880 by notary Paolo Pellegrino, this family-owned winery has been at the forefront of the Sicilian wine industry for seven generations.
- Messina Cathedral: Visit this historical masterpiece - the most important landmark in the city on the Strait. Although the Cathedral was rebuilt after being destroyed by earthquakes and wars, it is still fairly faithful to its original appearance.
- Palermo Walking Tour: Delve into Palermo’s heart with a passionate local on this walking tour. Uncover the history, culture, and famous attractions and treasures of this glorious city.
- The Godfather Villages: Imagine stepping into the Sicilian villages where scenes from The Godfather trilogy were filmed. The two picturesque villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, with their warm landscapes, relaxed atmosphere, and baroque churches, will whisk you into the trilogy.
- Winery Tour and Lunch at Tenuata San Michele : Immerse yourself in a delightful tour of the Tenuta San Michele Winery, a historic estate nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic soil. Indulge in a unique wine tasting and culinary experience while taking in panoramic views of the enchanting vineyards and the majestic Mount Etna.
- Mount Etna Scenic Drive: Take in the breathtaking views of the Sicilian countryside and the majestic Mount Etna volcano as you journey through the fascinating Etna villages, lava flows, mysterious lakes, vineyards, ancient abandoned villages, and fruit trees.
- Valley of the Temples Tour: Discover the stunning archaeological park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on this guided tour. Stroll through the complex of temples and enjoy views from a hilltop, where time seems to stand still, preserving an unprecedented historical charm.
- Taormina Walking Tour: Explore the stunning town of Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea with the magnificent Mount Etna as a dramatic backdrop. As you explore, you’ll be immersed in a blend of history, natural splendor, and cultural treasures.
- Silvestri Volcano Crater: Explore the volcanic wonder of Silvestri. Walk the rim of an awe-inspiring crater showcasing the region's striking geological forces. Take in panoramic views of the dramatic, otherworldly landscape formed by ancient eruptions.
- 7 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunch (L) , and 4 Dinners (D)
- NH Palermo (4 Stars)
- Baia di Ulisse Hotel (4 Stars)
- Eurostars Monte Tauro (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visits subject to availability
- Only single or double/twin rooms are available on this tour.
- Extend your vacation with pre-nights or post nights. We've negotiated special hotel rates to make it easy and affordable.
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
