Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal.
We recommend booking an additional night in Catania in order to take part in the optional Catania Food Tour should you wish to take part in that activity. In addition, special meal requirements cannot be accommodated.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Catania Food Tour: Head out on the town with a local expert, discovering the culinary delights of Catania’s vibrant food scene. Stroll through picturesque alleyways and marvel at the iconic landmarks while sampling classic treats like arancini, cannoli, fried fish, and flavourful cipollina. You’re sure to be captivated by the colours, aromas, and lively energy found in the historic Pescheria Market, as your guide uncovers Catania’s rich, local history. This is, quite possibly, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Travel to Syracuse, an enchanting city by the Ionian Sea that was once at the centre of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Take a cooking class on arrival and learn how to make Arancini — an iconic Sicilian specialty — to enjoy as a light lunch! Later, explore the old town's baroque piazzas and medieval side streets with a CEO-led orientation walk.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Arancini Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare a delicious snack enjoyed beyond the borders of Sicily: deep-fried arancini, a ball of creamy risotto rice typically filled with a savoury cheese or meat filling.
Enjoy a full free day in Syracuse. Opt to visit the impressive Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, or travel to nearby Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city renowned for its baroque architecture built with a unique golden limestone.
- Free Time: There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
- Noto Visit: Take a local bus to Noto, about an hour southwest of Syracuse. Home to one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centres, stroll through the Arco di Trionfo to reach Corso Vittorio Emanuele and visit the majestic 18th century Noto Cathedral.
- Parco Archeologico della Neapolis Visit: Uncover the city's ancient past at the Parco Archeologico della Neapoli, home to Syracuse's sprawling Teatro Greco. First constructed in the 5th century BC, today visitors can wander the grounds and imagine what 2nd century gladiator combats and horse races at the Anfiteatro Romano may have looked like.
Travel to the baroque city of Ragusa before heading to the medieval hilltop town of Piazza Armerina. Visit the world's most varied collection of Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Known for their incredibly well-preserved state "in situ", or in their original location, observe ancient scenes of hunting, fishing and athletics depicted beautifully in mosaic tile. Continue to Agrigento.
- Ragusa Visit: Enjoy some free time to explore the alleyways and the squares of this hilltop city, rich with baroque architecture.
- Villa Romana del Casale Visit: Admire the finest Roman floor mosaics in existence at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 4th century, the villa's exquisitely preserved mosaics and frescoes are outstanding examples of early Roman art. To get even more out of your visit to the luxury countryside villa, opt to upgrade to a guided tour.
Take a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's best-known attractions. Learn the history of this magnificent site as you explore the ruins of its seven temples, nestled on a ridge below Agrigento. Continue to Trapani, stopping en route in Marsala to see some of Europe's oldest salt marshes.
- Valley of the Temples Guided Tour: Regarded as the best example of ancient Hellenic architecture in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples' oldest structures date back to the 5th century. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Concordia, with its majestic columns, and learn about the site's history from a local guide.
- Marsala Salt Marshes: Visit some of Europe's oldest traditional salt marshes, where sea salt is still harvested in the same way it's been for hundreds of years.
Enjoy a free day to explore the charms of Trapani and its nearby towns. Opt to cruise the idyllic Egadi Islands, spend the day hiking at a nature reserve filled with local flora and fauna, or hop on a funicular to explore the walled town of Erice.
- Free Time: Take the day to explore Trapani at your leisure.
- Egadi Islands Excursion (Full-Day): The crystal-clear seas off western Sicily are home to the idyllic Aegadian islands of Favignana and Levanzo. Cruise through the coastal waters and drop anchor in beautiful spots around the islands. (50-75 EUR per person)
- Erice Excursion (Half-Day): Head to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, a walled 12th century village perched high above the sea. Take a cable car from Trapani's city centre to reach Erice and spend a few hours wandering its picturesque streets.
- Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro Excursion (Full-Day): Visit the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily's first nature reserve located about an hour from Trapani. Perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, spend the day hiking on spectacular trails that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. (50-70 EUR per person)
Travel to Monreale to visit the 11th century Monreale Cathedral, intricately decorated with thousands of gold mosaic tiles. Admire panoramic views of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Continue to Palermo and enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival.
- Monreale Cathedral Visit: Visit the World Heritage–listed Cattedrale di Monreale, or Monreale Cathedral, considered one of Europe's greatest examples of Norman architecture with a heavy Moorish and Byzantine influence.
- Palermo Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo, this city has been the crossroad of so many civilizations from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, very unusual squares as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral.
Depart at any time.
- Palermo Food Tour: There’s no better way to connect with a new city than by exploring the local food scene, so dive into Palermo with this street food and market tour. Set off on foot from Central Station and whet your palate with several popular street food options as you amble through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, toward towards Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. Explore Palermo as it is meant to be seen, off the beaten path. You’ll leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of what makes Palermo so special.
Trip Inclusions
- Take a cooking class and learn how to make iconic Sicilian dishes.
- Wander the narrow streets of Ortigia.
- Admire one of the most well-preserved multi-coloured floor mosaics from Roman times.
- Discover one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in existence.
- Visit the cathedral in Monreale and witness the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Hands-On Moment: Arancini Cooking Class, Syracuse
- Orientation walks in Syracuse and Palermo
- Visit to Ragusa
- Villa Romana del Casale Visit
- Valley of the Temples Guided Tour
- Monreale Cathedral Visit
- Private vehicle, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (7 Nights)
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Trip Reviews (1)
Dates & Pricing
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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 Enquire. 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 G Adventures. 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.
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