Overview
Walk through the 24-centuries-old Valley of the Temples with your Local Guide in Agrigento, visit Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale to admire the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. In Syracuse, the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes, you’ll take a guided visit to the archaeological site of the 5th-century-BC Greek Theater, Garden of Paradise, Ear of Dionysus, Altar of Hieron II, Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmaker’s Cave. Travel to Catania, where you’ll sample Sicily’s famous Arancino, and spend two nights on the spectacular Taormina Riviera, your base for a fascinating excursion to Mount Etna—the largest active volcano in Europe. Explore Taormina, and complete your Sicilian Escape with a fabulous farewell dinner at a local restaurant. You’ll treasure the time spent exploring Sicily’s famous sights and stunning scenery—without the crowds of the busy travel season on this spectacular guided tour of Sicily!
Itinerary
Welcome to Palermo!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Sicilian Specialties
PALERMO: Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the cathedral. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the Bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.
Timeless Temples
AGRIGENTO: Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples. (B/D) 87 mi / 140 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY: The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.
Ancient Artistry In Sicily
PIAZZA ARMERINA: Take a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B/L) 162 mi / 260 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.
Coastal Treasures
SYRACUSE: Guided visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater.
CATANIA: Arancino tasting and free time on the way to Taormina Riviera. (B) 75 mi / 120 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Sicily's love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures with a traditional arancino tasting one of Sicily's most famous street food.
The Pearl of the Mediterranean
TAORMINA RIVIERA: Guided excursion to Mount Etna. Orientation walk through Taormina town and free time. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: Mount Etna, Europe's tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Catania.) (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
- Palermo: Central Palace Hotel Federico II (First-Class):
A fusion of classic and innovative design, Hotel Federico II is a family- run 65 room establishment located near the city's most important streets of culture, tourism and shopping, halfway between the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama. Breakfast is served with a rich buffet while the in-house restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean dishes revisited along with a great wine selection. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property. - Palermo: Garibaldi (First-Class):
This casual 71-room Hotel is housed in a Liberty-style building located directly opposite Palermo's famous Politeama Theater. The contemporary styled guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi access. The on-site restaurant serves a varied buffet breakfast and a modern American Bar is also at Guest's disposal. - Agrigento: Della Valle (First-Class):
Set amid a beautiful garden with olive and palm trees, Hotel Della Valle features a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day, an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants one located in the park and one overlooking the swimming pool - where to enjoy international cuisine, and traditional Sicilian dishes. All 112 guest rooms are modern and decorated in Sicilian style, offering air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The famous Temples Valley is within easy reach. - Syracuse: Grand Hotel Villa Politi (First-Class):
This 100-room historical hotel is itself a part of Syracuse's rich history, located north of the city centre close to Siracuse's famed archaeological zone. Set in a magnificent 19th-century former noble residence, the villa has glamorous interior features echoing the Art Deco era and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Local Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant and there is a lounge bar serving a good choice of international liqueurs as well as classical Italian aperitivi and digestivi. The elegant Liberty style guest rooms feature Art-Nouveau furniture and are equipped with air conditioning, minibar and hardwood or parquet floors. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. - Taormina Riviera: Hellenia Yachting Hotel (First-Class):
Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch.
- 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.
- High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. The ascent to Mount Etna reaches an elevation of 6,500 ft. (1,981 m).
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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 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 Globus. 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.
