Overview
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Palermo!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Sicilian Sights
Your introduction to Palermo starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo's highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as 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 64,500 sq ft.
Sweet & Salty Sicily
Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Drive to the coastal town of Marsala, learn about one of its oldest industries with a guided visit of a Salt Mill. Later, try the famous Marsala wine during a tasting experience.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.
Timeless Temples
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Mazara del Vallo which includes a visit to the cathedral and old town. Appreciate the Arabic influence on the town when you follow a Local Guide through the alleyways of the Kasbah. Later, continue to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO-nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a 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
Travel through Central Sicily and stop in Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, housing one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Ancient Bikini Girls.” Later, continue your journey to Ragusa.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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.
Spend Your Day Your Way in Ragusa
This morning, join a Local Guide for a walking tour of Ibla, Ragusa's historic center, and admire the Baroque buildings. Visit the 19th-century Giardini Iblei, and St. George's Cathedral.
Explore more of Ragusa with your choice of an included Globus Choice Excursion.
- Echoes of Aristocracy - Feel the nostalgic allure of a historic noble residence with a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti. The owner takes you on a personal tour, featuring the palace's elegant furnishings, frescoed ceilings, and marble floors, while sharing fascinating stories of family ancestors and traditions.
- Cart Art - Discover one of Sicily's beloved symbols-the Sicilian carretti (carts)-an artistic tradition passed down through generations. Visit a workshop in Ragusa Ibla to learn how these donkey-drawn carts developed from work vehicles into vibrant works of art. Hear how this proud Sicilian tradition rolls on!
Enjoy leisure time this evening.
World Stages
Enjoy free time in Noto, a town famed for its Baroque architecture. Walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire San Nicolò Cathedral. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archaeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers' Cave.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre, which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.
Coastal Treasures
Drive to the bustling city of Catania. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and browse the stores along Via Etnea. Try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe's tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agatha Cathedral. Nearby, the La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.
Frozen in Time
This morning, visit Savoca, one of the film locations for The Godfather. After an orientation walk, enjoy a granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. Later, join an orientation walk in Taormina with a visit to the ancient Greek theatre. Enjoy free time to explore the town, stroll along stylish Corso Umberto, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily's take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Palermo followed by a scenic drive to Monreale, home to its magnificent UNESCO-listed cathedral renowned for dazzling Byzantine mosaics
- Visit to a traditional salt mill with wine-tasting experience in Marsala, discovering Sicily's centuries-old sea salt production and the region's celebrated wines
- Guided walking tour of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, exploring one of the world's finest collections of ancient Greek temples
- Guided sightseeing in Mazara del Vallo, discovering its unique blend of Arab, Norman, and Sicilian heritage in the historic old town
- Guided visit to Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, featuring one of Sicily's most celebrated archaeological sites
- Guided walking tour of Ragusa Ibla, exploring the historic heart of this charming Sicilian town
- Globus Choice Excursion in Ragusa – Included in your tour with your choice of a visit to an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop or a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti with a guided owner-led tour
- Guided visit to Syracuse's Archaeological Park, discovering one of Sicily's most significant ancient archaeological sites
- Complimentary [LF] granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at the Bar Vitelli of Savoca− The Godfather filming location
- Visit to Taormina's ancient Greek theater, one of Sicily's best-known historic landmarks
- Orientation walks in Catania and Taormina, introducing two of Sicily's most iconic coastal cities
- Visit the hilltop town of Erice and the historic Baroque town of Noto
- 9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
- 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. - Mazara Del Vallo: Villa Favorita Resort (First-Class):
Hotel Villa Favorita is a charming 19th-century villa set within serene Mediterranean gardens. Combining historic elegance with modern comfort, it offers tastefully furnished rooms, a tranquil outdoor pool, and a warm, authentic Sicilian atmosphere. Ideal for a relaxing and refined stay, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat with attentive hospitality and timeless character. - 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. - Ragusa: Poggio Del Sole Resort (First-Class):
Poggio del Sole Resort is beautifully situated in the hyblean landscape. Those buldings which were once parts of an elegant "masseria" now frame a tastefully and uniquely designed hotel with restaurants, bars and Spa. The hotel, in spite of its rustic location and origins, comes with all modern comfort and is elegantly embellished by a sober mix of contemporary and traditional sicilian furniture. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a lounge bar are also available. - Syracuse: Mercure Siracusa Prometeo (First-Class):
The modern, comfortable Mercure Siracusa Prometeo offers 93 rooms with all the comforts. The hotel has a bar/bistro, a fitness room and a wellness center. In Summer a roof panoramic outdoor swimming-pool with a solarium area on the 6th floor will be available. Free Wi-Fi connection 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.
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 holiday. 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
Trip Reviews (6)
My only criticism would be that the local tour guides can be too wordy and often boring. We had one outstanding guide, but the rest were less impressive. I felt an introduction on the bus by our tour director, then free time to explore read more was much more enjoyable. This happened on some of the places visited. Hannah was great and answered all enquiries promptly.
Highlights were everywhere, with Palermo, Taormina and Erice the standouts. Highly recommended.
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 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.
