Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at your hotel where you will spend three glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera. (DW) Stay: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Your hotel faces east, so early risers may learn why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina's grandest building, and along the elegant Corso Umberto. (B)
Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour.
Later, travel onwards to Palermo. (B) Stay: NH Palermo.
Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Monreale Cathedral with a Local Expert and marvel at the Byzantine mosaics. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively market.
Later this morning, visit Palermo Cathedral, which has been altered many times over the years, and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, each with their own ambience and cuisine. (B/DW)
Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa. (B) Stay: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.
Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse's Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka! ' Continue to Catania for a Celebration Dinner with your fellow travellers. (B/DW) Stay: NH Catania Centro.
Appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time on your departure transfer to Catania Airport. Transfers arrive at the airport at 06:30 and 08:30. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Taormina: During your orientation with your Travel Director, visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament, and stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
- Cefalu: Your Travel Director will show you the cathedral, built to fulfil a vow. Walk to the medieval stone fountain in the old fishermen's quarter, find the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina and see the harbour.
- Agrigento: A Local Expert will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
- Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.
- Catania: During an exploration with your Travel Director see the Duomo, Piazza and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.
- Palermo: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively Vucciria market.
- Palermo: Visit the spectacular Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.
- Palermo: Choose between a variety of restaurants and cuisines on your Dine-Around Evening.
- Dining Summary: 6 Breakfasts (B), 3 Dinners with Wine (DW)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Sicily in Depth' Reviews
Unfortunately there was a heat wave in Europe when I travelled in July, but I did find Sicily cooler than where I had come from (Greece). The included dinners in Sicily were wonderful. I have used Insight quite often in the past, and will use them again next year for one of my trips. Global Journeys always does a great job with booking, and Yvonne is lovely in that she sent me a paper copy of my documents, as I like to hold paper in my hand (I know I am old school).
Sicily as a whole is an island full of gems; great food, churches, ancient Greek ruins and cities, and quaint villages atop mountains. I highly recommend this tour if you are looking for a hassle free and efficient way of seeing Sicily in a relatively short amount of time as this is not an island that can easily be experienced without a car.
Brochure
Insight Vacations Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These 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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