Overview
Itinerary
Start your Sicilian journey in Palermo, whose rich trading history has left its unforgettable mark on the city's Italian, Arab and Norman-styled piazzas, street markets and churches. Enjoy some free time to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure. (D) Stay: Garibaldi
Head to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo where a Local Specialist will guide you through one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture, the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience to the beautiful fishing village of Sferracavallo, at the foot of Mount Capo Gallo? Here, you'll feast on Palermitano specialities, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine. (B)
Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you'll learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Leaving Palermo behind, head to Erice to explore the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches' and enjoy free time for lunch. Next, stop at the Infersa Mill salt pans and learn about the ancient 'culture of salt', an industry that has shaped this region for centuries.
Later, arrive in Marsala, home to the wine which shares its name. During your evening at leisure, explore picture-perfect Marsala or opt to join the Optional Experience at a Marsala winery followed by a dinner of regional dishes. (B) Stay: Seawater
Today's first stop is Agrigento, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. Explore one of the world's most treasured centres of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There's time for lunch before you head to Ragusa, a city with two very different souls – the lower and older Ragusa Ibla and higher Ragusa Superiore are separated dramatically by a deep ravine, the Valle dei Ponti. (B/D) Stay: Poggio del Sole
This morning, discover the rebuilding of Ragusa following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of of the city. Your Local Specialist will reveal how this devastating seismic event led to the development of an entirely new city on a nearby ridge, while some of its brave residents remained to rebuild what was lost. You'll hear how it was only in the early 20th century that the two were eventually fused together.
Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before learning about the secrets of Modican chocolate. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure or perhaps consider joining an optional experience to a unique local farm restaurant. (B)
Once a major Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, the historic city of Syracuse takes centre stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colourful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of the city connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Your afternoon is open to spend as you wish. This evening you'll join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Eureka Palace Hotel & Spa
Continue up the coast to Catania, the city that lies in Mount Etna's shadow. You'll have some free time to explore on your own and perhaps sample arancini, a favourite Catania snack.
Later join a Local Specialist to delve into the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A particular highlight of this afternoon will be a visit to the beautifully preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina. Imagine masked actors performing against the backdrop of glorious sea views more than 2,500 years ago. You'll have an evening on your own to spend as you wish or consider joining an optional experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialities. (B) Stay: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Taormina is yours for the taking today. During your free time, you could choose to explore the elegant boutiques along Corso Umberto. Work up an appetite and stop for some of the city's signature cannoli or cool down with a famous Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a piping-hot brioche. Movie buffs will delight in an Optional Experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village of 'The Godfather'. Later this evening, learn the art of Sicilian cuisine on a charming Be My Guest experience. (B/D)
Your journey through Sicily has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your return journey home. (B)
Start your Sicilian journey in Palermo, whose rich trading history has left its unforgettable mark on the city's Italian, Arab and Norman-styled piazzas, street markets and churches. Enjoy some free time to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure. (D) Stay: Garibaldi
Head to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo where a Local Specialist will guide you through one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture, the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience to the beautiful fishing village of Sferracavallo, at the foot of Mount Capo Gallo? Here, you'll feast on Palermitano specialities, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine. (B)
Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you'll learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Leaving Palermo behind, head to Erice to explore the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches' and enjoy free time for lunch. Next, stop at the Infersa Mill salt pans and learn about the ancient 'culture of salt', an industry that has shaped this region for centuries.
Later, arrive in Marsala, home to the wine which shares its name. During your evening at leisure, explore picture-perfect Marsala or opt to join the Optional Experience at a Marsala winery followed by a dinner of regional dishes. (B) Stay: Seawater
Today's first stop is Agrigento, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. Explore one of the world's most treasured centres of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There's time for lunch before you head to Ragusa, a city with two very different souls – the lower and older Ragusa Ibla and higher Ragusa Superiore are separated dramatically by a deep ravine, the Valle dei Ponti. (B/D) Stay: Poggio del Sole
This morning, discover the rebuilding of Ragusa following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of of the city. Your Local Specialist will reveal how this devastating seismic event led to the development of an entirely new city on a nearby ridge, while some of its brave residents remained to rebuild what was lost. You'll hear how it was only in the early 20th century that the two were eventually fused together.
Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before learning about the secrets of Modican chocolate. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure or perhaps consider joining an optional experience to a unique local farm restaurant. (B)
Once a major Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, the historic city of Syracuse takes centre stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colourful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of the city connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Your afternoon is open to spend as you wish. This evening you'll join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Eureka Palace Hotel & Spa
Continue up the coast to Catania, the city that lies in Mount Etna's shadow. You'll have some free time to explore on your own and perhaps sample arancini, a favourite Catania snack.
Later join a Local Specialist to delve into the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A particular highlight of this afternoon will be a visit to the beautifully preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina. Imagine masked actors performing against the backdrop of glorious sea views more than 2,500 years ago. You'll have an evening on your own to spend as you wish or consider joining an optional experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialities. (B) Stay: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Taormina is yours for the taking today. During your free time, you could choose to explore the elegant boutiques along Corso Umberto. Work up an appetite and stop for some of the city's signature cannoli or cool down with a famous Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a piping-hot brioche. Movie buffs will delight in an Optional Experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village of 'The Godfather'. Later this evening, learn the art of Sicilian cuisine on a charming Be My Guest experience. (B/D)
Your journey through Sicily has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your return journey home. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Palermo, Monreale, Valley of the Temples, Ragusa, Syracuse and Taormina
- Discover Erice and Modica
- Visit Monreale Norman Cathedral, Infersa Mill in Marsala, Valley of the Temples, the Syracuse Archaeological Museum, Ortigia and the Greek Theatre in Taormina
- View Mount Etna
Be My Guest
- Acireale: Daniela and her family will welcome you with the words 'Be My Guest', treating you like cherished family member. She'll share stories about life on the farm and interesting information about the house and the lemon and orange groves. After a drink, enjoy her home-cooked cuisine, served with warmth and generosity of true Sicilian hospitality.
Dive Into Culture
- Marsala: Explore Sicily's 'Culture of Salt' at the Salina della Laguna.
- Modica: Learn how the local Modica chocolate is made and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
Iconic Experience
- Monreale: The sombre exterior of the cathedral at Monreale 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.
- Erice: Led by your Travel Director, explore the quiet alleys of this ancient walled town, as if you've stepped into the Middle Ages. See the medieval churches and marvel at the sea views from the gardens of the Castle of Venus.
- Agrigento: A Local Specialist 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.
- Ragusa: Join a Local Specialist on an insightful look into the historic devastation at the root of Ragusa's two distinctive districts.
- Syracuse: Walk with a Local Specialist through the historic island of Ortigia and visit the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse.
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with your Local Specialist. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Catania: Explore Catania's Old Town and see the Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo, the Fontana dell'Elefante statue and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.
Make Travel Matter®
- Palermo: Meet your host to learn about the civil anti-mafia movement while uncovering the lesser-known history of the ancient city of Palermo. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 4 Dinners (D)
- 8 Breakfasts (B)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Explore Palermo, Monreale, Valley of the Temples, Ragusa, Syracuse and Taormina
- Discover Erice and Modica
- Visit Monreale Norman Cathedral, Infersa Mill in Marsala, Valley of the Temples, the Syracuse Archaeological Museum, Ortigia and the Greek Theatre in Taormina
- View Mount Etna
Be My Guest
- Acireale: Daniela and her family will welcome you with the words 'Be My Guest', treating you like cherished family member. She'll share stories about life on the farm and interesting information about the house and the lemon and orange groves. After a drink, enjoy her home-cooked cuisine, served with warmth and generosity of true Sicilian hospitality.
Dive Into Culture
- Marsala: Explore Sicily's 'Culture of Salt' at the Salina della Laguna.
- Modica: Learn how the local Modica chocolate is made and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
Iconic Experience
- Monreale: The sombre exterior of the cathedral at Monreale 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.
- Erice: Led by your Travel Director, explore the quiet alleys of this ancient walled town, as if you've stepped into the Middle Ages. See the medieval churches and marvel at the sea views from the gardens of the Castle of Venus.
- Agrigento: A Local Specialist 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.
- Ragusa: Join a Local Specialist on an insightful look into the historic devastation at the root of Ragusa's two distinctive districts.
- Syracuse: Walk with a Local Specialist through the historic island of Ortigia and visit the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse.
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with your Local Specialist. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Catania: Explore Catania's Old Town and see the Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo, the Fontana dell'Elefante statue and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.
Make Travel Matter®
- Palermo: Meet your host to learn about the civil anti-mafia movement while uncovering the lesser-known history of the ancient city of Palermo. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 4 Dinners (D)
- 8 Breakfasts (B)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Colours of Sicily' Reviews
Sicily is a truly beautiful island and we were amazed at how much there is to see and do. The tour really highlighted the main events - Palermo, read more Cefalu, Agrigento, Erice, Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Savoca & Mt Etna. The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento are a must see! We would have liked a bit more time in Taormina and Catania.
Hotels along the way were a mixed bag, but on the whole, quite comfortable. All transfers were seamless and it was a joy to leave bags out in the morning and have them waiting in your hotel room at the next destination. Trafalgar offer optional experiences at an extra cost and we did not do all of them. The optional tour to Cefalu, Savoca & Mt Etna though are a must do! The optional Marsala wine tour was a bit disappointing and I would not recommend it.
We had 'local specialist' tour guides in some places, they were all very knowledgeable, but Rafaella, our tour guide in Palermo & Monreale was a standout. She was so passionate about the history. We loved the little touches Alessia did - a little gift for everyone that was particular to the place or area we were in.
We highly recommend travelling to Sicily in the autumn as the weather is still quite warm, but not too hot and far less crowds. This made sightseeing far more enjoyable. The sea temperature was 24 degrees Celsius, so you can enjoy a swim. There were 32 people in the group and they were great, really enjoyed their company. I can appreciate the tour is a great way for solo travellers.
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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. 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 Trafalgar. 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.
