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 travelers for a Welcome Dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure. (D) Stay: Garibaldi
Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. 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 specialties, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine. (B)
Leaving Palermo behind, we head to Erice, the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches'. You'll have some free time for lunch before continuing to Marsala, home to the nutty-flavoured wine which shares its name. Dive Into Culture along the way, stopping at the salt pans to visit the Infersa Mill to learn about the ancient 'culture of salt' and industry which has shaped this region. You'll be thrilled with an evening at leisure in picture-perfect Marsala with its marble streets and expansive piazze filled with colorful restaurants. (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. You'll explore one of the world's most treasured centers of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There's time for lunch before we 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 we pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before we Dive Into Culture and learn the secrets of Modican chocolate.
Later we return to Ragusa to learn about the rebuilding of the city following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of it. 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.
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 center stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colorful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortygia, 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 travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Mercure
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 favorite 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 our Optional Experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties. (B) Stay: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Taormina is yours for the taking today. You could choose to visit the 10th century Palazzo Corvaja with its Islamic-style tower or 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 travelers for a Welcome Dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure. (D) Stay: Garibaldi
Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. 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 specialties, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine. (B)
Leaving Palermo behind, we head to Erice, the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches'. You'll have some free time for lunch before continuing to Marsala, home to the nutty-flavoured wine which shares its name. Dive Into Culture along the way, stopping at the salt pans to visit the Infersa Mill to learn about the ancient 'culture of salt' and industry which has shaped this region. You'll be thrilled with an evening at leisure in picture-perfect Marsala with its marble streets and expansive piazze filled with colorful restaurants. (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. You'll explore one of the world's most treasured centers of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There's time for lunch before we 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 we pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before we Dive Into Culture and learn the secrets of Modican chocolate.
Later we return to Ragusa to learn about the rebuilding of the city following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of it. 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.
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 center stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colorful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortygia, 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 travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Mercure
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 favorite 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 our Optional Experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties. (B) Stay: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Taormina is yours for the taking today. You could choose to visit the 10th century Palazzo Corvaja with its Islamic-style tower or 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 with a Local Specialist
- Discover Modica and Catania
- Visit Monreale Norman Cathedral, Erice, Infersa Mill in Marsala, Valley of the Temples, the Syracuse Archaeological Museum, Ortygia and the Greek Theatre in Taormina
- View Mount Etna (optional)
Be My Guest
- Catania: Learn how to make homemade macaroni and sit down to a delicious local meal with your charming hosts, the locals of Castiglione di Sicilia, a Jewish Village.
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 Ortygia and visit the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse.
- Catania: During an exploration with your Travel Director see the Duomo, Piazza and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre 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.
Make Travel Matter®
- Palermo: On a one-of-a-kind experience, team up with a local to learn about the civil anti-mafia movement as you discover the lesser-known history of the ancient city of Palermo.
- 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 and surprise extras
- 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 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (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 with a Local Specialist
- Discover Modica and Catania
- Visit Monreale Norman Cathedral, Erice, Infersa Mill in Marsala, Valley of the Temples, the Syracuse Archaeological Museum, Ortygia and the Greek Theatre in Taormina
- View Mount Etna (optional)
Be My Guest
- Catania: Learn how to make homemade macaroni and sit down to a delicious local meal with your charming hosts, the locals of Castiglione di Sicilia, a Jewish Village.
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 Ortygia and visit the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse.
- Catania: During an exploration with your Travel Director see the Duomo, Piazza and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre 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.
Make Travel Matter®
- Palermo: On a one-of-a-kind experience, team up with a local to learn about the civil anti-mafia movement as you discover the lesser-known history of the ancient city of Palermo.
- 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 and surprise extras
- 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 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 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 (1) Most Recent 'Colors 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.
Brochure
Trafalgar Europe (2024-25)
Brochure
Trafalgar Europe (2024-25)
Availability
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. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. 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. 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 Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. 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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