Sicily and Its Isles

What's Included

• Accommodation

  Stay at various hotels including Best Western Ai Cavalieri Hotel, I Mulini Resort, Baia di Ulisse Hotel, Poggio del Sole Hotel, Hotel Mamma Santina, and NH Collection Hotel.

• Guided Tours

  Enjoy guided tours of Palermo, Monreale Cathedral, Valley of the Temples, and Ragusa.

• Culinary Experiences

  Taste award-winning olive oil, Marsala wine, and Malvasia wine, and enjoy a walking food tour in Palermo.

• Cultural Experiences

  Experience an impact moment with Addiopizzo, visit the salt pans of Trapani, and explore the Greek theater in Taormina.

• Transportation

  Ferry rides to and from the Aeolian Islands and off-road vehicles for Mount Etna excursion.

What's Not Included

• Optional Excursions

  Optional tours such as the Stromboli Sunset Cruise and the Baroque Valley tour are not included.

• Meals

  Meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food, and drinks are not included.

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

Experiences

• Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) on off-road vehicles.
• Soak up the relaxed ambiance of the Aeolian Islands (UNESCO) with a 2-night stay on the Isle of Salina.
• Delve into the belly of Palermo on a walking food tour of the historical center.

Options

Sicily: Sicily's Baroque Valley: Scicli & Modica with Lunch Journey to Sicily’s Baroque Valley, known for its ornate historic architecture. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scicli and Modica. The town of Scicli dates back to the 3rd century BC, home to a number of centuries-old churches. Visit a local farm for brunch to learn about two local specialties: ricotta cheese and sausage. The hilly city of Modica, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is renowned for its baroque architecture and breathtakingly detailed facades. Taste Modica’s historically rooted artisanal chocolate, based on flavorful Aztec recipes of millennia ago. This tour will immerse you in the alluring culture and history of the Baroque Valley. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.




Salina: Stromboli Sunset Cruise with pasta dinner on board Take in the sights on a leisurely sunset sail around the legendary Stromboli Volcano, called “the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” Your private boat will anchor for an opportunity to swim in beautiful waters (weather permitting). Watch the skyline for puffs of smoke, emitting from the island’s active volcano. In the intimate dining space, indulge in a rustic dinner of local Aeolian specialties and regional wines. As the sun sets, be on the lookout for glowing hues of red and orange and perhaps some small lava flows in the drama of the dusk sky. This incomparable dinner cruise will leave you with lasting memories of Southern Italy. Duration approximately 10 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

The excursion is 10 hours long. A swim suit and towel are recommended if you plan to swim. Travelers prone to seasickness should take the proper precautions. The option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure
The excursion is 10 hours long. A swim suit and towel are recommended if you plan to swim. Travelers prone to seasickness should take the proper precautions. The option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure

Culinaries

• Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm.
• Enjoy world-renowned Marsala wine on a wine cellar tour.
• Savor salty capers and sweet Malvasia wine at a local producer on Salina island.

Must See

• Spend three nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theater.
• Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).
• Immerse yourself in ancient history during a visit to the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO).

Choice Highlights

Palermo Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily with nearly a million inhabitants. The history of the city’s many rulers is on full display through the architecture of the monumental palaces, theaters and churches. Arabs, Normans and Spanish have all called the city home and left their mark on the people, their culture and food. The city is full of vibrant markets, lively eateries and bustling piazzas just waiting to be explored.

Monreale Monreale is famous for its Norman Cathedral that is covered with nearly 70,000 square feet of gold-leaf mosaics. The church was built in the 12th century by the Norman King William II. The mosaics depict stories of the Old Testament and the life stories of Saints Peter and Paul. The church is a national monument and highlight of any trip to Sicily.

Monreale Cathedral - Cloisters or Terrace Visit During your visit in Monreale you have the choice between two activities. Your first choice is to explore more of the Cathedral’s monastic complex during a guided tour of the cloisters with its elegant combination of Romanesque arches and Oriental decorations. Your second choice is to ascend to the Cathedral’s terraces* via the steep stairs of the southern tower for a bird-eye’s view of the monastery and Palermo's Golden Valley.



Monreale Cathedral - Cloisters Visit

Activity Level: 2

The visit's duration is approx 30 minutes walking and standing on flat, paved terrain.



Monreale Cathedral - Terrace Visit

Activity Level: 4

*Visiting the terraces requires walking thru narrow passages (less than 3 feet wide/1 meter) and climbing the equivalent of 4 sets of stairs (approximately 20 steps each) to reach the lower terrace. The upper terrace can be reached by climbing a further set of stairs (approx 15). This choice is NOT suitable for travelers suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo or those with mobility issues.

Impact Moment Experience an impact moment with Addiopizzo, an anti-Mafia nonprofit that supports locals who refuse to pay the Mafia’s protection fees. Visit Capaci, the site of a terrorist act led by the Mafia, and pay tribute to fallen activists. Chat with locals for a personal perspective and learn how they overcame the Mafia’s reign.

Trapani Experience the remarkable natural beauty of Trapani, a Mediterranean gem. Witness this city’s stunning views of sparkling waters and rocky cliffs.

Marsala Winery Tour Get a taste for one of Italy’s renowned wines during a Winery Tour in Marsala. Sip the region’s world-famous fortified wine paired with a tasting of locally produced foods and witness firsthand the reasons why this aromatic blend is one of Italy’s most popular exports.

Erice This medieval Italian town is believed to be included in Virgil’s Aeneid, as a stop on Aeneas’s epic journey. An awe-inspiring lookout of the town is seen at the adjacent Venus Castle, which is built upon an ancient Roman temple.

Olive Oil Farm Take a trip to the countryside and explore an olive grove. Try samples of olive oil while gazing out at the sprawling rows of olive trees.

Agrigento Agrigento is a provincial capital on the southern coast of Sicily. The city is famous as a tourist destination because of the Greek archeological park called the Valley of the Temples. The Valley of the Temples is home to seven Greek temples that date back to the Golden Age of Magna Grecia, when Greek city-states dominated Sicily and Southern Italy. The site, known as Akragas in ancient Greek, was added to the UNESCO Heritage list in 1997 because of the ancient Greek temples’ high state of preservation.

Valley of the Temples The Valley of the Temples is a Greek archeological site located on the outskirts of the Sicilian city of Agrigento. The site, known as Akragas in ancient Greek, was added to the UNESCO Heritage list in 1997 because of the Ancient Greek Temples’ high quality state of preservation. The most famous of the temples is the so-called Temple of Concordia which was utilized as a church during the medieval ages. In total the site has seven temples and covers an area of over 3000 acres.

Ragusa Visit Ragusa (UNESCO), an ancient city perched upon a hill. Meander through its Baroque neighborhood, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies.

Isle of Salina Discover the Isle of Salina, one of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands and a popular vacation destination for Italians. Bask in the warm glow of this region’s relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds of this Mediterranean paradise.

Caper Farm Go on a tour of a caper farm and learn about the techniques of cultivating this edible flower, accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine. Witness the process of preparing capers the traditional, Sicilian way and then enjoy a tasting.





Taormina Set on the top of Monte Tauro is the beautiful garden city of Taormina. The city’s mix of historic monuments trace its history from the time of the Greeks to Romans, to Arabs and beyond. The most impressive monument is the Greco-Roman theatre that overlooks the crescent-shaped port of Giardini Naxos and Mt. Etna in the distance. The town also has many lovely designer shops and a plethora of restaurants offering authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Mount Etna Off-Road Excursion See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Sicily with ease, utilizing a combination of flights, ferries, and off-road vehicles to explore the island's diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Palermo to the serene Aeolian Islands and the rugged terrain of Mount Etna.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations throughout your journey, including stays at the Best Western Ai Cavalieri Hotel, I Mulini Resort, Baia di Ulisse Hotel, Poggio del Sole Hotel, and Hotel Mamma Santina, offering comfort and local charm.