Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

45 Views
9 Days From

$2775

$2705

Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

9 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy

Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, Taormina, Catania

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2775 $2705 (USD) Operator discount: -$70

NB: Prices correct on 20-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Sicily in Depth - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Italian culture and history. This journey begins in Palermo, where you can explore the 12th-century Palatine Chapel or delve into the city's anti-mafia movement. Discover the ancient salt pans of Trapani and savor Marsala's renowned wines. Marvel at the Greek temples in Agrigento and the intricate mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Wander through the Baroque streets of Ragusa and indulge in Modica's famous chocolate. In Syracuse, choose between exploring the Greek theatre or the charming Old Town of Ortygia. Conclude your adventure in Taormina, with its breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Enjoy authentic Sicilian dining experiences and travel in comfort on a luxurious coach, with expert guides enhancing your journey through this captivating island.

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.
  • Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. 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.
  • Agrigento: Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, such as the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
  • Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
  • Ragusa: During your walking tour with your Local Expert see the famous Baroque buildings and churches.
  • Modica: Experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
  • Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'
  • Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre 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: Visit Taormina with a Local Expert and enjoy free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.

Make Travel Matter

Trapani: Discover how the ancient traditions of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 & 12 - Sustainable Cities and Communities & Responsible Consumption and Production

Authentic Dining

Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.

Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.

Taormina: Your Farm-to-Table dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.

Insight Choice

Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.

Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Palermo

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: NH Palermo

Meals Included: Dinner

Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Palermo & The Golden Age Of The Normans

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: NH Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 3: Trapani And Marsala

Location: Trapani, Marsala

Accommodation: Seawater, Marsala

Accommodation Name: Seawater, Marsala

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colourful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savour the flavours of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town's renowned wine in beautiful surroundings.

Day 4: Explore The Valley Of The Temples

Location: Agrigento

Accommodation: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento

Accommodation Name: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento

Meals Included: Dinner

Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognised by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.

Day 5: Discover Villa Romana Del Casale And Ragusa

Location: Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Meals Included: Dinner

Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized since 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with your Local Expert. This town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who lent their name to Sicily. Admire the significant Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition.

Day 6: Modica Relaxed Start

Location: Modica

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later explore the town of Modica rebuilt after the 17th century earthquake and discover it's artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.

Day 7: Ancient Syracuse

Location: Syracuse, Giardini Naxos

Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theatre, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Alternatively, take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming town of Giardini Naxos.

Day 8: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe

Location: Mount Etna, Taormina

Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina

Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini

Meals Included: Dinner

Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theatre, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, featuring delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine and exquisite Italian wines.

Day 9: Depart Catania

Location: Catania

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way to the airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, and 1 additional dinner.

  • Local Expert Tours

    Enjoy guided tours with Local Experts in various locations such as Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, and Taormina.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    All hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping.

  • Taxes and Porterage

    All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags will be carried for you and delivered to your hotel door.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and at hotels where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your flights align with the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as the visit to Val di Noto and Mount Etna are not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    Transfers for flights outside the scheduled times or for additional nights not booked with Insight Vacations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Transfers are available at scheduled times, and complimentary Wi-Fi is provided on the coach and at hotels where available.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and luxury at NH Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, The Scala dei Turchi Resort in Agrigento, Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa, and Delta by Marriott Giardini. Each hotel offers a unique blend of local charm and modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay throughout your Sicilian journey.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Travel Director

  • "A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
  • "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
  • "One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour to support sustainable development?

    The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Palermo, where you learn about the civil anti-mafia movement, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. In Trapani, you will discover the ancient traditions of salt extraction, supporting Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 12 - Sustainable Cities and Communities and Responsible Consumption and Production.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including a Dine-Around evening in Palermo, a wine tasting at a local winery in Marsala, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Taormina that reflects Sicily's culinary heritage.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour in Syracuse?

    In Syracuse, you can choose to walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, and visit the Greek theatre. Alternatively, you can stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.

  • What is the significance of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento?

    The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is recognized by UNESCO as an exceptional example of ancient Greek architecture. It features magnificent Hellenistic remains, such as the massive Temple of Concord and the clifftop Temple of Juno.

  • What can I expect from the visit to Villa Romana del Casale?

    At Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will see one of the most luxurious Roman villas, renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics that decorate almost every room.

  • What is special about the chocolate in Modica?

    Modica is celebrated for its artisanal techniques used to create handmade chocolate, which you will have the opportunity to experience during the tour.

  • What are the options for exploring Taormina?

    In Taormina, you can visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with a Local Expert, enjoy free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile, and consider an optional experience to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

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08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Operator discount: -$70 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$70 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$70 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$70 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$70 (USD)

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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