Premium Sicily
Premium Sicily
Premium Sicily
10 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, Siracusa, Catania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMPL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily with the Premium Sicily tour, where cultural exploration meets culinary delight. Begin in Palermo, delving into the city's rich history and vibrant anti-Mafia movement, before indulging in a traditional Sicilian cooking class. Traverse the medieval streets of Erice, savoring Genovesi pastries, and marvel at the stunning white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi. Discover the ancient wonders of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and taste the renowned chocolate of Modica. Experience the architectural beauty of Noto and the charming streets of Ragusa. Stand in awe of Mount Etna's majestic presence and explore the enchanting town of Taormina. Conclude your adventure in Catania, where the blend of history and modernity creates an unforgettable atmosphere. With private vehicle transport and thoughtfully curated experiences, this tour offers an immersive taste of Sicily's unique charm.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways, buzzing colourful market squares and winding roads. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create delicious Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of these dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner. You will also have the chance to taste some local wines, should you wish.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Marsala
Location: Marsala
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a special Genovesi (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream) tasting. After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: boutique hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: boutique hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Siracusa
Location: Siracusa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Siracusa
Location: Siracusa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to uncover the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to Catania. The city has a unique energy – an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty bar culture that fuels the nightlife scene, and on the other hand, there’s the Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of the city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast today, take a day trip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for your final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Catania, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (7 nights). Feature Stay (2 nights) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 5 dinners -
Palermo - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included when you arrive in Palermo.
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Palermo - Welcome Meeting
Join a welcome meeting in Palermo to meet your fellow travellers and local leader.
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Palermo - Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group in Palermo.
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Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
Participate in an Anti-Mafia Movement tour in Palermo.
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Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
Take part in a Sicilian cooking class in Palermo.
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Erice - Town Visit
Visit the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice.
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Erice - Genovesi Tasting
Enjoy a Genovesi tasting in Erice.
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Erice - Cable Car
Take a cable car ride in Erice.
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Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
Visit the Kasbah in Mazara del Vallo.
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Scala dei Turchi - Visit
Visit the Scala dei Turchi, a coastline with white marble cliffs.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONThe style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.TWIN SHARE BASISAccommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.CHECK-IN TIMEThroughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATIONIf you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.FACILITIESEuropean hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
Travel throughout the tour is facilitated by a private vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience as you explore the beautiful landscapes and historic sites of Sicily.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Rooms are requested to be ready upon arrival, though immediate check-in may not always be possible. Facilities may be shared, and European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Palermo visit?
In Palermo, you will participate in an Anti-Mafia Movement tour where you will meet local shop owners who have denounced extortionists and learn about the 'Pago chi non paga' campaign. Additionally, you will take part in a Sicilian cooking class to learn how to create traditional dishes using locally sourced products.
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What can I expect during the visit to Mount Etna?
During the visit to Mount Etna, you will walk into the center of an extinct crater and explore a lava cave with helmets and torches. You will also walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana, a former ski resort destroyed during the 2002 eruption.
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What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
Accommodation is on a twin/multishare basis, and solo travelers are paired with another traveler of the same gender. There may be times when facilities are shared rather than ensuite, and on rare occasions, you might share a room with passengers from different tours. The style of accommodation may change due to availability, but a similar standard will be maintained.
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What culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a traditional Sicilian cooking class in Palermo, a Genovesi tasting in Erice, and a chocolate tasting in Modica. These experiences allow you to sample and learn about Sicily's finest cuisines.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Valley of the Temples?
The Valley of the Temples is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. A local guide will bring the classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus, and Castor and Pollux, offering views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions