Day 1: Palermo
The splendid adventure begins in Sicily’s capital city, Palermo, known for ancient architecture, heterogeneous history, and its gourmet cuisine. A tour representative awaits to welcome your arrival. Relax as you’re privately transferred to your accommodation. Tonight, a welcome dinner invites you to experience the tasteful sensation of traditional Sicilian fare at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Palermo – Monreale – Palermo
Today begins with a short excursion to the town of Monreale to visit its 12th century Cathedral, an impressive Norman construction housing exquisite, glass mosaics. Afterward, return to Palermo to tour several famous sites including Quattro Canti, the octagonal shaped plaza bordered by Baroque buildings; the center of Palermo, Piazza Pretoria; Piazza Bellini, hosting several restaurants, churches, & cafes; the royal Palace of the Normans & the radiant La Martorana Church, & the Cathedral of Palermo, the abode of the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon.
Day 3: Palermo – Erice – Segesta – Palermo
Head for the top of Mount Erice to explore its town, founded by ancient civilizations. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful public gardens before visiting the Castle of Venus. The castle, built during the Middle Ages, was assembled at the archaic sight of the Temple of Venus. Later today, walk in the footsteps of indigenous people as you discover the city of Segesta. Hear about the ancient settlers as you tour the archaeological site alongside a local expert.
Day 4: Palermo – Cefalù – Agrigento
The small, yet lively town of Cefalù awaits your arrival this morning. Visit the Cathedral, a magnificent collaboration of Byzantine artwork, Norman architecture, & centuries of history. Venture into the Sicilian countryside for a cultural experience held at a family farm. Watch a demonstration on making Ricotta cheese. Enjoy a lunch of Sicilian specialties made with the farm’s own produce before heading to Agrigento for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Agrigento – Licata – Agrigento
Spend the day as a connoisseur of both artifacts & cuisine. See the temples of Jupiter, Juno, Hercules, & Concordia as you walk through the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, examine ancient relics from the site during a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum. The excitement continues as you visit an 18th century baglio & winery, owned & operated by a Sicilian Baron & his family. A sampling of the vineyard’s wines completes this unique experience.
Day 6: Agrigento – Siracusa
Relax on a scenic ride through the Erei Mountains as you head for Siracusa, situated along Sicily’s Ionian Coast. Encounter history & culture as you tour the city flourishing with the legacy of its founding settlers, the ancient Greeks. Highlights include visits to several historical sites & a guided tour of The Neapolis Archaeological Park, site of a 6th century B.C. Greek theatre.
Day 7: Siracusa – Noto – Ragusa – Siracusa
This morning, discover the post-earthquake reconstructed city of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour with visits to the Baroque & Neo-classical styled Noto Cathedral, a partial replica of the original “Duomo” before its late 20th century collapse; the Monastery of Santissimo Salvatore & Noto Palaces. After lunch, depart for Ragusa. See original & re-constructed architecture as you visit landmark buildings & churches, while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Iblei Mountains from this hill-top city.
Day 8: Siracusa – Catania
Learn about the history of Mount Etna this morning, a highly active volcano, standing as the tallest in Europe. Afterward, explore the historical sites of the Mount’s neighboring town, Catania. Stroll through the local market & experience Sicilian culture at its finest as a spectator for the art of bartering for fresh produce & fish. Explore the city center at your leisure. If you fancy something sweet, try one of Catania’s specialty fares, such as the famous pastry Cannolo alla Ricotta.
Day 9: Catania – Taormina – Catania
Walk through the astonishing public gardens of Taormina as you view the beauties of horticulture, architecture, & the spectacular Ionian coastline. Your guided tour of Taormina also includes visits to the Greek Theatre, a preserved Greek-Roman architectural masterpiece, dating back to early 7th century B.C., & the Duomo of Taormina, a fortress like 13th century cathedral, known for its interior columns made of pink marble and fish-scale décor. This afternoon, take a shopping excursion or dine at a local sidewalk café. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Cyclops Coast as you travel back to Catania. The evening concludes with a farewell Sicilian dinner.
Day 10: Catania
After breakfast, travel by private transfer to Rome, where you’ll depart on your return flight home.