• Italy
Italy - Tuscany Vineyards

Overview

Experience the ultimate adventure on the island of Sicily. See history come to life as you journey through the ancient world, visiting famous landmarks, exploring archaeological sites & examining the relics of ancient civilizations. Be amazed by the island’s natural beauty, from the magnificent mountains & coastline to the exquisite public gardens & beaches. Enjoy the unique taste of culture as you savor local wines & traditional Sicilian cuisine. 

Highlights

  • Palace of the Normans- Built in the 9th century A.D. on ancient foundations. Serves as the present seat of Sicilian Parliament.
  • Segesta Archaeological Site- Features ruins of the ancient city Segesta, the 5th century B.C. Temple, & the restored ancient Theatre atop Mount Barbaro.
  • Sicilian Family Farm- Enjoy a demonstration on the making of Ricotta cheese.
  • Valley of the Temples- Visit the ancient temples of Jupiter, Juno, Hercules, & Concordia.
  • Baglio & Winery- Visit the 18th century home of a Sicilian Baron & sample wines from the family’s vineyard.
  • Noto- Explore the post-earthquake reconstructed city on foot. Visit palaces, the Noto Cathedral, & the Monastery of Santissimo Salvatore.

Itinerary

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.

Optional Add-Ons

Available upon request

Includes

  • International flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Meeting & assistance upon arrival
  • Meals per itinerary
  • Accommodations per itinerary
  • Sightseeing with licensed tour guides
  • Touring with air conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees per itinerary