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Visit charming Sicily

Treasures of Sicily

Italy Small Group Tour - Example 9 Day Tour
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Explore the Treasures of Sicily on this 9-day small group tour from Viagrande to Taormina, a collection of extraordinary wonders found on the beautiful Italian island of Sicily. Sicily is home to well-preserved Greek temples showcasing the island's ancient past. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the best-preserved Greek ruins. Explore the picturesque town of Taormina, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea and known for its stunning views and ancient Greek theater. See Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, the charming coastal town of Cefalu, and the impressive Norman-style church adorned with intricate mosaics. These are just a few of the many treasures Sicily has to offer, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Explore ruins in Taormina within view of volcanic Mount EtnaRelax in beautiful SicilyVisit charming small towns in coastal ItalySunset over PalermoRuins from an ancient Greek city on the island of SicilyCoast of Ortigia island at city of SyracuseGreek theater in Sicily, TaorminaAn abandoned theatre in Taormina, Sicily Explore ruins in SicilyVisit charming Sicily
Highlights
  • Discover the island of Sicily, blending modernity with cultural heritage
  • Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Stroll in the picturesque town of Taormina and its ancient Greek theater
  • See Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes
  • Admire the charming coastal town of Cefalu and the Norman-style Church
  • Explore the Neapolis Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Experience the idyllic landscape on foot in the Zingaro Nature Reserve
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Viagrande

Welcome to Viagrande, a traditional Catanian village with a privileged view of Mount Etna. It provides breathtaking views of Mount Etna from its lofty location above the sea. The current old town center was founded in 1408, but Viagrande's first settlement was founded under Greek domination. The ancient Roman road that led to Messina gives it its name, Viagrande, which means big road. The region and the crops, which include citrus groves, vineyards, and olive groves like the rest of Sicily and the Mediterranean, are significant.

Depending on the time of arrival of the group, there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel either this evening or tomorrow morning; it's a great chance to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Overnight in Viagrande.

Day 2: Walk Mount Etna | Wine Tasting

After breakfast, enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Hike past several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panorama of the volcanic landscape and old craters (one to two hours of walking, 3.1 mi/5 km). You are strongly advised to take a waterproof or windproof jacket, a warm top, and long trousers. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in one of the most celebrated cellars in the area. Transfer back to Viagrande.

Day 3: Explore Syracuse | Noto

This morning, you will travel to Syracuse (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), the most powerful city-state in the ancient Greek world and briefly the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Here you visit the superb Neapolis Archeological Park, home to a spectacular Greek theater and well-preserved Roman amphitheater, accompanied by a local guide. In the afternoon, you will travel to your next destination, the Unesco World Heritage Site of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), a beautiful town built in the Sicilian baroque style using honey-colored stone.

Day 4: Ragusa Ibla | Valley of Temples

After breakfast, you will travel to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approximately 90 minutes), a maze of winding streets with remarkable baroque churches, and continue to Agrigento (2 hours, 30 minutes). In Agrigento, enjoy a guided visit to the Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno; the Temple of Concorde, one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the ancient Greek world; the Temple of Hercules; and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. You will stay overnight in Agrigento.

Day 5: Ruins of Selinunte | Explore Erice

Your day starts with a 90-minute transfer to Selinunte to explore one of the most important archeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. Then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (90 minutes) and stop en route for a view of the Mozia salt flats, which are dotted with characteristic windmills (time permitting). Once in Erice, you have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best almond biscuits on the island. You will stay overnight near San Vito Lo Capo.

Day 6: Zingaro Nature Reserve | Palermo

After breakfast, head to the coast to explore the idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4.3 miles (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east and San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails, with the opportunity for a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon, travel to Palermo (approximately two hours), where you can enjoy time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic center and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars. You will stay overnight in Palermo.

Day 7: Walk Palermo | Monreale Cathedral

After a short transfer to Monreale (approximately one hour), visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. Then head to Palermo, approximately an hour's drive away, where the local guide will show you the most important sites in this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the cathedral, and Marina Square. In the afternoon, you have free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at your own pace. You will stay overnight in Palermo.

Day 8: Cefalu | Taormina

This morning, drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), where you will visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics and the lovely historic center with its winding medieval streets. Your tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes of driving). You have time to visit its Greek theater and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. You will stay overnight in Taormina.
 

Day 9: Taormina | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast of this Sicilian adventure, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many wonders of this Italian island. Once you’re full, it’s time to start your return journey home.
 

Accommodations

Grand Hotel Villa Itria

Hotel Flora - Noto

Hotel Reception area
Hotel Balcony
Hotel Dining Area

Hotel della Valle - Agrigento

Agriturismo Baglio Fontana

Hotel Interior
Agriturismo Baglio Fontana
Hotel Exterior

B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti

Hotel Interior
Hotel Interior

Hotel Villa Esperia

Hotel Villa Esperia
Hotel Villa Esperia
Hotel Outdoor Pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,700 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 7 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days
  • English speaking guides
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Local taxes (approximately €10 - €15 per person)
  • Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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