From Europe’s largest active volcano to golden sandy beaches and historic ancient Greek ruins, we’ll help you navigate the top sights and attractions of this wonderful island on our Treasures of Sicily Escorted Tour. Spend eight days taking in pretty villages perched on mountains, bustling markets full of local delicacies, traditional vineyards and excellent Baroque architecture. Try Sicilian street food, fresh olives, Etna wine and lots more as you chat to locals and take in the stunning landscapes.
Please be advised that our escorted tours are dependent on minimum numbers. The minimum numbers on all tours is 6. Please speak to our Italy experts for more information.
Due to the amount of walking and steps involved with this tour, it is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.
2024 Tour departures
Arrive at Catania Airport. A driver will be waiting to take you to your first hotel, Airone City Hotel (or 4* Nettuno) in Catania, where you will stay for one night. Enjoy a welcome drink and the famous Italian hospitality of the staff at the hotel. Later, a delicious traditional Italian dinner will be served.
Accommodation: Airone City Hotel
Meals included:
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before meeting your local English speaking guide. Set off by car to Piazza Armerina which is located in the heart of Sicily and visit the Roman Villa. Thereafter visit Cefalù and its Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Norman times and offers beautiful architecture along with ornate interiors. The Arabian bathhouse is next on your list. Wander through the dark, monastic style interiors and pretty courtyard, before you return to your hotel for dinner.
Accommodation: Baia del Capitano
Meals included:
Start the day with a visit to one of Palermo’s biggest markets, the Capo Market. Your English speaking guide will take you through the bustling lanes and vibrant stalls as you watch the locals haggle for fresh Sicilian produce and succulent street food. Taste some of the delicious varieties of street food, with rich flavours and influences from Arabic, Mediterranean and traditional Italian cuisine.
Spend the rest of the day wandering through the pretty streets and taking in the tangle of houses, juxtaposed by the peaceful courtyards, churches and gardens your guide will lead you through. Some of the top highlights include the ornate Palatine Chapel, the impressive Cathedral with its blend of European and Moorish architecture and the majestic Martorana church. Your last stop is the Cathedral of Monreale, where you can take in the intricate patterns of the mosaics and breath taking views. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Baia del Capitano
Meals included:
Spend the morning on a tour of some of Agrigento’s most historic attractions. Visit the Valley of the Temples, which is located on a platform and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Wander through seven partially preserved temples and take in their size, beauty and history which dates back to Greek mythology. The temples are dedicated to Zeus, Hercules, Pollax and more, giving you a fascinating insight into the area’s history and the myths of ancient Greece.
Before driving back to your hotel there will be an amazing photo stop at the Scala dei Turchi. Finish the day with dinner at your hotel in Cefalu.
Accommodation: Baia del Capitano
Meals included:
Today you will leave Cefalù and proceed towards Taormina. Before arriving in Taormina you will stop at the breathtaking Sanctuary of Tindari.
Spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful streets of Taormina and take in the beautiful architecture and luscious gardens. Take in views down the mountain to the sparkling waters of the sea, visit the Roman-Greek Theatre, and the tranquil Piazza 9th of April, which is located in the heart of the old town. Those wanting to pick up souvenirs, gifts and other items will enjoy Corso Umberto, which is the main shopping street and stretches for a mile. On the way back to your hotel, stop off in a traditional winery and try unique Etna wine which is flavoured by the volcanic landscape. Alongside, your friendly hosts will serve Sicilian cheese, white and black olives, Sicilian flavor patés and dried Sicilian tomatoes. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Villa Diodoro
Meals included:
Spend the morning exploring the majestic Mount Etna, which is the highest active volcano in Europe. The bus will take you to 1,900 metres on the south side, and your guide will take you to see lava streams and huge craters. From Autumn to Spring, the mountain is covered with snow and offers breath taking views of the surrounding countryside. Take in the luscious surroundings caused by the humidity and fertile earth from the volcanic activity, and maybe even spot smoke coming from the top of the volcano. Depending on the weather, you can also choose to explore further, for a supplement (approx. €60 per person), and visit the main crater by cable car and jeep.
On your way back to Taormina you will stop at a famous winery for some wine tasting on the Etna slopes.
Accommodation: Villa Diodoro
Meals included:
Spend the morning in Syracuse, which was the most important city on the island during the Greek rule. Take in the well preserved buildings and ruins as you visit Ortigia, which is located on a small island stretching into the Mediterranean. Enjoy some free time on the island before visiting the majestic Cathedral with your local guide. The picturesque Arethusa Fountain is a must see.
In the afternoon you will visit the archaeological area, where you can take in the history of the ancient Greek Theatre and the former stone quarries which are surrounded by luscious gardens.
Accommodation: Villa Diodoro
Meals included:
Enjoy a continental breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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