Description

Day 1 – Arrival in Palermo (D)

Arrive in Palermo in the afternoon.

Upon arrival, meet your driver for transfer to your hotel, where you will stay for four nights.

After time to refresh, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 – Palermo (B)

Explore Palermo, Sicily’s capital, shaped by centuries of conquest—from Phoenicians and Romans to Arabs, Normans, and Spanish Bourbons. This layered history is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and culture.

Highlights include the Norman Palace and its magnificent Cappella Palatina, the historic centre with Quattro Canti, the Pretoria Fountain, and La Martorana church.

Visit the vibrant Vucciria market, a legacy of Arab influence, where traditional Sicilian street life thrives.

Day 3 – Monreale & Palermo (B)

Travel to the hilltop town of Monreale to visit its extraordinary 12th-century cathedral and Benedictine cloisters. The cathedral’s vast golden mosaics—among the finest in Europe—are a highlight of Sicilian Norman art.

After lunch, return to Palermo to visit the Regional Gallery at Palazzo Abatellis, home to an outstanding collection of medieval Sicilian art.

Day 4 – Erice & Marsala (B)

Visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice, overlooking Trapani and its salt flats. Wander its cobbled streets, explore its historic churches, and sample renowned local pastries.

Continue to Marsala for a visit to a local winery and tasting of regional wines.

Day 5 – Palermo to Agrigento via Segesta (B)

Depart for Agrigento, stopping en route at Segesta to admire its remarkably preserved Doric temple set amid rolling countryside. Time permitting, enjoy a picnic lunch in this scenic setting.

Continue to the striking white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi before arriving in Agrigento, overlooking the Valley of the Temples.

Day 6 – Agrigento: Valley of the Temples (B)

Visit the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, featuring a series of well-preserved Doric temples.

Continue to the Archaeological Museum, housing important artefacts including the monumental Telamone figures and classical sculptures. Time permitting, explore the modern town and visit Santa Maria dei Greci.

Day 7 – Agrigento to Ragusa via Piazza Armerina (B)

Travel inland to Piazza Armerina to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, famed for its exceptional Roman mosaics, including the well-known “bikini girls.”

Continue to Ragusa, a picturesque Baroque town, for a two-night stay in a boutique hotel set within a historic setting.

Day 8 – Ragusa (B)

Explore Ragusa, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and divided into two distinct areas: Ragusa Ibla (the historic lower town) and Ragusa Superiore (the newer upper town).

Stroll through Ibla’s atmospheric streets, visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, and enjoy panoramic views from the upper town before descending through the old quarter.

Day 9 – Ragusa to Siracusa via Noto (B)

Drive to Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque urban design, known for its grand facades and ornate balconies.

Continue to Siracusa to explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, including the Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius. Visit the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum before arriving on Ortigia Island, the historic heart of Siracusa.

Day 10 – Siracusa & Ortigia (B)

Discover Ortigia, a compact island rich in history. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo, Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral built on an ancient temple site, and the Fountain of Arethusa.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore further, visit local markets or catacombs, or relax by the sea.

Day 11 – Siracusa to Taormina via Catania & Mount Etna (B)

Travel along the coast to Catania, then continue to Mount Etna. Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes before lunch on its slopes.

Proceed to Taormina for a three-night stay.

In the evening, enjoy the traditional passeggiata.

Day 12 – Taormina (B/L)

Visit the renowned Greco-Roman theatre, set against spectacular views of Mount Etna and the coastline.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Corso Umberto, visit the Villa Comunale Gardens, or relax in one of the town’s elegant piazzas.

Day 13 – Taormina (B/D)

A full day at leisure to enjoy Taormina at your own pace—relax on the beach, explore local museums, or join an optional excursion to Mount Etna.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Day 14 – Taormina – Catania Departure (B)

Early breakfast and check-out.

Transfer to Catania airport for your return flight home.