The Sicilian

The Sicilian

2 Views
10 Days From

$2894

$2640

The Sicilian

10 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Taormina, Italy

Visiting: Arrive In Palermo, Italy, Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Mazara Del Vallo, Sciacca, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina Riviera, Taormina Riviera Excursion To Savoca

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

LP-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $2894 $2640 Barrhead discount: -$254

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, and Marsala wine,only sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily.

Highlights

  • Welcome dinner in Palermo

  • Guided sightseeing in Palermo, including the Church of Immacolata and the cathedral

  • Visit to the Norman Cathedral in Monreale

  • Visit to a salt mill and wine tasting in Marsala

  • Guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples in Agrigento

  • Guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina

  • Guided walking tour in Ragusa, including the Ibla district and St. George Cathedral

  • Visit to the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre in Syracuse

Places You'll See

Mercure Palermo Centro

Mahara Hotel & Wellness

Della Valle

Poggio Del Sole Resort

Mercure Siracusa Prometeo

Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Mahara Hotel & Wellness

Mercure Palermo Centro

Della Valle

Poggio Del Sole Resort

Mercure Siracusa Prometeo

Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Palermo,Italy

Location: Arrive In Palermo, Italy

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

PALERMO-PIAZZA.jpg

Day 2: Palermo

Location: Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast


PALERMO Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the Bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.

MONREAL-CATHEDRAL.jpg

Day 3: Palermo,Erice,Marsala,Mazara Del Vallo

Location: Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Mazara Del Vallo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


PALERMO–ERICE–MARSALA–MAZARA DEL VALLO Sweet & Salty Sicily ERICE Free time to browse.
MARSALA Visit a salt mill en route to Mazara del Vallo. Enjoy a wine tasting. (B,D)
99 mi / 160 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.


MARSALA-SALT-PANS.jpg

Day 4: Mazara Del Vallo,Sciacca,Agrigento

Location: Mazara Del Vallo, Sciacca, Agrigento

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


MAZARA DEL VALLO–SCIACCA–AGRIGENTO Timeless Temples MAZARA DEL VALLO Guided sightseeing includes the cathedral and a walk in the Old Town.
SCIACCA Photo stop at the panoramic viewpoint.
AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples. (B,D)
93 mi / 150 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.


AGRIGENTO.jpg

Day 5: Agrigento,Piazza Armerina,Ragusa

Location: Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–RAGUSA Ancient Artistry in Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. (B,D)
130 mi / 210 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.


PIAZZA-ARMERINA-VILLA-ROMANA-DEL-CASALE.jpg

Day 6: Ragusa

Location: Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast


RAGUSA Historic Streets & Sweets RAGUSA Guided walking tour includes the city’s oldest district, the Ibla, the 19th-century gardens of Giardini Iblei, and St. George Cathedral. Visit an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop. Free time. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Visit an authentic Carrettieri workshop and learn everything about this ancient art. The craftsmanship involved in creating these carts is highly esteemed, and the tradition has been passed down through generations. Sicilian cart painting is considered a unique form of folk art, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.


RAGUSA.jpg

Day 7: Ragusa,Noto,Syracuse

Location: Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse

Meals Included: Breakfast


RAGUSA–NOTO–SYRACUSE World Stages NOTO Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire San Nicolò Cathedral.
SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre. (B)
56 mi / 90 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.


NOTO.jpg

Day 8: Syracuse,Catania,Taormina Riviera

Location: Syracuse, Catania, Taormina Riviera

Meals Included: Breakfast


SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Coastal Treasures CATANIA Take an orientation walk with free time to browse in Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea. Take a scenic drive en route to Taormina Riviera with free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.


CATANIA.jpg

Day 9: Taormina Riviera Excursion To Savoca

Location: Taormina Riviera Excursion To Savoca

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


TAORMINA RIVIERA EXCURSION TO SAVOCA Frozen in Time SAVOCA Orientation walk followed by a [LF] Granita (semi-frozen drink), and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli.
TAORMINA RIVIERA Orientation walk and free time for lunch. Visit the Greek Theatre, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
43 mi / 70 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily’s take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.


SAVOCA.jpg

Day 10: Taormina Riviera

Location: Taormina Riviera

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania.
TAORMINA RIVIERA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania. (B)

TAORMINA-TOWN.jpg

What's Included

  • Welcome Dinner

    Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Palermo.

  • Guided Sightseeing in Palermo

    Guided sightseeing in Palermo includes the Church of Immacolata and the cathedral.

  • Visit to Norman Cathedral in Monreale

    Visit the Norman Cathedral in Monreale and enjoy a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro.

  • Salt Mill Visit and Wine Tasting in Marsala

    Visit a salt mill and enjoy a wine tasting in Marsala.

  • Guided Walking Tour at Valley of Temples

    Take a guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples in Agrigento.

  • Guided Visit to Villa Romana del Casale

    Take a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.

  • Guided Walking Tour in Ragusa

    Guided walking tour in Ragusa includes the Ibla district and St. George Cathedral.

  • Visit to Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre in Syracuse

    Visit the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre in Syracuse.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in various hotels including Mercure Palermo Centro, Mahara Hotel & Wellness, Della Valle, Poggio Del Sole Resort, Mercure Siracusa Prometeo, and Hellenia Yachting Hotel.

  • Meals

    Full buffet breakfast daily; and 5 dinners.

show more

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 6 three-course dinners

UNESCO Sites

Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto: City of Noto|Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto: Ragusa|Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica|Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina)

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.

Accommodation

Palermo:Mercure Palermo Centro
Mazara Del Vallo:Mahara Hotel & Wellness
Agrigento:Della Valle
Ragusa:Poggio Del Sole Resort
Syracuse:Mercure Siracusa Prometeo
Taormina Riviera:Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Mode of Transport

Travel between destinations in Sicily with guided tours, scenic drives, and orientation walks, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey from Palermo to Taormina Riviera.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the nearest airport for departure at the end of the tour?

    The nearest airport for departure at the end of the tour is Catania.

  • What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    The tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (City of Noto and Ragusa), Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.

  • Are there any special activities or local experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes special activities such as a visit to a salt mill and wine tasting in Marsala, a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale, and a granita and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli in Savoca.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided in various hotels including Mercure Palermo Centro, Mahara Hotel & Wellness, Della Valle, Poggio Del Sole Resort, Mercure Siracusa Prometeo, and Hellenia Yachting Hotel.

  • What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?

    Key historical sites include the Church of Immacolata and the cathedral in Palermo, the Norman Cathedral in Monreale, the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre in Syracuse, and the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.

  • Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?

    Yes, there is free time allocated in various locations such as Erice, Catania, and Taormina Riviera for personal exploration.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily, and 5 dinners.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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