The Sicilian
The Sicilian
The Sicilian
10 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Taormina, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Catania, Taormina
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LP-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Sicilian" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Sicily, Italy. Begin your journey in Palermo with a welcome dinner, followed by guided sightseeing of the Church of Immacolata and the Norman Cathedral in Monreale. Explore the salt mills of Marsala, the ancient ruins of Agrigento, and the Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Wander through the historic streets of Ragusa, admire the baroque architecture of Noto, and visit the archaeological wonders of Syracuse. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive to Taormina Riviera, savoring local delicacies and breathtaking views along the way. Enjoy comfortable stays in first-class accommodations and indulge in daily breakfasts and select dinners, making this a truly unforgettable Sicilian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Palermo,Italy
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Mercure Palermo Centro or Central Palace Hotel Federico II
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Mercure Palermo Centro or Central Palace Hotel Federico II
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 HIGHLIGHTThe 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.
Day 3: Palermo,Erice,Marsala,Mazara Del Vallo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Mahara Hotel & Wellness
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 kmTOUR 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.
Day 4: Mazara Del Vallo,Sciacca,Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Della Valle
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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT 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.
Day 5: Agrigento,Piazza Armerina,Ragusa
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Poggio Del Sole Resort
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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & 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.
Day 6: Ragusa
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Poggio Del Sole Resort
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 HIGHLIGHTVisit 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.
Day 7: Ragusa,Noto,Syracuse
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Mercure Siracusa Prometeo
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 kmTOUR 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.
Day 8: Syracuse,Catania,Taormina Riviera
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
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 kmTOUR 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.
Day 9: Taormina Riviera Excursion To Savoca
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
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 kmLOCAL 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.
Day 10: Taormina Riviera
Location: Taormina
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Mercure Palermo Centro, Central Palace Hotel Federico II, Mahara Hotel & Wellness, Della Valle, Poggio Del Sole Resort, Mercure Siracusa Prometeo, and Hellenia Yachting Hotel.
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Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily and 5 dinners.
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Guided Tours
Guided sightseeing tours in Palermo, Monreale, Mazara Del Vallo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, and Savoca.
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Wine Tasting
Enjoy a wine tasting in Marsala.
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Granita Tasting
Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli in Savoca.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance to various historical and cultural sites including the Church of Immacolata, Monreale Cathedral, Valley of Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, Greek Theatre, and Roman Amphitheatre.
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Small Group Discoveries
Limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale, Archeological area of Agrigento, Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, and Villa Romana del Casale.
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Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily, 5 Dinners
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.
UNESCO Sites
Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale|Archeological area of Agrigento|Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto: City of Catania|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)
Accommodation
Palermo: Mercure Palermo Centro, Central Palace Hotel Federico II; 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
The tour includes scenic drives between destinations such as Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Mazara Del Vallo, Sciacca, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, Catania, and Taormina Riviera.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Mercure Palermo Centro and Central Palace Hotel Federico II in Palermo, Mahara Hotel & Wellness in Mazara Del Vallo, Della Valle in Agrigento, Poggio Del Sole Resort in Ragusa, Mercure Siracusa Prometeo in Syracuse, and Hellenia Yachting Hotel in Taormina Riviera.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily and 5 dinners.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale, the archaeological area of Agrigento, the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (including the cities of Catania, Noto, and Ragusa), Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.
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What kind of activities are included in Palermo?
In Palermo, the tour includes guided sightseeing of the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral, as well as a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral.
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What can I expect during the visit to Marsala?
In Marsala, you will visit a salt mill en route to Mazara del Vallo and enjoy a wine tasting.
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What will I see in Agrigento?
In Agrigento, the tour includes a guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples, where you can see the impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia.
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What is special about the visit to Piazza Armerina?
In Piazza Armerina, you will take a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale, which houses the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
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What unique experience is offered in Ragusa?
In Ragusa, the tour includes a guided walking tour of the city’s oldest district, the Ibla, the 19th-century gardens of Giardini Iblei, and St. George Cathedral. You will also visit an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop.
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What will I see in Syracuse?
In Syracuse, the tour includes a guided visit to the Archaeological Park, featuring the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre.
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What activities are planned in Taormina Riviera?
In Taormina Riviera, the tour includes an orientation walk and free time for lunch, a visit to the Greek Theatre, and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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What is the final destination of the tour and how does it end?
The tour ends in Taormina Riviera with breakfast in the morning. The nearest airport for departure is Catania.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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