Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

10 Views
9 Days From

$2775

$2705

Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

9 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy

Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Taormina, Catania

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2775 $2705 Barrhead discount: -$70

NB: Prices correct on 04-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sicily with the "Sicily in Depth - Classic Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the vibrant streets of Palermo to the historic city of Catania, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and culinary delights. Explore the stunning Palatine Chapel, delve into Palermo's anti-mafia movement, and savor the flavors of Marsala wine. Marvel at the ancient Greek architecture in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples and the intricate mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Discover the Baroque beauty of Ragusa and indulge in Modica's famous handmade chocolate. Experience the acoustics of Syracuse's Ear of Dionysius and the breathtaking views from Taormina's Greek theatre. With luxurious accommodations, insightful local experts, and delectable meals, this tour promises a deep dive into Sicily's heritage and natural beauty, all while supporting sustainable travel practices.

Highlights

  • Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel with its world-renowned mosaics.

  • Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement in Palermo, supporting sustainable development goals.

  • Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of Sicily's richest wines at a local winery.

  • Trapani: Discover the ancient traditions of salt extraction in a breathtaking natural landscape.

  • Agrigento: Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples.

  • Piazza Armerina: Explore the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site with intricate mosaics.

  • Modica: Experience the town's celebrated hand-made chocolate.

  • Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with views of Mount Etna.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrival In Palermo

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Palermo & The Golden Age Of The Normans

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover Palermo through Insight Choice. Opt for a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime in Palermo. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 3: Trapani And Marsala

Location: Trapani

Accommodation: Seawater, Marsala

Accommodation Name: Seawater, Marsala

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you’ll enjoy the town’s renowned wine amidst beautiful surroundings.

Day 4: Explore The Valley Of The Temples

Location: Agrigento

Accommodation: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento

Accommodation Name: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.

Day 5: Discover Villa Romana Del Casale And Ragusa

Location: Ragusa

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized since 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with our Local Expert. This town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who lent their name to Sicily. Admire the significant Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition.

Day 6: Modica

Location: Modica

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later discover Modica's artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.

Day 7: Ancient Syracuse

Location: Syracuse

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sightseeing with your Local Expert begins at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theatre, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming town of Giardini Naxos.

Day 8: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe

Location: Taormina

Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina

Accommodation Name: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theatre, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, featuring delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine and exquisite Italian wines.

Day 9: Depart Catania

Location: Catania

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way to the airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, and 1 additional dinner.

  • Local Expert Tours

    Enjoy guided tours with Local Experts in various locations such as Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, and Taormina.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    All hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping.

  • Taxes and Porterage

    All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags will be carried for you and delivered to your hotel door.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and at hotels where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your flights align with the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as the visit to Val di Noto and Mount Etna are not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    Transfers for flights outside the scheduled times or for additional nights not booked with Insight Vacations are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer, ensuring a safe and connected journey across Sicily.

Accommodation

Experience the comfort of staying at Seawater in Marsala, The Scala dei Turchi Resort in Agrigento, Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa, and RG Naxos Hotel in Taormina, offering a blend of luxury and local charm throughout your Sicilian journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the Palermo visit?

    In Palermo, you have the option to choose between a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert or engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Trapani and Marsala?

    In Trapani, you will discover the age-old tradition of salt production by visiting colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill. In Marsala, you will enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, savoring the town's renowned wines amidst beautiful surroundings.

  • What highlights are included in the visit to the Valley of the Temples?

    During the visit to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, you will explore exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture, including the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea.

  • What is special about the Villa Romana del Casale visit?

    The Villa Romana del Casale is a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the opulence of ancient Rome.

  • What can I experience in Modica?

    In Modica, you will discover the artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.

  • What are the main attractions in Syracuse?

    In Syracuse, you will visit the Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius with remarkable acoustics, and the impressive Greek theatre, one of the largest of the ancient world. You will also explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia.

  • What activities are available in Taormina?

    In Taormina, you can visit the ancient Greek theatre with a Local Expert, enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile, and conclude your day with a Farm-to-Table dinner featuring exquisite Italian wines.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

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

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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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.

  • 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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