Sicily in Depth - Small Group
Sicily in Depth - Small Group
$3625
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sicily with the "Sicily in Depth - Small Group" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the historic streets of Palermo to the breathtaking landscapes of Taormina. Explore the ancient Greek theatre in Syracuse, marvel at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and discover the intricate mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Delight in the unique flavors of Modica's handmade chocolate and savor a wine tasting in Marsala. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach, and enjoy stays in charming accommodations that blend modern amenities with authentic Sicilian charm. With guided tours led by local experts, this tour offers an immersive experience into Sicily's rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you're wandering through Baroque towns or enjoying a farm-to-table dinner, this tour promises a captivating exploration of Italy's largest island. ...more ...less
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.
- Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.
Top Rated Highlights
- Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.
- Agrigento: Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, such as the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
- Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
- Ragusa: During your walking tour with your Local Expert see the famous Baroque buildings and churches.
- Modica: Experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
- Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Taormina: Visit Taormina with a Local Expert and enjoy free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
Make Travel Matter
Trapani: Discover how the ancient traditions of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 & 12 - Sustainable Cities and Communities & Responsible Consumption and Production
Authentic Dining
Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savour the flavours of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Giardini Naxos: Your celebration dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Insight Choice
Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.
Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Casena dei Colli, Palermo
Meals Included: Dinner
Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Casena dei Colli, Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. 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, Marsala
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 colourful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savour the flavours of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town's renowned wine in 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: Dinner
Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognised 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 travellers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.
Day 5: Discover Villa Romana del Casale and Ragusa
Location: Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa
Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: Dinner
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 your 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. In the evening, savour the rich flavours of locally sourced ingredients with a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Day 6: Modica Relaxed Start
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, explore the town of Modica, rebuilt after the 17th-century earthquake, and discover its artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.
Day 7: Ancient Syracuse
Location: Syracuse, Giardini Naxos
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert 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. Alternatively, 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: Mount Etna, Taormina
Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: Dinner
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. Celebrate your time in Sicily with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savouring Sicilian cuisine with exquisite Italian wines.
Day 9: Depart Catania
Location: Catania
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Sicily tour has now come to an end. Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way to the airport.
What's Included
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Local Expert Tours
Guided tours with local experts in Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, and Taormina are included.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Taxes and Porterage
All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling and delivery to your hotel door are included.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination are included.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Wine Tasting
Wine tasting at a local winery in Marsala is included.
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Farm-to-Table Dinner
Farm-to-Table dinner reflecting Sicily's culinary heritage in Taormina is included.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Val di Noto tour and the Mount Etna tour are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey across Sicily's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at NH Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, The Scala dei Turchi Resort in Agrigento, Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa, and Delta by Marriott Giardini in Taormina, offering a blend of modern amenities and authentic Sicilian charm.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Travel Director
- "A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
- "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
- "One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey across Sicily's stunning landscapes.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Farm-to-Table dinner in Taormina, reflecting Sicily's culinary heritage, and a wine tasting at a local winery in Marsala.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will experience comfort and luxury at various hotels including NH Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, The Scala dei Turchi Resort in Agrigento, Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa, and Delta by Marriott Giardini in Taormina, all offering a blend of modern amenities and authentic Sicilian charm. ...more ...less
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and at hotels where available.
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What is included in the tour regarding expert guidance?
The tour includes guided tours with local experts in Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, and Taormina.
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Are there any optional experiences not included in the tour?
Yes, optional experiences such as the Val di Noto tour and the Mount Etna tour are not included in the tour package.
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What measures are in place for well-being during the tour?
The luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards. Physical distancing measures are implemented, and hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Friday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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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
Sicily in Depth - Small Group
9 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, Taormina, Catania ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
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