The Splendours of Sicily
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Prepare to discover Sicily’s superb landscapes, intoxicating diversity and ancient wonders on this small-group program! Delight in centuries-old monasteries and Norman churches, ancient Greek temples and bustling local markets. Enjoy this unforgettable trip on this dazzling Mediterranean island!
Join one of our unique small group touring experiences (maximum 18 participants) that includes specially selected accommodations, transportation in purpose built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, sightseeing, special culinary experiences and a knowledgeable Tour Leader. Click here for all the EXCLUSIVE DIFFERENCES.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and abounds in natural beauty and ancient history. It is rich in culture, archaeological discoveries and is known for its outstanding gastronomy,
Begin your tour in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, renowned for being featured extensively in the movie “The Godfather”. Travel today to Corleone, a small town associated with the Italian Mafia. You will meet the son of a Corleone couple who will explain the origins and transformations of the Mafia. Return for overnight in Palermo.
The next morning, depart for the medieval village of Erice reached by cable car. Enjoy not only the old town but the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Erice dates back to the days of the original settlers in Sicily from as far back as the Iron Age. Then continue to medieval Trapani and visit a nature reserve situated in a wetland with over 170 species of birds including flamingos. Then it’s on to Marsala, home of the famous fortified wine. You will have the opportunity to enjoy samples. Finally today, spend overnight in the Valley of Temples Archaeological Park in Agrigento.
The next morning, you will explore the valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 8 temples dating back to 510 BC. Next travel to Piazza Amerina, a charming town with one of the largest surviving Roman dwellings, the Villa Romana del Casale. Eventually reach your hotel in Ragusa Ibia, a charming converted monastery where you will spend the next 2 nights.
The following day brings you to Modica, known as the capital of baroque Sicilian art. Enjoy a walk around the old town with its splendid cathedral. Continue to quaint Scicili used often as a movie site. Return to Ragusa Ibia where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
The ancient city of Syracuse is next. Situated on the sea, it contains many archaeological treasures dating back to the Ancient Greek occupation. Nearby is the island of Ortiga also rich in archaeological sites including the 6th Century BC Temple of Apollo. Continue to Taormina, a pretty hill town perched on top of high cliffs where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Today you will enjoy a visit to the dramatic Mount Etna, the slumbering active volcano. Later spend the afternoon at leisure in Taormina.
On your final day in Sicily, you will visit Savoca, a village which was featured in many scenes in “the Godfather”. Return to Taormina where your tour comes to an end.
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Palermo Airport to Palermo Hotels
| Duration | 45 Minutes |
|---|
Hotel Principe di Villafranca
The Principe di Villafranca is an elegant 4-star boutique hotel. With only 32 unique rooms, the hotel resembles a historic house, featuring living areas on the ground floor, bright natural light and contemporary art and furnishings throughout. It is located on a quiet street, steps away from the main boulevard, via della Liberta where you can find fashion and furniture design stores mixed with bookshops and many shops offering products from the local food and wine industry. The hotel offers complimentary Wifi, breakfast room, lounge bar, fireplace room, fitness room and a curated art collection for the promotion of contemporary art.
| Meal Plan | Buffet Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Principe di Villafranca |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Principe di Villafranca
The Principe di Villafranca is an elegant 4-star boutique hotel. With only 32 unique rooms, the hotel resembles a historic house, featuring living areas on the ground floor, bright natural light and contemporary art and furnishings throughout. It is located on a quiet street, steps …
The Principe di Villafranca is an elegant 4-star boutique hotel. With only 32 unique rooms, the hotel resembles a historic house, featuring living areas on the ground floor, bright natural light and contemporary art and furnishings throughout. It is located on a quiet street, steps away from the main boulevard, via della Liberta where you can find fashion and furniture design stores mixed with bookshops and many shops offering products from the local food and wine industry. The hotel offers complimentary Wifi, breakfast room, lounge bar, fireplace room, fitness room and a curated art collection for the promotion of contemporary art.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Air Conditioning
- Babysitting Service
- Doctor on Call
- Fitness Centre
- Housekeeping Service
- Internet Corner
- Laundry and Ironing
- Library
- Lobby
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Parking (Valet)
- Restaurant
- Wake up calls
- WiFi
Photo gallery
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Palermo - Monreale - Selinunte
Today, we'll meet in Sicily's capital, Palermo, and dive straight into its streets for a Mafia-themed tour.
Then, it's onwards to Monreale. We'll pay a visit to the impressive cathedral before moving on to our idyllic farm stay in Selinunte - where a welcome dinner awaits us.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Agriturismo Case di Latomie |
| Location | View map |
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Agriturismo Case di Latomie
Agriturismo Case di Latomie is immersed in centuries-old olive trees and citrus groves, bears the name of the ancient quarry which supplied the stone, to build the Greek colony of Selinunte. The Centonze family welcomes you inside their own estate, where you can have a …
Agriturismo Case di Latomie is immersed in centuries-old olive trees and citrus groves, bears the name of the ancient quarry which supplied the stone, to build the Greek colony of Selinunte. The Centonze family welcomes you inside their own estate, where you can have a unique experience, surrounded by nature and in the Sicilian tradition.
The property is located only 7 km from the sea and the Selinunte Archaeological Park, and covers about 40 hectares of land planted with olive trees and citrus groves. The millennial 'Latomie', which are located inside the estate, will frame your walks and make you feel as suspended in time between nature, history and culture.Facilities
- Events and Banquets Facilities
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor Pool
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Wellness Center
Photo gallery
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Selinunte - Mazara Del Vallo - Sciacca - Favara
This morning, we're in for a culinary treat. Prepare to sample some of the farm's tasty olives, award-winning olive oil, fresh breads and more!
Then, en route to Favara, we'll stop by the historic fishing port of Sciacca. Back in the times of Ancient Greece, its natural thermal springs were a great attraction - and we'll have plenty of time to explore them before we move on to our hotel.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Alba Palace Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Alba Palace Hotel
Located next to the cloisters of Florence's Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Alba Palace Hotel is an elegantly renovated property with a peaceful courtyard. It offers air-conditioned rooms with Playstation2 and DVD players. Rooms at the Alba are decorated in a traditional style with renaissance prints …
Located next to the cloisters of Florence's Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Alba Palace Hotel is an elegantly renovated property with a peaceful courtyard. It offers air-conditioned rooms with Playstation2 and DVD players.
Rooms at the Alba are decorated in a traditional style with renaissance prints on the walls. Each has a minibar, satellite TV and CD player. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.Facilities
- Concierge
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Service
- Lobby Bar
- Restaurant
Photo gallery
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Favara - Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Ragusa
After breakfast we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples - where a local guide will reveal the history of the archaeological site.
En route to Ragusa, we'll make a stop at Villa Romana del Casale, which contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Antico Convento |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Antico Convento
The Antico Convento Dei Cappuccini is located in Ragusa Ibla. This former convent is set within the Giardino Ibleo garden. A continental-style breakfast is served daily at Convento Dei Cappuccini. The Cenobio Restaurant specialises in local cuisine. Ragusa's Saint George cathedral is 450 metres from …
The Antico Convento Dei Cappuccini is located in Ragusa Ibla. This former convent is set within the Giardino Ibleo garden. A continental-style breakfast is served daily at Convento Dei Cappuccini. The Cenobio Restaurant specialises in local cuisine. Ragusa's Saint George cathedral is 450 metres from the property.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Bar
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Restaurant
- Room Service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Ragusa - Modica - Ragusa
We'll start our day in indulgent style with a chocolate tasting session in Modica. And then? The gastronomic theme will continue as we come together for a ricotta tasting session and included lunch in Sant'Angelo Muxaro. Appetites satisfied, we'll return to Ragusa - where we'll have the rest of the day to wander the town at our leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Ragusa - Noto - Syracuse
On today's agenda: A visit to the city of Noto, where we'll learn more about almond cultivation with a local expert. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we'll press on to lovely Syracuse - where we'll take some time to orient ourselves on a walking tour.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel
Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel stands on the ancient "Mastra Rua", a street that from the 14th century was where the most important noblemen of the city had their residences. The refined historic building that houses the hotel is the result of the fusion of two …
Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel stands on the ancient "Mastra Rua", a street that from the 14th century was where the most important noblemen of the city had their residences. The refined historic building that houses the hotel is the result of the fusion of two buildings and a recent restoration has preserved the original structure, creating an intriguing distribution of the rooms that is fascinating.
The restoration was overseen by the architect Manuel Giliberti who retrieved all the original elements in stone, like arches and carved keystones. Where necessary they were completed with new parts made using the same techniques and materials used for millennia; those local lime-stones that had such an influence on the development of the baroque style in this area.Facilities
- Concierge
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Service
- Restaurant
- Room Service
Photo gallery
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Syracuse
Seaside Syracuse - which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece - is yours for the taking today. We recommend taking some time to wander the temples and sacred caves before losing yourself in the city's winding streets - which open out on baroque piazzas, bustling markets and beautiful sea views.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Syracuse - Mount Etna - Carruba
Today, we head towards Mt. Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the surrounding landscape, with the option to take a closer look at its smouldering craters. Then: we'll move on to a local farm for lunch (complete with wine tasting) before journeying onwards to Carruba, where we'll spend the next two nights.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Donna Carmela Boutique Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Donna Carmela Boutique Hotel
Donna Carmela is a romantic, eco-friendly structure situated between Etna and Ionian Sea. The late 19th century boutique resort is surrounded by 10,000 square meters of mediterranean and subtropical plants including more than 5,000 varieties of bushes and flowers of Piante Faro company. All of …
Donna Carmela is a romantic, eco-friendly structure situated between Etna and Ionian Sea. The late 19th century boutique resort is surrounded by 10,000 square meters of mediterranean and subtropical plants including more than 5,000 varieties of bushes and flowers of Piante Faro company. All of those plants are spreading typical Sicilian scent in every part of the resort , and thus gifts this location enchanting landscapes and a unique charm which makes you relax.
This hotel is one of the 51 Italian structures, which are included in the LesCollectionneurs guide, that lists the best fascinating hotels and gourmet restaurants.Facilities
- Bar
- Concierge
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Service
- Meeting and Event Facilities
- Outdoor Pool
- Restaurant
- Wedding venue
Photo gallery
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Carruba - Taormina - Carruba
We'll make a pit stop in the town of Savoca (where The Godfather was famously filmed) before moving on to Taormina for a walking tour.
After a day spent exploring, tonight's farewell dinner will be well-deserved
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|
Carruba - Catania
Today, our tour will end in Catania - but not before a walking tour of the ancient port city. With an included visit to a local market, you can stock up on foodie souvenirs to take home (including favourites such as olives, biscotti, cheese and wine). We'll even pass by Catania's oldest cannolo shop, where we'll have the chance to fill our own cannoli with ricotta cheese. What a way to round off the trip!
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Romano House
Romano House is the new luxury residence by the Romano Collection brand. This luxury 4 star Catania hotel, in the heart of this wonderful, baroque city, is a harmonious cross between historical 17th century architecture and the most contemporary and exclusive design.
50 rooms and luxury suites with prized furnishings and an international style, including skilfully restored frescoes, candid stuccoes and baroque friezes, matched with Philippe Starck furnishings and the most modern technologies: full HD plasma screens, motorised shading curtains which can be comfortably controlled from the bed, warm and all-encompassing led lighting, fast and secure wireless internet connection, a notebook available for clients and much more. Every last detail of the rooms at this luxury hotel in Catania, Romano House, has been studied and selected with the intention of ensuring the well-being of guests.
| Meal Plan | Buffet Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Romano House |
| Location | View map |
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Romano House
Romano House is the new luxury residence by the Romano Collection brand. This luxury 4 star Catania hotel, in the heart of this wonderful, baroque city, is a harmonious cross between historical 17th century architecture and the most contemporary and exclusive design. 50 rooms and …
Romano House is the new luxury residence by the Romano Collection brand. This luxury 4 star Catania hotel, in the heart of this wonderful, baroque city, is a harmonious cross between historical 17th century architecture and the most contemporary and exclusive design.
50 rooms and luxury suites with prized furnishings and an international style, including skilfully restored frescoes, candid stuccoes and baroque friezes, matched with Philippe Starck furnishings and the most modern technologies: full HD plasma screens, motorised shading curtains which can be comfortably controlled from the bed, warm and all-encompassing led lighting, fast and secure wireless internet connection, a notebook available for clients and much more. Every last detail of the rooms at this luxury hotel in Catania, Romano House, has been studied and selected with the intention of ensuring the well-being of guests.Facilities
- Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Meeting Rooms
- Parking
- Restaurant
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Catania Hotels to Catania Airport
| Duration | 30 Minutes |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: Apr 16, 30; Jul 3
Updated 2023 itinerary: On Day 8 & 9, the overnight will be in Etna Region, not Caruba - enquire within for details on updated program and itinerary.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 9 nights first-class accomodation
- Transportation in Premium mini-coach with Tour Leader and driver
- Guided visits and orientation of Palermo, Monreale, Favara, Agrigento, Noto, Syracuse, Catania
- Entrances including Valley of the Temples, Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale, Greek Theatre in Taormina
- Tastings including chocolate tasting in Modica, cheese-making lesson, wine tasting in local winery in Etna region
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 3 lunches, 1 dinner
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers
OTHER INFORMATION:
Mobility:
The tour involves walking and requires guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
8 Oct 2022
