Best of Sicily Escorted Tour

After breakfast, depart for Cefalù, a picturesque fishing village on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll through the historic center, visit the impressive Norman Cathedral adorned with beautiful mosaics, and see the medieval wash-house carved into the rock. Continue to Castelbuono, a medieval town nestled on the slopes of the Madonie Mountains. After a brief visit of the village, enjoy a sweet tasting in a renowned pastry shop, sampling local specialties such as panettone and the traditional Rosolio liqueur. Then savor a hearty lunch in a local farmhouse featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine. In the afternoon, travel on to Catania, a baroque city characterized by its streets and buildings of black lava stone from Mount Etna. Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest at your hotel in Catania.

Enjoy a breakfast buffet before heading to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Weather permitting, you’ll ascend to around 2,000 meters, where you can admire an extraordinary landscape of ancient craters and sweeping views over the Ionian Sea. Have lunch at a local restaurant on Etna’s slopes, then continue to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most famous resort towns. You’ll have free time to wander along Corso Umberto, lined with boutiques selling handmade lace, ceramics, coral jewelry, and local delicacies, or simply relax with a refreshing granita in a café while taking in the views of Mount Etna and the sea. If you wish, you can also visit the renowned Greek‑Roman Theater (optional, not included). At the end of the day, return to Catania for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Siracusa, a city rich in Greek and Roman history. Visit the archaeological park, where you’ll see the impressive Greek Amphitheater, the evocative Ear of Dionysus, Minerva’s Temple, and the Roman Theater. The tour continues to Ortigia Island, the baroque heart of Siracusa, where you’ll admire the Cathedral and the legendary Fountain of Aretusa. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Ortigia, then travel on to Modica for a panoramic tour of this beautiful baroque town. The day concludes in Ragusa, a city built in two levels: the “new” upper town and Ragusa Ibla below, a jewel of Sicilian baroque architecture. Before heading to your hotel, enjoy a tasting of typical Sicilian products while overlooking Ragusa Ibla’s main square and majestic Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Ragusa.

Enjoy a breakfast buffet, then depart for Selinunte, where you’ll visit one of the largest archaeological parks in the Mediterranean. Explore the ancient Acropolis and impressive Greek temples set against a coastal backdrop. Continue to a typical farmhouse near Castelvetrano for lunch, where you’ll taste locally produced olive oil, the famous black bread of Castelvetrano, and regional olives and specialties. In the afternoon, head to Erice, an enchanting medieval village perched on Mount Erice, known for its Phoenician and Norman ruins and breathtaking views over the city of Trapani, the salt works, and the Egadi Islands (optional activities in the afternoon not included). The day ends in Palermo, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Palermo, Sicily’s capital, rich in art, architecture, and vibrant street life. See highlights such as the Palatine Chapel with its dazzling mosaics, the Cathedral, the grand Opera House, and Praetorian Square. Then continue to Monreale to visit its magnificent Cathedral, famous for its 12th‑century gold mosaics, and the peaceful Benedictine cloister. Return to your hotel for lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore Palermo in greater depth, perhaps visiting one of its historic markets or relaxing on the beach at Mondello. If you wish, you can join an optional excursion to Monte Pellegrino, the Catacombs, and Capo Market (optional, not included). In the evening, share a final group dinner and spend the night at your hotel in Palermo.