Splendours of Sicily Tour

Centuries-old monasteries and Norman churches. Ancient Greek temples and bustling Italian markets. Sicily is a living museum, wrapped in superb scenery that ranges from sheer gorges and golden beaches to a remarkable volcano and this tour lets you see it all.

Day 1: London/ Birmingham to Palermo
You can either depart from London Heathrow (via Rome) or Birmingham (via Munich) to Palermo. On arrival in Palermo you will be transferred to the Palermo Grand Hotel Piazza Borza.

Day 2: Palermo and Corleone
Your tour will start in Sicily’s capital, Palermo, and you will dive straight into its warren of streets with a local guide. This morning is dedicated to the Norman Palace, a wonder of Palermo and the Palatine Chapel – with walls coated in glimmering paintings that will astound. Next you can visit Corleone to learn more about the area and later, you can enjoy a welcome dinner together. You will overnight at the Grand Hotel Piazza Borza in Palermo.

Day 3: Palermo, Erice, Trapani & Marsala
This morning, you bid farewell to Palermo and travel to the medieval town of Erice. You will witness the impressive views of the valley and ocean (if the weather is clear), then hunt down Sicily’s most famous almond cake shop, which calls Erice home. After, you will visit Trapani, where you will meet the owner of the ‘Museo del Sale’, or ‘Salt Flat Museum’ to discover the history and traditions of salt production. After, it’s time for a local wine tasting tour before staying overnight in the Baglio Oneto Resort in Marsala.

Day 4: Marsala and Agrigento 
After breakfast, you will leave Marsala and carry onwards to your next destination. Making a stop at the Kolymbetra Garden, you can wander through the ruins of the Valley of Temples and find peace in the tranquil surrounds of the lush plant life. After an enlightening day, you make your way back to Agrigento. You will stay at the Foresteria Baglio della Luna hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner with the company of your fellow travellers.

Day 5: Agrigento & Sant Angelo Muxaro
You start your day with a food tasting tour with a local guide through Sant’Angelo Muxaro. Sample your way through the morning with cheese, olive bread, peppers and a local treat – the sweet honey cake. To end the day, you will return to the Foresteria Baglio della Luna Hotel and will meet for another satisfying dinner.

Day 6: Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Modica & Ragusa 
Your first stop is Piazza Armerina, where you will visit the one-of-a-kind Villa Romana del Casale, containing one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Next, you will follow in the footsteps of Inspector Montalbano in one of the filming locations for the cult detective series in Modica. You will then travel onwards to Ragusa with the rest of the day free to wander the town at your own pace. You will overnight at the Antco Convento dei Cappuccini hotel.

Day 7: Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse and Catania
Today, you will visit Syracuse, which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece. Your local guide will lead you to the temples and sacred caves of the archaeological park. The best way to enjoy it is to happily get lost in its winding streets, which open out on baroque piazzas, bustling markets and beautiful sea views. Later, you will travel to Catania and share a farewell dinner. You will overnight at the Hotel Katane Palace.

Day 8: Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina and Catania
Now it’s time to take an up close look at Mount Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the surrounding landscape. After a lava-fuelled morning, you will stop at Taormina and enjoy a guided tour of some of the city’s greats including the 13th-century Cathedral of San Nicola and the splendid Greek Theatre. You will overnight in the Hotel Katane Palace.

Day 9: Catania & UK Destinations.
You will check out of the Katane Palace hotel and be transferred to Palermo Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Departure Dates
Various departures through the year, please ask for details.

Similar tours maybe available on different dates, please ask for details.