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Map of Premium Sicily including Italy

Make your way to the Mediterranean to discover Sicily’s natural, cultural and historical treasures

Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of this intriguing island, placed perfectly in the heart of the Mediterranean. Join a local leader on a fully immersive, 10-day journey. With a sprinkling of Arab, Norman, Greek and Roman touches, this region is a hive of history and culture. Expect incredible mosaics, towering palaces, crumbling ruins and marble-lined laneways to explore in the cities. Then, head out of the main hubs to discover the incredible Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. It's time to bring to light Sicily’s scenic, culinary and historical wonders on this Premium adventure.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Palermo, Italy
Finish
Catania, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPL
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Discover Palermo’s most symbolic places of rebellion and meet the local people who are taking a stance against the Mafia on an Anti-Mafia Movement tour

  • Get a taste for Sicily’s finest cuisines with a traditional cooking class in Palermo, a genovesi tasting in Erice and mouth-watering cheese and chocolate tastings (yes, please) on your way to Siracusa

  • Uncover some of Sicily’s most magnificent ancient monuments and ruins on a guided tour through the Valley of the Temples as well as the incredible Siracusa Archaeological Park

  • Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you drive up the northern flank of the volcano and embark on a walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove (Bull Valley)

  • Spend 2 unforgettable nights in the Sicilian countryside at your Feature Stay accommodation, Baglio della Luna Foresteria, a countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Traveller exploring the Valley of Temples located in Sicily, Italy
View of houses on mountains cape of Erice, Italy
Group cooking class in Palermo, Italy
Traveller hiking path towards Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy
View of the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Siracusa, Italy

Itinerary
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Welcome to Sicily, we’re kicking things off in the region's capital – Palermo. Upon arrival, a complimentary airport transfer will take you into the city. This evening we have our first dinner together and a welcome meeting with your local guide and fellow travellers. But until then, the city is yours to explore. If you have time, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo, and gaze upon some of the main monuments such as the uniquely styled cathedral. Or maybe you’ll choose to café-hop and try the best of Sicily’s sweets. Whatever your fancy, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Palermo.
Accommodation
  • Ai Cavalieri Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Palermo - Welcome Meeting
  • Palermo - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Sicily's unique cuisine sees Spanish, Greek and Arab influences and combined with a gentle climate and fertile soil, it is known all over the world. Delve deeper into this all important part of culture during a hands on cooking class. Not only will get to know the recipes, you will be learning how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but your resulting lunch will be a treat.

This afternoon, join a walking tour with your local guide and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria, Beati Paoli Square and more, all have a rich history in civil mobilisation. Plus, these areas serve up some mouth-watering street food. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’, a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia.
Accommodation
  • Ai Cavalieri Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
  • Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo as we head toward the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 meters above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town hosts, despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, many beautiful buildings showcasing architectural styles from its varied history. One thing that cannot be missed during your visit is Genovesi – traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream. Luckily for you, we’ve organised a special Genovesi tasting. After our visit to Erice we continue south towards Marsala, a lovely coastal town where we’ll stay tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might choose to go out and enjoy a sip, or two, of Marsala’s delicious drinks with newfound friends or simply stroll the marble paved streets and explore at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Via Colvento Marsala Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Erice - Town Visit
  • Erice - Genovesi Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It is here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you will witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70's. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways swept with colourful murals. Then, we’ll continue to Agrigento with one final stop in our journey at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) along the way. Scala dei Turchi is a truly spectacular coastline with white marble cliffs that offered protection from severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, we make our way to Agrigento where we’ll stay in a magical boutique hotel built in the 13th century. Tonight you will share a meal with your fellow travellers at your here.

Accommodation
  • Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna - Feature Stay or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
  • Scala dei Turchi - Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, it is situated where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy the afternoon in any way you wish. Perhaps, head to Agrigento's old town to wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local café, grab a panino, sit and watch the world go by.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna - Feature Stay or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today, we kiss Agrigento goodbye and hit the road en route to Siracusa – but not without a few important stops along the way. The first stop today in Ragusa will not disappoint – it’s one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then taste some of the locally produced Ragusano cheese. Afterwards, continue to architecturally fascinating Modica, particularly famous for its chocolate, it is a must-stop for any serious foodie. After tasting some of the local produce we continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel, its limestone structures dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, we make our last stop of the day in Siracusa, where we will stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Villa Politi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ragusa - Visit and Cheese Tasting
  • Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
  • Noto - Guided Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours.

This morning, enjoy an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, stunning fountains and authentic trattorias, all situated on the medieval island. In the afternoon head to the Neapolis Archaeological Site – known as one of the world’s finest – with your local guide by your side. Uncover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman town; from the Greek theatre to the Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries. Covering an area of 35 hectares, there’s plenty of land to explore and plenty of history to learn about on this guided tour.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Villa Politi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
  • Siracusa - Archaeological Park Guided Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. Drive up the northern flank of the volcano and embark on an easy walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove (Bull Valley), a valley formed when the original crater of Etna collapsed. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres, walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana, a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring the fiery natural wonder, continue to the atmospheric city of Catania. The city has a unique energy to it, an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty, attractive bar culture that fuels an exuberant nightlife, full of flavour and laughter. On the other hand, the very core of the city boasts one of the fabled “Late Baroque” towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of this curious city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Catania - Mount Etna Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast today, take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens, and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. The afternoon will be at your leisure, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for our final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Taormina - Guided Walk
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Our Sicilian adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay on in Catania we can arrange additional accommodation on request (subject to availability).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Palermo - Welcome Meeting
  • Palermo - Welcome Dinner
  • Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
  • Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
  • Erice - Town Visit
  • Erice - Genovesi Tasting
  • Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
  • Scala dei Turchi - Visit
  • Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
  • Ragusa - Visit and Cheese Tasting
  • Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
  • Noto - Guided Walk
  • Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
  • Siracusa - Archaeological Park Guided Visit
  • Catania - Mount Etna Visit
  • Taormina - Guided Walk
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Sicily trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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