Tour description

WESTERN SICILY PRIVATE TOUR

We are delighted to feature a unique small group tours to discover spicy Western Sicily. Sicily may be Italian, but the islanders are Latin only by adoption. The greatest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily was for centuries the center of the known world. Its geographic position made it vulnerable to attacks by foreigners, but also a meeting place of civilizations, a bridge between East and West.

Sicily is an island with a unique identity and rich historical past. A melting pot of different cultures, traditions and architectural styles as well as beautiful landscapes and a coastline, which is home to some of Italy’s most stunning beaches.

The most African of the island’s landscapes, the North West saw a cultural melting pot of Phoenicians, Greeks and Arabs settling in Sicily. Their stamp remains. Incontestably some of the island’s most charismatic ancient sites are also to be found in the West, the Greek temple and theater in Segesta, surrounded by rolling meadowland and the Phoenician site on the island of Mozia, just off Marsala. Selinunte Doric columns are special too, as is the Phoenician ruins of Solunto, perched on the slopes of Monte Catalfano. But be prepared for contrast. From the vibrant port town of  Trapani you can take a boat across to Sicily’s captivating Egadi islands or a cable car which whisks you up into the medieval walled town of Erice where you can almost feel that you have been transported to Tuscany.

We have a real passion for Western Sicily and look forward to sharing it with you!

Read what our friends say about this fantastic sicily tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS: 8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
  • Private Western Sicily land tour: Min 2 participants
  • More than 9 included sightseeing tours & cultural experiences
  • Tour of PALERMO with its historical treasures & popular open markets
  • Visit MASSIMO Theater, the PALATINE Chapel and the ROYAL PALACE
  • Guided tour of MONREALE and its CATHEDRAL
  • Visit SEGESTA temple and theater
  • Visit the hill-top town of ERICE and its CASTLE
  • MARSALA and wine tasting
  • Visit the MUSEUM OF THE SALT in Trapani
  • Climb ” la Rocca ” in CEFALU’
  • Visit UNESCO ROMAN VILLA with its mosaics in PIAZZA ARMERNA
  • AGRIGENTO TEMPLES and archaeological museum and many more
  • Our Unique Hotels: Staying 7 nights in charming hotels: 2 nights in Palermo, 2 nights in Marsala,1 night in Agrigento, 2 nights in Cefalu’
  • Visit popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • First-class driver to accompany you throughout the journey
  • Entrances to main Sicilian archaeological sights are included as per itinerary
  • Included tour guides in Palermo, Monreale,Segesta, Erice, Marsala, Mozia,Agrigento, Villa Romana, Cefalu’
  • Local guides tipping are included
  • Transportation on tour, via private air-conditioned van
  • All transfers while overseas; baggage transfers & porterage
  • Our Included meals: All breakfasts, 2 street food experiences, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (main meals include wine, mineral water, coffee and tea only)
  • Activity level: Light/Moderate
  • Terms & conditions/Single supplement: (View Here) and FAQ ( View Here)
  • Trip Interruption and Cancellation insurance is not included. We highly recommend Travelex-Insurance.com to protect your vacation.
  • Purchase of European Travel & Health Insurance is strongly recommended. We highly recommend Travelex-Insurance.com to protect your vacation
THE SECRET ITALIA DIFFERENCE: TOUR ITINERARY

 

8 DAYS WESTERN SICILY PRIVATE TOUR

PRIVATE TOUR FROM PALERMO TO PALERMO

Day 1 : WELCOME TO PALERMO 

Arrive in Palermo International airport and travel to the the city center for an unforgettable two nights stay at our exclusive “CENTRALE PALACE HOTEL” or similar. A welcome dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant. Overnight in PALERMO

Day 2 : PALERMO’S HIGHLIGHTS & MONREALE CATHEDRAL

An included guided tour will help you to discover the highlights of PALERMO,the Sicilian capital. A crossroads of history, Palermo holds the distinction of being the world’s most conquered city, following conquests by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. We have included today a visit to the Byzantine MARTORANA CHURCH, which has some of the most impressive Norman mosaics in Palermo,the bustling open market IL CAPO located in the ancient Arabic quarter of the city, the striking PALATINE CHAPEL, an evocative chapel dating back to the 12th century with amazing mosaics and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE. After an included street food experience,we’ll visit the famous MASSIMO THEATER, the biggest Opera House in Italy and one of the largest of Europe. In the afternoon we head towards MONREALE, renowned for its striking Cathedral, the greatest monument of Norman Sicily.This evening dinner is on your own. Overnight in PALERMO

Day 3 : SEGESTA, ERICE, SALT PANS EXPERIENCE & MARSALA

Western Sicily has always been more African than European. This morning we take a panoramic drive to SEGESTA, a unique archaeological site famous for its magnificent 5th century Doric temple. Though never completed it is one of the best preserved examples of a Greek temple. Afterwards, we’ll be reaching the spectacular hill town of ERICE which combines medieval charm with astounding 360-degree views. It boasts a breathtaking setting high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, perfectly preserved medieval treasure and an impressive Castle with views over the Egadi Islands.After a “slow food” lunch in a local tavern, we’ll descend to Trapani by a 10 mins panoramic cable way ride (weather permitting) travelling along the Salt Road, passing Salt Pans and windmills and learning about the history and process of salt harvesting at the Museum of the Salt. Stay for two nights at the central ” HOTEL CARMINE“or similar. Overnight in MARSALA

Day 4: MARSALA,WINERY VISIT & THE ISLAND OF MOZIA 

Today we begin touring Western Sicily with an included visit to the striking town of MARSALA, the most popular wine producer on the entire island.A local tour guide will take you on an orientation tour of the town followed by a ferry ride to the Phoenician city of MOZIA, on the island of San Pantaleo, and today home to the Whittaker museum which we will visit today.Return to Marsala to visit a popular winery for a wine tasting of the engaging white from Catarratto grapes or the beguiling Mille e una Notte, named after Scheherazade, a spicy deep blend of Nero D’Avola, Petit Verdot and Syrah with a delicious lunch.Enjoy the rest of the day on your own.Overnight in MARSALA

Day 5: THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Following breakfast,we’ll visit AGRIGENTO where you’ll view the finest of all ancient Greek sites – the complete Doric Temples and the Archaeological museum,one of the most important and visited archaeological museums in Sicily. The Museum displays over 5688 artifacts that illustrate the history of the town from prehistoric times to the end of the Greek period. Overnight at the country hotel “BAGLIO DELLA LUNA“or similar, with dinner included.Overnight in AGRIGENTO

Day 6: ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS & CEFALU’

Today we leave for travelling through the interior of Sicily to reach PIAZZA ARMERINA where we will view the ruins of the ROMAN VILLA DEL CASALE, an ancient villa decorated with the finest Roman floor mosaics in existence. It is one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. Lunch is included in a family owned tavern near the Roman Villa.Following this,we’ll drive to the charming fishing town of CEFALU’ for your last two nights staying at the exclusive “HOTEL LA PLUMERIA” or similar. Overnight in CEFALU’

Day 7: CAPTIVATING CEFALÙ’

Depart for a discovery of the charming fishing town of CEFALU‘. The squares, streets and churches of this medieval town are so postcard-pretty that it’s no wonder director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso here. Most of Cefalu sites are found in the historic town center around Corso Ruggero and Piazza del Duomo, where you can visit the striking Cathedral, a mosaic-adorned outpost of Norman power and one of the jewels in Sicily’s Arab-Norman crown.A farewell dinner is included this evening. Overnight in CEFALU’

Day 8: ARRIVEDERCI SICILIA

Morning transfer to Palermo airport for your flight home.

TOUR PRICING

8 days starting from € 3,800 pp

Request more information, or call 1-800-538-0273 today to talk to a Tour Consultant

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SICILY

SICILYSicily-An island touching different worlds Sicily is full of beguiling contrasts. The untamed west vies with the flawless Greek classicism of the east and every Mediterranean civilization has passed by, bequeathing marvels fit for the gods and a rich gastronomic heritage.Palermo has bustling markets and grand architecture. Sample fish couscous and the typically Sicilian atmosphere Read more