Tour description

THE PEARLS OF SICILY TOUR

Travel to Sicily with its idyllic climate, its archaeology treasures, dramatic vistas and hearty cuisine that embodies all things Sicilian. Extravagant scenic beauty, a multicultural crossroads with a history that dates back to 3,000 years, an exuberant and richly layered culture and a tradition of food and wine that is celebrated the world over…all converge here in sunny Sicily! On this group journey, you’ll delve into one of the most fascinating and coveted regions in Italy.

Stare face to face with some of the world’s best Byzantine mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale – a literal Bible in gold. Sit in Taormina’s Greek theatre looking out at still-smouldering Mt.Etna and you can’t help but feel goosebumps. Marvel at the rich archaeological ruins of Siracusa dating to the 5th century BC. Explore the brilliant Roman floor mosaics in the Villa del Casale.The Greek influence is particularly strong in the south of Italy – we’ll see better preserved temples here than in Greece itself!

Sicily has some of Italy’s best beaches and on this tour we make sure that you’ll have time to enjoy them.The cuisine of Sicily varies from one province to the next as do the wines. Sicily is a world apart, an island separated from the rest of Italy not only by the sea but also by centuries of history and cultural experience.

Sicily is an island of surprises and we are excited to discover this gem with you all.

We have a real passion for 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
  • More than 9 included sightseeing tours & cultural experiences
  • Tour of PALERMO with its historical treasures & popular open markets
  • Visit the PALATINE Chapel and the ROYAL PALACE in PALERMO
  • Guided tour of MONREALE and its CATHEDRAL
  • Climb ” la Rocca ” in CEFALU’
  • Visit UNESCO ROMAN VILLA with its mosaics in PIAZZA ARMERINA
  • TAORMINA: a Mediterranean garden in the foothills of Mount Etna
  • Tour of CATANIA with its FISH MARKET
  • BAROQUE TREASURES of the South East
  • Guided tour of ORTIGIA ISLAND & NEAPOLIS archaeological area
  • SIRACUSA OPEN MARKET with local tastings
  • Visit unique VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES in AGRIGENTO
  • CRUISING ORTIGIA ISLAND (weather permitting)
  • Visit popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • First-class driver to accompany you throughout the journey
  • All entrances to main Sicilian archaeological sites are included
  • All local guides tipping are included
  • All transportation on tour, via private air-conditioned Mercedes car or minivan
  • All tour city guides included in Palermo, Monreale, Siracusa,Taormina
  • No hidden extras
  • Our Included meals: All breakfasts,2 street food experiences,2 lunches, 2 dinners(main meals include regional wine, mineral water, espresso coffee or 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
SICILY TOUR ITINERARY

 

THE PEARLS OF SICILY PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

PRIVATE TOUR FROM CATANIA TO CATANIA

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SICILY & SIRACUSA 

Arrive at Catania airport and meet your driver for a journey to SIRACUSA for a two nights stay in our central hotel, close to the city’s architecturally treasures.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in SIRACUSA

DAY 2: SIRACUSA- “TAPESTRY OF CULTURES”

In the morning, you’ll explore this major outpost of the Greek empire with a local expert guide.The city boasts an incredible historical heritage, starting from the Archaeological Park, featuring the ancient Greek Theater now used for classical performances, the Latomie del Paradiso, the largest quarry in the ancient urban settlement and the Ear Of Dionysus, a subterranean artificial cave quarry used as a prison. You’ll see numerous elegant Baroque town houses, rebuilt after the earthquake that severely damaged the city in 1693, the elegant Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral’s baroque facade and the Temple of Athena from the 5th century BC lying behind it.After a foodie experience at the lively market, you’ll enjoy the rest of the day on your own.Enjoy la Dolce Vita!!Overnight in SIRACUSA

DAY 3 : VOLCANIC CATANIA,ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS & AGRIGENTO 

Your transfer to AGRIGENTO features a stop at the vibrant city of CATANIA, which owes its Baroque architecture in gloomy black lava to the last quake of 1693. During your free time,you might consider visiting the Cathedral of St. Agatha, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed, the cathedral square, the Bellini theater, the Villa Gardens or the lively fish market.Continue to the ROMAN VILLA ,one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, built in the first quarter of the 4th century. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.After time on your own for lunch,continue to AGRIGENTO for an overnight stay in a family-run hotel with an included dinner.Overnight stay in AGRIGENTO

DAY 4: VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES,BACKROAD ERICE & SPICY PALERMO

Today we begin touring Western Sicily with an included visit to the ancient city of AGRIGENTO, a UNESCO heritage site where a local expert will shed light on the VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES, an incredible concentration of Greek temples in varying states of ruin and reconstruction. This historic site was the heart of one of the most important cities in the ancient world and is the prime example of the magnificence of MAGNA GRECIA.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.Arrive in Palermo for your next two nights at our exclusive central hotel.Overnight stay in PALERMO

DAY 5: HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO & MONREALE CATHEDRAL

Start your day with a guided walking tour of PALERMO, a crossroads of history, being the world’s most conquered city and a melting pot of civilizations. The city was the seat of the Arab Emirate in the 10th century, and Middle Eastern influences can still be seen in the architecture of the churches and in the narrow streets and alleys of the old Arab quarter.Today we discover what this city is best known for the evocative PALATINE CHAPEL, dating back to the 12th century and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE. After a visit to the famous CAPO MARKET for a local street food experience, you’ll drive to the hills of Palermo to uncover the beauty of MONREALE, known for one of Sicily’s great sites – the stunning 12th century Norman cathedral literally wallpapered with golden mosaics that tell the stories of the bible. The remainder of the day is at leisure.Overnight in PALERMO

DAY 6: CAPTIVATING CEFALU’ & ROMANTIC TAORMINA

This morning drive takes you to visit the charming fishing village 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.After time on your own for sightseeing and lunch ,you’ll continue to the charming town of TAORMINA for your last two nights in a central hotel.Clamped to a rocky bluff planted with cypresses,pines and lush subtropical vegetation,the exquisitely maintained medieval town of TAORMINA is Sicily’s glitziest and most dramatically situated resort.Overnight in TAORMINA

DAY 7: IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNT ETNA & WINERY

Explore majestic MOUNT ETNA, the highest and largest volcano in Europe and one of the world’s most active.The peak changes in size over the years. It currently rises at 11,000 feet above sea level and literally towers above Sicily’s Ionian coast.Descend to the village of  LINGUAGLOSSA to visit a family run winery to taste some excellent wines.Overnight stay in TAORMINA

DAY 8 : ARRIVEDERCI BELLA SICILIA

Morning private transfers to Catania airport for your flight home

TOUR PRICING
 

8 days starting from € 4,000 pp

Price is per person based on double room occupancy for 8 days/7 nights

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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