Italy is a grand adventure that immerses its visitors in the spirit of La Dolce Vita, especially during this 10-day best of Sicily tour. Experience the highlights of history and heritage as you travel from Palermo to Taormina to witness the famous monuments and hidden charms along the way. Sample delicious wines, uncover the ancient history of Sicily, and discover its authentic wonders that sweep from the golden shores to the foothills of Mt. Etna.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Palermo – Arrive in Sicily with the Remaining Day at Leisure
Palermo is an amalgamation of the Mediterranean, hosting a combination of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, and European cuisine that is shaped by North African spices. The island once acted as the center of the known world, where souks lined the alleyways next to Baroque churches. Your flight will land at Falcone Borsellino Airport, and your private transfer will greet you at baggage claim before transferring you to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city. You will settle in to the comforts of your opulent hotel before having the rest of the day at your leisure.
With the day yours to explore Palermo at your own pace, you can visit Palazzo Abatellis, which possesses a Catalan Gothic façade that dates back to the 15th century. The decorated doorway leads to the inner courtyard, where you can view the masterpieces, such as the Triumph of Death, which is a 15th-century artwork that was crafted by an unknown artist. In the painting, you can see Death as it rides a skeletal horse.
What's Included:
Day 2
Palermo – Explore the History of Palermo and Monreale
Day 3
Trapani – Discover the Beauty and of Segesta and Erice
Day 4
Trapani – Traverse the Salt Pans of Trapani and Island of Mozia
Day 5
Agrigento – Visit the Scala dei Turchi and Ancient Agrigento
Day 6
Syracuse – Witness Roma Mosaics and the Heritage of Ortygia
Day 7
Syracuse – View the Past Marvels of Syracuse
Day 8
Taormina – Enjoy Wine Tasting at Mt. Etna en route to Taormina
Day 9
Taormina – Delight in the Enchanting Ambiance of Taormina
Day 10
Taormina – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Witness the magnificent mosaics that adorn the walls of the Cappella Palatina in Palermo, which depict elaborate scenes from the Bible
- Sample delicious wines while learning about the unique minerals and ecosystem of Mt. Etna during a private wine tour
- Discover the marvels of ancient history in Sicily when viewing the preserved mosaics of the Roman villa at Villa Romana del Casale
- Step into the depths of ancient life in Sicily when touring the ruins at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to find preserved Greek temples
- Uncover an ancient technique for harvesting salt that dates back to the Phoenicians when visiting the salt pans of Trapani
- Explore the charming and distinctive medieval streets of Erice, which crown a steep hill and were built over an ancient Greek settlement
- Delight in the unique scenery of the natural milky-white walls of the Scala dei Turchi that plunge into the indigo water of the Mediterranean Sea
Detailed Description
The mystery, history, and beauty of Italy will come to light as you discover the splendor of Sicily on this 10-day customizable tour. From Phoenician settlements to Baroque churches and from Norman mosaics to pristine beaches, Sicily embraces the marvels of its heritage and the charm of its island location that once acted as the center of Mediterranean trade. You will visit ancient Greek temples, enjoy the pleasures of contemporary Sicilian wines, witness radiant mosaics, and experience enchanting medieval lanes. Your Sicily tour will lead you to the best of the island while allowing you to explore, discover, and relax at your own pace.
Your exploration of Sicily’s highlights will begin with your arrival in Palermo, where you will have two nights. You can discover the city with time at your own pace before venturing through the historical center and lively market with a guide. You will also visit the opulent artistry and architecture of Monreale Monastery for an encompassing perspective on the treasures around Palermo before traveling to Trapani for two nights. In Trapani, you will visit the ancient Greek ruins of Segesta and wander the mountaintop town of Erice, where you can discover marvelous temples, dramatic ramparts, and delicious chocolate. When spending time in Trapani, you will also have a guided tour of the famous salt pans that have Phoenician origins before visiting the island of Mozia, where you can witness the ruins of ancient Phoenician settlements.
With one night in Agrigento, you can enjoy the coastline at the Scala dei Turchi, which will allow you to view the unique landscape that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea in addition to wandering along the preserved Greek temples that rise above the Valley of the Temples. You will then transfer to the remarkable city of Syracuse for two nights and stop at the Villa Romana del Casale to observe the magnificent mosaics that were preserved over nearly two millennia ago. In Syracuse, a guided tour of the ancient island of Ortygia will reveal the epic layers of history for which the city is famous. Afterward, a full-day tour of Syracuse will further unveil how the ancient ruins and preserved architecture are still used and decorate contemporary life.
You will then have two nights in Taormina to conclude your highlights tour of Sicily, which will lead you to the foothills of Mt. Etna, where you will sample the seductive flavors of the wines that are produced on the island. When exploring Taormina, you will experience the elegance of the boulevards and the dramas that were once performed on the stage of ancient Greek theater. On your final day in Taormina, your private transfer will escort you from your hotel to the airport in Catania for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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