Sicily is the home of past kings and fabled warriors, ancient cities and celebrated mosaics. Your Sicily tour is specially customized, specializing in showing you the true heritage of the island that housed historic cities larger than Athens and temples grander than those found in Delphi. Baroque architecture highlights the grandeur of the bygone and illuminates the celebrated culture of towns and cities across the landscape. Vibrant markets persist. Jovial fishers return from sea, following the...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Entering the Heritage of Sicily
Catania blows with Baroque buildings and eclectic cultural heritage. Ionian Greeks founded the city in the 8th century BC, but Catania has since been home to a Roman colony, Norman kings, and Spanish rulers. The energy along the streets at all hours of the day is electric. Black and white palaces rise over baroque piazzas for an ambiance of absolute splendor. When your flight lands at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, your private transfer greets you upon arrival. You settle into an exceptional hotel located in the heart of the city. In the center of the main piazza is the Fontana dell’Elefante, which was erected in the 18th century.
The smiling elephant turns its trunk upward in the direction of the Egyptian obelisk rising from its back. The water trickles outwards from the side of the moment. The Benedictine church of San Nicoló l’Arena now stands over the Greek Acropolis. The 18th-century edifice was never completed. The massive columns are raised on plinths. A large dome overlooks the plain. The uncompleted look of the church exudes an air of the forbidden, but visitors can roam through the three-aisled interior, and even venture to the top of the dome. The view over the plain provides a stunning panorama of Mount Etna looming in the distance.
What's Included:
Day 2
Cultural Treasures of Catania
Day 3
Along the Aeolian Islands
Day 4
Ceramic Lifestyle and Mosaic Marvels
Day 5
Garden of the Valley
Day 6
Sensational Syracuse
Day 7
Baroque Masterpieces
Day 8
Importance of Ancient Warfare
Day 9
Departing from the Past
Trip Highlights
- Discover the treasured ancient Greek temples peppering the landscape in the Valley of the Temples
- Explore the treasured Baroque cathedrals to witness the gilded artwork decorating the interior in Ragusa and Modica
- Relish your time overlooking prehistoric artifacts on the stunning island of Lipari, home to some of the oldest objects of the island’s civilization
- Witness the magnificent murals of a preserved Roman villa encompassing more than 37,673 square feet
- Embrace the energetic streets of Syracuse, which seamlessly combine the city’s ancient roots with its contemporary lifestyle
- Climb the exuberant staircase in Caltagirone, home to the gorgeous artisan ceramic stairway
Detailed Description
The wonders of Sicily spring from the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the snowcapped peak of Mount Etna. Prehistoric cultures have left signs of their settlements where ancient civilizations once thrived. Your 9-day Sicily tour shows you the enriching lifestyle of Sicilian history and modernity, from Baroque palaces to medieval churches, ancient hunting equipment to tranquil catacombs. Your Sicily vacation begins when you arrive in the spectacular city of Catania. Your private transfer meets you at the airport, and soon you take in a view of the city nestled between the looming peak of Europe’s most active volcano and the lapping azure waters of the Mediterranean.
The next morning, your guide meets you at the hotel and takes you on a remarkable tour of Catania, offering insight in the fabulous Baroque buildings and ancient Greek theater. Venture to the island of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. You follow your guide on a tour of the Lipari Town and visit the Archeological Museum. Next you explore the famous city of ceramics, Caltagirone, and continue onwards to view the sensational Roman mosaics at the historic estate of Villa del Casale, before arriving in Agrigento for the evening.
Travel into the Valley of the Temples for a personal look at the ancient Greek ruins that pepper the narrow valley, along with the lush botanical garden of Kolymbetra. The following day, you travel to Syracuse, a city with ancient roots, to explore the Archeological Park and marvelous churches. See the upper and lower districts of Ragusa, along with the charming town of nearby Modica, both of which are known for their spectacular Baroque churches and palaces.
The following day takes you into the town of Palazzolo Acreide, where the archeological park offers insight into the famous battle of Syracuse against its rival, Athens. Continue to Noto, the capital of Sicily’s baroque architecture, and return to Syracuse for the evening. On your final day in Sicily, your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Syracuse and escorts you to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport in Catania for your flight home. The culture of Sicily is splendid, and the history is vast. You may feel inspired to extend your vacation and continue your exploration around the island, Italy, and even beyond.
Starting Price
$4,100 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
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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