Idyllic beaches, enchanting ancient mythology, breathtaking islands, and a welcoming culture will define your custom-tailored tour of Italy that captures the incredible culture and history of Sicily. You will be delighted by the legendary cuisine and the fantastic coastal scenery as you follow dramatic trails to volcanic craters and wander along labyrinthine-cobbled lanes to reach aristocratic piazzas. Alluring Norman architecture and Arab designs will become distinctive features that will connect...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Palermo – Arrive in the Captivating and Welcoming Capital of Sicily
The city of Palermo captures the history and culture of Sicily along the edges of Via Vittorio Emanuele. The magnificent architecture and vibrant ambiance along the skyline are decorated with palm trees and Arabesque domes, and the unique heritage of the city highlights thousands of years of history at the center of Mediterranean.
Your flight will arrive at Falcone Borsellino International Airport, where your private transfer will greet you at customs. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy the exuberant beauty and welcoming embrace of the city. The busy market will heave with exotic aromas that derive from fresh seafood and delicious fried rice balls known as arancini, as well as fresh meats, olives, and cheeses vendors who will happily offer samples.
What's Included:
Day 2 - 4
Palermo – Discover Historic Palermo and Nearby Coastal Charm
Day 5 - 8
Malfa – Explore Salina’s Untouched Beauty and Natural History
Day 9 - 11
Lipari – Indulge in the Island Grandeur and Culture of Lipari
Day 12 - 15
Taormina – Enjoy Mt. Etna, Agrigento, and Lovely Taormina
Day 16 - 17
Syracuse – Traverse the Ancient Life and Ruins of Syracuse
Day 18 - 20
Syracuse - Discover the Baroque Towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica
Day 21
Syracuse – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Venture to the top of Mt. Etna with a naturalist guide to view the smoking fumaroles and captivating lunar landscape of the active crater
- Wander the captivating ambiance that derives from the remaining ancient ruins in the protected archeological park of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples
- Indulge in the secluded natural beauty of Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands, which is home to charming towns, dramatic panoramas, and majestic volcanic peaks
- Discover the grandiose golden mosaics and fascinating frescoes that cover the walls, ceilings, and domes of Palermo’s Palatine Chapel
- Enjoy the tranquil beaches and majestic waters along the Tyrrhenian Sea on the island of Lipari
- Venture to the active summit of Stromboli Volcano with a guide for a nightly view of erupting magma that fills the sky like fireworks
- Embrace the refined aesthetic of baroque architecture that decorates the preserved towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica
- View the epic Greek and Roman theaters on the edges of Taormina and Syracuse
- Sample the historical wine that represents the ancient heritage and continued wine culture on Lipari island
Detailed Description
Your three-week tour of Italy will highlight the marvels of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, bringing coastal beauty, historical charisma, and the panoramic views of volcanic craters to the forefront of your luxurious discovery. Your guided tours and comfortable accommodations will celebrate the natural beauty of the landscape and the marvelous history that stretches back to Magna Graecia by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient and contemporary crossroads display diverse cultural treasures and craggy mountains that are emphasized by Byzantine and Baroque architecture.
Your fantastic vacation in Sicily will begin with your arrival in Palermo and four days discovering the capital. With a flamboyant ambiance that emanates from the frescoed domes and Byzantine mosaics, lively markets, and Gothic palaces, Palermo will become a masterful combination of past and present culture. The historic chapels will boast gilded artworks, and the nearby seaside towns will reflect a different aesthetic that is focused on the marine life important to ancient trade and modern cuisine.
The Aeolian Islands will become your featured home-base for seven days between Salina and Lipari. The water and volcanic peaks will become your backdrops with colorful towns that are hidden on the slopes, in the valleys, and along the coastal edges of the isolated islands. Traversing the idyllic landscapes will take you on guided tours to view nightly eruptions, serene village life, gorgeous nature reserves, or giant sea stacks. Local museums will contain unique artifacts from ancient settlements, as well as galleries dedicated to the antique grapevines that are integral to the culture of the island.
The main island of Sicily will capture your imagination during the final days of your tour. The final days are split between the seaside cities of Taormina and Syracuse. The coastal cities will provide easy access to the captivating baroque architecture of towns like Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, as well as ancient Greek theaters and temples that have been preserved through time. Their coastal settings will feature crystal-clear turquoise waters and historic streets that will be lined with stunning architectural designs. Learn more about the Italy travel agents you could be working with, whom we have personally vetted to be one of the best in the industry.
Starting Price
$5,770 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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