Join this complete tour of the major historical cities of Sicily, which offers insights into the history, culture, lifestyle and beauty of the island. Beginning from the capital city Palermo, you will journey through more than a thousand years of history, peeling layers of uniquely rich architectures of Monreale Cathedral, visit the towering Greek Doric Temples in the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, stop at Syracuse and spend your last day in Taormina.
Day 1: Palermo
Welcome to Palermo. Transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome cocktail and meeting with the tour leader. Overnight.
Day 2: Palermo - Monreale (Cefalù optional) - Palermo
After breakfast, departure to Monreale and visit the Cathedral and its Cloister. Later, return to the city of Palermo to visit its main monuments such as the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral of Palermo. In addition, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. Tasting of Marsala wines at a wine bar in Palermo.
Free time for lunch. Free afternoon or possibility to participate in an optional excursion to Cefalù (to be paid in spot), to visit the Cathedral as well as the Roman Laundry. Return to Palermo and overnight.
Day 3: Palermo - Agrigento - Ragusa
After breakfast, departure to Agrigento, "the most beautiful city of mortals", where you can still admire ten Doric temples that are erected in the valley. Visit of the famous and unique "Valley of the Temples".
The city is known for the magnificent ruins of the Valley, a spectacular testimony of the ancient Greek civilization. Lunch in a local restaurant and departure to Ragusa. Overnight.
Day 4: Ragusa - Modica - Syracuse
After breakfast, visit of Ragusa Ibla, declared Universal Heritage by Unesco. Ragusa is called the "City of Bridges" for the presence of three particular bridges, symbol of the city, but it has also been described as the "the other Sicily". The historic center is rich in baroque architectural masterpieces.
Continue to Modica: visit some of the most emblematic baroque monuments and taste the famous Chocolate Modicano, made in this city following the method brought from Central America during the Spanish domination. Continue to Syracuse. Overnight.
Day 5: Syracuse
After breakfast, visit to Syracuse: the largest city of antiquity founded in 734-733 a.c. and called Syraka. It is a must-visit during your tour of Sicily. Located on the southeast coast of the island, Syracuse has a long history: important center of the Byzantine Empire, it became the capital during the 6th century.
Also for this reason, Syracuse is characterized by a great historic heritage, and has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. Free time for lunch and afternoon to explore this wonderful city. In the evening you will enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant in the city. Overnight.
Day 6: Syracuse - Etna - Taormina
After breakfast, WEATHER CONDITIONS PERMITTING, you will visit the Mt. Etna. It is the highest, largest and the most active volcano in all of Europe, surrounded by hectares of unique geology with a huge variety of flora and fauna. The small inactive volcanic cones, "Crateri Silvestri", are surrounded by remains of lava flows.
Have lunch in a rural house where, in addition to enjoying a typical and genuine food, you will have the possibility to taste the wine of this area. Continuation to Taormina and visit the Greek Theater with a local guide. Free time for shopping, walk or admire the magnificent panorama of the Ionian Sea. Overnight.
Day 7: Taormina - (Catania optional)
After breakfast, free day to enjoy Taormina or the beach. Possibility to join an optional excursion to Catania (to be paid on site; the excursion is made only with a minimum of participants, and the price of the same will be paid on site).
Catania, the second city of Sicily is characterized by its lava stone buildings. It is also world-renowned for its excellent cuisine that boasts several century-old recipes. Another valuable reason to visit this city, blessed by a mild weather and spectacular landscapes. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant in Taormina. Overnight.
Day 8: Taormina
After breakfast, transfer to Catania airport. End of the services.
More eXPeriences in Sicily
If you wish to discover other parts of Sicily, check the 12-Day Tour of Sicily with Rome, Capri, and Amalfi Coast, the 9-Day Escorted Tour of Sicily from Palermo in half board, the 6-Days Escorted Tour of Sicily from Catania, the 4 day tour of Eolian islands or the 8 day tour of Sicily from Catania.
