WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Sicily
September 5-14, 2021 with Sarah Murdoch (sold out)
September 12-21, 2021 with Susanna Perruchini
Complicated, misunderstood, generous, outrageous, sensual and seductive, Sicily is pure opera. If you think you know Italy but haven’t been to Sicily, you are in for a mind-bending treat. 3000 years of history piled up like a sweet cassata cake is waiting for your exploration. And the food. It’s all about the food.
We start in the island’s capital, Palermo, with its 19th century faded elegance, marvel at the sparkling Byzantine mosaics of Monreale, and navigate the noisy markets of Ballaró. Next, we will sweep around the west coast, enjoying a winery farmhouse stay, and an excursion out to the gorgeous Egadi Islands. Discover the Greek temples of Selinunte and Agrigento, then finish your tour with three days in the island’s vacation jewel, Taormina. This slow paced, Staycation style tour is only for 2021, so don’t miss out.
Sicily is a passion for Sarah, who co-Authored the Rick Steves Sicily book and has spent a decade exploring every corner of the Mediterranean’s largest island. This tour will combine the famous must-see destinations and Sarah’s mission to connect visitors with the soul of the island through history, food, off-beat sights, and traditions.
We have enjoyed our small groups so much that we will continue to keep numbers low and personal attention high. We will take a maximum of 12 guests in 2021. Book now by emailing info@adventureswithsarah.net
If you would like to book this tour just for your own group of friends or family (minimum 6 people), we can offer a private tour with different dates to suit your travel needs.
Day One
Overnight: Palermo
Benvenuti in Sicilia
In the afternoon we will meet at our guesthouse, which is set in the ancient Palazzo Conte Federico. Our hostess, the effervescent Contessa Alwine Federico, will welcome us with a tour of her home. After our visit, we will take a stroll through the city and enjoy dinner together. (3 nights at Palazzo Conte Federico)
Day Two
Overnight: Palermo
Get to Know Palermo
In the morning we will be joined by local guide and professional photographer Domenico Aronica for a munch and learn walking tour. We will enjoy the back streets that only a local knows, and sample some street food specialties. In the evening, our group will attend a private show at the Cuticchio Puppet Theater, the most famous theater for traditional Sicilian Opera dei Pupi.
Day Three
Overnight: Palermo
Monreale, Mondello, and Gems of Greater Palermo
We will venture outside of Palermo on our bus today to visit the magnificent cathedral of Monreale. Covered in glittering Byzantine mosaics, Monreale is one of the great legacies of the Middle Ages. Author and scholar, Jackie Alio, will help us understand the overview of Sicilian history. After, we will descend to the seaside for lunch in the charming village of Mondello, and recharge our batteries for a surprise afternoon sightseeing treat.
Day Four
Overnight: Marsala
Western Sicily
We head west this morning to the windswept coast. Along the way, we will visit the temple at Segesta and sing a tune in the ancient Greek amphitheater. In the evening, we will gather for dinner at our winery hotel.
(2 nights, Baglio Donnafranca)
Day Five
Overnight: Marsala
Sea, Sun, and Swimming
Get your swimsuit on, today we are going island hopping. We will visit the lesser-known Egadi Islands, cruising their shores in our private boat. You’ll have time to swim in the turquoise waters and explore the pretty island of Favignana, and your lunch will be served on board. After a rest in the evening, dinner will be served at our hotel.
Day Six
Overnight: Agrigento
Ancient Greece
Our day will begin in the largest archaeology park in Europe, Selinunte. We will be joined by expert guide and historian, Michele Gallo, who will help us understand the mastery of the Greeks who settled in Sicily thousands of years ago. After a beach lunch, We’ll travel to the famous Valley of the Temples to complete our education on Greek architecture. Tonight, we will enjoy a feast of local fish specialties.
(1 night, Colleverde Hotel)
Day 7
To the East
Our destination today will be the eastern side of the island, covered in lush tropical vegetation and crowned by the Queen of Sicily, Mount Etna. Along the way, we will stop to examine the fine Roman mosaic cycle of the Villa del Casale and learn why there is little Roman history on the island. Lunch will be served at a country house. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our homebase in the old-time resort town of Taormina.
(3 nights, Hotel Continental)
Day 8
Mamma Etna
Today is all about Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna. We will start with an excursion to the top of the mountain, taking the cable car and off-road vehicles to see the steaming crater with a mountain guide. In the afternoon, we will descend from the clouds and sample the produce of the slopes of Etna with a wine tasting and lunch. The evening will be free back in Taormina.
Price: $3000 (Air not included). Single Supplement is $485. We welcome singles and can try to pair you with another single to room with, but the single supplement will be required if we can’t.
What’s included: 5 dinners and 4 lunches, 9 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking. If your plans change, you may transfer your deposit to any other tour that we offer.
Tour begins in Palermo (PMO) and ends in Taormina. Catania Airport (CTA) is 90 minutes away, and your guide will help arrange a transfer by taxi or bus.
If you have additional questions please email us at: info@adventureswithsarah.net
If you would like to reserve a spot on this tour, our online reservation form is here