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Sicily: Highlights
September 3-11, 2022
$2800
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. This tour is part of a duo, you can pair it with our Sicilian Pleasures tour for the full Sicilian experience.
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 discover the Greek temples of Agrigento, then enjoy the elegant island of Ortygia. Our final stop will be the classic Grand Tour city of Taormina, with sweeping views of Etna and the east coast.
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 16 guests in 2022.
For more info see our Sicily Highlights Tour Diary 2022!
Sign up for the September Tour by clicking the Book Now button
Day One
Overnight: Palermo
Benvenuti in Sicilia
In the afternoon we will meet at our hotel in the heart of Palermo. Tonight, we will be welcomed by the effervescent Contessa Alwine Federico for a tour of her home. After our visit, we will take a stroll through the city and enjoy dinner together.
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: Agrigento
Monreale to Agrigento
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. After lunch, we will drive to Agrigento and enjoy a dinner together.
Day Four
Overnight: Agrigento
Greek Sicily
Our focus today is on the magnificent ruins of the Valley of the Temples. We will visit the museum, and have time to stroll the upper town of Agrigento to find hidden treasures.
Day Five
Overnight: Syracuse
Heart of Sicily
We will dive into the heart of the island today, starting with a visit to the Roman Villa del Casale. This mosaic cycle is one of the largest and most impressive from the ancient Roman world. After a country lunch, we will drive to the east coast and sleep on the island of Ortygia.
Day Six
Overnight: Ortygia
Baroque Sicily
We will have the whole day free to enjoy the many delights of Syracuse. Your guide will help you choose the best activities to suit your energy level.
Day Seven
Overnight: Taormina
Catania and Taormina
Leaving the southeast, we will drive up the coast and stop in the busy city of Catania. Our stroll through town will take us to the fish market and cathedral. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our homebase in the old-time resort town of Taormina.
Day Eight
Overnight: Taromina
Taormina
Our final full day will be spent enjoying the beauty of Sicily’s famous resort town. In the morning, we will stroll to have granita and brioche, then enjoy the ancient Greek-Roman theater. Tonight, we will gather for our final dinner to celebrate this beautiful island.
Day Nine
Tour over after breakfast.
Our sweet farewell is after breakfast. Your guide can help you arrange transportation to the Catania airport. For those staying on for the Sicilian Pleasures tour, you’ll transfer to the first hotel with your guide.
Price: $2800 (Air not included). Single Supplement is $450. 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: 3 dinners and 3 lunches, 8 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
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.
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