WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
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 Sicily Highlights tour is part of a duo, you can pair it with our Sicily 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.
To read about one of our previous tours see the blog!
Day One
Overnight: Palermo
Benvenuti in Sicilia
In the afternoon we will meet at our hotel in the heart of Palermo to start our Sicily Highlights experience. 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.
Next Day
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.
Next Day
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.
Next Day
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.
Next Day
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.
Next Day
Day Six
Overnight: Syracuse
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.
Next Day
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.
Next Day
Day Eight
Overnight: Taormina
Taormina
Our final full day of the Sicily Highlights experience 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.
Next Day
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 Sicily Pleasures tour, you’ll transfer to the first hotel with your guide.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Price: $4095 (Air not included) per person for a double room. Single occupancy room is $5095. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: all breakfasts, 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.
Sicily Highlights 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 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.