Sicily, the Pearl of Mediterranean Sea 2026

Where history, beauty and timeless charm meet

Summary

8 nights
Proprietà: Tours on request
Included
wine tasting experience and boat tours included
A Journey Through Sicily in 9 Days

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Sicily Unveiled: Exploring Archaeological Wonders, Baroque Masterpieces, and Natural Beauties

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Sicily, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. Begin in the vibrant capital, Palermo, before continuing to the picturesque seaside town of Cefalù.

Travel along the western coast to the charming town of Marsala, ascend to the medieval hilltop village of Erice by funicular, and discover the stunning salt flats of the Saline and the ancient island of Mozia. Marvel at the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral before reaching the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

Continue your journey with a visit to the remarkably preserved Villa Romana del Casale, then explore the elegant Baroque towns of Ragusa and Noto, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their architectural splendor. Wander through the historic island of Ortigia, the heart of Syracuse, before heading to the iconic town of Taormina.

Experience the natural wonders of the Aeolian Islands on a scenic boat excursion, and venture into the wild landscapes of Mount Etna with an exciting 4×4 tour on Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Conclude your Sicilian adventure in Catania, with visits to the charming coastal villages of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza.

Discover the Heart of the Mediterranean

Tour program

1
1
09:00 - 15:00

Palermo - Arrival

Welcome to Palermo!

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will greet you in the arrivals area and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in the city center.

Check-in at a 4-star hotel, where you will enjoy your stay in a central and convenient location.

The rest of the day is at your leisure, with free time to relax or enjoy lunch at your own pace.

    2
    16:00 - 19:00

    Palermo - Walking Tour

    After a short break, the tour begins with a pleasant walking experience through the vibrant heart of Palermo, which is renowned for its lively street markets, outstanding cuisine, and remarkable blend of architectural styles in its historic center. Highlights include the Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel, the charming churches of the old town, and the Regional Gallery of Sicily, all showcasing the city’s extraordinary history and artistic legacy.

    You then continue with a guided visit inside the iconic Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, where you will admire its elegant auditorium and discover the most prestigious halls of the third largest opera house in Europe.

    In the evening, you enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant, before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

    2
    3
    09:00 - 13:00

    Cefalù - Walking Tour

    Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a comfortable transfer to Cefalù.

    You will explore the charming historic center of this beautiful seaside town with your expert guide, wandering through its narrow medieval streets and discovering the former Jewish Quarter.

    The highlight of your visit is the magnificent Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks. This Norman masterpiece, set against the dramatic backdrop of the sea, is famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, especially the striking Christ Pantocrator in the apse—one of the finest examples of medieval art in Europe.

    
    																																																																																				
    																																																											
    4
    13:00 - 18:00

    Palermo - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Return to Palermo and enjoy some free time for lunch at your leisure.

    In the afternoon, continue exploring the city’s extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage treasures, starting with the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, a stunning example of centuries of architectural evolution and cultural influence.

    Continue to the nearby Norman Palace, home to the breathtaking Palatine Chapel. This 12th-century masterpiece is one of Sicily’s most remarkable artistic jewels, where Byzantine mosaics, Islamic patterns, and Norman architecture blend into a unique and unforgettable harmony.

    Free evening at leisure to relax or explore Palermo at your own pace.

    3
    5
    09:00 - 14:00

    Marsala & Wine Tasting with Lunch

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your driver for a transfer to Marsala, on Sicily’s western coast.

    On arrival, meet your local guide and start a walking tour of the historic center. Discover its elegant Baroque architecture, narrow streets, and the Cathedral of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, one of the town’s main landmarks.

    Continue to a nearby winery, where you will learn about the production of Marsala wine and enjoy a guided tasting. Lunch will be served at the winery, featuring local dishes paired with regional wines.

    In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Marsala before continuing your journey.

    6
    14:30 - 17:00

    The "Saline" and boat trip of the island of Mozia

    Transfer and guided visit of the Saline (salt pans), followed by a boat trip to the island of Mozia.

    Visit the salt pans of the Stagnone Lagoon, still active today and set in a unique landscape of shallow waters, windmills, and salt basins. A place where tradition and nature are still closely connected.

    Continue by boat to Mozia, one of the most important Phoenician sites in the Mediterranean. Walk through the archaeological area and visit the Whitaker Museum, which houses key finds from the ancient city, including the well-known “Youth of Mozia.”

    7
    17:00 - 19:00

    Erice - Walking Tour

    Transfer to Erice, the final stop of the day, where the journey continues up to the hilltop village by funicular, rising above the coastline and reaching one of Sicily’s most evocative medieval towns.

    With your guide, explore a place suspended in time, where narrow stone alleys, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old buildings reveal its long and layered history. Erice is also known for its remarkable number of churches—around 60 in total—each reflecting different periods and architectural styles.

    In the late afternoon, return to Palermo and enjoy some free time for dinner at your leisure.

    4
    8
    09:00 - 11:00

    Palermo - La Martorana guided tour

    Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

    Your driver will meet you for the transfer to the historic center, where the day begins with a visit to La Martorana (Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio), one of Palermo’s finest examples of Byzantine heritage. Inside, the extraordinary golden mosaics stand out for their detail and harmony, complemented by later Baroque frescoes that enrich the atmosphere of the church.

    The experience continues through the lively Ballarò area, one of the city’s most authentic markets, where daily life unfolds among colorful stalls of fresh produce, local specialties, and traditional Sicilian street food.

    9
    11:00 - 16:00

    Monreale - Transfer to Agrigento

    Continue your visit to Monreale, a charming town perched on the slopes overlooking Palermo, known for its spectacular views over the Conca d’Oro and its outstanding Norman heritage.

    Here, discover with your guide the magnificent 12th-century Cathedral, a true masterpiece where different artistic traditions come together in perfect harmony, blending Northern European architectural influence, Romanesque forms, and Arab decorative elements. The exterior is enriched by impressive bronze doors, while the interior reveals an extraordinary display of golden mosaics that cover the entire space, creating a stunning luminous effect. The experience culminates in the powerful figure of Christ Pantocrator in the apse, one of the most celebrated expressions of medieval art in the Mediterranean.

    After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Agrigento for hotel accommodation.

    The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore independently. Free time for dinner and overnight stay.

    5
    10
    09:00 - 12:00

    Valle dei Templi - Guided visit

    Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your driver and transferring to the Valle dei Templi Archaeological Park for a guided visit.

    Discover one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valle dei Templi extends over a vast landscape where ancient history comes to life, dating back to the 6th century BC with the foundation of the Greek colony of Akragas.

    Walk among impressive Doric temples, ancient terraces, and sacred ruins that once formed the heart of public and religious life in classical times. Highlights include the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, and the remains of the Temple of Zeus, once among the largest ever built in antiquity.

    11
    13:00 - 18:00

    Villa Romana del Casale - Guided Tour

    Transfer to Piazza Armerina, with lunch at a typical local restaurant.

    Continue to the Villa Romana del Casale for a guided visit of one of the most remarkable Roman residences in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near Piazza Armerina, this extraordinary villa is believed to have belonged to a powerful Roman aristocrat, possibly Maximianus Herculius.

    During the visit, explore its exceptionally well-preserved rooms and admire the world-famous floor mosaics, considered among the finest in the Roman world. Scenes of daily life, mythological figures, hunting expeditions, and athletic games offer a vivid insight into the richness and complexity of ancient Roman culture.

    In the afternoon, continue to Modica and check in at your 4-star hotel in the city center.

    The evening is at your leisure for dinner and overnight stay.

    6
    12
    09:00 - 13:00

    Ragusa - Walking Tour

    Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and transfer to Ragusa.

    Upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit of Ragusa Ibla aboard the charming Baroque train, a unique and relaxing way to explore the historic center. From Piazza Duomo, you will travel through the heart of the old town, passing elegant palaces and baroque churches that define this UNESCO-listed area.

    Along the route, admire landmarks such as the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio, Palazzo La Rocca, and the refined Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata, before reaching the beautiful Iblei Gardens, offering stunning views over the surrounding valleys.

    13
    14:00 - 16:00

    Noto - Walking Tour

    In the second part of the day, the journey continues to Noto, where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before discovering one of Sicily’s most elegant Baroque towns.

    Noto is a small hilltop town in southeastern Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique harmony of architecture and light. Completely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, it is considered one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque.

    A guided walk through the historic center reveals elegant streets, golden stone buildings, and beautifully designed palaces. Highlights include the impressive Cathedral of San Nicolò, overlooking the main square, and Palazzo Nicolaci, famous for its richly decorated Baroque balconies.

    14
    16:00 - 19:00

    Ortigia - Walking Tour

    Final stop of the day is Syracuse, with a walking tour of Ortigia Island.

    Connected to the mainland by a short bridge, Ortigia is the historic heart of Syracuse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where layers of history come together in one unique setting. Greek ruins, medieval churches, and Arab-style streets create a timeless atmosphere by the sea.

    During the walk, you will visit the famous Arethusa Fountain and Piazza del Duomo, one of the most elegant squares in Sicily, surrounded by Baroque palaces such as Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco and the Senate Palace.

    After the visit, continue to Taormina and check in at your 4-star hotel in the city center. The evening is at your leisure for dinner and overnight stay.

    7
    15
    08:30 - 10:30

    Aeolian Islands - Day Tour

    Start the day with breakfast at the hotel departing for a full-day excursion to the Aeolian Islands.

    Today you will explore the enchanting Aeolian archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of Sicily. This UNESCO-listed volcanic group includes seven main islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi, each offering its own unique landscape and atmosphere.

    16
    11:00 - 12:30

    Boat tour of Lipari

    First stop is Lipari, the largest island and the vibrant heart of the Aeolian archipelago. Here you will admire the impressive Faraglioni, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and sculpted over time by wind and sea.

    Enjoy a relaxed walk through the historic center along Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Garibaldi, where you can capture the authentic atmosphere of island life.

    Around 1:00 PM, continue your journey with a direct transfer to the island of Vulcano.

    17
    12:30 - 16:00

    Vulcano - Guided Bus Tour

    Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with a guided bus tour of Vulcano.

    Vulcano, the second active volcano of the Aeolian Islands, is known for its unmistakable landscape and natural geothermal activity, with lingering sulfur fumes that recall its last eruption in 1888. The excursion takes you up to the Gran Cratere della Fossa, where you can enjoy spectacular 360° panoramic views over the entire archipelago.

    The tour continues through Vulcanello and along the west coast, passing striking natural sites such as the Grotta del Cavallo and the famous Piscina di Venere, set against dramatic volcanic scenery.

    Around 4:00 PM, departure from Vulcano to Milazzo, with arrival expected at approximately 5:45 PM. Return to the hotel, free time for dinner and overnight stay.

    8
    18
    09:00 - 14:00

    Etna tour 4x4

    Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with your driver and transfer to Mount Etna.

    Today you will experience an exciting journey through Etna Park, combining 4×4 off-road routes with short guided walks across one of the most fascinating volcanic landscapes in the world. Along the way, you will discover ancient lava flows that once reshaped entire areas, explore dormant craters, and admire breathtaking views over the Valle del Bove.

    The adventure continues underground with a visit to a lava flow cave, equipped with helmets and speleologist lights, offering a unique insight into the volcanic world beneath the surface.

    Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before continuing to Taormina.

    19
    14:00 - 18:00

    Ancient Theatre of Taormina

    In the afternoon, discover the grandeur of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Sicily and the largest ancient theatre in the Italian peninsula.

    This remarkable Greek-Roman masterpiece, dramatically set on a hillside overlooking the sea and Mount Etna, dates back to the 3rd–2nd century BC in its original layout. What you see today reflects its later Roman transformation, most likely carried out during the imperial era under Emperor Trajan or Hadrian.

    After the visit, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure for dinner and overnight stay.

    9
    20
    09:00 - 14:00

    Catania - Walking Tour

    Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

    On your final day, discover the vibrant atmosphere of Catania, a city shaped by history, lava stone architecture, and Baroque elegance.

    During the visit, admire the imposing Ursino Castle, a medieval fortress that once stood by the sea, and the magnificent Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the city’s main religious landmark, located in the heart of Piazza Duomo and dedicated to Catania’s patron saint.

    Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before continuing with the remainder of the day’s program.

    21
    14:00 - 18:00

    Aci Trezza and Aci Castello - Departure

    Finally, enjoy the last visit of your tour in Aci Trezza, a charming fishing village on Sicily’s eastern coast, famous for its scenic seafront and the striking  Faraglioni. This evocative landscape is deeply connected to the myth of the Cyclops from Homer’s Odyssey, adding a unique blend of history and legend to the setting.

    Continue to Aci Castello, a beautiful coastal village overlooking the Ionian Sea. Here you will visit the Norman Castle, dramatically set on a lava rock cliff and offering breathtaking panoramic views over the coastline.

    At the end of the tour, transfer to the airport in time for your departure (approximately 3 hours before the flight).

    22
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    Price & Conditions

    This tour is on request for groups or small groups

    Included:

    • Accommodation in 4* hotel with breakfast: Palermo, Grand Hotel Palazzo Borsa 4* (3 nights); Agrigento Hotel Costazzurra Museum Spa 4* ( 1 night);  Modica Boutique Hotel 4* ( 1 night); Taormina, UNAHOTELS Capotaormina 4*( 3 nights)
    • Dinner and lunches as described, 3-courses menu with water included (only in Vulcano island and Etna the lunch menu is 2-courses)
    • Transfers with 50 GT seater coach or below (according with the number of pax): from Palermo airport to Palermo hotel; from Palermo hotel to Cefalu and from Cefalu to Palermo; from Palermo hotel to Marsala and Erice and return to Palermo; from Palermo hotel to Monreale and from Monreale to Agrigento hotel; from hotel in Agrigento to Valle dei Templi, Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana del Casale to hotel in Modica; from hotel in Modica to Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse and to hotel in Giardini Naxos area; from Giardini Naxos area to Milazzo and from Milazzo to hotel in Taormina; from hotel in Taormina to Mt.Etna; from Mt.Etna to Taormina; from hotel in Taormina to Catania center and from Catania center to Acitrezza and Acicastello; from Acicastello to Catania airport
    • Welcome aperitivo at the hotel at the arrival in Palermo
    • Baroque Train ticket in Ragusa
    • Bus tour in Vulcano Island;
    • Private boat for a daily excursion to Aeolian islands from Milazzo (6 hours)
    • English-speaking guide: from the 1 st to the 9 th day
    • Entrance tickets: Teatro Massimo Palermo; Palermo Cathedral; Palazzo Normanno in Palermo; Mozia island (boat tour included); Erice funicular; La Martorana; Monreale Dome; Valle dei Templi; Villa Romana del Casale; Ancient Theatre of Taormina; Acicastello
    • Headphones connected to the guide

    Not included:

    • Tips and personal extras
    • Lunches and dinners
    • Landing fee to be paid on the spot

     

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