Sicily Tours

Saturday
Transfer to your hotel in Palermo, check-in and the rest of day is at leisure. Later you will meet your tour leader and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner Included

Sunday
Monreale & Palermo
After breakfast, your local guide will show you where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Monreale Duomo, built in 1174 by William II, decorated on the inside with beautiful mosaics and 24-carat gold! The tour then visits the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of his grandfather Roger II. We continue to Piazza Pretoria, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini, all important landmarks in Palermo. At the very heart of the city we will visit the "Quattro Canti", the four corners, a quartet of baroque palaces reminiscent of the Spanish rule dating back to 1560. Our tour continues to the Cathedral, built during the Norman, Arabic and Islamic domination. Return back to our hotel in Palermo. Your evening is at leisure.
Breakfast Included

Monday
Palermo - Erice - Marsala - Palermo
Early departure to tour western Sicily where we will reach Erice city center. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice, which was an important religious site associated with the goddess Venus. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous homemade pastry shops—world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. Then, to an olive oil factory & farmhouse to enjoy a light lunch.  In the afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala on the Salt Way Road.  We will tour the historic saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced.  We then continue on to Marsala and visit a local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later we return back to our hotel in Palermo.
Breakfast and Lunch Included

Tuesday
Palermo - Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Leonforte/Enna
Today’s drive across the vast countryside showcases Sicily’s great variety of sceneries. We soon arrive in Agrigento whose history dates back to 580 BC.  A guided tour leads us through the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  This afternoon we continue to Piazza Armerina to view the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. Later, we depart to Leonforte near Enna.  This region boasts a rich production of wheat, citrus fruits, and olive oil. Tonight, we lodge at Villa Gussio, an old traditional Sicilian country hotel. The hotel is a jewel set in the green heart of Sicily, a magic place where history and nature blend to celebrate a spontaneous hymn to beauty. Dinner at the hotel. 
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Wednesday
Enna - Syracuse - Taormina
Today we depart for Syracuse, founded by colonists from Cornith in 735 B.C. and once the most important competitor to Athens.  Our guided visit through the Archaeological Park highlights the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry.  Later stroll through the streets of Ortygia Island, the heart of the city center. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort town of Sicily, known for its views and atmosphere.
Breakfast and Lunch Included

Thursday
Taormina - Etna - Taormina
A short drive takes us to the main visitor elevation on the slopes of Mt. Etna.  Those interested in experiencing the Etna craters will have the option to purchase cable car tickets on the spot (weather and volcanic conditions permitting) to experience the lava fields and incredible landscape view from Europe’s highest and most active volcano on their own. Then to a winery and farmhouse.  This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine and artisan food.  We indulge in a typical Sicilian light lunch at the farmhouse. This afternoon, back to Taormina and time at leisure. Tonight we gather for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Friday
Taormina
Day at leisure, use this day to rest or spend the day in central Taormina, here you can visit the Greek Theatre and quaint streets which are lined with small boutiques and curiosity shops. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or just find the ideal spot and enjoy the stunning views overlooking the bay at Giardinin Naxos, open sea views as far as Calabria and inland views of Mount Etna....the scenery is simply breathtaking.
Breakfast Included

Saturday
Following breakfast, transfer to Catania airport.
Breakfast Included