8 Days 7 Nights
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean basin, a fascinating wealth of flamboyant Arabo-Norman cathedrals, stunning galleries and the best collection of Greek temples outside Greece, complemented with gorgeous natural landscapes such as the mighty Mount Etna volcano and pristine beaches and coves against the backdrop of pretty villages and mountains. It's no wonder that it has seven UNESCO Heritage sites!
We start in the provincial capital Palermo, with its wealth of historical landmarks in the region from Byzantine churches, ancient theatres, and the fascinating salt pans. Then move inland to the impressive Valley of the Temples, and then to the east coast to explore the Greek ruins of Syracuse, and marvel at the gorgeous Baroque architecture of the southeast. End the trip in Taormina to pay homage to Mount Etna, with an exciting 4x4 jeep ascend to Europe's greatest volcano.
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit 6 of Sicily’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Soft adventure in Mount Etna with wine tasting
- Unlock optional access to ancient palaces guided by the owner or a Sicilian countess
- Consider extending your day for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands by sailing or helicopter
Itinerary Outline
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Day 1
Arrival in Palermo
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Day 2
Palermo
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Day 3
Palermo / Segesta / Erice / Trapani / Palermo
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Day 4
Palermo / Agrigento
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Day 5
Agrigento / Piazza Armerina / Syracuse
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Day 6
Syracuse / Noto / Ragusa / Taormina
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Day 7
Taormina / Etna / Taormina
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Day 8
Taormina / Departure from Catania
Itinerary
Arrival in Palermo
Transfer: Airport to hotel
You would be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Optional Activities
- Ancient Palace Private Visit with a Sicilian Countess
- Pupi Making with a Local Artisan
Palermo
Chateauneuf du Pape Village Excursion
After breakfast, be met by your guide and transferred to the village of Châteauneuf du Pape (New Castle of the Popes), the castle ruins set above a veritable blanket of vines. We stroll through the parcels of Grenache and Syrah, among vineyards planted in the times of the popes, creating what is today the most famous wines of the Rhône Valley.
Enjoy a picnic among the vines, learn all about the local wines, and be led through a wine-tasting in one of Châteauneuf du Pape’s most historic estates. (Walking time: approx. 3 hours walking, 10 km, +/- 150m elevation gain)
Return to Avignon and enjoy rest of the evening free for leisure.
Palermo / Segesta / Erice / Trapani / Palermo
Drive to Segesta to admire its temple and theatre. Afterwards, arrive to the medieval village of Erice perched on the top of a hill, and walk along the tiny and characteristic streets. Your last stop of the day is Trapani to visit the working salt windmills before returning to Palermo in evening.
Palermo / Agrigento
Transfer: Road Transfer
Transfer to Agrigento via Cefalu.
A Walk in Cefalu
Enjoy a walking tour of Cefalu, an ancient seaside town with cozy beaches. Visit the picturesque harbor, the amazing Cathedral and take some time to stroll through its charming alleys. Delve into life of one of the most beautiful Sicilian coastal towns.
Explore the Valley of the Temples
Explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 582 BC by Greek settlers, the town was described by the Greek poet Pindar as "the most beautiful of those inhabited by mortals". Key temples in this area include Temple of Hercules, Zeus, Hera, Concordia, Dioscuri and more.
Optional Activities
- Valley of the Temples by Night
Agrigento / Piazza Armerina / Syracuse
Transfer: Road Transfer
Transfer to Agrigento with a visit to Villa Romana Del Casale en-route.
Visit the Villa Romana in Piazza Armerina
Leave Agrigento today for the interior of Sicily to Villa Romana in Piazza Armerina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well known for its 63 room-villa built in Roman times in splendid mosaics.
Ortigia Island
One of the great ancient capital of Western civilization, Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of its most stunning sites is the island of Ortigia. Venture down the winding streets of splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Visit the massive Cathedral and be enchanted by its beauty.
Syracuse / Noto / Ragusa / Taormina
Transfer: Road Transfer
Transfer to Taormina with sightseeing in Noto and Ragusa.
Tour of Noto
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is located at the foot of the Iblean Mountains. As you walk through the charming alleys, you will admire by the marvelous Baroque architectures such as Palazzo Comunale, the Church of the Holy Savior, the Palazzo Vescovile, and the breathtaking Duomo di San Nicolò, dominating above a spectacular staircase.
Ragusa Highlights
Take a stroll through Ragusa Ibla. See the Duomo of San Giorgio, the symbol of the town’s rebirth and discover the Giardino Ibleo (Ibleo garden), the oldest of the four main parks in Ragusa, which offers great views of the surrounding countryside.
Optional Activities
- Private Visit to Palazzo Arezzo with the Owner
Taormina / Etna / Taormina
Mount Etna with Alpine Guide
Today's excursion brings us into the majestic Mount Etna. Known as Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna has also been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
Throughout the fun excursion, you will alternate between 4WD and walks escorted by an alpine guide. Our itinerary will be customized to bring you the best possible scenery depending on your physical conditions and volcano's activity.
Etna Wine Tasting
Reach a winery at the base of Mount Etna for lunch and wine tasting. Discover how volcanic soils contribute to the production of amazing wines.
Free Afternoon at Leisure
The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure for you to enjoy your accommodation or explore Taormina at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Taormina City Tour
- Sicilian Cooking Class in a Private Villa
Taormina / Departure from Catania
Transfer: Hotel to Airport
You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Optional Activities
- Full Day Sailing in the Aeolian Islands
- Wings Over Aeolian Islands
Hotels & Tour Price
Includes
- Accommodation as stated on twin sharing basis
- Meals as stated
- Tours and transfers as stated with a private vehicle as per itinerary
- Private English-speaking guides during tours
- Entrance fees as stated
Excludes
- International airfare and airport taxes
- Optional experiences
- Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if required)
- Personal expenses such as spa, laundry, bar bills, phone and internet charges
- Gratuities
- City tax at hotels, to be paid directly at check-out
Get started with your personalised unique journey
Call us at +86 400 104 0866 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.cn to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.