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Italy: Highlights of Sicily

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Italy: Highlights of Sicily

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Description

Calling all sun-seeking adventurers! Take an eight-day trip to Sicily and explore dramatic cliffside villages, soak in the Sicilian sunshine and take in the scenic views of clear waters (did we mention the deliciously fresh seafood?). From the volcanic valleys of Mt Etna to the timeworn streets of Syracuse and the Baroque wonders Ragusa, get ready to discover the varied sides of Sicily. Take a step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Valley of the Temples and learn of the rich anti-Mafia history in Palermo. Eat good food, drink local wines and learn about the region with a handy local by your side – there’s a reason everybody loves Italy!

Trip Name
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Last Updated
2024-08-29
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Drive up towering Mt. Etna – one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean and Europe’s largest active volcano – and walk into an extinct crater.
  • Be swept away by Sicilian charm as you explore the backstreets and cobblestone alleys in the timeless old town of Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa.
  • Take a step back in time with a guided tour of Temple of the Valleys, which brings to life the full glory of ancient Greece and its myths, legends, gods and goddesses.
  • Join a special tour that showcases the anti-Mafia movement in Palermo, visiting sites and talking to people who played an important part in the turbulent history of the city.
  • Enjoy a perfect balance of free time and included activities for you to make your own discoveries, with your professional local leader helping you make the most of it.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Catania
Benvenuto! Welcome to Sicily. Your adventure will begin in the ancient port city of Catania on Sicily’s east coast. Your trip will officially kick off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, why not wander around the city at your own pace. Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna which can be seen from well over half of the city – maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight after your meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.
Day 2 - Syracuse
Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. At an altitude of approximately 2000mt on the north side of the Etna, you’ll visit a lava cave with helmets and torches and walk into the centre of extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. After, hit the road to Syracuse where your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the most interesting parts of the city. The evening is yours to explore or chill out, as you wish.
Day 3 - Syracuse
Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got the day free to explore Syracuse however you like. Perhaps wander through the streets and check out the crumbling building facades and balconies supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Maybe take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for a scenic view of the walled off cityscape or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Alternately, fill your whole day just wandering aimlessly through the city, stopping by cafes, restaurants and grabbing a granita in the afternoon.
Day 4 - Noto/Ragusa/Agrigento
After breakfast today, head for the city of Agrigento. Along the way, stop at Noto – a small town with limestone buildings that dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. You’ll then see the ‘new’ baroque city of Ragusa that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, resulting in two vastly different sides to the same city. After exploring the tangled alleyways and baroque palazzi, travel on to Agrigento. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to maybe find the historic centre that extends up the Colle di Girgenti hill. Head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for a panoramic view over the valley (Valley of the Temples) and the sea for sunset and be sure to try the famous gelato pecorino in one of the local cafés or patisseries.
Day 5 - Valley of the Temples/Marsala
Take a step back in time today as you explore the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Try to nab a window seat today, as along the way you’ll have great views of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour in the Valley of the Temples, you’ll head on to Marsala – a coastal town in the west of Sicily.
Day 6 - Erice/Palermo
Today, set your sights on Palermo, making a few scenic stops along the way. First, you’ll explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice. Despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, there are plenty of beautiful buildings in this town, each showcasing architectural styles from a varied history. Before you get back on the road, be sure to pick yourself up a Genovesi (a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream). Then, make your way to the capital of Sicily, Palermo. When you arrive, you’ll have a free the afternoon to explore as you wish. You might like to wander the labyrinth of small alleyways, buzzing market squares and winding roads. Or, check out some of the main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city.
Day 7 - Palermo
Take part in a walking tour with a local guide this morning and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square all have a rich history in civil mobilisation – plus, they are known to serve delicious street food. You’ll get a chance to meet shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists, then you have the option to visit nearby Monreale – situated in a panoramic position above Palermo with fantastic views over the city and the sea. Visit the cathedral here, described as one of the ‘wonders of the medieval world’, and climb to its roof. Alternately, you might like to wander the city of Palermo at your own will. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure.
Day 8 - Palermo
Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 5,020-
02-06-202509-06-2025AUD $ 5,120-
05-06-202512-06-2025AUD $ 5,120-
16-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 5,330-
30-06-202507-07-2025AUD $ 5,330-
07-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 4,580-
21-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 4,615-
28-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 4,580-
01-09-202508-09-2025AUD $ 4,750-
08-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 5,400-
15-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 5,220-
18-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 4,512-
22-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 5,340-
25-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 4,840-
29-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 4,930-
02-10-202509-10-2025AUD $ 4,810-
06-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 5,220-
13-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 4,685-
20-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 4,700-
27-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 4,605-
13-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 4,300-
20-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 4,300-
27-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 4,300-
04-05-202611-05-2026AUD $ 4,300-
11-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 4,300-
18-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 4,300-
21-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 4,300-
25-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 4,475-
01-06-202608-06-2026AUD $ 4,290-
15-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 4,290-
22-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 4,290-
29-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 4,290-
06-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,095-
13-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 4,095-
27-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 4,095-
31-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 4,290-
03-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 4,475-
07-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 4,640-
10-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 4,640-
14-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 4,640-
17-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 4,640-
21-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 4,640-
24-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 4,640-
28-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 4,640-
01-10-202608-10-2026AUD $ 4,640-
05-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 4,640-
08-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 4,640-
12-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 4,475-
19-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 4,475-
26-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 4,475-
09-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 4,475-
12-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 4,300-
19-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 4,300-
26-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 4,300-
03-05-202710-05-2027AUD $ 4,300-
10-05-202717-05-2027AUD $ 4,300-
17-05-202724-05-2027AUD $ 4,300-
20-05-202727-05-2027AUD $ 4,300-
24-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 4,300-
31-05-202707-06-2027AUD $ 4,300-
14-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 4,300-
21-06-202728-06-2027AUD $ 4,300-
28-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 4,300-
05-07-202712-07-2027AUD $ 4,300-
12-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 4,300-
26-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 4,300-
30-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
02-09-202709-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
06-09-202713-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
09-09-202716-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
13-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
16-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
20-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
23-09-202730-09-2027AUD $ 4,300-
27-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 4,300-
30-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 4,300-
04-10-202711-10-2027AUD $ 4,300-
07-10-202714-10-2027AUD $ 4,300-
11-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 4,300-
18-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 4,300-
25-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 4,300-
08-11-202715-11-2027AUD $ 4,300-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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