Seductive Beauty of Sicily

Your Sicily and It’s Isles 13 Day Tour includes:

• 12 nights accommodation
• 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
• Must see inclusions and cultural experiences
• Culinary highlights
• Services of an expert Travel Host

***Rate based on twin share for travel 2 to 14 June 2023***

***Alternative dates available, a surcharge may apply***

Day 1: Palermo
You’re on your way to Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Look past the Italy you think you know and see how this coastal farmland balances ancient traditions and modern comforts. Start your journey in Palermo (UNESCO), Sicily’s welcoming capital city. Uncover the island’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces and delicate Classical designs. Come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Palermo
Decide how you explore because it’s your choice! Tour Palermo and head to Monreale Cathedral, ascending on foot to see the gold Byzantine mosaics -OR- descend into a WWII air raid shelter before exploring the historic city center with a guide. No matter how you spend your morning, you’ll spend your afternoon tasting your way through Ballarò Market’s olives, spices, and other local produce. End your day at a medieval palace, where a countess guides you through her family’s home, joining you for an aperitif and hors d’oeuvres.

Day 3: Trapani
Experience an impact moment with Addiopizzo, an anti-Mafia nonprofit that supports locals who refuse to pay the Mafia’s protection fees. Visit Capaci and Cinisi, the site of two terrorist acts led by the Mafia, and pay tribute to fallen activists. Chat with locals for a personal perspective and learn how they overcame the Mafia’s reign. As the day draws to a close, settle into Trapani for two nights and watch the sunset fade against the crashing waves and whirling windmills.

Day 4: Trapani
Venture to the isle of Mozia, once a great trading port for the Phoenician, Greek and Roman civilizations. On the way, sail next to a submerged Roman road, once traversed on foot. Explore Mozia with a guide, visiting the ruins of its ancient port, and a museum featuring impressive Greek statuary. Then continue to Marsala, heading down into a cellar for a taste of its renowned wine. The remainder of the day is yours. Perhaps you will join an optional tour to Erice to visit Maria Grammatico’s famous bakery for a hands-on pastry-making class.

Day 5: Agrigento
Begin in Gibellina, a humble countryside village. See how this town rebuilt itself after an earthquake, transforming ruins into a sprawling piece of contemporary art. Head to an award-winning olive grove and learn about the Slow Food movement, which supports local cultures and preserves traditions. Try their unique olive oil at lunch before departing for Agrigento, where ancient roots and medieval buildings blend into modernity. Wander through the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide at dusk.

Day 6: Ragusa
Make your way to Ragusa (UNESCO), an ancient city perched upon a hill. Meander through its Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city.

Day 7: Ragusa
The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica, where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch at a ricotta farm before continuing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.

Day 8: Salina
Grab your bags* and hop on a ferry in Milazzo. Sail by Vulcano and Lipari on your way to Salina** a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Somewhat off the beaten path, Salina is one of the less-traveled Aeolian Islands, preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. Settle into the hamlet of Lingua for a 2-night stay. Get your bearings on a brief tour and visit a local winery*** for a tasting of Malvasia, a locally produced wine.

Day 9: Salina
Dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards pass by on your way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. Wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll take an optional cruise to Stromboli, where you’ll swim off your private boat and dine at sunset; relax and watch for the signature glow of the island’s active volcano.

Day 10: Taormina
After a relaxing morning, ferry back to mainland Sicilia. Journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. Settle into your new home for the next three nights and enjoy a free evening to explore on your own.

Day 11: Taormina
Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.

Day 12: Taormina
See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening, toast to your Sicilian sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.

Day 13: Taormina
Your journey through Sicily comes to a close today. Return home with memories of Italy’s favorite island.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 24 June 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.