Essential Sicily – 8 Nights

Welcome to Palermo

Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily and sits on the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. While offering stunning sea vistas, Palermo is most famous for its colorful history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture and fresh seafood cuisine.

Historical tour of Palermo

Today, you will have every opportunity to explore Palermo and learn more about its fascinating history as we will treat you to a glorious VIP history tour. As a part of your journey through time, you will see the La Martorana Norman Church, Galleria Regionale, the 15th-century Neo-Gothic castle and Museo Archeological Regionale, which boasts one of the richest collections of Punic and Ancient Greek art in Italy. There will also be a stop at the 12th-century Monreale Cathedral and a stroll through the colorful Vucciria market, where you can buy authentic Sicilian delicacies and fresh seafood. As a part of your unique private tour of Palermo, you will visit the haunting Convento dei Cappuccini’s Catacombs, which display thousands of mummies and preserved corpses dressed in the clothing of their time.

Magnificent Monreale

Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, you can find the medieval village of Monreale. It is best known for its magnificent Cathedral, which features some of the most beautiful religious mosaics of the 12th century. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily and is a joy to discover on this small-group day trip from Palermo. As well as the Cathedral, you will have time to explore the abbey cloister, which boasts more than 200 intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.

Valley of Temples in Agrigento

Delving further still into Sicily’s fascinating history, today you can discover Sicily’s Greek past with a tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (entry included). The UNESCO-protected Valley is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites and is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past. This tour experience takes you to the sacred site, where an expert guide will treat you to a guided walk through the Valley.

As a part of your tour, you will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). During the tour, your guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their on-going preservation.

Private walking tour of Syracuse

Enjoy a private walking tour around the historical center of Siracusa with this VIP experience on the ancient island of Ortigia. This private walking tour begins at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple and leads you to Cathedral Square, which boasts beautiful limestone buildings and Baroque architecture. From here, you will visit the Arethusa Fountain, which is steeped in legend and mystery. During this part of the tour, your expert guide will explain the monument’s fascinating history. The tour then concludes with a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Archimedes Square, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, which was built in a Neoclassical style and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Ortigia.

Naturalistic tour to Vendicari, Calamosche and Marzamemi

Today you can delight in a trip to one of the most beautiful nature reserves in southern Italy. The Vendicari oasis is made up of well-kept paths and small lakes full of wildlife, making this a particular treat for those with a keen interest in nature or those simply wanting to relax. Walking the stretch between the Calamosche and San Lorenzo beaches, you can visit the tuna fishery where you can admire typical fishermen’s houses. The beach at Calamosche is a must-see and is a true paradise. In fact, it was named “the most beautiful beach in Italy” by the Blue Guide of Legambiente in 2005 so be sure to take plenty of time to relax and admire the scenery here. There are numerous caves that you can explore too as the beach sits between two rocky headlands. After plenty of time to absorb the beauty of Calamosche you will visit the delightful village of Marzamemi in the area of Pachino.

Mount Etna Jeep tour with wine tasting and lunch

Scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full day 4×4 tour from Taormina. As a part of the trip, you will travel up rugged mountain tracks in an off-road vehicle and trek by foot to a stellar lookout point with views of lava flow basins and cave tubes created by the 2002 eruption. After descending from the volcano, you will be treated to a typical Sicilian lunch of cheeses, cured meats, pasta and dessert served, of course, with local wine.

VIP Taormina tour with the Greek Theater

Today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina private tour, you will enjoy “skip the line” entry to the ancient Greek Theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. There is no better way to discover this unassuming city’s treasured attractions!