Sicilian Discovery – 8 days

Explore Taormina at your leisure

Perched above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna’s backdrop, Taormina, Sicily, epitomizes historical charm and modern allure. Wander ancient streets, relish Sicilian cuisine on Corso Umberto, and explore the Greek theater. With its timeless beauty and vibrant culture, Taormina promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sicily.

Overnight: Taormina

Mount Etna Jeep tour with wine tasting and lunch

Departing from Taormina our guide will take you on a fascinating tour of Mount Etna. There you will scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full day 4×4 tour. 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 with local wine.

Overnight: Taormina

Syracuse with a stopover in Catania

En route to Syracuse your driver will make a stop in the secomd largest city, Castania. Discover Baroque architecture and city vibrancy with this outside walking tour of Catania. On this tour experience, you can discover the history and main attractions of Catania on a guided walk with a dedicated expert. As a part of the outside walking tour, you will see Palazzo Biscari, Museo Civico, Piazza del Duomo, Porta Garibaldi, the striking but incomplete facade of the Chiesa di San Nicolo in Piazza Dante and the Teatro Massimo Bellini. There will be plenty of time to ask your guide questions, making this tour a wonderful way to discover more about this vibrant Sicilian city.

Overnight: Syracuse

Nero D’ Avola wine tasting

Take a excursion to the countryside of Syracuse. Here you will explore the Avola region, stopping in a wonderful winefarm to taste some exceptional Nero D’ Avola wine which was born in this region and is appreciated around the world. Celebrated for its distinctive sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavours, its bold flavour pairs beautifully with warm Sicilian olives.

Overnight: Syracuse

Baroque Valley, Modica and Ragusa

Discover the heart of Sicilian baroque architecture, visiting the towns of Modica and Ragusa. With our local guide you will discover the top attractions including the Gothic/Catalan-style church of Santa Maria delle Scale, Palazzo della Cancelleria, the Church of Madonna dell’Itria, Palazzo Cosentini, Via Capitano Bocchieri and Piazza Duomo, and the charming churches around Piazza Pola. Head to Modica after lunch – a Baroque town with beautiful churches and palaces. Highlights of this part of the tour include Saint Georges’s Church, Saint Peter’s Church, Mary Of Bethlehem’s Church and a small cave church, which houses some Byzantine frescos. You will also be treated to chocolate tasting as Modica is known for its sweet treats!

Overnight: Syracuse

Road Trip to Palermo

Take a taxi to Palermo, stopping at Piazza Amerena in the province of Enna on the way. Here you will be taken on a two hour tour of Villa Romana, an ancient Roman villa with preserved mosaics dating back to the fourth centry AD. After the road tour, you will continue your journey to Palermo.

Overnight: Palermo

Discover the city of Palermo

Get ready to explore Palermo and learn more about its fascinating history as we treat you to a glorious private tour of Sicily. 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. As a part of your unique 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.

Overnight: Palermo

Erice and Trapani

Discover the charm and traditions of authentic Sicily on this excursion to Erice and Trapani. The former is a village steeped in history and is known to have inspired poets, such as Virgil, while Segesta dates back to Elymian times and features an unfinished Doric temple from the late 5th century BC. After a great coastal view lunch, you will enjoy visiting Trapani and its secret Palazzis. As part of this wonderful excursion you will also have a glance at the the iconic windmills of the salt mines.

Overnight: Erice