Sicily History Tour – 10 Days
Palermo (3 nights), Messina (3 nights), Syracuse (1 night), Taormina (3 nights), Catania (2 nights)
This is a sample itinerary which is completely customizable, ask us how.
Highlights
- 12 nights in high-end accommodation
- Daily breakfasts of local delicacies
- Personal airport and tour transfers
- History tours of Palermo, Messina, Taormina, Syracuse and Catania
- Mount Etna Personal Jeep tour with lunch
- Syracuse Greek Theatre tour
- Excursion to Agrigento Valley of Temples
- Personal transfers and travel services are included
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Palermo
Welcome to the Capital
Sicily’s iconic capital, Palermo, sits on the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is unique in that it offers glorious sea vistas and relaxed beach locations, while also being famous for its colorful history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture and decadent cuisine. Due to its strategic location, the city boasts a fascinating and turbulent history, and it has played a vital role in shaping Europe.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 2: Tour of Palermo with Catacombs
History Tour of Palermo Including Catacombs
Explore Palermo and learn more about its fascinating history on an exclusive history full-day 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. We’ll also stop at the 12th-century Monreale Cathedral and stroll through the colorful Vucciria market. Top it off with a visit to the haunting Convento dei Cappuccini’s Catacombs, which display thousands of mummies and preserved corpses dressed in the clothing of their time.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 3: Tour of Cefalu'
Excursion to Cefalu’ on the coast
The picturesque fishing village of Cefalu on the Sicilian boasts beautiful architecture and culture, which can all be discovered on a walking tour of the town. As a part of this tour, you will enjoy a stroll through the enchanting streets of Cefalu and learn more about its intriguing past. Highlights of the tour include the Old Town and harbor, Corso Ruggero, the Duomo, and the massive rock crag, known as the Rocca.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 4: Arrive in Messina with a history tour
Historical Messina walking tour
Explore the historic city of Messina on a walking tour with a local guide that’s a great overview and orientation for first-time visitors. Learn about Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage as you make your way from Cathedral Square to a series of churches, landmarks, and artwork, and hear stories from Messina’s fascinating past. Multiple departures are available throughout the day.
Overnight: Messina
Day 5: Messina boat tour
Boat tour of the Strait of Messina
Leaving the Port of Milazzo, you will travel along the wonderful Mamertino Cape, which offers a stunning view of Aragon Castle, before reaching the Port of Panarea. From here, you can enjoy a boat tour to see the beautiful Cala Junco Bay, Caletta dei Zimmari and Drauto Bay, and there will also be time to visit one of the seven islands. There will be plenty of time to relax too – why not go for a swim or have lunch in one of the typical Aeolian restaurants? Or if you want to delve further into Messina’s past, take a local taxi to the pre-historic village of Capo Milazzese (it can also be reached on foot in 45 minutes).
Overnight: Messina
Day 6: Tour of Pantalica Necropolis
Pantalica Necropolis
Discovering the largest prehistoric Necropolis in Europe immersed in a natural canyon crossed by rivers and streams makes the scenery even more fascinating and varied. The authorized tourist and environmental guide, thanks to his experience, will lead you safely along the paths and rock faces to admire the tombs and houses carved into the stone. Once you reach the stream you can immerse yourself in the clear and fresh waters for a swim immersed in nature.
Overnight: Syracuse
Day 7: Excursion to Mount Etna
Mount Etna day trip
Today, you’ll take a trip up Europe’s most active volcano! Standing proud at 3,320 meters, Mount Etna is also Europe’s biggest volcano, with a base circumference of 93 miles. On this once-in-a-lifetime day trip, you’ll begin in the foothills of the mighty volcano, taking in the exotic wildlife with your guide, before embarking on a gentle walking tour to Rifugio Sapienza, which includes the famous Monti Silvestri Craters. Here, you will be able to take in unbelievable sea views and views of the surrounding countryside – you’ll be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Overnight: Taormina
Day 8: Tour of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples
During 8 Days You will see the Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples
On this day trip from Siracusa, you will immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past, visiting Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples.
The UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples 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. 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 Chthonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). Your expert guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their ongoing preservation.
Overnight: Taormina
Day 9: Tour of Taormina
During 9th Day You Will See The Taormina, Isola Bella and Castelmola
Starting from Piazza Duomo (Catania) you will go in the direction of Taormina, making a stop in the Bay of Isola Bella ( in the summer you will have the opportunity to swim in this wonderful nature reserve) finally you can walk through the streets of the charming old town of Taormina, where there are monuments of great artistic and cultural interest: Ancient Theatre, Cathedral Fortress (Duomo), Clock Tower, Palazzo Corvaja, Piazza IX Aprile etc. -Experience a complete tour through history and nature, visiting Isola Bella flagship of Taormina and the famous Ancient Theatre, architectural gem, and end the day visiting the village of Castelmola, among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Overnight: Taormina
Day 9: Mount Etna Jeep Tour
Mount Etna Personal Jeep tour with lunch and wine tasting
Our full-day Etna Tour 4×4 includes an itinerary in stages in which the 4 × 4 Jeep movements alternate and off-road routes with short walks, to appreciate places of great naturalistic interest of Etna Park. Our vulcanology guide is an Etna masterpiece that will enrich our excursion by explain the volcanological aspects of the largest volcano in Europe, named UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Mount Etna is known for its fine Sicilian wines, which have a special richness thanks to the high mineral content of the soil in the vineyards in the Mount Etna foothills. This exclusive tour also includes a decadent Sicilian lunch and wine tasting.
Overnight: Catania
Day 10: Tour of Catania with Lunch
During 8th Day You Will See The Tour of Catania with Lunch
Discover Baroque architecture and city vibrancy with this full day 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: Catania
Why Travel with Bellarome
Personalized Travel Services
Bespoke tailor-made itineraries put together by a local expert. You will be assign a dedicated consultant devoted to making your trip extra special.
Heritage Locator
Help with tracking ancestral roots and arranging to meet relatives with the help of a translator and local anagrapher.
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Thousands of positive online reviews and happy repeat customers. ASTA members (US), ATOL protected (UK) and AFTA members (Australia) means peace of mind.
Local Presence & Knowledge
Local help desk available when you travel with 24/7 support included in the service.