Treasure Sicily – 17 day itinerary

Welcome to Palermo

Start in Sicily’s capital of Palermo where you will have ample time to settle into your exclusive accommodation and explore the city at night. Palermo is a colorful vibrant city with something to see and do – and food to try – at every corner.

If the weather permits, you can relax on the nearby Mondello beach finishing with a seafood dinner by the sea. Or if you are interested in seeing some historic villas, we would be happy to arrange a ride to the town of Bagheria just half an hour away. Many of these eighteenth century villas such as Villa Palagonia and Villa Valguarnera feature gothic architecture which have provided dramatic backdrops for a myriad of famous Italian films.

Overnight: Palermo

Monreale and Cefalu

Marvel at a Norman cathedral on the slopes of Monte Caputo, and learn the Greek and Medieval history of one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns, Monreale. Learn the history of the 12th-century magnificent Cathedral, considered one of the greatest landmarks of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the south of Italy.

After taking all this in, proceed to the picturesque seaside village of Cefalu for a typical lunch and some free time. Cefalu is particularly famous for its spectacular sandy beaches and the charming medieval town center.

Overnight: Palermo

Explore Palermo

Discover the iconic sights of Palermo on a guided tour with our expert guide who will take you on a journey of discovery through the most glorious parts of Palermo. As a part of this special experience, you will have the chance to see all of Palermo’s main attractions and stunning Baroque architecture, including Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral, the Martorana, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace and the popular markets. During your relaxing walk, there will be plenty of time to ask your guide questions and learn more about the history of Palermo and its rich culture.

Overnight: Palermo

Road trip to Argrigento

This day will consist of crossing the centre of Sicily from Palermo down towards the south to the ancient city of Agrigento, stopping along the way. It is a perfect way to see the Sicilian countryside and visit other less touristic towns in its centre such as Enna. Then when you arrive in Agrigento we will take you to your high-end accommodation and let you get acquainted with this archeologically wonderous city this will be your wonderful grand vacation in Sicily.

Overnight: Agrigento

Visit Agrigento’s Valley of Temples

Why not immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past with a tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples? Our tour includes entry to the UNESCO-protected site, which is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological parks. It is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past and this tour experience allows you to see the sacred site with an expert guide.

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.

Overnight: Agrigento

Noto and Avola with wine tasting

En route to Syracuse our driver will take you to Noto, the quaint boroque capital and on a wine tour in the countryside of Avola.

Experience two historical family owned wineries and sample top branded Sicilian wines including the world famous Nero d’Avola paired with delectable local products.

When you arrive at your lovely hotel, you’ll relish the opportunity to wander around this stunning baroque city at night where you won’t be hard pressed to find somewhere amazing to stop for dinner.

Overnight: Syracuse

Syracuse Historical Centre and Archeological Sites

This 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 recognisable landmarks of Ortigia. As a part of your experience, you will also experience the archaeological park, the Greek theatre, the Altar of Hieron II and the Roman Amphitheatre – a truly special treat for anyone interested in history.

Make the most of Syracuse

After your tour, your tour guide will no doubt leave you wanting to see more on your last day. You can use this day to lose yourself in the city, or visit other museums and Cathedrals. We recommend the thirteenth centry waterfront Castello Maniace, made of stone and perched on the tip of a mini peninsula. From there you can stroll along the boardwalk stopping for lunch at one of the many authentic restaurants by the sea.

Overnight: Syracuse

Discover Taormina’s hidden treasures

After checking out of Syracuse, your next stop will be a journey to Taormina. This is possibly the most visited destination of Sicily and for good reason. Let our guide take you through this city on a tour of the history and culture.

Guided Tour With Expert Guide

This tour is a wonderful way to discover the true history and culture of Taormina. As a part of the experience, you will have the full attention of a guide, who will tell you all about Taormina’s intriguing past and main monuments. On this walking tour, you will see Borgo Medievale, which is Taormina’s oldest neighborhood, Piazza del Duomo and its Baroque fountain, San Domenico Palace Hotel (a former monastery), Villa Communcale and the Greek Theatre.

Overnight: Taormina

Visit Mount Etna

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, head to a local family-owned trattoria for a typical Sicilian lunch and exquisite wine.

Overnight: Taormina

Treasure Taormina some more

After your tour of Taormina and Jeep tour of Mount Etna, we doubt you’ve had enough of Taormina and it’s magnificent views. Use this day to go back to your favorite spots at your own pace. If travelling from May to October, we already recommend taking the chairlift from the top of the city down to a beach with a tiny island called Isola Bella where you can relax and walk through the shallow crystal clear waters to this tiny island

Overnight: Taormina

Lipari Island

Catch a ferry to the largest Aeolian island, Lipari where you will settle in for a few nights. After checking into your 4 to 5 star hotels you might like to explore the narrow streets for some shopping, grab a granita finishing with dinner and some bar hopping. Or explore the whole island by moped stopping at Papesca and Porticello Beach.

Overnight: Lipari

Salina and Vulcano Islands

Discover amazing grottos and bays of Lipari and the nearby small island of Salina. Thanks to its springwater, Salina boasts the greenest vegetation and the best terraine for cultivating produce. With that said, let us treat you to a local lunch on board the boat surrounded by beautiful landscapes and sea.

Another option is to take the local hydrofoil to the island of Vulcano and spend the day there. You can climb to the crater summit, have natural mud bath or enjoy swimming in the warm sea water.

Overnight: Lipari

Charming Panarea

Panarea is the smallest and most ancient of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands. It is a vulcanic island like Stromboli and Vulcano, only it is extra perfect for diving lovers.

We recommend visiting the Spinazzola Rock, La nave rock and the Lanishen shipwreck, an English merchant ship that sunk in the in the nineteenth century after hitting the rocks of Lisca Nera.

Overnight: Panarea

Last day of Panarea

On your last day on this stunning island, if you’re not keen on diving you might like to visit the prehistoric village and nature reserves for some hiking. There are also a variety of the secluded beaches to visit such as Calcarra or Junco Cove.

Overnight: Panarea

Finish in Catania

Your trip ends in Catania, the second largest city of Sicily and Palermo’s rival, especially when it comes to food. Our driver will pick you up from the port to take you to your boutique accommodation before letting you spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring this wonderful city.

Overnight: Catania

Food tasting tour in Catania

Discover Sicily’s vibrant cuisine culture with our trips to sicily with food-tasting walking tour of Catania. This culinary walking tour begins in central Catania and takes you on a relaxing walk through the city as you sample local delicacies.  Sample some of the region’s finger-licking specialties, such as granita (a refreshing shaved ice), Sicilian brioche, local cheeses and olives, arancini (rice balls), cartocciata (a popular street food of dough wrapped around mozzarella cheese and other fillings), and much more.

Our walking tour is led only by our local guides who will offer you a personal experience. You will have a historical overview of the city, of the alleys and the squares of the old town, whilst giving you also the chance to sample the best of its culinary delights! There is no better way to enjoy the unique flavours of Catania.

Overnight: Catania