10 Day Spectacular Sicily

Palermo

Tag 1: Welcome To Sicily!

Welcome to Palermo, the capital of Sicily!

After your arrival at the airport, your driver will take you to a hotel in the historic city center. Your Sicilian adventure begins tomorrow!

Palermo - Monreale

Tag 2: Tour Amazing Palermo

Discover Palermo’s heritage, culture, food, and more on a full day tour. Situated along a bay on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo has a scenic landscape.

Experience Palermo’s vibrant Capo Market, the oldest in Palermo. Take in the explosion of colors at the stalls stacked with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fish and meat are also sold here. Taste amazing street food including pani ca meusa, sfincione (Sicilian pizza), panelle and arancini. 

You will also see Sicily’s rich heritage including the traditional Sicilian Old Quarter, Quattro Canti di Citta baroque square, and the Norman section. Visit the wonderful 12th century Palermo Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also the Monreale Cathedral built in Arab-Norman style. Your tour ends on an interesting note at the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo. This underground cemetery is eerie yet fascinating!

Palermo - Cefalù - Castelbuono

Tag 3: Discover The Wonders Of Cefalu

After breakfast, you will set forth to Cefalu, a picturesque town. A major highlight here is the La Rocca, a rugged cliff with remnants of the Temple of Diana from the fourth century BC.

On your visit to this village, you will tour the 12th century Duomo (cathedral) of Cefalu, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its architecture is an interesting mix of the Norman-Arab-Byzantine style. The most striking features of the cathedral are the Byzantine style mosaics especially the splendid Christ Pantocrator against a gold background in the apse.

Later, proceed south of Cefalu where you can enjoy the lovely landscape of the Madonie National Park and explore charming villages and medieval towns including Castelbuono. Take a walk to admire the picturesque scenery and impressive mountains. You have some free time to discover the town’s attractions on your own.

Palermo - Marsala - Agrigento

Tag 4: Go On A Winery Visit At Marsala

Today, get ready for a journey to Marsala after breakfast. You will see salt pans as you travel along the Salt Road which has saltwater pools separated by thin sections of land.

You can also spot mounds of salt and windmills on the route. A practice in existence since the time of the Phoenicians, the collection of salt continues to take place even today. Afterward, you can make a visit to a typical fish market in Marsala (Mercato del Pesce) as well.

Take a trip to Donnafugata Winery run by the Rallo family which has been in the wine business for more than a hundred years. See their wide range of wines produced with indigenous as well as international varietals. You can enjoy a guided tour and savor a lunch and wine-tasting session. Later, travel to Agrigento and stay overnight at the hotel.

Agrigento - Siracusa

Tag 5: Visit The Greek Valley Of Temples In Agrigento

A city with a fascinating history, remnants of Agrigento’s Greek origins from the 6th century BC can be seen even today. You can see it for yourself when you tour the ‘Valley of Temples’ which has seven temples.

Travel back in time to the glorious past when you see some of the remarkably well-preserved ruins of these Doric temples. You will visit the Temples of Juno, Concordia, Castor and Pollux, and Vulcan. This site also contains the ruins of a necropolis.

Afterward, stop by the Garden of Kolymbetra and discover its botanical delights. The wonderful plants, shrubs, and herbs including lentiscus, broom, myrtle, orange, lemon, and mandarine are irrigated using a system based on one from the time of the Arabs. You can enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the setting of this colorful and aromatic garden. Later, you will travel to Syracuse (Siracusa) and rest overnight at a hotel.

Siracusa - Ortigia

Tag 6: Admire The Ancient Attractions In Syracuse

Today you will discover the attractions in the city of Syracuse that has a rich Greek history in the form of temples and amphitheaters. It is also famous for being the birthplace of Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes.

On your trip to Syracuse, you will visit Greek and Roman ruins as well as the limestone cave ‘Ear of Dionysius’. The cave’s shape has a resemblance to the human ear and it is well known for its acoustics.

Afterward, relish lunch (cold cuts, cheese, caponata) at a historic salumeria in Ortigia. Later, you will go on to explore the medieval streets, baroque structures and other landmarks of Ortigia. You will also see another UNESCO World Heritage Site–the Cathedral of Syracuse built over the ancient Greek temple of Athena.

Siracusa - Catania - Taormina

Tag 7: Take A Cooking Class In Catania

Experience local life at your next destination Catania, known for its culture, gastronomy and Baroque architecture. Take a guided tour of the historical fish market ‘A Piscaria’ and fine tune your cooking skills with a lesson from the chef-guide.

Your cooking lesson will be held at a historic house museum with fabulous views of Via Etnea. Learn how to prepare a traditional Sicilian and Catanese full course meal that includes maccheroni pasta made from organic flour. Inhale the heavenly aromas of food made from ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, herbs, meat, spices, and sauces. The best part comes right afterwards–when you eat the wonderful food that has been prepared!

Additionally, you can also explore the house museum that contains photographs, antiques, books, and more. Afterward, proceed to the next stop– Taormina, and stay overnight at a hotel.

Taormina - Etna

Tag 8: Explore The Marvelous Mount Etna

Which is the highest active volcano in Europe? It is Mount Etna located between Catania and Messina, Sicily. Get ready for a jeep tour to this destination. Your first halt is at Valle del Bove on the eastern slope of the volcano, a part of the Etna Regional Park.

On the way to Mount Fontana, you can see old lava flows from 1979. From Mount Fontana, you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley including that of Mount Sartorius. A short walk later, you will come across craters of the Sartorius Mountains dating back to 1865. On your way down, see superb views of the Ionian Coast, the North-East crater, and recent lava flows and craters.

After an espresso break at Piano Provenzana, you will walk along the pine forest of Ragabo to reach the Corruccio lava cave. Later, you will visit a winery with a unique terroir where vineyards grow over lava stone. Relax with a glass of wine and a tasty lunch.

Taormina

Tag 9: Embark On A Boat Tour Of Taormina

It’s time to explore the coastline and the beautiful bays of Taormina. On a boat tour, you will travel along the rocky coastline, and visit the Grotta Azzurra. If you find the waters inviting, you can enjoy a swim near Grotta del Giorno. Continue your tour towards the Bay of Mazzarò where you can see the luxury hotels and bathing lidos.

Your exploration continues at the secluded Bay of Mermaids which is a great place to swim. At the end of the tour, you have free time for lunch.

Afterward, proceed to discover Taormina town which was founded by Greeks, and occupied by Romans and Byzantines at different points in time. You can enjoy picturesque views as the town is nestled on Mount Tauro and overlooks the Ionian Sea. Visit its ancient Greek theater for splendid views of the bay of Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, and the coastline. You also have free time to explore the town and go shopping.

Taormina - Catania

Tag 10: Arrivederci Italy!

Enjoy a last breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

Your Sicilian tour has come to an end. Proceed to Catania airport to catch your flight.  Safe travels home and visit again soon!