Meals

All breakfasts and a wine tasting on Mount Etna included. Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the cultures that have occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate for the cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more — not to mention all of the seafood, tuna and swordfish caught just off the coast. The result? A cuisine that’s fresh, varied and delicious. Sicilian wines, such as Marsala and Moscato, are superb and known to be strong and syrupy.

Others

Special guided tours in main UNESCO sites and cities

Guide

An Exodus local leader will be on hand throughout the week to help with your orientation and to make sure everything runs smoothly. However, due to Italian legislation, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in cities, museums and churches. Local licenced guides will accompany the group in Siracusa and Ortigia, Agrigento, and Palermo and Monreale. Our tour leader will also accompany the group on the two walking excursions on Mount Etna and in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. You will be free to sightsee at your own pace in Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Selinunte and Erice.

Accommodation

On this cultural trip in Sicily, we use a varied selection of three- and four-star hotels. The places we stay are often near historic centres, allowing us to easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time. Below are the accommodations we typically use: Viagrande: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (nights 1-2) With an outdoor pool, restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients, and a cocktail bar-lounge, Villa Itria is an excellent spot to ease ourselves into the trip. There’s also a wellness centre for an additional cost. Noto: Hotel Flora (night 3) Our time in Noto is spent at Hotel Flora, which is ideally located in the historic centre of town. Noto Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo are just a 10-minute walk away, while the hotel terrace offers views and a spot for a sundowner. Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle (night 4) Now well into the trip, Hotel Della Valle is a great place to relax as a group. When it’s hot, head to the swimming pool area, where you’ll find loungers, parasols and tables, plus a Mediterranean garden with palms and pines. Alternatively, you may prefer to find a shady spot for a drink. Buseto Palizzolo or Trapani: Baglio Fontana or B&B Trapani Crystal (night 5) In Buseto Palizzolo, we stay at either at Baglio Fontana (above) or in Trapani at B&B Trapani Crystal, depending on availability. The former is a historic agriturismo (converted farmhouse) with a working farm producing wines and olive oil, plus there’s an outdoor pool. The latter is a contemporary retreat with an excellent location, just a short walk from the ancient wonders of the historic centre of Trapani. Palermo: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (nights 6-7) In Palermo, the group stays at either Hotel Posta (above) or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti. Hotel Posta has been run by the same family since 1921 and has an excellent location in the historic centre, just a five-minute walk from Teatro Massimo, plus there’s a sun terrace and bar. Our alternative stay, Quattro Canti, is within walking distance of the Quattro Canti piazza, where the four ancient quarters of the city meet, plus there’s a rooftop terrace with views over Palermo. Taormina: Hotel Villa Esperia (night 8) Our final night is spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has one restaurant: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes. Worth knowing Some hotels require you to wear a swimming cap in the pool.

Transport

We use a private air-conditioned minibus for all transfers and excursions allowing us to enjoy comfortable, flexible and stress-free journeys.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation — Visa or vaccinations — Local city taxes approximately €10-€15

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start In Viagrande
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start In Viagrande

Welcome to Viagrande, a traditional Catanian village with a privileged view of Mount Etna. From its lofty position above the sea, it offers views of Mount Etna. The current old town centre was founded in 1408 but the first settlement here was founded under Greek rule. The ancient Roman road that led to Messina gives the name to the village (Viagrande means big road). Depending on the arrival time of the group, we have a welcome briefing at the hotel either this evening or tomorrow morning; a great chance to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Excursion On Mount Etna; Afternoon Wine Tasting (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Excursion On Mount Etna; Afternoon Wine Tasting (Breakfast)

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We hike past several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panorama of the volcanic landscape and old craters (one to two hours’ walking, 3.1mi/5km). You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers (pants). In the afternoon, we enjoy a wine-and-cheese tasting in one of the most-celebrated cellars in the area. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Syracuse To Visit Its Archeological Site; On To The Unesco-Badged Baroque Town Of Noto (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive To Syracuse To Visit Its Archeological Site; On To The Unesco-Badged Baroque Town Of Noto (Breakfast)

This morning we drive to Syracuse (approximately 1hr 15min drive), the most powerful city-state in the ancient Greek world and briefly the capital of the Byzantine empire. Here we visit the superb Neapolis Archeological Park, home to a spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied by a local guide. In the afternoon we drive to our next destination, the Unesco World Heritage site of Noto (approximately 45 mins), a beautiful town built in the Sicilian baroque style using honey-coloured stone. Accommodation: Hotel Flora (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Visit The Hilltop Town Of Ragusa Ibla; Transfer To Agrigento’S Valley Of The Temples (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Visit The Hilltop Town Of Ragusa Ibla; Transfer To Agrigento’S Valley Of The Temples (Breakfast)

After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approximately 90 minutes), a maze of winding streets with remarkable baroque churches, and continue on to Agrigento (2hr 30min). Here we enjoy a guided visit of the Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno; the Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved doric temples in the ancient Greek world; the Temple of Hercules; and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Accommodation: Hotel Della Valle (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Visit Ruins Of Selinunte, Overlooking The Mediterranean; Drive To The Hilltop Village Of Erice (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Visit Ruins Of Selinunte, Overlooking The Mediterranean; Drive To The Hilltop Village Of Erice (Breakfast)

Our day starts with a transfer to Selinunte (90 minutes) to explore one of the most important archeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (90 minutes), and stop en route for a view of the Mozia salt flats, which are dotted with characteristic windmills (time permitting). Once in Erice, we have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best almond biscuits on the island. We stay overnight in the town of Buseto Palizzolo or Trapani. Accommodation: Baglio Fontana or B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Walk In The Zingaro Nature Reserve; Afternoon Transfer To Palermo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Walk In The Zingaro Nature Reserve; Afternoon Transfer To Palermo (Breakfast)

This morning head to the coast to explore the idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4.3mi (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves and pristine beaches. We take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails, with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon we make our way to Palermo (approximately 1hr 30min) where we can enjoy time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars. Accommodation: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Morning Visit To Monreale Cathedral; Guided Tour Of Palermo And Free Time (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Morning Visit To Monreale Cathedral; Guided Tour Of Palermo And Free Time (Breakfast)

After a short transfer to Monreale (approximately one hour), we visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We then head to Palermo (approximately one hour) where our local guide will show us the most important sites in this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon, we have free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Drive To The Fishing Village Of Cefalu To Visit Its Norman Cathedral; On To Charming Taormina; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Drive To The Fishing Village Of Cefalu To Visit Its Norman Cathedral; On To Charming Taormina; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)

This morning we drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approximately 1hr 15min), where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding medieval streets. Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min drive). We have time to visit its Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Esperia (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: End In Taormina (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: End In Taormina (Breakfast)

Enjoy your final breakfast of this Sicilian adventure, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many wonders of this Italian island. Once you’re full, it’s time to start your return journey home.

9 days tour

Treasures Of Sicily

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Treasures Of Sicily

Day 1: Start In Viagrande

Day 2: Excursion On Mount Etna; Afternoon Wine Tasting (Breakfast)

Day 3: Drive To Syracuse To Visit Its Archeological Site; On To The Unesco-Badged Baroque Town Of Noto (Breakfast)

Day 4: Visit The Hilltop Town Of Ragusa Ibla; Transfer To Agrigento’S Valley Of The Temples (Breakfast)

Day 5: Visit Ruins Of Selinunte, Overlooking The Mediterranean; Drive To The Hilltop Village Of Erice (Breakfast)

Day 6: Walk In The Zingaro Nature Reserve; Afternoon Transfer To Palermo (Breakfast)

Day 7: Morning Visit To Monreale Cathedral; Guided Tour Of Palermo And Free Time (Breakfast)

Day 8: Drive To The Fishing Village Of Cefalu To Visit Its Norman Cathedral; On To Charming Taormina; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)

Day 9: End In Taormina (Breakfast)

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