Best of Sicily Tour: Palermo to Taormina

Senior couple at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily

What to expect on this itinerary

The majesty of Sicily will enrapture you with mythical tales, vibrant culture, indulgent cuisine, and ineffable history. Architecture seamlessly blends Arab and Norman influence. Markets present an atmosphere similar to a North African bazaar. The seaside glistens multiple shades of indescribable blue. The beauty of Greek ruins shares the spotlight alongside Baroque palaces. The wonderment of Mount Etna’s towering peak complements the five-star luxuries of your unforgettable accommodations. Your custom-tailored best of Sicily tour encapsulates the splendors of Sicily, showing you marvelous vistas overlooking endless vineyards and preserved Roman mosaics providing insight into the lavish lifestyle of prosperous colonists.

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Palermo, Agrigento, Erice, Segesta, Piazza Armerina, Modica, Ragusa, Taormina, Syracuse, Mount Etna, Reggio Calabria

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Palermo - Passionate Palermo

Palermo is a city of splendor that encapsulates the history of Sicily. Vibrant cultures have influenced the city and the traditions of the locals for millennia. Historic structures glint gold in the sunlight. The city is draped in adventure, from the narrow medieval streets to the wide, proud boulevards. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your lavish accommodation located in the heart of the historic center. The vibrant markets showcase the melting pot past of the city. Tarps cover the stalls. Vendors call out to passersby. The bright colors of fresh produce, from bananas to pomegranates, burst from the stands.

When walking between the antique buildings it feels as though you have wandered into North Africa rather than strolling along a European cobblestone lane. Graceful architecture and imposing churches encircle the Piazza Pretoria. However it’s the Fontana Pretoria that is the center of attention in the square, a fountain with tiered concentric circles forming the base. Statues of nymphs, tritons, and leaping river gods decorate the elegant 16th-century structure. The neoclassical décor adds to the illustrious figureheads decorating the fountain and speaks to the ancient Greek history spanning the island. It now adorns the façade of Municipal Hall.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Palermo - Mediterranean Bridge

Day 3

Palermo - High on the Medieval Hill

Day 4

Ragusa - Captivating Ancient Artwork

Day 5

Ragusa - A Brief History of Chocolate

Day 6

Ragusa - Where Modern and Ancient Life Mingle

Day 7

Taormina - Encircling the Peak

Day 8

Taormina - The Edges of Mainland Italy

Day 9

Taormina - Waving Farewell to the Sea

Trip Highlights

  • Bask in the seaside splendor of Taormina, a picturesque resort city overlooking the marvelous waters of the Bay of Naxos
  • Trek to the breathtaking summit of Mount Etna, the tallest volcanic peak in Europe, to see numerous active craters
  • Indulge in sweet treats, with private confectionary lessons to learn the art of making traditional cannoli and celebrated Sicilian chocolate
  • Delight in a wine tasting on an organic family owned and operated vineyard, which produces some of the most famous wine in Sicily
  • Discover the Baroque beauty of historic towns across the island landscape
  • Stroll alongside marvelous ancient Greek temples at the Valley of the Temples
  • Enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the top of a mountain to explore the medieval streets of the charming town of Erice

Detailed Description

Ancient springs and gilded Byzantine mosaics, exceptional vineyards and charming citrus orchards, your 9-day best of Sicily tour encompasses the pleasures of the Italian island ranging from historic charms to natural majesty. You arrive in Palermo where your private transfer greets you at the airport. The city has a vibrant atmosphere meandering along the cobblestone streets of the historic city center. Your guide leads you on a private tour of the city to introduce you to the marvelous medley of Mediterranean life that has inhabited the island for millennia.

You continue to Monreale to visit the celebrated cathedral atop Mount Caputo. Your private transfer meets you in the lobby and escorts you to the fabulous hilltop town of Erice to explore the medieval streets. In Segesta, you step back in time to witness the magnificent Doric temple, one of the best-preserved Hellenistic temples on earth. The following day takes you along the paths routing to the remarkable Valley of the Temples to see the ancient Greek ruins.

Outside of Piazza Armerina, you witness the Roman estate of Villa Romana del Casale, which is filled with spectacular mosaics. Your guide leads you on the best Sicily tours of the ancient streets of Ragusa. Enjoy lunch at a Michelin-star restaurant before continuing to the Baroque town of Modica, where you can indulge in a chocolate tour, learning about the centuries-old traditions of the city’s celebrated sweet delectable. The next day brings you to Syracuse, a city that balances its ancient past with contemporary life. After your tour, you continue to the magnificent seaside city of Taormina.

You venture to the foothills of Mount Etna, trekking along the landscape on a guided tour to explore the craters. Your guide leads you across the Strait of Messina to visit the marvels of the National Archeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, which is filled with ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. On your last day in Sicily, your guide meets you at the hotel and escorts you to the airport. Instead of making your way home, you could extend your vacation with a visit to the Renaissance charms of Florence or the graceful remains of the Venetian Republic in Venice.

Starting Price

$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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My husband and I went through Zicasso to plan our honeymoon to Italy and Greece. This was the best decision ever! We worked closely with our travel specialist to plan our trip and she was absolutely phenomenal. This was our first international trip outside of the US, so we were a bit nervous at first! However, our specialist ensured every aspect of the trip was organized and that we were taken care of every step of the way.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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