Highlights of Sicily Itinerary: Palermo to Catania

What to expect on this itinerary
Embrace picturesque Italy as it is embodied in sapphire waters, rich sunsets, ancient ruins, and mouthwatering cuisine during your custom-tailored, highlights tour of Sicily. Experience the true beauty of the Mediterranean with succulent flavors from treasured wines that have been produced on Mount Etna and the bold history that combines Norman and Arab cultures. The remarkable treasures of Greek temples continue to rise from the arid landscape while Baroque palaces decorate elegant boulevards and lead to lavish piazzas. Picture-perfect seaside villages, bustling outdoor markets, and opulent cathedrals represent the spirit of the island and will immerse you in its heritage and beauty, capturing the best of Sicily.
Customizable Itinerary
Palermo – Arrive in Palermo with a Historical Introductory Tour
The historic city center of Palermo embodies the remarkable heritage of the city that is reflected in the opulent architecture of the Norman Palace and elegant cathedral. The aromas of freshly fried arancini and grilled calamari that is drizzled with lemon linger above the cobblestone streets, connecting with the vibrant daily La Vucciria market that brims along the lanes around Piazza San Domenico. Your flight will land at Falcone Borsellino Airport, where your private transfer will greet you at customs before escorting you to the comforts of your luxurious hotel at the heart of the captivating city.
You will find the aromas of palm trees and citrus fruits to blend with the subtle scent of the sea breeze when you meet your guide in the lobby for an introductory tour of the city that will reveal the sophisticated landmarks from the Norman architecture of the Cathedral and the elements of Arab design in the Norman Palace. The 12th-century Capella Palatina will take your breath away when you find the mosaics along the western wall that depict Jesus and the apostles of Peter and Paul. The Arabic-style stalactites decorate the ceiling and blend the remarkable and unique designs that are accentuated by the mystical glint from the gilded embellishments. The aroma of frankincense remains in the nave amid the mesmerizing images of the Bible, which line the central aisle and include scenes from Creation and Noah’s Ark.
What's Included:
Palermo – Discover Palermo Province and Fascinating Monreale
Palermo – Visit Ancient Segesta and Mountaintop Erice
Syracuse – Explore Greek Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale
Syracuse – Traverse the Past and Present Charms of Syracuse
Syracuse – Revel in Baroque Grandeur in Celebrated Towns
Taormina – Delight in the Scenery and Wines of Mount Etna
Taormina – Enjoy the Natural Beauty and History of Taormina
Catania – Travel to Colorful Catania and Enjoy a Cooking Class
Catania – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover the fascinating treasures of Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo inside the Cappella Palatina while viewing illustrious mosaics
- Witness one of the largest, preserved Greek temples in the world at Segesta, bringing the history of Magna Grecia to life
- Indulge in the vibrant warmth of the Mediterranean climate and Baroque architecture of seaside Taormina along Umberto Corso and Isola Bella
- Sample the majestic aromas and diverse tastes of the wines that have been produced on vineyards that adorn the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna
- Experience the opulence of history and faith on a private tour of Monreale Cathedral outside of Palermo, which possesses captivating golden mosaics
- Embrace the prestige of Roman aristocracy when discovering the preserved architecture and mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale
- Venture to the heights of Europe’s most active volcano on Mount Etna for a private excursion onto a magnificent lava field
- Delight in the sensational flavors of Sicilian cuisine during a private cooking class taught by a celebrated chef in Catania, offering insight into local tastes
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
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.
Verified Traveler Reviews
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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.
The biggest relief was transportation. We did not have to give a second thought as to how we were getting places; we had drivers set up at every destination and for nearly every activity. Also, we had 24/7 support if anything were to go wrong, which gave us peace of mind.
If you are hesitant to use Zicasso for your next trip, I want you to know that I was too, but it was the best decision! We were able to personalize and tailor our trip to our needs without the hassle of dealing with the details.
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I was very pleased with the entire planning of the trip. The communication with Zicasso's tour company was excellent. The meals that were pre-arranged by them were fantastic and we probably would not have found them on our own.
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The trip was amazing all around. Incredible. The service and itinerary were perfect. We highly recommend Zicasso's travel company.
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Our trip was absolutely amazing! This was the trip of a lifetime. Zicasso and our trip planner were incredible. He was repeatedly helpful, offering personalized attention to our needs. He booked amazing tours for us and seemed to really grasp what we wanted. Everything was incredible.
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It was a great pleasure working with Zicasso's tour agency. Our travel designer and her staff were attentive to the kind of trip we wanted and planned a great itinerary. The hotels, restaurants, and drivers were all top-notch. For us, the acid test was the quality of the guides, and they excelled there as well. We would happily have them plan another trip for us.
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My husband and I had a great time on our trip to the northeast Adriatic Coast of Italy. We have very specific tastes as far as where we like to stay and the private tours we like to have during the trip. Zicasso's travel company did a great job, giving us fantastic hotels, and all of our tour guides were top-notch.
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