Classic Sicily: 8-Day Guided Tour
Explore Sicily from Palermo to Catania on an eight-day guided tour through Norman cities, Greek temples, Mozia, the Valley of the Temples, Ortigia, Mount Etna and Taormina, with seven hotel nights.
Highlights
- Monreale Cathedral Visit
- Etna Volcano Adventure
- Taormina's Greek Theater
Overview
Begin with three nights in Palermo, exploring the city's Arab-Norman heritage and the magnificent mosaics of Monreale Cathedral. Continue to Cefalù, where medieval streets and the Norman Cathedral overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
Travel west to the archaeological site of Segesta and the hilltop town of Erice before reaching Marsala. Discover the Phoenician heritage of Mozia, the landscapes of the Stagnone Lagoon and the winemaking traditions of western Sicily.
The journey continues to Agrigento, home to the remarkable Valley of the Temples, before crossing the island towards Syracuse. Explore the historic island of Ortigia, with its elegant squares, ancient monuments and picturesque waterfront.
Spend the final part of your journey discovering the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the historic centre of Taormina, overlooking Sicily's beautiful Ionian coastline.
The programme includes seven nights in selected hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, a traditional agriturismo lunch, scheduled local tastings and comfortable coach transportation for the group itinerary. Archaeological and monument admissions are payable separately, as detailed in the programme and services.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Palermo
Arrive independently in Palermo and make your way to your hotel, where you will spend the first three nights of your Sicilian journey.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to settle in or take an introductory walk through the surrounding neighbourhood.
In the evening, meet your tour escort and fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail and an introduction to the journey ahead.
Enjoy your first included dinner, an opportunity to discover traditional Sicilian flavours and get to know the group. Dinner is included subject to arrival times and hotel restaurant service hours; late arrivals may miss the scheduled dinner.PalermoDinnerPalermo - 2
Day 2
Monreale and Palermo: The Arab-Norman Heritage
After breakfast, depart for Monreale, overlooking Palermo and the fertile Conca d'Oro valley.
Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, one of Sicily's most remarkable examples of Arab-Norman architecture, celebrated for its extraordinary golden mosaics depicting biblical stories.
Return to Palermo to discover the city's historic centre, where centuries of cultural exchange have left an exceptional architectural heritage.
Explore the area around Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace, home to the Palatine Chapel, renowned for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics.
Continue through the historic streets towards Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria, admiring the elegant buildings, churches and squares that reflect the city's rich history.
Take time to experience the lively atmosphere of one of Palermo's traditional markets, where colourful stalls and local food specialities offer a glimpse into everyday Sicilian life.
Lunch is at leisure.
Return to the hotel before enjoying your included dinner.Monreale; PalermoBreakfast, DinnerPalermo - 3
Day 3
Cefalù: Norman Architecture and Mediterranean Charm
After breakfast, travel along Sicily's northern coast towards Cefalù, one of the island's most picturesque seaside towns.
Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic limestone headland of La Rocca, Cefalù combines medieval architecture, narrow historic streets and a distinctive coastal atmosphere.
Discover its beautiful Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed landmark celebrated for its impressive façade and Byzantine mosaics.
Continue through the historic centre, passing traditional shops, charming squares and the old fishermen's quarter.
Enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant or café, followed by an opportunity to explore the seafront and appreciate the town's Mediterranean setting.
In the afternoon, return to Palermo.
Dinner and overnight at your accommodation.CefalùBreakfast, DinnerPalermo - 4
Day 4
Segesta and Erice: Greek Heritage and Medieval Sicily
After breakfast, leave Palermo and travel west towards Segesta, one of the most important archaeological sites in western Sicily.
Discover its magnificent Doric temple, standing in an evocative rural landscape, and the ancient theatre overlooking the surrounding hills.
Continue towards Erice, a medieval hilltop town perched above Trapani and the western Sicilian coastline.
Walk through its narrow cobbled streets, lined with historic stone buildings, traditional shops and picturesque squares.
Admire the beautiful architecture of the old town and enjoy panoramic views towards Trapani, the salt pans and the Egadi Islands.
During your visit, enjoy an included tasting of traditional almond-based sweets, a speciality closely associated with Erice's historic pastry-making tradition.
Lunch is at leisure.
In the afternoon, continue towards Marsala, a town renowned for its wine heritage and Mediterranean history.
Check into your hotel and enjoy your included dinner.Segesta, Erice, MarsalaBreakfast, DinnerMarsala - 5
Day 5
Mozia, the Salt Pans and Marsala Wines: Towards Agrigento
After breakfast, explore the remarkable landscape of the Stagnone Lagoon, where shallow saltwater basins, traditional windmills and the island of Mozia reflect centuries of maritime and commercial history.
Take the included return boat crossing from the authorised embarkation point to Mozia, the ancient Phoenician settlement on San Pantaleo Island. Admission to the archaeological site and Whitaker Museum is not included.
Discover the archaeological remains and visit the Whitaker Museum, which houses important artefacts from the island's history, including the celebrated Youth of Mozia.
Return to the mainland and continue your discovery of the Marsala area.
Visit a local winery for an included introduction to the region's winemaking traditions and a tasting of selected wines, according to the arrangements confirmed for the group.
Lunch is at leisure.
In the afternoon, leave western Sicily and travel towards Agrigento, crossing the agricultural landscapes of the island's south-western interior.
On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax after the journey.
Dinner and overnight in Agrigento.Marsala; AgrigentoBreakfast, DinnerAgrigento - 6
Day 6
Valley of the Temples and Syracuse: From Ancient Greece to Ortigia
After breakfast, depart for the magnificent Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological landscapes in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the remarkable remains of ancient Akragas, admiring the imposing Doric temples set among olive trees, almond groves and the distinctive Sicilian countryside.
Discover the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, together with other important monuments that reveal the extraordinary history of the ancient city.
Following the visit, continue across southern Sicily towards Syracuse.
Lunch is at leisure during the journey.
On arrival, discover Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, where Greek, medieval and Baroque influences coexist in a beautiful island setting.
Walk through its atmospheric streets and squares, admiring the Temple of Apollo, the elegant Piazza Duomo and the exterior of Syracuse Cathedral, built around the remains of an ancient Greek temple.
Continue towards the waterfront and the Fountain of Arethusa before departing for Catania.
Arrive at your hotel in the evening for dinner and the first of two overnight stays.Agrigento, Siracusa; CataniaBreakfast, DinnerCatania - 7
Day 7
Mount Etna and Taormina: Volcanoes, Local Traditions and Coastal Views
After breakfast, depart towards Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano and one of Sicily's most extraordinary natural landmarks.
Travel through the changing landscapes of the volcano's lower and southern slopes, where vineyards, orchards and traditional villages gradually give way to ancient lava flows and volcanic terrain.
Reach the accessible visitor area around Rifugio Sapienza, subject to weather conditions and local safety restrictions, and admire the dramatic scenery of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
During the excursion, enjoy an included tasting of local honey, one of the traditional products associated with the Etna region.
Continue to a local agriturismo for an included three-course lunch featuring traditional Sicilian dishes.
In the afternoon, travel to Taormina, one of the most celebrated towns on Sicily's eastern coast.
Discover its historic centre, stroll along Corso Umberto and admire the beautiful squares and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Visit the Ancient Theatre, renowned for its remarkable setting and views towards Mount Etna, with admission payable separately.
Return to Catania for your final included dinner and overnight stay.Mount Etna; Taormina; CataniaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerCatania - 8
Day 8
Departure from Catania
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Your eight-day journey through Sicily comes to an end, leaving you with memories of ancient Greek temples, Norman architecture, medieval towns, volcanic landscapes and the island's distinctive culinary traditions.
Departure arrangements and any airport transfer will follow the services expressly confirmed in your final travel documents.Catania AirportBreakfast
Accommodation
Palermo
Hotel Porta Felice · 4*
Nights 1–3 · HB — breakfast and dinner
A boutique hotel in Palermo’s historic Kalsa district, set in a restored palazzo with a rooftop terrace.
A centrally located hotel in Marsala, a convenient base for exploring the historic centre and the town’s wine heritage.
A seaside hotel in San Leone, a convenient base for visiting Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples.
A modern hotel on Piazza Trento, conveniently located for exploring central Catania and its shopping streets.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected 3- and 4-star hotels or similar, on a half-board basis.
- 7 breakfasts at the accommodation.
- 7 three-course dinners featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.
- 1 three-course traditional Sicilian lunch at an agriturismo on Day 7.
- Grand touring coach transportation for the scheduled group itinerary from Day 2 to Day 7.
- Professional tour escort/guide from the welcome meeting on Day 1 until the completion of the scheduled programme on Day 7.
- Local licensed guides only for visits expressly specified in the confirmed travel proposal.
- Radio-guide headset system for scheduled guided visits.
- Welcome cocktail and tour briefing in Palermo on Day 1.
- Traditional almond-based sweets tasting in Erice.
- Winery visit and wine tasting in the Marsala area.
- Local honey tasting in the Mount Etna region.
- Return boat transfer between the Stagnone Lagoon embarkation point and Mozia Island on Day 5.
Not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Arrival airport transfer from Palermo Airport to the hotel.
- Departure airport transfer from the hotel to Catania Airport.
- Lunches, except for the three-course agriturismo lunch included on Day 7.
- Beverages during meals, except those expressly provided as part of the included welcome cocktail or scheduled tastings.
- Admission tickets to archaeological sites, museums, churches, monuments and other attractions.
- Admission to the Mozia archaeological site and Whitaker Museum.
- Optional Mount Etna high-altitude excursions by cable car and 4x4 vehicles, specialist volcano guides and any additional activities not included in the standard itinerary.
- Additional food tastings, winery visits, excursions and experiences not specifically listed under Services Included.
- Local tourist taxes, where applicable.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
- Anything not expressly mentioned under Services Included.
Entrance fees & tickets
- Admission fees are not included. Current rates and booking requirements must be confirmed for the travel dates.
- Monreale Cathedral: ticketed areas visited; Palermo: Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel and any other ticketed monuments specified in the confirmed programme.
- Cefalù Cathedral: any ticketed areas visited.
- Segesta Archaeological Park.
- Mozia archaeological site and Whitaker Museum (boat crossing included; admissions excluded).
- Agrigento: Valley of the Temples.
- Taormina: Ancient Theatre.
Good to know
- Insider tip
- In Erice, sample the town's traditional almond pastries. In Marsala, discover how the region's winemaking heritage has shaped one of Sicily's most distinctive local traditions.
- Accessibility
- The itinerary includes walking on cobbled streets and uneven archaeological paths, with steps at some sites. Tell us about mobility requirements before booking so that hotel access, transport and individual visits can be checked.
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket, warm layers for Mount Etna, sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Bring suitable clothing for visits to churches.
- Important information
- Airport transfers on arrival in Palermo and departure from Catania are not included.
Dinner on Day 1 is included, subject to arrival times and hotel restaurant service hours. Guests arriving late may miss the scheduled dinner.
The return boat transfer to Mozia Island on Day 5 is included. Admission to its archaeological site and Whitaker Museum is excluded and payable separately.
Local guided visits are included only where expressly specified in the confirmed travel proposal.
Admission fees to archaeological sites, museums and monuments are excluded unless otherwise stated.
Optional high-altitude excursions on Mount Etna are subject to weather, volcanic activity and local access restrictions, and are payable separately.