Tunisia & Sicily Discovery – 12-Day Mediterranean Tour
Discover Tunisia and Sicily on a 12-day cultural journey, from Tunis, Carthage and Hammamet to Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Mount Etna and Taormina, exploring the heritage and landscapes of two Mediterranean shores.
Highlights
- From Carthage to Sicily's Ancient Temples
- Medinas, Norman Mosaics and Baroque Towns
- Mediterranean Coastlines and Mount Etna
Overview
Begin in Tunis, where the winding streets of the Medina and the remarkable Roman mosaics of the Bardo Museum reveal the country's layered past. Explore the archaeological remains of Carthage and the white-and-blue village of Sidi Bou Said before travelling south along the coast through Sousse and Monastir. In Hammamet, enjoy a slower pace, with time for its walled Medina and Mediterranean shoreline.
Continue to Sicily, beginning in Palermo, where Arab-Norman architecture, lively markets and the golden mosaics of Monreale tell the story of centuries of cultural exchange. Journey south to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, then discover the remarkable mosaic floors of Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina.
The final days introduce eastern Sicily: the ancient monuments and waterfront streets of Syracuse, Noto's elegant Baroque architecture, Mount Etna's volcanic landscape and Taormina's renowned theatre above the Ionian Sea.
The programme combines cultural sightseeing with opportunities to discover regional food traditions and coastal life. Accommodation, transport between destinations, guided visits and the Tunisia–Sicily connection will be arranged according to the final confirmed proposal.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Tunis
Arrive at Tunis–Carthage International Airport. The original programme provides for reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel; exact transfer arrangements will be specified in the confirmed proposal. After check-in, enjoy time to settle in or take a gentle walk nearby, depending on your flight. Dinner and overnight in the Tunis area.
TunisDinnerTunis area - 2
Day 2
Tunis: Medina and the Bardo Museum
After breakfast, explore Tunisia's capital, where the old Medina's lanes, courtyards, craft shops and souks contrast with the elegant avenues of the modern city. Discover the Bardo Museum, renowned for its outstanding collection of Roman mosaics, subject to opening hours. Enjoy free time around Avenue Habib Bourguiba or the historic centre, with an opportunity to sample local mint tea independently. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Tunis Medina; Bardo MuseumBreakfast, DinnerTunis area - 3
Day 3
Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Travel to the archaeological remains of Carthage, once one of the Mediterranean's great powers. Explore selected archaeological areas including the Antonine Baths, subject to access and opening conditions. Continue to Sidi Bou Said, a hillside village of whitewashed houses, blue doors and panoramic views across the Gulf of Tunis. Enjoy time to stroll through its lanes and cafés before returning to the Tunis area for dinner and overnight.
Carthage; Sidi Bou SaidBreakfast, DinnerTunis area - 4
Day 4
Sousse and Monastir, Overnight in Hammamet
After breakfast, leave Tunis and travel towards the Tunisian coast. Discover Sousse and its historic Medina, then continue to Monastir to admire its Ribat and the monumental setting of the Bourguiba Mausoleum. Individual monument visits depend on opening times and the admission arrangements confirmed for the tour. Continue to the Hammamet area, check into the hotel and enjoy dinner.
Sousse; Monastir; HammametBreakfast, DinnerHammamet area - 5
Day 5
Hammamet: Medina and Mediterranean Coast
Enjoy a more relaxed day on the coast. After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure, with time to enjoy the resort atmosphere and beach according to the season and weather. Later, discover Hammamet's walled Medina, its narrow lanes and coastal viewpoints, with the opportunity to browse local craft stalls. Return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.
HammametBreakfast, DinnerHammamet area - 6
Day 6
Travel from Tunisia to Palermo
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for the journey to Sicily. The flight or other connection from Tunisia to Palermo, including its routing, luggage allowance and whether the ticket is included, must be confirmed in the final proposal. On arrival, continue to your accommodation in Palermo. Depending on your actual arrival time, enjoy a short walk in the historic centre or relax. Dinner and overnight in Palermo.
Tunis Airport; PalermoBreakfast, DinnerPalermo - 7
Day 7
Palermo and Monreale: Norman Heritage
Explore Palermo's distinctive blend of Arab, Norman and Baroque heritage. Discover the Cathedral and the remarkable Palatine Chapel, subject to opening times and admission arrangements. Enjoy a lunch break at leisure near one of the city's historic markets, where local street-food specialities can be purchased independently. Continue to nearby Monreale to admire its cathedral and extraordinary golden mosaics. Return to Palermo for dinner and overnight.
Palermo; MonrealeBreakfast, DinnerPalermo - 8
Day 8
Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
Leave Palermo after breakfast and travel south to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples, where monumental Greek temples stand among olive and almond trees, recalling the ancient city of Akragas. Allow time to enjoy the archaeological setting without rushing. Continue to the accommodation in the Agrigento area for dinner and overnight.
Valley of the Temples; AgrigentoBreakfast, DinnerAgrigento area - 9
Day 9
Roman Mosaics and Syracuse
After breakfast, depart towards Piazza Armerina and visit the Villa Romana del Casale, celebrated for its exceptionally preserved Roman mosaics. Continue east to Syracuse, allowing time for a first introduction to Ortigia, the island historic centre, if arrival and daylight permit. The Neapolis Archaeological Park and a full exploration of Ortigia should not be promised in addition to the long transfer and villa visit on the same day. Dinner and overnight in the Syracuse area.
Villa Romana del Casale; Syracuse; OrtigiaBreakfast, DinnerSyracuse area - 10
Day 10
Syracuse and Noto, Onward to the Ionian Coast
Discover Syracuse's Neapolis Archaeological Park, with its Greek Theatre and other classical remains, and continue to Ortigia for the Cathedral square and seafront streets. Travel to Noto for a walk through its elegant Baroque centre, then continue towards the Catania or Taormina area for your final two nights. This is a full touring day; the order and length of visits will be adapted to practical timing and opening hours. Dinner and overnight.
Neapolis Archaeological Park; Ortigia; Noto; Catania areaBreakfast, DinnerCatania area - 11
Day 11
Mount Etna and Taormina
After breakfast, discover the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, with a visit to the accessible area around Rifugio Sapienza and the Silvestri Craters, subject to weather and safety restrictions. Higher-altitude activities are not part of the standard programme unless specifically confirmed. Continue to Taormina to admire the Ancient Theatre, if open, and explore Corso Umberto and the historic centre. Return to the Catania area for dinner and overnight.
Mount Etna; TaorminaBreakfast, DinnerCatania area - 12
Day 12
Departure from Catania
After your final breakfast, check out and transfer to Catania Fontanarossa Airport according to the travel services confirmed in your proposal. Your journey through Tunisia and Sicily comes to an end. Please allow adequate time for airport check-in and security procedures.
Catania AirportBreakfast
Accommodation
Tunis area
Hotel (Roulette Formula) · 3–4
Nights 1–3 · HB
Selected accommodation in or near Tunis. Exact property and dinner arrangements are to be confirmed in the final travel proposal.
Hammamet area
Hotel (Roulette Formula) · 3–4
Nights 4–5 · HB
Selected coastal-area accommodation in Hammamet. Exact property and dinner arrangements are to be confirmed.
Palermo
Hotel Plaza Opera (or similar) · 4
Nights 6–7 · BB
Selected accommodation in Palermo. Exact property and dinner arrangements are to be confirmed.
Agrigento area
Hotel Baia di Ulisse (or similar) · 4
Night 8 · HB
Selected accommodation near Agrigento. Exact property and dinner arrangements are to be confirmed.
Syracuse area
Albergo Alfeo · 4
Night 9 · HB
Selected accommodation in or near Syracuse. Exact property and dinner arrangements are to be confirmed.
Catania area
Hotel Manganelli Palace · 4
Nights 10–11 · HB
Selected accommodation in the Catania area. Exact property and dinner arrangements are to be confirmed.
Included
- 11 Overnights in 3* or 4* accommodation category
- 11 Breakfast in hotel
- 11 Dinner with local products
- more details in the real offer
Not included
- City taxes (where applicable)
- Beverages during meals
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tipps and Extras in general
- Anything not explicitly indicated under the section "The price includes"
Entrance fees & tickets
- All entrances are included
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Allow time to explore Tunis's Medina and Palermo's historic markets at an unhurried pace; both reward curiosity beyond their best-known monuments. In Sidi Bou Said, the lanes and viewpoints are particularly atmospheric outside the busiest hours. For Mount Etna, bring layers even in warmer months. Regional food and drink stops are at leisure unless expressly specified as included in the final proposal.
- Accessibility
- The itinerary involves walking in historic medinas, archaeological parks, cobbled streets and hilltop locations. Steps, uneven surfaces, slopes and restricted access are common, and the Mount Etna area may be difficult for travellers with reduced mobility. Fully accessible transport, adapted rooms and step-free access at every attraction have not been verified. Please advise Great Sicily of accessibility requirements before booking so the suitability of the itinerary can be assessed.
- What to bring
- - Valid passport and any entry documentation required for Tunisia and Italy, according to nationality.
- Travel insurance documents, medication and essential personal items.
- Comfortable walking shoes for medinas, archaeological sites and historic centres.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
- Modest clothing suitable for visits to religious buildings and local cultural sites.
- A warm layer and windproof jacket for Mount Etna, where conditions may change quickly.
- Light seasonal clothing and a small day bag for excursions.
- Flight and accommodation confirmations. - Important information
- - This tour lasts 12 days and includes 11 nights: 3 in the Tunis area, 2 in Hammamet, 2 in Palermo, 1 in Agrigento, 1 in Syracuse and 2 in the Catania area.
- Accommodation names and exact categories are subject to confirmation; the existing product mentions 3- or 4-star properties.
- The current commercial record lists 11 breakfasts and 11 dinners; their final serving arrangements must be confirmed with the selected hotels or restaurants.
- The Tunisia–Sicily flight or other connection, airport transfers and touring transport are not specified in sufficient detail in the existing inclusion list. Their inclusion and arrangements must be established in the final proposal before sale.
- The product currently contains contradictory entrance-fee statements. Admission inclusions are not guaranteed until the final quotation explicitly defines them.
- Visits depend on local opening hours, accessibility, weather and operational conditions. The Bardo Museum and archaeological sites may have restrictions.
- Higher-altitude Etna activities are not included unless separately confirmed.
- Travellers must check passport validity, entry requirements and applicable travel advice for Tunisia and Italy according to their nationality.
- There are no guaranteed departure dates or hotel allocations in this editorial itinerary.