Sicily Emotions – 8-Day Grand Tour from Palermo
Discover Sicily on an 8-day guided group tour from Palermo. Explore ancient temples, medieval towns, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse and Baroque Noto, while enjoying traditional Sicilian cuisine, local wines and authentic regional tastings.
Highlights
- Ancient Sicily & UNESCO Heritage
- Mount Etna & Beautiful Taormina
- Sicilian Flavours & Local Traditions
Overview
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna and the historic streets of Taormina, then discover the archaeological treasures of Syracuse and the Baroque elegance of Noto. The journey also takes you to Cefalù, Monreale and Palermo, where Norman monuments, markets and lively neighbourhoods reveal more of Sicily's character.
Regional food is part of the experience, with traditional meals, almond sweets, a Marsala winery visit and tasting, local honey on Etna and a Sicilian tasting in Palermo. Coach travel, accommodation and the included services are organised as outlined in the programme.
This tour operates as a shared-group product with guaranteed departures. Exact departure dates, availability, the joining point and any departure-specific arrangements must be confirmed before booking.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
Welcome to Sicily!
Upon arrival in Palermo, make your own way to the designated hotel and check in.
Arrival transfers are not included. Private transfers from Palermo Airport, the port or the railway station can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
Enjoy your first included dinner and overnight stay in Palermo.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight: PalermoPalermoDinnerPalermo - 2
Day 2
Day 2: Segesta, Erice and Marsala
After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel in Palermo and begin your journey through Sicily.
Depart for Segesta, home to one of Sicily's best-preserved Doric temples and an ancient Greek theatre surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Continue to Erice, a charming medieval hilltop town overlooking the western Sicilian coast. Wander through its narrow cobbled streets, enjoy a tasting of traditional almond sweets and take some free time for lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, travel towards Marsala, passing the picturesque salt pans near Mozia, with opportunities to stop for photographs. Visit a local winery and enjoy an included tasting of regional wines before continuing to Agrigento.
Upon arrival in Agrigento, check in at your hotel and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.Segesta · Erice · Marsala · AgrigentoBreakfast, DinnerAgrigento - 3
Day 3
Day 3: Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armerina
After breakfast, discover the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of Sicily's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore this extraordinary archaeological area, home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Heracles.
Continue towards Piazza Armerina, where you will enjoy an included traditional Sicilian lunch at a local agriturismo, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of central Sicily.
In the afternoon, visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman mosaics and extraordinary artistic heritage.
After the visit, travel to Catania, where you will check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner and spend the night.Agrigento · Piazza Armerina · CataniaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerCatania - 4
Day 4
Day 4: Mount Etna and Taormina
After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and one of Sicily's most spectacular natural attractions. Explore the fascinating volcanic landscapes around Rifugio Sapienza and the Silvestri Craters, surrounded by impressive lava formations and breathtaking scenery.
During the excursion, enjoy an included tasting of local honey and traditional Sicilian products, discovering some of the authentic flavours of the Etna region.
Continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most beautiful and renowned towns. Discover its magnificent Ancient Greek Theatre, famous for its spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Stroll through the charming historic centre, with free time to explore local shops, admire the scenery and enjoy lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, travel along the picturesque Riviera dei Ciclopi (Cyclops Riviera), known for its dramatic volcanic coastline and legendary sea stacks, before returning to Catania.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in Catania area.Mount Etna · Taormina · CataniaBreakfast, DinnerCatania area - 5
Day 5
Day 5: Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto
After breakfast, depart for Syracuse, one of Sicily's most fascinating historic cities. Visit the impressive Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the magnificent Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the ancient Latomia del Paradiso.
Continue to Ortigia, the charming historic heart of Syracuse, where centuries of Greek, Roman and Baroque heritage blend together. Stroll through its picturesque streets and discover the famous Fountain of Arethusa and the magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse, built around the remains of the ancient Temple of Athena.
Enjoy some free time for lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, travel to Noto, celebrated for its extraordinary Sicilian Baroque architecture. Explore the elegant historic centre, admire the beautiful Cathedral of Noto and the Church of San Carlo, and enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable town.
Return to Catania for dinner and overnight stay.Syracuse · Ortigia · Noto · CataniaBreakfast, DinnerCatania - 6
Day 6
Day 6: Catania, Cefalù and Palermo
After breakfast, discover the historic centre of Catania, a vibrant city at the foot of Mount Etna. Explore its lively streets and visit the famous Fish Market (La Pescheria), when operating, where local traditions and everyday Sicilian life come together.
Admire the magnificent Cathedral of Sant'Agata, dedicated to the city's patron saint, and enjoy some time to experience the atmosphere of Catania.
Continue towards Cefalù, one of Sicily's most picturesque coastal towns, famous for its charming medieval streets, beautiful sandy beach and spectacular seaside setting.
Stroll through the historic centre and admire the magnificent Norman Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics.
Enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense, with the opportunity to discover local seafood specialities or relax in the charming town centre.
In the afternoon, continue to Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay.Catania · Cefalù · PalermoBreakfast, DinnerPalermo - 7
Day 7
Day 7: Monreale and Palermo
After breakfast, depart for Monreale, a hilltop town overlooking Palermo, famous for its magnificent Norman Cathedral. Discover its extraordinary Byzantine golden mosaics and the beautiful Benedictine Cloister.
Return to Palermo to explore its fascinating historic centre. Admire the impressive Palermo Cathedral and discover the beautiful Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana), celebrated for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Palermo's traditional Capo Market, where colourful stalls, local aromas and vibrant street life reveal the city's authentic character.
During the visit, enjoy an included Sicilian Street Food Tasting, discovering some of Palermo's most famous savoury specialities and traditional local flavours.
Enjoy some free time for lunch at your own expense before continuing your exploration of Palermo's historic centre.
Continue through the historic centre, admiring the magnificent Teatro Massimo and Piazza Pretoria, famous for its monumental fountain.
For departures whose seventh day falls between 15 June and 15 September, the programme also includes a stop at Mondello Beach, replacing part of the free time in central Palermo.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Palermo.Monreale · PalermoBreakfast, DinnerPalermo - 8
Day 8
Day 8: Departure from Palermo
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and saying goodbye to Sicily.
Guests will make their own travel arrangements to Palermo Airport, the Port of Palermo or Palermo Centrale Railway Station, according to their individual departure plans.
Departure transfers are not included in the tour package. Private transfers can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
End of services.PalermoBreakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation in a selected 3-star hotel in Palermo.
Hotel name is indicative and may be replaced by a similar property of the same category, subject to availability.
Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.Agrigento
Hotel Baia di Ulisse 4* or similar · 4*
Night 2 · HB
Accommodation in a selected 4-star hotel in Agrigento.
Hotel name is indicative and may be replaced by a similar property of the same category, subject to availability.
Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.Catania
Hotel Agatae 3* or similar · 3*
Nights 3–5 · BB
Accommodation for 3 nights in a selected 3-star hotel in Catania.
Hotel name is indicative and may be replaced by a similar property of the same category, subject to availability.
Breakfast is included daily. Dinners are provided as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.Palermo
Hotel Garibaldi 4* or similar · 4*
Nights 6–7 · BB
Accommodation for 2 nights in a selected 4-star hotel in Palermo.
Hotel name is indicative and may be replaced by a similar property of the same category, subject to availability.
Breakfast is included daily. Dinners are provided as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected 3- and 4-star hotels or similar.
- Air-conditioned grand touring coach for scheduled excursions and transfers from Day 2 to Day 7.
- **Tour guide services** from the morning of Day 2 until the end of the scheduled programme on Day 7.
- Licensed local guides for selected visits, where applicable according to the programme.
- Radio-guide system for scheduled guided visits.
- 7 breakfasts at the hotels.
- **7 dinners included throughout the tour**, served at selected hotels or local restaurants, as specified in the itinerary.
- 1 traditional Sicilian lunch at a local agriturismo in the Piazza Armerina area on Day 3.
- Traditional almond sweets tasting in Erice.
- Winery visit and local wine tasting in Marsala.
- Local honey and regional products tasting on Mount Etna.
- Traditional Sicilian pastry tasting in Palermo, including two pastry items and one non-alcoholic beverage.
- **Authentic Palermo Street Food Tasting** at the traditional Capo Market, featuring a selection of local savoury specialities.
Not included
- Arrival transfers from Palermo Airport, the Port of Palermo or Palermo Centrale Railway Station to the hotel.
- Departure transfers from the hotel to Palermo Airport, the Port of Palermo or Palermo Centrale Railway Station. Private transfers are available upon request at an additional cost.
- Lunches, except for the included agriturismo lunch on Day 3, and any other meals not expressly mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages during meals, except for the non-alcoholic beverage expressly included in the Palermo pastry tasting.
- Entrance tickets to archaeological sites, monuments, churches, museums and other ticketed attractions, as detailed in the admission information.
- City taxes, where applicable, payable locally.
- Optional Mount Etna cable-car, 4x4 or summit excursions, which are not part of the scheduled programme.
- Personal expenses, optional activities and any services not expressly listed under "What's Included".
Entrance fees & tickets
- Segesta Archaeological Park, including the Doric Temple and Ancient Theatre.
- Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park, Agrigento.
- Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina.
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico).
- Neapolis Archaeological Park, Syracuse, including the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre.
- Syracuse Cathedral, Ortigia, if an interior visit is undertaken.
- Cefalù Cathedral: admission to the main cathedral is generally free; special ticketed visitor routes or restricted areas are not included.
- Monreale Cathedral: ticketed visitor areas and special routes, where applicable.
- Benedictine Cloister of Monreale.
- Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana), Palermo.
- Palermo Cathedral: admission to the main worship area is generally free; the ticketed Monumental Area is not included.
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Discover the authentic flavours of Sicily through traditional almond sweets in Erice, local wines in Marsala, honey tasting on Mount Etna and an authentic street food experience in Palermo.
Remember that temperatures can vary considerably between the coast and Mount Etna, so bring an extra layer for the volcanic excursion. - Accessibility
- The programme includes archaeological areas, historic centres, uneven surfaces and walking visits. Hotel accessibility, transport arrangements and assistance needs must be verified for the chosen departure. Full accessibility of the complete itinerary has not been confirmed.
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, a small day bag, drinking water, sun protection and clothing suitable for visits to churches. Bring a warm layer and a windproof jacket for Mount Etna, where weather can change quickly.
- Important information
- An 8-day / 7-night guided shared-group tour, starting and ending in Palermo, with scheduled departures in 2027.
The tour accommodates 2 to 50 participants, subject to the confirmed departure arrangements.
Arrival and departure transfers are not included. Guests must make their own way to and from the designated hotel in Palermo. Private transfers can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
The tour guide and scheduled coach services begin on Day 2 and continue until the end of the programme on Day 7.
The package includes 7 breakfasts, 1 traditional Sicilian lunch at an agriturismo and 7 dinners, together with the tastings specified in the itinerary.
Entrance tickets to monuments, museums, churches and archaeological sites are not included.
The visit to Mondello Beach is seasonal, as indicated in the itinerary.
Final hotel details, meeting arrangements and the language of guiding will be communicated before departure.