Catania to Palermo Express - 6 days Tour by On The Go Tours

6 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

40 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Catania, Italy

Ends

Palermo, Italy

Highlights

Syracuse - Discover ancient wonders at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and stroll through the historic island of Ortigia

Modica - Indulge in a unique chocolate tasting infused with Sicilian flavours at the acclaimed Sabadì workshop

Agrigento - Marvel at majestic Doric temples in the Valley of the Temples, set among almond trees

Marsala - Tour historic Florio Cellars and taste Marsala wine beneath soaring 19th-century barrel vaults

Palermo - Explore diverse landmarks including the Martorana Church, Cappella Palatina and the grand Cathedral

Itinerary

Journey through Sicily on this 6-day express tour, starting in the ancient Greek realm of Syracuse, where you will explore the impressive Archaeological Park of Neapolis and marvel at the Baroque beauty of Noto. Continue your adventure in Ragusa Ibla and Modica, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their Baroque architecture, with a special stop for a delectable chocolate tasting in Modica. Discover the historical marvels of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and enjoy a delightful wine tasting at the Florio Cellars in Marsala, along with a scenic drive along the historic Salt Road. Conclude your tour with a visit to the stunning Norman Cathedral in Monreale and sightseeing in coastal Palermo.

day 1 - Catania

Arrive individually at your hotel in Catania. Private transfers can be arranged upon request. Enjoy dinner at your leisure, then settle in for the night at your hotel.

Please note: This is a multi-lingual tour, and guiding will be in Italian and Spanish as well as English. Please also note that very occasionally on this tour, you will stay in the coastal seaside village of Acitrezza, instead of Catania. Our Reservations team will be able to confirm where you will be staying on any given departure.

OverNight:Catania

day 2 - Syracuse, Noto & Ragusa

Catania - Syracuse - Noto - Ragusa. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Syracuse, the most significant Greek colony in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our visit begins at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the remarkable Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the captivating Ear of Dionysius.

We then explore the enchanting island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Here, you'll admire the impressive Cathedral, which dominates the square with its commanding Sicilian Baroque façade - a transformation from its original Doric temple structure. From Piazza Duomo, we stop at a spacious terrace overlooking the waterfront, featuring the renowned Arethusa’s Fountain, a famous freshwater source from the Greek era. You have free time for lunch here.

In the afternoon, we travel to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its exquisite 18th-century architecture, Noto is a striking example of the "open city" concept, with its sun-kissed local limestone buildings. The town's Baroque architecture showcases elegant curves, floral designs, and theatrical perspectives, with stunning facades on its churches and monasteries. We will visit the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, an extraordinary Baroque noble residence. Afterwards, you have free time to stroll through the charming streets.

Our day concludes with a transfer to Ragusa, where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Ragusa

day 3 - Ragusa to Agrigento

Ragusa - Modica - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento. Today, we begin with a visit to Ragusa Ibla, the cradle of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for the popular TV series Inspector Montalbano, Ragusa Ibla is a charming ancient town boasting over 50 churches and numerous Baroque treasures. We will explore its stunning Cathedral in Dome Square and wander through the “Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of Ragusa's four main gardens. At 383 metres above sea level, this garden offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Our tour continues to Modica, another UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Baroque architecture. As we stroll through its quaint streets, we will stop at Sabadì, a renowned chocolate manufacturer. Here, you can enjoy a multisensory chocolate tasting, featuring unique Sicilian flavours like nepitella (wild mint), orange blossom honey, raw PGI-quality Sicilian lemon, and PGI-quality Sicilian red orange.

Afterwards, relax with some local delicacies in the shade of the spectacular Orti di San Giorgio, a collection of seven gardens amidst light and beauty, providing a stunning backdrop for our lunch.

We then head to Piazza Armerina to visit the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand villa, once owned by a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, houses remarkable polychrome mosaics depicting mythological and historical scenes, as well as hunting and entertainment activities. Finally, we depart for Agrigento, where dinner and an overnight stay await us at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Agrigento

day 4 - Valley of the Temples, Marsala & Palermo

Agrigento - Marsala - Palermo. This morning, we will explore Agrigento, home to the renowned Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once praised by Pindar as "the most beautiful city of mortals," Agrigento was among the wealthiest ancient Greek cities. We will marvel at its magnificent 5th-century Doric temples nestled among almond trees, including the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Heracles.

Next, we journey to Marsala, a charming town famous for being the landing site of Garibaldi in May 1860. After a leisurely walk through the city centre, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Florio Cellars. We'll start at the striking giant vats from the late 19th century, still used to refine Marsala wine. The tour continues through the three impressive barrel chambers, each stretching 165 metres under a series of 104 arches, housing approximately 5.5 million litres of wine. After a fascinating thirty-minute tour of these historic cellars, we will reach the Donna Franca and Duca Enrico tasting rooms for a light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience.

Our day continues along the famous Salt Road, between Trapani and Marsala. This area is renowned for its ancient salt-extracting industry, one of the oldest in the world, and is now protected for its rich birdlife and industrial heritage. We then transfer to Palermo, where we check into the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Palermo

day 5 - Exploring Monreale & Palermo

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo. After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Monreale, where we'll explore the impressive Norman Cathedral and its exquisite Arab-Norman cloister.

We then return to Palermo, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Pellegrino and praised by Goethe for its beauty. Palermo features a unique blend of architectural styles, from Baroque to Art Nouveau. The city's eclectic charm also includes Punic walls, stately residences, and elegant 17th-century squares. Our tour will take us to the remarkable Cathedral, the Martorana Church, and the exquisite Cappella Palatina.

We will pause during the day for a typical local lunch. As we continue, you will have the opportunity to admire the renowned Teatro Massimo and the controversial Pretoria Fountain, adorned with 16th-century sculptures, situated in the historic Kalsa area. The evening is yours to explore at your leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Palermo

day 6 - Palermo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before check-out. There's no included transfer, so you can make your own way to the airport or your next destination.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

5 nights 4-star hotels

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners

Transport

Transportation in a deluxe bus

Guide

Escorted by a multi-lingual tour leader (Italian, English & Spanish) with the services of local guides for some sightseeing and audio guidesLatest generation audio guide which transmits the guide's voice up to 150 metres away

Others

Guided sightseeing in Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Monreale & PalermoTastings of Italian products: visit to a chocolate manufacturer and tasting in Modica on day 3 & visit to a wine cellar and tasting in Marsala on day 4Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go Tours

What's Excluded

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