Sicily and Eolic Islands

Welcome to Palermo! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, with some free time to follow. Home to over half a million people, Palermo—the capital of Sicily—is a dynamic city full of contrasts. Its impressive architecture reflects a unique blend of Arab, Norman, Aragonese, and Baroque influences. With a mild climate yearround, vibrant energy, and rich culinary traditions, Palermo is a city that leaves a lasting impression.

Today, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Palermo. Highlights include the impressive Cathedral, with its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs inside, and the Norman Palace (the former Royal Palace), along with its fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale, where the Cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stunning golden mosaics that adorn the interior. Afterward, we’ll return to Palermo. Free afternoon. Note: In some cases, if the group size is very small, the tour may be shared with other travelers through local tour companies rather than being a private tour.

We’ll leave Palermo and follow the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, taking in beautiful landscapes along the way. We’ll head inland to Castelbuono, a little picturesque mountain town that captures the tranquility of Sicily’s interior with its ancient walls, castle, and charming central streets. Our next stop will be Cefalù, a charming coastal town. Its Norman cathedral, renowned for its unique architecture and mosaics, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center is a delightful mix of narrow streets, sea views, and commercial and tourist life. After some time for lunch, we’ll continue along the coast and visit Tindari, where the Sanctuary of Tindari stands atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the sea. This famous pilgrimage site is home to the Black Madonna. Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient Greek polis. Our journey will conclude in Milazzo, a lively port city overlooking the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Our day will be filled with unforgettable experiences as we explore two islands in the Aeolian archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their continuous volcanic activity. We’ll start with a hydrofoil boat ride to Vulcano, where you’ll immediately be struck by the smell of sulfur from the island’s active fumaroles. Dominated by its crater, Vulcano is famous for its hot water beaches. We highly recommend indulging in the sulfurous hot springs, as the mud is said to have great benefits for the skin. Don’t miss out on this oneofakind experience! Next, we’ll take a 15minute hydrofoil boat ride to Lipari, the largest and most charming of the Aeolian Islands, with its historic center, castle, and vibrant tourist scene. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Afterward, we’ll return by boat to Milazzo and continue to Taormina, arriving by the end of the day. Dinner will be included. Note: During the summer or on special dates, accommodation may be arranged in Messina instead of Taormina.

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Dinner will be included.

After breakfast, we will head to CATANIA, at the foot of Mount Etna, a city that combines history, art, and Mediterranean life. Its Baroque center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with beautiful squares and palaces, as well as the bustling fish market, one of the most picturesque in Sicily. Afterwards, we continue to SYRACUSE, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. The city has also been declared a World Heritage Site; its island of Ortigia, connected by bridges, is the oldest part of town, with lively narrow streets, the cathedral, the ancient castle, seaside terraces, and markets. Free time to stroll and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will travel inland toward AGRIGENTO. Before reaching the hotel, from the coach, we will admire the magnificent complex of the Valley of the Temples. Dinner included.

We’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we’ll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we’ll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.