Sicily in Depth Tour with 7 Reviews by Insight Vacations

9 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Palermo, Italy

Ends

Sliema, Malta

Highlights

Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics - the best of their kind in the world.

Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the Sicilian landscape.

Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.

Ragusa: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.

Modica: Experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.

Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheatre with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-coloured stone and set high on the cliff, the theatre frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.

Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.

Itinerary

See every slice of Sicily during this 9-day Sicily guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travellers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palatine Chapel to marvel at the glittering gold mosaics for a stunning sight. Travel to the salt pans and windmills on the western coast and taste Marsala wine in its home town. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theatre, from which you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active Strato volcano.

day 1 - Welcome to Palermo

Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals:Dinner

Location Visited:Palermo

Accommodation:Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La Torre

day 2 - Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans

Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Palermo

Accommodation:Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La Torre

day 3 - Trapani and Marsala

Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colourful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savour the flavours of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town's renowned wine in beautiful surroundings.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Palermo, Trapani, Marsala

Accommodation:Seawater, Marsala

day 4 - Explore the Valley of the Temples

Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognised by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Marsala, Agrigento

Accommodation:The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento

day 5 - Discover Villa Romana del Casale and Ragusa

Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with your Local Expert. The town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was once inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who gave their name to Sicily. Admire the remarkable Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition. In the evening, savour the rich flavours of locally sourced ingredients with a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Agrigento, Ragusa

Accommodation:Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

day 6 - Modica Relaxed Start

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later, explore the town of Modica, rebuilt after the 17th-century earthquake, and discover its artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Ragusa, Modica, Ragusa

Accommodation:Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa

day 7 - Ancient Syracuse

Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert at Syracuses Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theatre, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Alternatively, take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortigia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicilys picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming resort of Giardini Naxos or Marina Forza d'Agr (departure dependent).

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Ragusa, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos

Accommodation:Hellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò

day 8 - Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe

Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe'. After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europes largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theatre, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Celebrate your time in Sicily with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savouring Sicilian cuisine with exquisite Italian wines.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Giardini Naxos

Accommodation:Hellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò

day 9 - Depart Catania

Your Sicily tour has now come to an end. Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way to the airport.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Giardini Naxos, Catania

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What's Included

Accommodation

Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La TorreSeawater, Marsala HotelTheScala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento HotelMediterraneo Palace, Ragusa HotelHellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza DAgrò HotelHotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Meals

Dinner (x5)Breakfast (x8)Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.Giardini Naxos: Your celebration dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.

Transport

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activitiesSyracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theatre, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.Ragusa: Savour the flavours of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travellers.Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theatre, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.Trapani: Discover how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities."A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. ""One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters.""One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Sicily in Depth

4.7

based on 7 reviews

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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

1 day ago

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

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