Compare Best of Sicily in 11 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs Grand Tour of Sicily by Viandando Luxury Travel

Day 1: Welcome to Sicily

We'll gather at our hotel in Palermo at 3 p.m. for a welcome meeting. Then we'll begin our Sicilian adventure together by joining a contessa for a personal tour of her family's home, the Palazzo Federico. We'll end our evening getting to know one another at a "Welcome to Sicily" dinner together. Sleep in Palermo (2 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: Palermo and Monreale

Let's meet our local guide and take a tour through Palermo's colorful and bustling Ballaró street market — all spiced with an evocative whiff of Africa. Then we'll greet our driver and hop aboard our coach bound for the hill-topping town of Monreale, renowned for its Arab-flavored cathedral, blending Byzantine, Arab, Jewish, Gothic, and Norman traditions, heritage, and art. We'll tour the cathedral's interior of glittering, golden mosaics as well as the story-telling columns of the cloister. After lunch, we'll return to the city, where your guide will show you their favorite part of Palermo, before setting you free to explore more of this exciting, energetic city, and discover a tucked-away trattoria for dinner on your own. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous

Day 3: Ancient Segesta and Mountaintop Erice

This morning we'll head toward the island's western coast, stopping at the ancient Greek site of Segesta to meander through its magnificent Doric temple and hilltop theater. Then we'll continue to the enchanting medieval mountaintop town of Erice. Believed by Romans to be the home of Venus, Erice eventually evolved into a center for Christian convents and home to heavenly pastries (which we'll learn about and taste). This afternoon we'll enjoy a tasty lunch that includes the region's specialties: sun-dried tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, and Marsala wine. We'll take an orientation walk before setting you free for the evening. Sleep in Trapani (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Salt Harvesting and Seaside Trapani

Today we'll drive down to the Trapani "salt-pans" — a coastal wetland and nature reserve where sea salt has been harvested for nearly 3,000 years. We'll tour the Phoenician island of Mozia, and learn about this bygone civilization. Then our guide will teach us the history and process of salt harvesting as we tour the area by boat. You'll be free to spend the rest of your day exploring the seaside town of Trapani. Find that perfect terrace, savor your favorite apertivo, and watch the sun slowly dip into the sea. Boat: 1 hr. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate

Day 5: Ancient Agrigento and Country Living

This morning we'll take a magical history tour through the ruins of Agrigento, one of the richest of the Greek colonies and a thriving democracy 2,500 years ago. We'll focus on Agrigento's "Valley of the Temples" — the largest, best-preserved collection of ancient Greek buildings outside of Greece itself. This afternoon we'll head to our tranquil countryside hotel. You'll have plenty of time to soak in the view or head to the beach before tonight's dinner together. Sleep near Agrigento (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: Roman Mosaics and Syracuse

The Romans also colonized Sicily, which we'll learn about at today's first destination, the Villa Romana del Casale. Here we'll spend much of our morning surrounded by the world's most rich and colorful collection of Roman mosaics — including the time-bending "bikini girls" mosaic, discovered less than 60 years ago. On the road again, we'll stop to visit a working farm with its owner, followed by a midday feast. Then it's on to Syracuse. This evening we'll take a walk through the city's historic old town on the island of Ortygia. Sleep in Ortygia (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Syracuse, Past and Present

This morning we'll learn more about Ortygia and take a closer look at this small fishing island. We'll explore the local market, stroll through centuries in the Cathedral of Syracuse, and marvel at the masterpiece of the Piazza del Duomo. This afternoon we'll enjoy a lively performance of Sicily's traditional puppet theater, where the language is no barrier to entertainment. Then the rest of the day is yours to wander through Syracuse's delightful jumble of Greek, Roman, medieval, and Baroque layers — or settle on a quiet park bench with a harbor view. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Mount Etna, Wine, and Taormina

We'll begin our day with a short drive up the coast to Catania, where we'll take in the breathtaking view of Mount Etna, while learning more about the volcano with a spirited presentation by one of the University of Catania's volcanologists. Next we'll visit a winery on the slopes of the mountain, where we'll enjoy a tour through the vineyards and taste some of Sicily's deservedly famous wine before heading to Taormina. After we check into our hotel, we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk. This evening, join in the local passeggiata to feel the pulse of Sicilian culture, then find the ideal people-watching spot to enjoy your gelato and dinner on your own. Sleep in Taormina (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 9: Seductive Taormina

This morning we'll tour Taormina's remarkably situated ancient Greek theater, which is still used today for open-air performances. This afternoon you are free to luxuriate in this cliff-hanging, Old World resort town. Wander through its elegant gardens, posh cafés, and shops, ride a cable car down to the beach or explore the nearby mountain-top village of Castelmola. Any way you slice it, you'll have a ringside seat to savor il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing), Sicilian style. This evening we'll meet up for a Sicilian pizza-making demonstration followed by dinner together. No bus. Walking: light to moderate (your choice).

Day 10: Colorful Catania

We're off to Catania, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, where this morning we'll tour the Museum of the 1943 Landings in Sicily (Museo dello Sbarco). We'll learn how, nearly a year before D-Day, Allied troops found themselves fighting against — and at the same time liberating — their Italian adversaries. After a brief neighborhood orientation, you are free to wander through Catania's famous fish market, admire the baroque architecture of the grand Piazza del Duomo or enjoy people watching in one of the city's many cafés. We'll gather together tonight to say arrivederci, share travel memories, enjoy the freshest Sicilian food, and toast to new friends. Salute! Sleep in Catania. (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light to moderate (your choice).

Day 11: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Catania's airport by train or shuttle bus. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Day 1: Arrival at Palermo Airport and Private Transfer to your Accommodation

Arrival at Palermo International airport and private transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 2: Guided tour of Palermo

This morning enjoy a private guided tour of the amazing historical city center of Palermo and discover some of its great beauties as the Palace of the Normans which houses the superb Capella Palatina, a gorgeous, gleaming example of some of the world’s most beautiful Byzantine mosaics, the Cathedral with its Norman tombs and the jewel-encrusted crown of Catherine of Aragon, the red-domed San Giovanni degli Eremiti building and the Teatro Massimo. Lunch and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 3: Food Tour of Palermo

Enjoy our Palermo street food tour. A relaxing 4hr walk with a young licensed guide to enjoy the markets of Palermo city center and taste the best local street food. This tour has been designed with the specific purpose of giving travelers the chance to live a 100% Sicilian Experience…a tasty one! The uniqueness of Palermitan street food doesn’t simply lie in its variety and rich flavours, but also in the ability that every dish has to tell a historical chapter of the Sicilian capital. Vendors have been carefully selected based on the quality of food and the authenticity of the location. The summer tour goes through that tricky part of the city center where travelers need the help of a local expert to enjoy and understand better the Palermitan culture. Capo market gets a different dress if you see it with the eyes of a local. Vucciria market might simply look the ruin of an old elegant city center…unless you experience it with us!

Guided Tour of Monreale Cathedral

In the afternoon your driver will be taking you to Monreale where you will enjoy a guided visit of its world-renowned cathedral, a dazzling mixture of arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Return to Palermo and overnight stay.

Day 4: Leisure Time in Erice and Visit of the Saltpans

Following breakfast and check out, your private driver will take you to Erice, a wonderfully preserved medieval town offering the most breath-taking views. Lunch at your leisure. Next discover the scenic wonders of the Nature Reserve of Saline di Trapani e Paceco, across the picturesque coastal road with views on the windmills and the salt pans and piles. Stop at the dock with boats sailing to Motya, and enjoy a visit to the Ettore Infersa Salt Museum, where the traditional method of extraction and processing of the salt (still used today) is on show, or walk arround salt pans. Next continue to your accommodation, the Verdura Resort in Sciacca. Overnight stay.

Day 5: Guided Visit of Selinunte and Wine Tasting and Lunch at Ulmo Winery

This morning your private driver will take you to Selinunte and enjoy a private guided tour of one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Then continue to Sambuca di Sicilia to visit the Ulmo Estate, one of the most prestigious wineries of the entire Sicily. The visit will be followed by wine tasting and a light lunch. After lunch continue return to your accommodation and rest of the day for resting and relaxing.

Day 6: Transfer to Agrigento and Guided Tour of The Valle Dei Templi

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Agrigento where you will take a private guided tour of the famous Valle dei Templi which consists of eight temples built between about 510 BC and 430 BC. Overnight in Agrigento.

Day 7: Transfer to Ragusa Ibla with a Stop in Piazza Armerina

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Piazza Armerina, most famous for the truly astonishing classical mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale, a Unesco World Heritage Site due to its containing the most complex and large collection of Roman mosaics in the world – there are 3535 square metres of them. Enjoy a guided tour of this splendid site and then continue to Ragusa. Check into your accommodation and overnight stay.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Ragusa and Visit of The Aromi Farm

This morning your driver will take you to Ragusa Ibla and enjoy a guided visit of its amazing historic center and discover some of its treasures such as the Hyblean Gardens, the Basilica di San Giorgio and the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale, just to mention a few. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon visit “Gli Aromi Farm” where the owner Enri­co will meet you. This farm cultivates autochthon plants and aromatic herbs. It also holds an impor­tant leadership position in sales and marketing, focusing on local species of the Sicilian coast and in particular of the Iblean area. The farm produces more than 120 different varieties of plants and herbs using old traditional methods of manual cultivation. You will sample the different varieties of herbs and see how they are used alongside other local products in Sicilian cooking for lunch. Overnight in Ragusa.

Day 9: Private Transfer to Siracusa with a Stop In Noto

Following breakfast and check out private chauffeured transfer to Siracusa. On your way there you will stop Noto and spend some time at your leisure in this amazing city considered to be the apotheosis of Baroque architecture. Continue to Siracusa and check into your accommodation. Lunch at your leisure.

Private Guided Tour Of Siracusa

After lunch enjoy a private guided visit of Siracusa’s archaeological park and then continue with a walk through its historical center for admiring the Fountain Arethusa, the Cathedral, the Archimede Square and the ruins of the Apollo’s temple.

Day 10: Private Guided Tour of Siracusa

After lunch enjoy a private guided visit of Siracusa’s archaeological park and then continue with a walk through its historical center for admiring the Fountain Arethusa, the Cathedral, the Archimede Square and the ruins of the Apollo’s temple.

Day 11: Full Day Tour of Mount Etna

Today visit the spectacular Mount Etna on a 4X4 vehicle. A Land Rover will get you far enough off the beaten track to see some fascinating aspects of this great volcano that the ordinary tourist won’t see, and the knowledgeable guide who will accompany you will give you some great insights. The tour also includes a visit to a winery of the area followed by wine tasting and a light lunch. Return to Siracusa and overnight stay.

Day 12: Private Transfer to Taormina

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Taormina, a chic resort town with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre and amazing views over the Gulf of Naxos and Mount Etna. Check into your accommodation and rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 13: Godfather Tour

Today enjoy an introduction to the real Sicily, exploring the towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò with your English speaking driver. Depart for Fiumefreddo and visit the Castello degli Schiavi, the location where the movie “The Godfather” was filmed, with the owner Barone Platania. Then drive to Savoca, enjoy a walking tour of the town, admiring “The Godfather” set with the typical streets and the famous Bar Vitelli. You will take a walk on the panoramic promenade to the famous church of Sant’Nicolò or better called Santa Lucia which was used in “The Godfather” movie for the marriage of Michael Corleone and Apollonia Vitelli. A taste of lemon granita is a must! You then drive to the next charming medieval village of Forza D’Agrò, which is without a doubt one of the best examples of a typical village of the Province of Messina. It still conserves its medieval street layout and on all sides of the town you can behold the most incredible views. Finally, your journey finishes at the medieval village of Castelmola (just above Taormina) to take a pleasant walk in the town before returning to your hotel.

Day 14: Day at Your Leisure in Taormina

Day at your leisure in Taormina for resting and relaxing.

Day 15: Fly Back Home

Following breakfast check out and private transfer to Catania Airport to take your domestic flight back home.