Sicily and Its Isles - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm.
- Enjoy world-renowned Marsala wine on a wine cellar tour.
- Savor salty capers and sweet Malvasia wine at a local producer on Salina island.
- Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) on off-road vehicles.
- Soak up the relaxed ambiance of the Aeolian Islands (UNESCO) with a 2-night stay on the Isle of Salina.
- Delve into the belly of Palermo on a walking food tour of the historical center.
- Spend three nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theater.
- Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).
- Immerse yourself in ancient history during a visit to the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO).
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Look past the Italy you think you know and see how this coastal farmland balances ancient traditions and modern comforts.
Start your journey in Palermo (UNESCO), Sicily’s welcoming capital city. Uncover the island’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces and delicate Classical designs. Come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Begin your adventure tasting your way through Palermo’s lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city’s historical center and introducing you to traditional Sicilian street food, which layers Oriental and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel,...
Experience an impact moment with Addiopizzo, an anti-Mafia nonprofit that supports locals who refuse to pay the Mafia’s protection fees. Visit Capaci, the site of a terrorist act led by the Mafia, and pay tribute to fallen activists. Chat with locals for a personal pe...
Discover the ancient craft of sea-salt harvesting during a guided visit to the salt pans of Trapani. Then continue to Marsala, heading down into a cellar for a taste of its renowned wine paired with traditional bites. This afternoon, journey to the enchanted hilltop village of Erice before returning to your hotel for dinner.
This morning, head to an award-winning olive grove and learn about the Slow Food movement, which supports local cultures and preserves traditions. Try their unique olive oil at lunch before departing for Agrigento, where ancient roots and medieval buildings blend into...
Make your way to Ragusa (UNESCO), an ancient city perched upon a hill. Meander through its Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city.
The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica, where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch at a ricotta farm before continuing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.
Grab your bags* and hop on a ferry in Milazzo. Sail by Vulcano and Lipari on your way to Salina,** a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Somewhat off the beaten path, Salina is one of the less-traveled Aeolian Islands, preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. Settle into the hamlet of Lingua for a 2-night stay.
Dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards pass by on your way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. Wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine...
After a relaxing morning, ferry back to mainland Sicilia. Journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. Settle into your new home for the next three nights and enjoy a free evening to explore on your own.
Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.
See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening, toast to your Sicilian sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.
Your journey through Sicily comes to a close today. Return home with memories of Italy’s favorite island.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
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- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
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Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
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Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
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We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
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We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
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When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
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Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Sicily's Baroque Valley:Scicli & Modica with lunch - $125
Sicily Journey to Sicily’s Baroque Valley, known for its ornate historic architecture. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scicli and Modica. The town of Scicli dates back to the 3rd century BC, home to a number of centuries-old churches. Visit a local farm for brunch to learn about two local specialties: ricotta cheese and sausage. The hilly city of Modica, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is renowned for its baroque architecture and breathtakingly detailed facades. Taste Modica’s historically rooted artisanal chocolate, based on flavorful Aztec recipes of millennia ago. This tour will immerse you in the alluring culture and history of the Baroque Valley. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Stromboli Sunset Cruise with pasta dinner on board - $179
Salina Take in the sights on a leisurely sunset sail around the legendary Stromboli Volcano, called “the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” Your private boat will anchor for an opportunity to swim in beautiful waters (weather permitting). Watch the skyline for puffs of smoke, emitting from the island’s active volcano. In the intimate dining space, indulge in a rustic dinner of local Aeolian specialties and regional wines. As the sun sets, be on the lookout for glowing hues of red and orange and perhaps some small lava flows in the drama of the dusk sky. This incomparable dinner cruise will leave you with lasting memories of Southern Italy. Duration approximately 10 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. The excursion is 10 hours long. A swim suit and towel are recommended if you plan to swim. Travelers prone to seasickness should take the proper precautions. The option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure The excursion is 10 hours long. A swim suit and towel are recommended if you plan to swim. Travelers prone to seasickness should take the proper precautions. The option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departureBecome a member
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