8 Day Classical Sicily Tour Package

Highlights

• Explore UNESCO-listed Syracuse – the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Ear of Dionysius, Ortigia and Arethusa's Fountain
• Stroll through UNESCO Baroque Noto and admire Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata's magnificent 18th-century architecture
• Discover UNESCO Ragusa Ibla and its 50+ Baroque churches, then enjoy a multisensory chocolate tasting at Sabadì in Modica
• Explore the UNESCO Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina with its splendid polychrome mosaics depicting mythological and historical scenes
• Walk among the UNESCO Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, tour Florio Cellars for Marsala wine tasting, and discover the historic Salt Road
• Visit Monreale's Norman Cathedral — the Eighth Wonder of the World — then explore Palermo's Cathedral, Martorana Church, Cappella Palatina and Teatro Massimo
• Explore medieval Cefalù and its Norman Dome, then discover Catania's UNESCO Baroque centre with granita & brioche tasting
• Ascend UNESCO Mount Etna to Rifugio Sapienza with honey tasting, then visit Taormina's Greek theatre overlooking Giardini Naxos bay
• 7 nights in centrally located 4-star hotels with daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 2 dinners included

8-Day Classical Sicily Tour Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Catania

   Arrive independently at your Catania hotel (private transfer available upon request for an extra charge). Spend the evening at your leisure and stay overnight at the hotel.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Exploring Syracuse and Noto

   After breakfast, visit Syracuse, the renowned Greek colony and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which includes the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise, and the Ear of Dionysius. Proceed to Ortigia, Syracuse's historic centre, where you can admire the Cathedral and its Sicilian-Baroque facade — once a Doric temple. Wander to the waterfront terrace from Piazza Duomo for a view of Arethusa's Fountain. Enjoy free time for lunch before departing for Noto, the Sicilian Baroque capital, known for its UNESCO-listed 18th-century buildings with elegant curves, floral patterns and golden limestone. Explore the magnificent Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata before a leisurely walk in town. Conclude the day in Ragusa with dinner and an overnight stay.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Piazza Armerina Adventure

   Discover Ragusa Ibla's historic core — a focal point of Sicilian Baroque and a key filming location for the Inspector Montalbano TV series. Now among Italy's 44 World Heritage Sites, this captivating town features over 50 churches. Explore the Cathedral in Dome Square and the picturesque Giardino Ibleo, offering stunning views at 383 metres above sea level. Next, venture to Modica — a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with Baroque marvels. Visit Sabadì, a renowned chocolate maker, for a multisensory tasting of authentic Sicilian flavours including wild mint, orange blossom honey and PGI-quality Sicilian lemon. Enjoy local delicacies at the enchanting Orti di San Giorgio for a leisurely lunch.

   Proceed to Piazza Armerina to explore the UNESCO Villa Romana del Casale, celebrated for its splendid polychrome mosaics portraying mythological and historical scenes, hunting and entertainment activities. Depart for Agrigento, concluding the day with dinner and an overnight stay.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Agrigento to Marsala – Temples, Wines & Salt Road

   Begin in Agrigento, exploring the UNESCO Valley of the Temples. Admire the 5th-century Doric Temples — including the Temple of Hera, Temple of Concordia, and Temple of Heracles — set among almond trees. Move on to Marsala, a vibrant Mediterranean city renowned for Garibaldi's historic landing in 1860. Explore the 19th-century Florio Cellars with its giant vats and fascinating barrel chambers where Marsala wines age. Conclude the visit with a light lunch and wine tasting in the Donna Franca and Duca Enrico tasting rooms. The tour continues to the famous Salt Road — an ancient industry site between Trapani and Marsala, now a protected area for birdlife and industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, check into the hotel and enjoy dinner.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Monreale and Palermo Exploration

   Begin with hotel breakfast before heading to Monreale. Discover the awe-inspiring Norman Cathedral — celebrated as the Eighth Wonder of the World — and the elegant Arab-Norman-style Cloister, showcasing a remarkable fusion of art, sculpture and semi-precious stone marquetry. Later, explore Palermo — a city steeped in history and art, nestled on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino. Palermo's diverse architectural landscape reflects its multicultural past, from Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas and 17th-century squares. Visit the Cathedral, Martorana Church, and Cappella Palatina, highlighting the coexistence of seemingly incompatible cultures. Enjoy a stop for a typical local lunch, taking in landmarks like Teatro Massimo and the 16th-century fountain in Pretoria Square. Conclude the day at leisure with an overnight stay at the hotel.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Cefalù to Catania

   After breakfast, travel to Cefalù, a charming medieval town on Sicily's north coast. Visit the impressive Norman Dome and enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll or a visit to the renowned Mandralisca Museum. Pause for lunch at a well-known restaurant (not included). Upon reaching Catania, explore its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical centre with original Baroque architecture and streets crafted from black lava stone. The walking tour starts at picturesque Duomo Square, showcasing the magnificent Cathedral and the iconic "Liotru" statue — an ancient lava-stone elephant symbolising the city. Continue to University Square and stroll along the splendid Baroque Via dei Crociferi, where the famous S. Benedict Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits. Finish the visit with a delightful break at a historic downtown bar to savour typical granita & brioche. Overnight stay at the hotel.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Etna & Taormina Expedition

   Begin the day at Catania's famed fish market, the pescheria. Then venture to Mount Etna — Europe's highest active volcano at approximately 3,350 metres and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The regional park preserves 59,000 hectares of unique geology, flora, fauna, and traditional practices. Experience breathtaking landscapes en route to Rifugio Sapienza, exploring the inactive Crateri Silvestri amid ancient lava flows. Marvel at panoramic views extending across Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria. Sample local honey at a beekeeping company and enjoy regional products, followed by lunch at a charming restaurant.

   Continue to Taormina, known for its elevated position with stunning views of Etna. Explore the Greek theatre overlooking Giardini Naxos bay. Enjoy free time for a leisurely walk and shopping for local crafts including coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics and pastries. Conclude the day with a glimpse of the Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania for an overnight stay.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Departure from Catania

   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and services conclude. Option to extend your stay in Catania by booking additional nights.

What's Included

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Optional – SILVER – City taxes & all entrance fees (highly recommended to add at the time of booking)
• City tax (payable locally)
• Drinks on meals
• Entrance fees at monuments/museums
• Meals not included in the programme
• Beverages
• Airport transfers
• Tipping for guide, driver and hotel staff
• Personal expenses
• Any item, product or service not specifically listed under Included

Additional Information

• You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
• This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
• Multilingual guides available in English, Italian or Spanish.
• Tour reference code: 266838

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions