Sicily Grand Tour
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and historic cities of Sicily. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and culinary delights. From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna to the charming streets of Catania, the ancient ruins of Syracuse to the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy wine and cheese tastings, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse yourself in the local culture. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable Sicilian experience.
Included
Special guided tours in main UNESCO sites and cities
Sightseeing on foot and 2 daywalks
Airport transfers (if booking group flights or alternative flights arriving before or at the same time as the group)
All breakfasts and a wine tasting on Mount Etna included.
Sicilian cuisine is a mix of the different cultures that have existed on the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, with a climate ideal for the cultivation of fresh produce, such as olives, oranges, lemons, aubergines (eggplants), tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more – not to mention all the seafood, tuna and swordfish fished off the coast. The result? A fresh, varied and delicious cuisine.
Sicilian wines, including marsala and moscato, are superb and known to be strong and syrupy. During the trip, the leader can recommend the best restaurants and cafes. In the evening, they will often organise group dinners but participation is entirely optional.
An Exodus local leader will be available throughout the week to help with your orientation and to make sure everything runs smoothly. However, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in cities, museums and churches due to Italian legislation. Expert licenced guides will accompany the group in Catania, Syracuse and Ortygia, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Palermo and Monreale. Our tour leader will also accompany the group on the two walking excursions on Mount Etna and in Zingaro Nature Reserve. You will be free to sightsee at your own pace at other sites such as Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Selinunte, Erice, Cefalu and Segesta.
We use a private air-conditioned minibus for all transfers and excursions allowing us to enjoy comfortable, flexible and stress-free journeys.
We use three- and four-star hotels and occasionally B&Bs. Some were selected for their warm hospitality and typical Sicilian character and others for their location close to the historic centres we visit. Don’t forget your swimwear – some of the hotels have swimming pools.
The accommodations used on this trip are found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout hotels.
Piazza Armerina: Suite d'Autore (nights 6-7)
For something completely different, there’s Suite d'Autore. This art hotel in Piazza Armerina traces the history of design from the 20th century to today through its decor and displays. The rooms are, unsurprisingly, individual, while outside the front door is a honey-coloured cathedral.
Taormina: Villa Esperia (night 14)
Our final night is spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has one restaurant: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes.
Destinations
Cefalù
Ragusa
Catania
Syracuse
Noto
TaorminaMap
Attractions
Greek - Roman theatre
Piazza Università
Monument to a Dead Poet
Quattro Canti
Neapolis Archaeological Park
Valle dei Templi
Museo archeologico regionale Paolo Orsi
Palermo Cathedral
Piazza MadriceDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Catania
- Catania - Arrival day
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Welcome to Sicily! Your adventure begins in Catania, the island's second-largest city. There are no planned activities today, so you can settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening, join us for a welcome briefing. Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Mount Etna
- Catania
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- Monti Sartorius
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After breakfast, we embark on a guided walk on Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We'll hike past old lava flows and enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, we'll indulge in a wine and cheese tasting in a local wine cellar. Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)
Day 3 – Day 3: Catania and Syracuse
- Catania
- Syracuse
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- Piazza Università
- Neapolis Archaeological Park
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Today, we explore the eclectic city of Catania, starting from the historic Piazza Duomo and wandering through the main streets adorned with magnificent baroque buildings. In the afternoon, we drive to the city of Syracuse, once the most powerful city-state in the Greek world, for a guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Syracuse
- Syracuse
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- Spiaggia Lido di Noto
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Today is dedicated to exploring the island of Ortygia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Start from the delightful Piazza del Duomo, home to a wonderful cathedral, and explore the island's charming streets. The afternoon is free for further exploration, with options to visit the archaeological museum Paolo Orsi or the Catacombs of San Giovanni. Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 – Day 5: Noto and Ragusa
- Syracuse
- Noto
- Ragusa
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We leave Syracuse and head to the town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its striking baroque architecture. After exploring Noto, we drive to the picturesque town of Ragusa, another UNESCO-listed baroque town, famous as a filming location for the Sicilian detective drama Inspector Montalbano. Accommodation: Hotel Mediterraneo or Hotel Barocco (or similar)
Day 6 – Day 6: Modica and Piazza Armerina
- Ragusa
- Modica
- Piazza Armerina
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Our day begins with a visit to Modica, a UNESCO-listed baroque town famous for its chocolate. After sampling some local treats, we drive to Piazza Armerina, a historic town in the heart of Sicily, where we enjoy a pleasant stroll in its charming centre. Accommodation: Suite d'Autore (or similar)
Day 7 – Day 7: Piazza Armerina and Villa Romana del Casale
- Piazza Armerina
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- Villa Romana del Casale
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Today, we start with a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and continue with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale, one of the best-preserved villas from the Roman Empire. In the afternoon, you can choose to explore the archaeological site of Morgantina (optional). Accommodation: Suite d'Autore (or similar)
Day 8 – Day 8: Agrigento and Selinunte
- Piazza Armerina
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- Valle dei Templi
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Today, we travel south to Agrigento, where we visit the Valley of the Temples. After exploring this splendid archaeological park, we continue to Selinunte, one of the great Greek archaeological sites in Sicily. Accommodation: Hotel Admeto (or similar)
Day 9 – Day 9: Mozia and Erice
- Erice
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- Piazza Madrice
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We start the day with a short boat ride to the island of Mozia, an interesting archaeological site in western Sicily. In the afternoon, we visit the picturesque medieval hilltop town of Erice, set in a stunning location above sea level. Accommodation: Baglio Fontana or B&B Hotel Crystal Trapani (or similar)
Day 10 – Day 10: Zingaro Nature Reserve and Segesta
- Scopello
- Palermo
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- Salt Museum
- Marine Protected Area Aegadian
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Today, we head to the coast to explore the Zingaro Nature Reserve on foot. After a leisurely walk along beautiful coastal trails, we stop at the ancient city of Segesta before heading to Palermo. Accommodation: Ibis Cristal Palermo or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)
Day 11 – Day 11: Monreale and Palermo
- Palermo
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- Quattro Canti
- Palermo Cathedral
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We start the day with an excursion to Monreale to visit the cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture. In the afternoon, we explore the historic centre of Palermo, visiting landmarks such as Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square and Marina Square. Accommodation: Ibis Cristal Palermo or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)
Day 12 – Day 12: Palermo to Cefalù
- Cefalù
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The day is free for further exploration of Palermo. Visit the bustling street markets or explore the city's historic sites. In the afternoon, we transfer to the seaside town of Cefalù. Accommodation: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Cefalù
- Cefalù
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- Porta della Pescara (Porta Marina)
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Today is free to soak up the charming atmosphere of Cefalù. Visit the impressive Norman cathedral, stroll through the winding medieval streets, and enjoy lunch near the picturesque harbour. In the afternoon, relax at the sandy beach or visit the town museum. Accommodation: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)
Day 14 – Day 14: Cefalù to Taormina
- Cefalù
- Taormina
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- Greek - Roman theatre
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This morning, we drive to Taormina. On arrival, we enjoy a short orientation tour followed by a visit to the third-century BCE Greek theatre. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities such as exploring the public gardens or visiting the neighbouring hamlet of Castelmola. Accommodation: Villa Esperia (or similar)
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure
- Taormina - Departure day
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The tour ends in Taormina after breakfast. You can begin your return journey home, or if you'd like more time to explore this magnificent island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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