Sicily Grand Tour

Sicily Grand Tour

3,318 Views
15 Days From

$4800

Sicily Grand Tour

15 Days Starting in Catania and ending in Taormina

Visiting: Metropolitan city of Catania, Free municipal consortium of Syracuse, Free municipal consortium of Ragusa, Piazza Armerina, Free municipal consortium of Agrigento, Mozia, Palermo, Cefalù, Taormina

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ADG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

7 - 18

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Wine Tasting

From: $4800

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The variety and richness of Sicily’s heritage is unparalleled – nowhere else have the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and Italians left such an indelible legacy. On this incredible journey, we sample the best UNESCO sites, impressive archaeological treasures, quaint villages and diverse landscapes on the island. With so much to see and do, a two-week itinerary is ideal to cover the whole island at a reasonable pace. There is also time to venture into the heart of Sicily, to visit the Unesco-listed mosaics of Piazza Armerina.

Highlights

  • Embark on a grand tour of Sicily, exploring the highlights and lesser-known treasures

  • Walk on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna with a guide, followed by a wine and cheese tasting

  • Explore the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa

  • Discover ruins and remnants of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds

  • Marvel at the magnificent mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale and Monreale cathedral

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start In Catania

Location: Metropolitan city of Catania

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

We begin our Sicilian adventure in Catania, the second-largest city on the island. There are no planned activities today, so take time to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities. There will be a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning.Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

Day 2 : Excursion On Mount Etna; Afternoon Wine Tasting

Location: Metropolitan city of Catania

Accommodation Name: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We hike up, past several old lava flows, to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the volcanic landscape (one to two hours’ walking, approximately 3mi/5km). We strongly advise you to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. We hike on hilly, steep terrain of dried lava, rocky ash and sand. If you’d prefer to skip the walk, you can ascend the central crater (€78, payable locally), first by cableway to the terminal, before a 4×4 ride and walk with a volcanology guide.In the afternoon, we enjoy a delicious wine and cheese tasting in a wine cellar. We stay overnight in Catania.Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

Day 3 : Morning Sightseeing Tour Of Catania; Afternoon Drive To Syracuse And Visit Archaeological Park

Location: Metropolitan city of Catania

Accommodation Name: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of eclectic Catania. We start from the historic heart of the city, Piazza Duomo, and wander through the main streets, most of which have several magnificent baroque buildings, such as Palazzo dei Chierici, Palazzo degli Elefanti and the duomo (cathedral). We continue via the central fish market, one of the biggest in Italy, and admire the array of bright colours and peculiar smells, accompanied by the unabashed shouts of fishmongers selling their fresh produce.



In the afternoon, we drive for approximately one hour to the city of Syracuse, once the most powerful city-state in the Greek world and briefly capital of the Byzantine Empire. Here we take a guided tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park accompanied by a local expert guide. The site is northwest Syracuse and home to spectacular ruins, including a Greek theatre that dates to at least the fifth century BCE. The Roman amphitheatre, built in the third century CE is also very impressive: at 460ft (140m) long and 390ft (119m) wide, it is one of the largest in the world.



Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 : Free Day In Syracuse

Location: Free municipal consortium of Syracuse

Accommodation Name: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The day is free to explore the lovely island of Ortygia, the historical heart of Syracuse. We recommend starting from the Piazza del Duomo, a delightful pedestrian square and home to a wonderful cathedral. The island measures just 124 acres (50ha) and can be easily explored on foot. Restaurants, trattorias and bars abound; it is  particularly lovely to sit out on the western side, warmed by the sun and with a sea view. The afternoon is free for further independent exploration. We recommend visiting the great archaeological museum Paolo Orsi, which has an extensive collection from the pre-Greek to Roman eras. Close to the museum are the Catacombs of San Giovanni, a maze of tunnels niched with early Christian tombs hidden beneath the flower-filled ruins of a Norman church.



Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : Visit The Unesco-Listed Baroque Towns Of Noto And Ragusa

Location: Free municipal consortium of Ragusa

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterraneo or Hotel Barocco (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, we leave Syracuse and head to the town of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), which has been part of a Unesco World Heritage site, Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, since 2002. The striking architecture is a result of a major earthquake in 1693, in which the old town was almost destroyed. It was reconstructed with a design intended to be functional and harmonious. We explore the small town on foot, wandering around the narrow streets, admiring the golden stone buildings and the fantastical façades and balconies. After lunch, we drive to the town of Ragusa (approximately one hour), a Unesco-listed baroque town and considered one of the most picturesque in Sicily. Ragusa became particularly well-known in recent years as one of the main filming locations for the Sicilian detective drama Inspector Montalbano. The town is split into two parts, and while the upper section offers some noteworthy architectural delights, it is the smaller Ragusa Ibla below that really draws visitors. The historic centre is compact, making it easy to explore on foot in a few hours.



Accommodation: Hotel Mediterraneo or Hotel Barocco (or similar)

Day 6 : Explore Town Of Modica; Transfer And Overnight In Piazza Armerina

Location: Piazza Armerina

Accommodation Name: Suite d’Autore (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our day with a visit to Modica, another Unesco-listed baroque town with fine architecture, picturesque views and historic lanes. The chocolate made here is one of the most famous products in Sicily. We have the chance to sample some during a visit to the main chocolate shop in town. In the afternoon, we drive north (approximately two hours) to Piazza Armerina, a historic town in the heart of Sicily, to enjoy a pleasant stroll in its charming centre.



Accommodation: Suite d'Autore (or similar)

Day 7 : Morning Guided Visit In Piazza Armerina; See The Unesco-Protected Mosaics Collection Of Villa Romana Del Casale

Location: Piazza Armerina

Accommodation Name: Suite d’Autore (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today starts with a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and continues with a visit to the Unesco-listed Villa Romana del Casale, considered the top heritage site in Sicily by many visitors. This is one of the best-preserved villas built during the Roman Empire, with extensive and almost intact mosaics spread over 37,670sqft (3,500sqm). These vivid mosaics, probably produced by North African artisans, portray scenes of daily life, including a well-known tableau of girls exercising in swimwear. We return to Piazza Armerina in the afternoon where you have free time to explore.If you wish to explore more, we recommend a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Morgantina, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the hotel (optional, payable locally). The fascinating ruins of Morgantina, an ancient Greek city which continued to thrive in Roman times, still preserve major Greek structures, including the sanctuary in the agora, the public grain store and the theatre.Accommodation: Suite d’Autore (or similar)

Day 8 : Visit The Valley Of Temples In Agrigento And Archaeological Site Of Selinunte

Location: Free municipal consortium of Agrigento

Accommodation Name: Hotel Admeto (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is one of the longest travel days as we make our way south, first stopping in Agrigento (approximately two hours’ transfer) and then continuing to Selinunte (approximately a 1hr 20min drive) where we stay the night. In Agrigento, we visit the Valley of the Temples. A guided tour will allow us to discover and learn the history of this splendid archaeological park, which consists of eight temples (and various other remains) built between approximately 510 BCE and 430 BCE.



In the afternoon, we explore Selinunte, one of the great Greek archaeological sites in Sicily. In the southwest corner of the island, the park incorporates Greek temples, ancient town walls, the ruins of residential and commercial buildings, countryside paths and zones yet to be excavated.



Accommodation: Hotel Admeto (or similar)

Day 9 : Explore The Island Of Mozia By Ferry And Drive To The Hilltop Town Of Erice

Location: Mozia

Accommodation Name: Baglio Fontana or B&B Hotel Cristal Trapani (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

An hour’s drive north and a short boat ride brings us to the island of Mozia, an interesting archaeological site in western Sicily, between the towns of Trapani and Marsala. The site was once an important colony of Carthage, the Phoenician-founded city in North Africa, with a small museum and extensive ruins to visit.In the afternoon, we continue (approximately a one-hour drive) to the picturesque medieval hilltop town of Erice, set in a stunning location approximately 2,625ft (800m) above sea level. Thanks to its strategic position, Erice was occupied by many civilisations, including the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and the Normans. We enjoy free time to explore the narrow town lanes on foot, and perhaps enjoy down time and a drink in one of the panoramic terraces at sunset. We overnight in the Trapani area.Accommodation: B&B Hotel Crystal Trapani (or similar)

Day 10 : Half-Day Walk In Zingaro Nature Reserve; Visit Segesta Ruins And Drive To Palermo

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Ibis Cristal Palermo or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we head to the coast to explore one of the best examples of idyllic Mediterranean coastline on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4mi (7km), between the lovely village of Scopello in the east and San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has stunning walking trails with views out to the azure sea, cliffs, coves and pristine beaches. We take a leisurely walk along beautiful coastal trails with the opportunity for a quick swim before returning to the bus. Those who do not wish to take part in the walk can relax at the visitor centre.In the afternoon, we head to Palermo, but not before stopping in the ancient city of Segesta (40 minutes’ drive), founded around 1200 BCE by the mysterious Elymians. Here we visit the Greek theatre and the well-preserved fifth-century BCE doric temple, set on top of a hill and surrounded by mountains.Accommodation: Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Day 11 : Morning Tour Of Monreale And The ‘Duomo’; Afternoon Guided Visit To Palermo

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Ibis Cristal Palermo or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start with a half-day excursion to Monreale (30 minutes’ drive each way) to visit the cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. An extensive area of the interior is covered in gleaming gold mosaics and features a fascinatingcombination of Norman, Byzantine and Islamic art. Later in the afternoon, a local expert guide will take us on a walking tour around the historic centre of Palermo, revealing some of the city’s landmarks, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square and Marina Square.Accommodation: Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Day 12 : Free Day In Palermo For Individual Sightseeing; Drive To The Picturesque Port Town Of Cefalù

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The day is free for further individual exploration of the historic centre. A great way to spend the morning is by heading to one or two of the main street markets (Ballarò, Capo or Vucciria) where the legacy of Palermo’s past as a commercial port continues to manifest itself. Palermo’s Muslim history has made an imprint on the bazaars of the town: bustling, crowded and full of treasures. A morning at the markets is without doubt the best way to connect with the real lifestyle of the locals. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to the seaside town of Cefalù (approximately 1hr 15min).



Accommodation: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)

Day 13 : Free Day In Cefalù

Location: Cefalù

Accommodation Name: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to soak up the charming atmosphere of Cefalù. We recommend starting the day with a visit to the impressive Norman cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and a restored 12th-century cloister. Continue with a stroll through the winding medieval streets of the historic centre and stop for lunch near the picturesque harbour. In the afternoon, you can relax at the sandy beach, take a walk to the hilltop Rocca to visit the ruins of a Norman castle and enjoy superb views, or visit the town museum, the Museo Mandralisca.



Accommodation: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)

Day 14 : Transfer To Taormina, Visit Greek Theatre And Free Time

Location: Taormina

Accommodation Name: Villa Esperia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we drive to Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min). On arrival, we enjoy a short orientation tour through picture-perfect alleys followed by a visit to the third-century BCE Greek theatre, from which you can enjoy splendid coastal views. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities. If you are looking for a break from the crowds, head to the lovely public gardens. You can also take a walk (two-hour round trip) or a bus to the neighbouring hamlet of Castelmola. If you prefer to relax in the sunshine, visit Isola Bella, a tiny island in a small bay just below Taormina. Activities such as cooking classes may be available on request.



Accommodation: Villa Esperia (or similar)

Day 15 : End Taormina

Location: Taormina

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends in Taormina after breakfast. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like more time to explore this magnificent island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and 1 wine tasting

  • All accommodation

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Special guided tours in main Unesco sites and cities

  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visa or vaccinations

  • Local city taxes (approx. €30)

Food

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.

Accommodation

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. It’s also a hotel diffuso, a concept born in the 1980s to revive homes that were emptied when their inhabitants relocated to the cities.



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.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Definitely the best of Sicily

We have just completed The Grand Tour of Sicily with the fabulous Titziano guiding us every step of the way. I really felt no stone had been left unturned. We saw and experienced so much on this tour. I had no idea Sicily had so many important ancient sites and we weren’t expecting it to be so green in certain parts.In addition to Titziano, we had 3 local guides to show us specific sites. They were all able to bring places to life and tell stories rather than simply quoting a load of facts.

Grand Tour May 7-21 2022

This trip was wonderful, especially after being released from Covid issues. Our guide Tiziano Tomasello was terrific. Very cheerful, helpful in every way. My cousin and I had signed on for the May 2020 trip, which was cancelled and again for the May 2021 trip, also cancelled. Many in our group had tried also. We all were very happy to finally get to Sicily. It rained our fist 2 days so hiking on Etna was strange; due to the weather the cable car was shut down and the top was covered with clouds. But there was a fabulous wine tasting after our wet hike. By the time we circumnavigated the island, Etna was erupting and highly visible from Taormina. The rest of the trip the weather was perfect, the local guides were also excellent. The most incredible site was the Villa Romana del Casale with gorgeous mosaics.

We are travelling again!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip -- we were lucky to have such fantastic weather in October. The tour offers a great overview of the highlights of Sicily and many ideas for a return visit. We visited both historical and natural sites and had an opportunity to sample fantastic local cuisine. Hotels were comfortable and some offered rooftop terraces with views.

Excellent tour

Do this tour! Excellent itinerary, no early starts, relaxed pace but full on interest, guided tours and "guided" free time to wonder, excellent guide, Tiziano and driver Allessandro, great group of 6 people, great food at local restaurants that had lots of character, really good choices. A couple of hotels could have been better standard but they were ok and in a great location so its a choice that I think worked, plus I wasn't there for the hotels. That said a few great hotel picks in the mix too.

Fabulous tour with the best guide ever Milena and a wonderful driver Alessandro

The 15 day tour of Sicily was absolutely fantastic. The best tour guide ever, her name is Milena. A wonderful driver Alessandro. I felt that it was a pretty comprehensive tour of Sicily seeing all the highlights plus more. Fabulous food in restaurants where we ere taken by Milena. Verdict EXCELLENT.

A trip around Sicily

This trip has been running for several years and the itinerary works well. We felt there was a good balance between organized activities and free time to relax/explore on our own. We enjoyed wandering around Ortigia, Erice and Cefalu, but found Taormina underwhelming as, apart from the Amphitheatre, it is basically one long, crowded street of tourist shops and expensive boutiques. The accommodation was generally fine – our favourite was Il Barocco in Ragusa. The agroturismo stay was disappointing; we had expected a meal featuring homegrown produce, which was not in evidence!

Tour of epic proportions

The only criticism of the trip was that a number of hotels which were a good standard and a wide variety of styles and locations had very poor breakfasts of mainly cakes and issues with the rooms. Plumbing problems air con not switched on and difficult to control. One hotel set in a cave was wonderfully appointed in an ultra modern style but the toilet flush was problematic and plaster dropped all over the floor and beds and our hair and faces due to the damp. More attention to detail is needed on the part of management. I was very pleased overall and the tour certainly lived up to expectations in all other respects. This is a very expensive tour and difficult to justify but I loved all the places we went to and would certainly go back for more.

sicily grand tour

fast paced, every day a different town, our guide exceptional, hands on, helping beyond whats expected, every town we had a few hours private down time,first class transportation, charming driver,interesting accommodations.

Indeed a Grand Tour of Sicily

A good introduction to a wonderful island - its culture, cuisine and history.

Read all 9 reviews

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