Sicily in Depth - Small Group

Sicily in Depth - Small Group

17 Views
7 Days From

$3134

$2664

Sicily in Depth - Small Group

7 Days Starting and ending in Catania

Visiting: Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$3134
$2664 Operator discount: -$470 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

See every slice of Sicily during this 8-day guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travellers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palermo Cathedral, a blend of architecture styles that combine for a stunning sight. Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalú and stroll to the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbour. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theatre, from which you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active stratovolcano.

Highlights

  • Palermo: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively Vucciria market.

  • Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th Century Palatine Chapel.

  • Cefalu: Your Travel Director will show you the cathedral, built to fulfil a vow.

  • Agrigento: A Local Expert will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples.

  • Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.

  • Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Expert.

  • Catania: During an exploration with your Travel Director see the Duomo, Piazza and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Giardini Naxos

Location: Giardini Naxos

Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.

Accommodation Name: RG Naxos Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

Arrive at your hotel where you will spend three glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera.

Day 2: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe

Location: Taormina

Accommodation Name: RG Naxos Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your hotel faces east, so early risers may learn why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina’s grandest building, and along the elegant Corso Umberto.

Day 3: Cefalu And Palermo

Location: Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo

Accommodation: NH Palermo.

Accommodation Name: NH Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour. Later, travel onwards to Palermo.

Day 4: Palermo & The Golden Age Of The Normans

Location: Palermo

Accommodation: NH Palermo.

Accommodation Name: NH Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Monreale Cathedral with a Local Expert and marvel at the Byzantine mosaics. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively market. Later this morning, visit Palermo Cathedral, which has been altered many times over the years, and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, each with their own ambience and cuisine.

Day 5: Explore The Valley Of The Temples And On To Ragusa

Location: Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.

Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa.

Day 6: Ancient Syracuse And Catania

Location: Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania

Accommodation: NH Catania Centro.

Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!' Continue to Catania for a Celebration Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 7: Depart Catania

Location: Catania

Meals Included: Breakfast

Appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time on your departure transfer to Catania Airport. Transfers arrive at the airport at 06:30 and 08:30.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Includes 7 Breakfasts (B) and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW).

  • Local Experiences

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Palermo, visit the spectacular 12th Century Palatine Chapel and Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral, explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with a Local Expert, and more.

  • Expert Guides

    Enjoy the company of Local Experts who will provide in-depth insights into the sights and sounds of Sicily.

  • Unique Itinerary

    Experience a carefully crafted itinerary that takes you through the heart of Sicily, from Palermo to Catania, with stops in Cefalu, Agrigento, Syracuse, and more.

  • Accommodation

    Stay in hand-picked hotels throughout the tour, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

  • Transportation

    Travel in comfort with all transportation included as per itinerary.

What's Not Included

  • International Airfare

    Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is recommended but not included.

    Please arrange for your own coverage.

  • Optional Excursions

    Some optional activities and excursions may require an additional fee.

  • Personal Expenses

    Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.

  • Some Meals

    Not all meals are covered.

    Please refer to the itinerary for details on included meals.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers outside of the designated times are not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are there any meals included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 Breakfasts (B) and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW).

  • What type of activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as walking tours with Local Experts through markets and historical sites, visits to cathedrals and ancient ruins, a Dine-Around Evening, and the choice between two carefully selected activities.

  • What are the highlights of the Sicily in Depth - Small Group tour?

    The highlights of the Sicily in Depth - Small Group tour include: 7 Breakfasts (B), 3 Dinners with Wine (DW), a choice between two carefully selected activities, a walk through the Vucciria market in Palermo with a Local Expert, a visit to the 12th Century Palatine Chapel in Palermo, a Dine-Around Evening in Palermo, a visit to the cathedral in Cefalu, a guided tour through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry and visit to the Greek theatre in Syracuse, and visits to the Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral, the ancient Greek Ampitheatre in Taormina, and the Duomo in Catania.

  • Is there a private option available for this tour?

    The information provided does not specify whether there is a private option available for the Sicily in Depth - Small Group tour.

  • What are the dietary options available on this tour?

    The specific dietary types available on the Sicily in Depth - Small Group tour are not mentioned in the provided information.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

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

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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1 Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
$3134 $2664

Operator discount: -$470

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Thursday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$3955
Instant Booking Available

Friday - Thursday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025
$3980
Instant Booking Available

Friday - Thursday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
$3405
Prices last published on 31-May-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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