Colors of Sicily
Colors of Sicily
Colors of Sicily
9 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, Modica, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Sicily
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ISICZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily with the "Colors of Sicily" tour, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. Begin your adventure in Palermo, exploring its rich trading history and the civil anti-mafia movement. Discover the architectural marvels of Monreale, the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples, and the baroque beauty of Modica. Delight in the flavors of Sicilian cuisine with a special "Be My Guest" experience in Acireale, and savor the unique Modica chocolate. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, staying in carefully selected hotels across Sicily. With expert guidance and flexible sightseeing options, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning scenery of this enchanting island, from the historic streets of Syracuse to the dramatic views of Mount Etna and the charming town of Taormina. Conclude your Sicilian odyssey with newfound friends and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation: Garibaldi
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Dinner
Start your Sicilian journey in Palermo, whose rich trading history has left its unforgettable mark on the city’s Italian, Arab and Norman-styled piazzas, street markets and churches. Enjoy some free time to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure.
Day 2: Explore The Capital Of Sicily
Location: Palermo
Accommodation: Garibaldi
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo where a Local Specialist will guide you through one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture, the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience to the beautiful fishing village of Sferracavallo, at the foot of Mount Capo Gallo? Here, you’ll feast on Palermitano specialties, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine.
Day 3: Journey To Ancient Marsala Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Location: Marsala
Accommodation: Seawater
Accommodation Name: Seawater
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Leaving Palermo behind, we head to Erice to explore the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches' and enjoy free time for lunch. Next, stop at the Infersa Mill salt pans and learn about the ancient 'culture of salt', an industry which has shaped this region for centuries. Later, we arrive in Marsala, home to the wine which shares its name. During your evening at leisure explore picture-perfect Marsala or opt to join the Optional Experience at a Marsala winery followed by a dinner of regional dishes.
Day 4: Onwards To Agrigento And Ragusa
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation: Poggio del Sole
Accommodation Name: Poggio del Sole
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s first stop is Agrigento where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. You’ll explore one of the world’s most treasured centers of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There’s time for lunch before you head to Ragusa, a city with two very different souls – the lower and older Ragusa Ibla and higher Ragusa Superiore are separated dramatically by a deep ravine, the Valle dei Ponti.
Day 5: Explore Beautiful Baroque Modica Dive Into Culture
Location: Modica
Accommodation: Poggio del Sole
Accommodation Name: Poggio del Sole
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before learning about the secrets of Modican chocolate. Later, return to Ragusa to discover the rebuilding of the city following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of it. Your Local Specialist will reveal how this devastating seismic event led to the development of an entirely new city on a nearby ridge, while some of its brave residents remained to rebuild what was lost. You’ll hear how it was only in the early 20th century that the two were eventually fused together. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, or perhaps consider joining an optional experience to a unique local farm restaurant.
Day 6: Off To Historic Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation: Mercure
Accommodation Name: Aretusa Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Once a major Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, the historic city of Syracuse takes center stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colorful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of the city connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Your afternoon is open to spend as you wish. This evening you’ll join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Venture Past Mount Etna To Taormina
Location: Catania
Accommodation: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Accommodation Name: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue up the coast to Catania, the city that lies in Mount Etna’s shadow. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own and perhaps sample arancini, a favorite Catania snack. Later join a Local Specialist to delve into the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A particular highlight of this afternoon will be a visit to the beautifully preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina. Imagine masked actors performing against the backdrop of glorious sea views more than 2,500 years ago. You’ll have an evening on your own to spend as you wish or consider joining an optional experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties.
Day 8: Taormina Free Day Connect With Locals
Location: Taormina
Accommodation: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Accommodation Name: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Taormina is yours for the taking today. During your free time, you could choose to explore the elegant boutiques along Corso Umberto. Work up an appetite and stop for some of the city's signature cannoli or cool down with a famous Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a piping-hot brioche. Movie buffs will delight in an Optional Experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village of 'The Godfather'. Later this evening, learn the art of Sicilian cuisine on a charming Be My Guest experience.
Day 9: Farewell Sicily
Location: Sicily
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through Sicily has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your return journey home.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour features must-see sightseeing opportunities and surprise extras.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
-
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
-
Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
-
Optional experiences
Optional experiences mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the base tour price.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Marsala: Explore Sicily's 'Culture of Salt' at the Salina della Laguna.
- Modica: Learn how the local Modica chocolate is made and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Sicily. Enjoy the flexibility of audio headsets for sightseeing and the expertise of a professional driver and travel director.
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected hotels such as the Garibaldi in Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, Poggio del Sole in Ragusa, Aretusa Palace in Syracuse, and Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos in Taormina, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your Sicilian journey.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the Colors of Sicily tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Palermo where you learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. In Marsala, you explore the 'Culture of Salt' at the Salina della Laguna. In Modica, you learn about the local Modica chocolate and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Sicily. Audio headsets are also provided for flexible sightseeing.
-
What meals are included in the Colors of Sicily tour?
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals. Specifically, there are 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners included.
-
What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Acireale?
In Acireale, Daniela and her family welcome you with the words 'Be My Guest' and treat you as a cherished family member. You will learn about her life on the farm, the house, and the lemon and orange groves. After a welcome drink, she serves her home-cooked cuisine surrounded by Sicilian hospitality.
-
What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Monreale Norman Cathedral, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Syracuse Archaeological Museum, and the Greek Theater in Taormina.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.