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Sicilian Discvery Discover the best of Sicily Experience Incredible Enna, Sicily The lake of Pozzillo, with volcano Etna in background

Private · Catania

Private Tour of Sicily's Unesco World Hertiage Sites, Food, Wine and Magnificent Coastal Towns

8 Days Sicily

The Overview

Overview

Italy has more World Heritage sites than any other country in the world, and Sicily alone is home to 7 of them!  From ancient temples, to beautiful islands, Sicily's natural and cultural heritage will continue to amaze you on this incredible journey around the island.  No Italian vacation would be complete without a delicious selection of food and wine, and with its rich soils and varied jigsaw of culinary influences, you will certainly not be disappointed!

Duration

8 days

7 nights

Pricing

On request

Tailored to your dates and group.

This is an exclusive tour of Sicily with an expert driver-guide, departing from Catania and including many of Sicily's World Heritage sites like Siracusa, Mt. Etna and her wineries, Taormina and the Greek Amphitheater, Noto, Palermo, Monreale, Erice and Segesta.

Regions
Sicily
Tour Style
Private
Departs From
Catania
Meeting Point
Hotel - Rail Station - Cruise Ship
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 1 dinner · 1 lunch · 1 wine tasting
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Sicily

Chapter 1 · Days 1–8

Welcome to Sicily

Italy’s historic and cultural diversity is perfectly expressed in Sicily, an island rich in history and overflowing with scenic beauty. A visit to Taormina, 200 meters above sea level and looking down onto the Ionian Sea like a terrace, will deliver a calm to the soul, a must see while visiting this island.   From the breathtaking beauty and vantage point…

Explore Sicily
Day 1

Sicily, Catania Sicily, Siracusa

Arrival in Sicily

  • Dinner
Arrival in Sicily — photo 1 Arrival in Sicily — photo 2 Arrival in Sicily — photo 3 Arrival in Sicily — photo 4 Arrival in Sicily — photo 5

This tour can be customized for arrival in either Catania or Palermo.

Arriving in Catania, you will be met by a private driver who will take you passed Mount Etna, to the beautiful sea-port of Syracuse.  Here you will be staying in the most beautiful part of the town: the Island of Ortigia, connected by bridge to the main town. 

You will have the rest of the day to relax, explore and enjoy your first taste of Sicily!

Overnight in Syracuse.

Where we meet Hotel - Rail Station - Cruise Ship
Day 2

Sicily, Siracusa Sicily, Noto

Full Day tour of Siracusa and Noto

  • Breakfast
Full Day tour of Siracusa and Noto — photo 1 Full Day tour of Siracusa and Noto — photo 2 Full Day tour of Siracusa and Noto — photo 3 Full Day tour of Siracusa and Noto — photo 4 Full Day tour of Siracusa and Noto — photo 5

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the nearby town of Noto.  Almost entirely destroyed  by an earthquake in the 17th century, the towns in Noto Valley were rebuilt in what is known as the Sicilian Baroque-style.  The resulting architecture is so impressive that the whole valley is today a protected UNESCO World Heritage site.  Here you will enjoy a tour of the town center with some time for lunch before returning to Syracuse.

In the afternoon, in the company of a local guide, take a walking tour of this ancient town which boasts art and architecture spanning over 2 centuries.  The tour will include the archeological park and the remains of the impressive Greek theater.

Dinner and overnight in Syracuse.

Day 3

Sicily, Taormina Sicily, Mt. Etna

Full Day tour of Taormina and Mt. Etna with Wine Tastings and Lunch

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Wine Tasting
Full Day tour of Taormina and Mt. Etna with Wine Tastings and Lunch — photo 1 Full Day tour of Taormina and Mt. Etna with Wine Tastings and Lunch — photo 2 Full Day tour of Taormina and Mt. Etna with Wine Tastings and Lunch — photo 3 Full Day tour of Taormina and Mt. Etna with Wine Tastings and Lunch — photo 4 Full Day tour of Taormina and Mt. Etna with Wine Tastings and Lunch — photo 5

Today you will be traveling to the magnificent Mt. Etna, Europe's highest active volcano.  Believed by the ancients to be the location of the forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire, Etna has been active for the last 35,000 years and in 2013 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to it's uncommon level of activity, as well as scientific and cultural importance. 

Weather and eruption conditions permitting, you will head up to the top of the volcano for stunning views across much of the island.

As well as being an incredible vantage point, the volcanic soil makes the surrounding land extremely fertile, so it's not surprising that some of Sicily's finest wines can be found here!  You'll get a chance to taste for yourselves, as you enjoy a wine tasting and lunch of local products at one of the local wineries.

In the afternoon, your driver will take you to Taormina, where you can visit the Greek Amphitheatre on your own and enjoy some free time for shopping before heading back to Siracusa.

Dinner and overnight in Syracuse. 

Day 4

Sicily, Agrigento

Piazza Armerina - Agrigento

  • Breakfast
Piazza Armerina - Agrigento — photo 1 Piazza Armerina - Agrigento — photo 2 Piazza Armerina - Agrigento — photo 3 Piazza Armerina - Agrigento — photo 4 Piazza Armerina - Agrigento — photo 5

After breakfast, you will be departing Syracuse for Piazza Armerina, another UNESCO site and home to some of the most beautiful and extensive Roman mosaics ever discovered.  Once the rural villa of an important family, the villa and its elaborate decorations lay covered for centuries following a 12th century landslide.

After visiting the mosaics, you might be hungry and your driver will suggest somewhere to stop for lunch, before heading to Agrigento on the island's south coast.  Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, walking along the beach or enjoying the beautiful views.

Overnight in Agrigento.

 

Day 5

Sicily, Mondello

Guided tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento - Mondello

  • Breakfast
Guided tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento - Mondello — photo 1 Guided tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento - Mondello — photo 2 Guided tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento - Mondello — photo 3 Guided tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento - Mondello — photo 4 Guided tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento - Mondello — photo 5

This morning will begin with a guided tour of the magnificent Valley of Temples in Agrigento, which was one of the most important sites for the Greeks in Sicily and has been wonderfully preserved.

After the tour, you'll be leaving Agrigento and driving along the southern cape of Sicily, where you will stop in the seaside town of Marsala, famous for its eponymous wine.  Which is a good reason to stop at a nearby winery!  At the Donna Fugata Winery, you will be shown around the production area and underground cellars, then invited to taste some of their wines, which are paired with typical Sicilian street food.

In the evening, you'll arrive at your hotel in the beach town of Mondello, where you will be based for the next three days.  Take the rest of the day to yourselves, to relax, walk on the beach and dine in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mondello. 

Day 6

Sicily, Palermo

Private Tour of Palermo and Monreale

  • Breakfast
Private Tour of Palermo and Monreale — photo 1 Private Tour of Palermo and Monreale — photo 2 Private Tour of Palermo and Monreale — photo 3 Private Tour of Palermo and Monreale — photo 4 Private Tour of Palermo and Monreale — photo 5

This morning after breakfast, your driver will take you to Palermo, where you will have time to visit the incredible Opera house, cathedrals and wonderful piazzas filled with incredible statues.  In the company of a local guide, discover the wonderful Norman architecture and the city's eclectic history.

On your return to Mondello, stop just outside Palermo at Monreale, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sicily and one of the nine buildings included in the UNESCO patrimony of Palermo.  The 12th century Norman-Byzantine cathedral is one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture, covered in sparkling gold mosaics.

Dinner and overnight in Mondello.

Day 7

Sicily, Erice

Erice - Segesta and the Zingaro Nature Reserve - Farewell Dinner in Mondello

  • Breakfast
Erice - Segesta and the Zingaro Nature Reserve - Farewell Dinner in Mondello — photo 1 Erice - Segesta and the Zingaro Nature Reserve - Farewell Dinner in Mondello — photo 2 Erice - Segesta and the Zingaro Nature Reserve - Farewell Dinner in Mondello — photo 3 Erice - Segesta and the Zingaro Nature Reserve - Farewell Dinner in Mondello — photo 4

This morning after breakfast, you will visit the incredible town of Erice, renouned for its views of the spectacular valleys below.  Here, you will have time to enjoy the fantastic town by foot before heading to Segesta, one of the highest Greek amphitheaters in the world, where you will enjoy a guided tour. 

Make your way back to Mondello along the coast, stopping to visit Castellammare del Golfo and the beautiful Zingaro nature reserve, home to the bluest waters and loveliest scenery in Sicily.

Overnight in Mondello.

Day 8

Sicily

Private Transfer to Palermo Airport - Conclusion of Services

  • Breakfast
Private Transfer to Palermo Airport - Conclusion of Services — photo 1 Private Transfer to Palermo Airport - Conclusion of Services — photo 2 Private Transfer to Palermo Airport - Conclusion of Services — photo 3 Private Transfer to Palermo Airport - Conclusion of Services — photo 4 Private Transfer to Palermo Airport - Conclusion of Services — photo 5

This morning after breakfast at the beautiful Mondello resort, your driver will take you to Palermo airport, where it will be time to say Arrivaderci, Sicilia! 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • 24-hour emergency service
  • Accommodation in Centrally Located, Four Star Hotels
  • Detailed explanation of sites
  • Dinners where indicated with wine included
  • Excellent Photo Opportunities
  • Internet at All Hotels
  • Local English speaking Driver Guide
  • Transportation in luxury vehicle
  • Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
  • Winery Visits

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities of any type
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
  • Travel Insurance
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

Livingston Hotel

Livingston Hotel

Sicily, Siracusa

Hotel Livingston is an elegant and refined located in Ortigia, historical center of Syracuse. Thanks to its excellent position on the sea, you can adm...

Discover Property
Mondello Estate Resort for Adults

Mondello Estate Resort for Adults

Sicily, Mondello

This is the ideal place in Sicily to regenerate you body, mind and spirit or simply to relax and spend a romantic and unforgettable stay. Elegance and...

Discover Property
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Catania

Catania and beyond

8 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Hotel - Rail Station - Cruise Ship

Where it starts

Catania

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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8 days · Pricing on request

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