Sicily

Revel in the unique charms of the largest island in the Mediterranean, from its bustling capital of Palermo to the shadow of smoldering Mount Etna. Experience the enduring influences of the cultures that have ruled this historic crossroads, including the Romans, Spanish, Greeks, French and Moors. Visit the stunning cathedral and cloisters of Monreale and explore colorful Palermo.

Taste the island’s specialties, including Maria Grammatico’s almond pastries. See the Greek temples of Agrigento, the remains of five Doric temples from the 5th century B.C. From Taormina, enjoy a private jeep ride up Mount Etna, exploring the volcano, villages and forests of the area, and taste wines from grapes growing in its volcanic soil.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Language

Italian

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Time Zone

GMT +2

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Average Temp

63° F

Sicily Expedition

Historical Sites, Natural Wonders & Delicious Food

Woman Chef carrying a box of fruit

Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – PALERMO, SICILY, ITALY

Arrive in Palermo

Private transfer to hotel

Accommodations: Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel

Day 2 – PALERMO – MONREALE

Private guided full-day tour:

Morning walking tour of Palermo:

  • Capo Market – sample local street food
  • Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, Quattro Canti
  • Palazzo Alliata de Pietratagliata

Afternoon tour of Monreale (driver & guide):

  • Norman Byzantine Monreale Cathedral & Cloisters

Accommodations: Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – PALERMO – CASTELBUONO & CEFALÙ

Private full-day tour (driver & guide):

Morning walking tour of Castelbuono:

  • Historic center
  • Medieval Ventimiglia Castle

Afternoon tour of Cefalù:

  • Fisherman village
  • Strada Reale
  • Romanesque Cefalù Cathedral

Accommodations: Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – PALERMO / SEGESTA / ERICE / AGRIGENTO

Private transfer to Segesta – private guided tour:

  • Greek Temple & Theater

Private transfer to Erice – private guided tour:

  • Norman Castle 
  • Duomo
  • Maria Grammatico Pastry Shop

Continue to hotel in Agrigento

Accommodations: Fontes Episcopi Bio Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – AGRIGENTO – VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

Private half-day tour of Valley of the Temples (driver & guide):

  • Temple of Concordia 
  • Temple of Hera & Temple of Zeus

Picnic lunch at Kolymbetra Garden

Accommodations: Fontes Episcopi Bio Resor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – AGRIGENTO – SIKANI

Private full-day experience in Sikani with driver/guide:

  • Walking tour of the village with tasting stops at a dairy shop, bakery & artisan shop
  • Pizza making for lunch at the old village bakery  
  • Ciavuli Cave Natural Reserve

Accommodations: Fontes Episcopi Bio Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – AGRIGENTO / PIAZZA ARMERINA / TAORMINA

Private transfer to Piazza Armerina:

  • Roman Villa del Casale – mosaics 

Continue to hotel in Taormina

Accommodations: Grand Hotel Miramare
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – TAORMINA

Cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef & lunch

Accommodations: Grand Hotel Miramare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 – TAORMINA – MT. ETNA

Private Jeep transfer with naturalist driver/guide to Mt. Etna:

  • Private helicopter tour over Piano Provenzana & Valle del Bove
  • Jeep to Valle del Bove through old lava flows to Mount Fontana
  • Walk to craters of Sartorius Mountains
  • Panoramic views of the Ionian & Calabrian coasts, craters & lava flows
  • Wine-tasting & lunch at Etna DOC winery in Piano Provenzana

Accommodations: Grand Hotel Miramare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – TAORMINA – SIRACUSA & ORTIGIA

Private transfer to Siracusa – private guided tour:

  • Greek sites – Temple of Apollo, Greek Theater, Fountain of Arethusa
  • Island of Ortigia – Cathedral & Street Market
  • Lunch at a historic Salumeria

Accommodations: Grand Hotel Miramare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 – TAORMINA / CATANIA / HOMEWARD BOUND

Private transfer to Catania airport for flight home

Meals: Breakfast

Starting at $7,200 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)

Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.

Our trip to Sicily was excellent. With NEI’s help, our tour guides could not have done a better job of showing us architectural ruins, beautiful scenery and quaint towns. Knowing that we’re foodies, they also arranged for us to enjoy delicious cuisine ranging from street fare to gourmet.

Mark S.
Hamilton, ON

When to go:

Year-round (best times are from April to October)

What to eat:

Arancini (fried rice balls), Caponata (eggplant, tomatoes & capers), Cannoli (fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese)

What to pack:

Long & short-sleeved shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts; sweater or jacket; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter

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