Best of Sicily

12 Days from $2,529 USD

Throughout  your tour of Sicily you will be able to discover beneath the Sicilian sun, explore a diverse array of architectural styles and learn how a wide variety of cultural influences have converged to shape Sicily’s unique character.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Palermo

Fly through the night to Sicily.

Day 2 - Palermo

Touch down in Milan or Rome. Then fly to Palermo, Sicily’s capital and chief port. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Palermo. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow
travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Palermo

This morning, you’ll have a guided tour of bayside Palermo at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Pass the city’s palazzi, visit the Palermo Cathedral and see the Chiesa della Martorana. Pass through the Four Corners, where four Spanish Baroque palaces stand, and the so-called “Fountain of Shame.”Your tour then continues on to nearby Monreale for a visit to the town’s magnificent Norman cathedral, whose mosaics are comparable to the those of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Palermo cathedral, Chiesa della Martorana, Monreale

Day 4 - Palermo

You’ll find plenty of interesting possibilities for your free day in Palermo today. Visit the spectacular collection of art in the Galleria Regionale della
Sicilia, study the eclectic mix of architectural styles in the Duomo, shop amid the open-air stalls of the Vucciria market or visit the Marionette Museum. Be sure to leave time for gelato sampling. The Italian style of ice cream was invented in Palermo! Alternatively, join an optional excursion to medieval Erice and Segesta.
Included meals: breakfast

Erice & Segesta $99 USD

Erice & Segesta

Stop is the ancient ruins of Segesta, founded by fleeing Elymians in the 8th century B.C. Here, you’ll view a magnificent Doric temple and a nearly intact ancient Greek theater. Next, visit the well-preserved village of Erice, perched on the summit of Monte San Giuiliano.

Day 5 - Agrigento

Travel south through the Sicilian countryside to Agrigento, whose history dates back to 580 B.C. As you approach, look for Agrigento’s temples on the skyline. This town has enjoyed prosperity ever since the days of trade with Carthage. On this afternoon’s guided tour, you’ll visit the legendary Valley of the Temples with its ancient monuments to Hercules, Juno, Jupiter and twins Castor and Pollux.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Valley of the Temples, Agrigento Greek Ruins

Day 6 - Syracuse

This morning, pay a visit to Piazza Armerina, a town famous for its Roman mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale. Arrive later in Syracuse (Siracusa), the wealthy and powerful heart of Greek civilization in ancient times.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Piazza Armerina

Day 7 - Syracuse

Not long after its founding in 734 B.C., Syracuse rivaled Athens and Rome for political power and cultural importance. Plato considered it a model for the ideal city. On your guided tour, enter the Archaeological Park for a visit to the most complete ancient Greek theater in existence. Note the way that the natural setting is incorporated into the design of the theater, where Aeschylus premiered many of his works. Then tour the massive Paradise Quarry and gardens, featuring the cave that Caravaggio dubbed “The Ear of Dionysius” for its unique acoustics.
Also included is a visit to an ancient Roman amphitheater. Later, cross a bridge to the Island of Ortygia, where your guide leads a walking tour of this beautiful old city of Syracuse. Highlights include the 6th-century Temple of Apollo, the Duomo and the harbor-front fountain.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 8 - Syracuse

Spend the day at your leisure in Syracuse. Consider a visit to the Archaeological Museum or the more unusual Papyrus Museum. Alternatively, you might opt for an excursion to a traditional farm, owned and operated by a Sicilian contessa. Enjoy appetizers, a gourmet meal, desserts and a tour of the farm’s facilities.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Syracuse Greek Theater

Sicilian Farm $75 USD

Sicilian Farm

On your visit to Casa Bianca, a farm owned and run by a Sicilian contessa, watch as an authentic homemade Sicilian meal is prepared. Then discover the region’s delicious and varied flavors during your included lunch.

Day 9 - Taormina

Journey past the city of Catania and Mount Etna to Taormina, situated on the island’s northernmost point. A local expert guide introduces you to this scenic town perched high above the sea. Pass the Duomo, the Corso Umberto I and the Palazzo Corvaia, seat of the first Sicilian parliament. Then visit the town’s 2nd-century Greek theater, whose stunning location overlooking the coast—with Mount Etna providing a natural background reflects how seriously the ancient Greeks took the importance of drama. Performances are still held here today during the summer. This evening, you are invited to an optional evening of Sicilian cuisine.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Greek theater ruins

Traditional Sicilian Dinner $59 USD

Traditional Sicilian Dinner

Learn about the flavors and food preparations that are traditional in Sicilian cooking as you savor a typical regional dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 - Taormina

With a free day in the Taormina region, you might choose to visit the town’s 14th- and 15th-century palaces. Or opt to take an excursion to explore Hidden Sicily. Visit Savoca and Forza D’agro, two traditional villages that have preserved their authenticity over the years.
Included meals: breakfast

Hidden Sicily $49 USD

Hidden Sicily

On today’s excursion, visit two traditional Sicilian villages that have been preserved in their authenticity over the years—including some places that inspired Francis Ford Coppola and The Godfather.

Day 11 - Taormina

Enjoy another free day reveling in the Taormina’s region’s natural attractions from the magnificent beaches to cliff walks. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the captivating mountainscapes of Mount Etna. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Mt. Etna $79 USD

Mt. Etna

Travel from Taormina to the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and highest active volcano. Here, you’ll have a guided tour with the chance to hike on the lava dunes and crater-pocked landscapes. Lunch is included at a restaurant located on the mountainside.

Day 12 - Taormina

If you are not continuing on our tour extension to Rome, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport in Catania for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast
may not be provided.)

Extend Your Stay

Rome
Add 3 nights in Rome for only $399 USD (Single room: add $90 USD)

Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a café in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.

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