Sicily
Join us on a budget-friendly vacation in Sicily—the Mediterranean’s largest island, just off the toe of Italy’s “boot.” Your discovery of this fascinating island, rich in culture, warm welcomes, and beauty starts in Palermo, a vibrant city of churches, squares, marketplaces, and palazzos of every style. Take in stunning views with a cable-car ride to the medieval hilltop town of Erice—with cobblestone streets, fortifications, ancient churches, and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of Trapani, set on a harbor that was once a powerful trading network, and visit Marsala, known for its aromatic wine. See the Acropolis and the temples in Selinunte, and take a guided tour of the spectacular ancient Greek temples near Agrigento. Visit the Roman Villa at Casale, famous for its mosaics, like the “Bikini Girls.” Visit elegant Taormina and the coastal town of Cefalù. Enjoy an excursion on Mount Etna, the majestic volcano overlooking the city of Catania, the verdant valleys, and the shimmering blue Mediterranean waters. Celebrate your Sicilian adventure ending your affordable adventure in Palermo.
What’s Included
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return direct flights from Dublin
- All Airport taxes
- 20kg checked-in bag per person
- 7 nights in hotels in Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento & Taormina
- Breakfast each morning and three dinners
- Guided sightseeing in Palermo
- Guided sightseeing in Trapani
- Scenic cable car ride to Erice
- Visit to the Acropolis in Selinunte
- Guided sightseeing in Agrigento archaeological site
- Visit to the Roman villa in Piazza Armerina
- Excursion to Mount Etna volcano
- Visit to Taormina
- Orientation tour of seaside Cefalù
- Services of local tour guide
More On Escorted Tours
Our full range of Escorted Tours
Hotels :
Palermo – B&B Quattro Canti
Marsala – President Hotel
Agrigento – Grand Hotel Mose
Taormina Area – Sporting Baia
Agent
Booking Remarks
Booking deposit enquire at time of bookingPrices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement applies
A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
Balance due 16 weeks before departure
Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply)
Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change
Booking terms & conditions apply
Travel Insurance is not included
COS
Itinerary
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
On arrival in Palermo, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel. Spend the rest of your day exploring this great city with tips, maps, and recommendations on your guide.
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
A full day to enjoy this busy and brilliant city with many interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style—from Moorish to Baroque. Join the included sightseeing tour to learn more about the history and culture and visit the magnificent Baroque St. Catherine Church.
Palermo – Trapani – Erice – Marsala
Two Sicilian treats are on the agenda today. First, visit enchanting Trapani with a Local Guide. Set on a harbor that was once at the heart of a powerful trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice, the city center skirts the port and was built primarily in Baroque style. Next, take a cable car to visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Situated about 2,500 feet above sea level, it immediately impresses with its defensive walls and castle, affording breathtaking views over the Gulf of Trapani and Egadi Islands. On clear days, see all the way to the African coast. Overnight in nearby Marsala.
Today’s Distance: 121 mi/ 195 km
Marsala – Selinunte – Agrigento
This morning, spend some time on your own in Marsala, or awaken your palate with an optional excursion to learn about Sicilian wine and to experience the ancient salt pans and mills, created by the Phoenicians and still active today. The salt pans, according to temperature, weather, and water evaporation, display different colors reflecting the Sicilian sky. Then head towards Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting archaeological sites in Sicily. Here, you will see the remains of the acropolis, with its temples and fortifications. Continue to Agrigento.
Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km
Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Taormina Area
Enjoy a guided visit of the spectacular Doric temple of Concord, and the temple of Juno Lacinia, archaeological jewels of the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento. On to Piazza Armerina, a maze of steep streets positively overflowing with the vibrant atmosphere of Sicilian life. At nearby Casale, visit the well-preserved Roman villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its mosaics, including the whimsical “Bikini Girls.” Tonight, we’ll save you a seat at the table for an optional Sicilian dinner. The tastes and aromas of colorful Sicilian food never fail to please, especially when paired with traditional music and entertainment.
Today’s Distance: 158 mi/ 255 km
Taormina – Escursion to Mount Etna
Drive up the heights of Mount Etna with the option of a jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano (subject to weather conditions). Descend to sun-kissed Taormina, magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau overlooking the Ionian Sea. The heart of Taormina is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unmatched views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take a stroll along the Corso Umberto and maybe taste a refreshing granita or a sumptuous cannolo.
Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km
Taormina area – Cefalu – Palermo
Arrive in the coastal town of Cefalù, featuring medieval squares, narrow streets, and ancient churches. During your visit, marvel at the sight of the Norman cathedral, a 12th-century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. Later, return to Palermo. During your final day in this glorious city, catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city on your own.
Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Following breakfast we head for the airport for your return flight home.