Splendours of Sicily
Nibble on freshly shaped cheese as buffaloes swing their tails in the distance. Step back to a time when ancient Greeks roamed the earth as their stories are spoken through locals. And witness the trembling glory that is Mount Etna – one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
On this expertly crafted tour of splendid Sicily, every day begs a new journey. Discover Palermo’s secrets and the brave anti-Mafia movement, wander through the Valley of Temples where ancient gods once reigned, and taste the island’s soul through olive oil, chocolate, cheese and almond experiences.
Multiple departure dates available from March to November 2027
Prices below are for the 21 March 2027 departure:
- Twin share from
$6,279$5,979 per person* - Sole use from
$7,849$7,549 per person*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Palermo (Sicily)
Arrive in Palermo and meet the group for a welcome dinner sampling local Sicilian cuisine.
Day 2 – Palermo – Monreale – Selinunte
Walking tour of Palermo focusing on the anti-Mafia movement, visit Monreale Cathedral with local guide, then travel to Selinunte for olive oil tasting at a farm stay.
Day 3 – Selinunte – Agrigento – Favara
Visit the Valley of Temples in Agrigento with a local guide, then continue to Favara for dinner.
Day 4 – Favara – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa
Explore Villa Romana del Casale and its 4th-century Roman mosaics, then travel to Ragusa for two nights.
Day 5 – Ragusa – Modica – Ragusa
Chocolate tasting in Modica and cheese tasting at a local buffalo farm, then free time to explore Ragusa.
Day 6 – Ragusa – Noto – Syracuse
Visit Noto for an almond-themed lunch at a local farm, then explore Syracuse’s Neapolis Archaeological Park with local guide.
Day 7 – Syracuse
Free day to explore Syracuse at leisure with optional activities including boat trips, puppet shows or wandering the historic streets.
Day 8 – Syracuse – Mt Etna – Etna Region
Visit Mount Etna at Rifugio Sapienza, then wine tasting with lunch at an 18th-century winery before arriving at hotel in Etna’s foothills.
Day 9 – Etna Region – Taormina – Etna Region
Visit Teatro Greco in Taormina, free time on Corso Umberto, then farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 10 – Catania
Walking tour of Catania with local guide and cannoli-filling workshop before tour ends.
* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed
Highlights
- Maximum 18 guests travelling in a luxury minicoach with expert Tour Leader and driver
- Nine nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation including farm stays and boutique hotels
- Hands-on tastings at local farms and a cannoli-filling workshop in Catania
Nibble on freshly shaped cheese as buffaloes swing their tails in the distance. Step back to a time when ancient Greeks roamed the earth as their stories are spoken through locals. And witness the trembling glory that is Mount Etna – one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
On this expertly crafted tour of splendid Sicily, every day begs a new journey. Discover Palermo’s secrets and the brave anti-Mafia movement, wander through the Valley of Temples where ancient gods once reigned, and taste the island’s soul through olive oil, chocolate, cheese and almond experiences.
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- 13 meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- 13 experiences including guided tours, tastings and workshops
- Expert Tour Leader and driver
- Luxury minicoach transport
- Maximum 18 guests
Exclusions
- Air fares
- Travel insurance
FAQs
Nine nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation including rustic farm stays nestled in olive groves, boutique hotels in historic towns, and a spa resort in the foothills of Mount Etna.
What’s the weather like?
The weather in southern Italy varies depending on the time of year. Generally, summers are hot and dry, and from mid-June to the end of August temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F), so sun hats and sunscreen are essential!
Southern Italian winters are mild and wet but can experience intense drops in temperature during the coldest months.
Which type of hotels will we stay in?
Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.
Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day. Kettles and coffee machines aren’t usually included in rooms, but there’s no shortage of places to grab an espresso!
How much walking can I expect to do?
Whilst we do cover ground in our minicoach to maximise our time, the best way to truly discover Italy is on foot! Many of the historic town centres we visit are mostly pedestrian-only – like Syracuse – inviting us to freely explore their hidden corners. For that reason, sometimes we’ll need to walk 20 minutes or so to and from our minicoach’s parking spot. Combined with our guided walking tours, which typically last for around two hours or more, we’d say that’s the perfect excuse for an extra gelato at the end of the day!
Is my Tour Leader a local guide who can speak the language?
All Back-Roads Tour Leaders are either local to the area or have extensive local knowledge of the regions they work in. If they’re not native speakers, they’ll be able to speak the language at a proficient level, ready to share words and phrases you may find useful along your journey.
Provided by: Back-Roads TouringFine Print
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