Super Sicily Tour: Palermo, Agrigento, Ortigia, Taormina & Catania

Day 1: The magic of Sicily

This Sicily multi-city tour begins in the island capital of Palermo on the north-west coast. This city is a combination of experiences, featuring glorious sea views and the relaxing charm of coastal living, as well as refined cultural experiences and intriguing Sicilian architecture. You will have the chance to explore the main sights of Palermo, which was announced the Italian Capital of Culture 2018, as soon as you arrive in this fascinating city with a three-hour private guide tour, featuring monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque eras.

Day 2: Tour of Monreale

On your first full day in Sicily we have a sublime treat for you as we take you on a group day tour to Monreale, where you can see the impressive UNESCO-listed mosaics and admire Arab-Norman art and architecture. The most impressive stop on this group tour will surely be the stunning Cathedral (il Duomo), which dates back to the 12th century and features a stunning golden mosaic depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. (Note that admission to the Cathedral should be paid directly to the site and is not included in the package price.)

Day 3: Day trip to Segesta and Erice

Continuing your discovery of Sicily, today you will enjoy a group day trip to the wonders of Segesta and Erice. These sublime hilltop towns allow you to discover an authentic face of Sicilian culture and take in archeological treasures, including a Greek theater. The day tour begins in Segesta, which, according to legend, has Trojan roots. It is located on the isolated hill of Barbaro near the Crimiso River, meaning you can truly immerse yourself in country life here, but also admire cultural architecture, such as the well-preserved Greek temple and theater, which were built in the late 5th century BC. After Segesta, you will visit Erice, which sits 2400 feet above sea level. Even in the summer, it has a wonderfully cool and refreshing climate, making this a delightful day trip if you are visiting Sicily in the hotter months. Erice is well regarded for its Greek heritage and is considered a sacred place as it is dedicated to the goddesses of love Aphrodite (for the Greeks) and Venus (for the Romans).

Day 4: Step back in time in Agrigento

After discovering the sights around Palermo, it's time to travel south to immerse yourself in the Greek heritage of Agrigento. This UNESCO-protected city is home to the glorious Valley of the Temples, which is an archeological site rich in Greek temples that date back to ancient times. As a part of your package, we will arrange a private car transfer from your hotel in Palermo to your hotel in Agrigento, allowing you to arrive in air-conditioned luxury.

Day 5: Sicily’s Valley of the Temples

Wasting no time, on your first full day in Agrigento, we will treat you to a guided tour of the city's most popular attraction: the iconic Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Sicily’s most impressive archeological parks, featuring a range of Greek temples, as well as a dedicated museum so you can learn more about Sicily's turbulent Greek past. As a part of this group tour, you will explore the ancient Greek city of Akragas with an expert guide, and marvel at the temples of Hera (Juno), Concordia and Herakles. During the tour, your guide will tell you stories that will bring the ruins to life and explain their intriguing construction.

Day 6: Welcome to Ortigia!

Your Sicily multi-city tour continues today with 3 nights on the fascinating ancient island of Ortigia in the historic center of Syracuse. Before reaching Ortigia we have a special treat for you as, during your private transfer from Agrigento to Ortigia, your driver will stop in the beautiful Piazza Armerina, allowing you to briefly admire the ancient aristocratic buildings that have been restored in the typical late-Baroque sandstone, as well as the beautiful Villa Romana del Casale with its Roman mosaics.

Day 7: VIP tour of Ortigia

On your first full day in Ortigia, we will treat you to a beautiful sightseeing tour with a private guide, allowing you to immerse yourself in this historic center and learn more about Sicily's turbulent and ever-changing past. As a part of the tour, you will admire the important buildings and monuments, such as the Cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa, and also step off the tourist track to feel the exceptional atmosphere of South Sicily, visiting colorful markets and hidden corners in this fascinating island city.

Day 8: VIP tour of the Neapolis Archeological Park

Today, we will take you on a journey back in time with a visit and private tour of the Neapolis Archeological Park in Syracuse. As a part of this three-hour experience, you will see the most important monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including ancient Greek and Roman buildings that tell you the story of Syracuse's past. The most encapsulating of these is surely the Greek theater, which is the largest of its kind in Sicily, but you will also see the legendary "Ear of Dionysius", which is famous for its unique acoustics, the altar of Hiero, the ancient Greek "Latomie" quarries and the Roman amphitheater. This private tour is a unique and special way to learn more about this part of Sicily and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and absorb the glorious attractions at a pace that suits you.

Day 9: Step into the shadow of Mount Etna

After discovering the ancient history of Sicily, today we will show you a different side to the island with 3 nights in Taormina, which is a charming town that sits in the foothills of the epic Mount Etna - Sicily's resident volcano. We will include a transfer direct from Ortigia to Taormina, allowing you to arrive in this enchanting place in style.

Day 10: VIP Taormina tour, featuring the Greek theater

After spending yesterday relaxing and settling in at your hotel, today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour private tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina private tour, you will enjoy "skip the line" entry to the ancient Greek theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. There is no better way to discover this unassuming city's treasured attractions!

Day 11: Mount Etna wine-tasting tour

On your final day in Taormina, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to step foot on an active volcano! During the tour, you will visit Mount Etna and learn about the volcano's origins, its eruptions, and the culture, myths and folklore surrounding "Mamma Etna", as it is known locally. The tour will begin with an idyllic driving tour through the authentic mountain villages that sit in the Etna foothills, allowing you to admire pretty natural scenery and spot rare wildlife. You will then stop to visit a local honey farm and taste the produce of the fertile volcano terrain, before visiting the Cyclops cave and finally reaching “Rifugio Sapienza”, which is the guard house at the base of Mount Etna. Here you can visit the famous Silvestri Craters and admire unforgettable panoramic views that you will treasure for a lifetime! There are also some charming shops here where you can buy souvenirs made of lava, as well as refreshments. As a finale to your wonderful Mount Etna day tour, you will visit one of the best Etna wineries and enjoy a lunch of fresh local delicacies served with the finest red and white Sicilian wines.

Day 12: Your finale in Catania

Travelling south from your peaceful retreat in Taormina, we will take you into the city vibrancy of Catania as the finale to your Sicily multi-city tour. Our friendly and professional driver will greet you at your hotel in Taormina and take you on a pretty drive in the direction of Catania, with a stop in Augusta, where you will have three hours to enjoy this port city. It was founded in the 14th century by Frederick II of Svevia (the emperor-intellectual of the Germanic Empire) and is known for its idyllic natural landscape, making it the perfect place to take pretty photos to show friends back home.

Day 13: Catania food-tasting tour

As a final treat on your Sicily multi-city tour, you will have the opportunity to discover Sicily's vibrant food culture with a tasting tour of Catania. During this group walking tour, you will learn the history of Catania and how it was constructed on the lava fields of Mount Etna, and sample traditional Sicilian street food, such as arancini (stuffed rice balls) and traditional pitone (pies made with prosciutto, mozzarella and tomatoes), as well as Etna wine.

Day 14: And so your dream Sicily multi-city tour reaches its end

The morning sees you leaving Sicily on your flight from Catania–Fontanarossa Airport back home. The sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of the past weeks will no doubt flood over you as you enjoy the luxury of a private transfer to the airport, leading you to smile in remembrance of times past and to plan for your inevitable return visit!