Highlights of Sicily

Name: Highlights of Sicily
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (73 reviews)

73 reviews

Activity

Culture

Overview

Uncover one of Europe’s great cultural destinations, where a rich history meets Mediterranean beauty

Discover Sicily, the scenic Italian island forged over centuries by Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish rulers. On this comprehensive adventure, we explore the very best bits, starting on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, before continuing to the towns of Syracuse, Agrigento, and Selinunte – all World Heritage sites. A street food tour in Palermo and special wine and cheese tasting in a celebrated wine cellar allow us to dive deep into the cuisine, while there’s also plenty of opportunities to discover the history and heritage of the biggest island in the Mediterranean.

Key Information

Trip Code: ADZ
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 7 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, one dinner and one wine tasting
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities, including guided tours in main Unesco sites and cities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip local taxes (approximately €10-€15) are not included.

Highlights

Discover the very best of Sicily: ancient history, World Heritage sites and coastal bliss

Hike the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna with an expert guide

Join a special wine and cheese tasting in a celebrated wine cellar

Dive into the ancient world at the archaeological sites of Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte

Walk trails on the cliffs and coast of Zingaro Nature Reserve with a chance to swim

Explore the culture-rich city of Palermo with free time to enjoy at your own pace

Itinerary

First Destination: Viagrande
Next Destination: Taormina

Accommodation:Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Flora (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Della Valle (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Posta (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Posta (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Villa Esperia (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Viagrande
Next Destination: Taormina

Welcome to Viagrande, a traditional Catanian village with a privileged view of Mount Etna. From its lofty position above the sea, it offers views of Mount Etna. The current old town centre was founded in 1408 but the first settlement here was founded under Greek rule.

Around 6pm, say ciao to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Sicily? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, hiking on hilly, steep terrain of dried lava, rocky ash and sand. We pass several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panorama of the volcanic landscape and old craters (one to two hours’ walking, 3.1mi/5km). We hike on hilly, steep terrain of dried lava, rocky ash and sand, so there is some moderate challenge involved with this walk. If you’d prefer to skip the walk, you can ascend the central crater (see Extra Expenses for prices), first by cableway to the terminal, before a 4×4 ride and walk with a volcanology guide. You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers (pants).

In the afternoon, we enjoy a wine-and-cheese tasting in one of the most-celebrated cellars in the area.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

This morning, we drive to Syracuse (approximately 1hr 15min drive), the most powerful city-state in the ancient Greek world and briefly the capital of the Byzantine empire. Here, we visit the superb Neapolis Archeological Park, home to a spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied by a local guide. We also visit Ortygia, where we have an exploration with the tour leader and free time to rest or explore some more.

In the afternoon, we drive to our next destination, the World Heritage site of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), a beautiful town built in the Sicilian baroque style using honey-coloured stone.

Upgrade to a junior suite with terrace today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Flora (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approximately 90 minutes), a maze of winding streets with remarkable baroque churches, and continue on to Agrigento (2hr 30min). Here we enjoy a guided visit of the Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno; the Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved doric temples in the ancient Greek world; the Temple of Hercules; and the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Della Valle (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Start with a transfer (1hr 30min) to Selinunte to explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then drive (1hr 30min) to the mountaintop village of Erice. Here, we have time to stroll through the narrow streets − you may also like to try some of the best pastries on the island!

Head to Trapani, where we check into our hotel, then join the tour leader for an orientation tour around this city founded by the Elymians to serve as a port for Erice. Today, Trapani is famous for salt production and coral crafts.

Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Bid farewell to our hotel this morning and transfer (1hr 30min) to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, where we delve into the secrets of Sicilian street cuisine. Guided by our tour leader, we have a short foodie tour, wandering the historic centre and ancient market, with a chance to sample some local specialities, such as panelle (fried chickpea pancake) and crocchette (fried potato balls).

In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the city to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Posta (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

After a short transfer to Monreale (approximately one hour), we visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We then head to Palermo (approximately one hour) where our local guide will show us the most important sites in this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon, we have free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Posta (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

This morning we drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approximately 1hr 15min), where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding medieval streets. Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min drive). We have time to visit its Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Hotel Villa Esperia (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast of this Sicilian adventure, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many wonders of this Italian island. Once you’re full, it’s time to start your return journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like more time to explore this fascinating island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Call us: 020 3733 5948

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Accommodation

Three- and four-star hotels

On this cultural trip in Sicily, we use a varied selection of three- and four-star hotels. The places we stay are often near historic centres, allowing us to easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time. Below are the accommodations we typically use.

Rooms upgrades are available throughout the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Viagrande: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (nights 1-2)

Highlights of Sicily

With an outdoor pool, restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients, and a cocktail bar-lounge, Villa Itria is an excellent spot to ease ourselves into the trip. There’s also a wellness centre for an additional cost.

Noto: Hotel Flora (night 3)

Highlights of Sicily

Our time in Noto is spent at Hotel Flora, which is ideally located in the historic centre of town. Noto Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo are just a 10-minute walk away, while the hotel terrace, where we have breakfast, offers great views. Rooms might be located in different buildings at this property.

Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle (night 4)

Highlights of Sicily

Now well into the trip, Hotel Della Valle is a great place to relax as a group. When it’s hot, head to the swimming pool area, where you’ll find loungers, parasols and tables during summer, plus a Mediterranean garden with palms and pines. Alternatively, you may prefer to find a shady spot for a drink.

Trapani: B&B Trapani Crystal (night 5)

Highlights of Sicily

B&B Trapani Crystal is a contemporary retreat with an excellent location, just a short walk from the ancient wonders of the historic centre of Trapani.

Palermo: Hotel Posta (nights 6-7)

Highlights of Sicily

Hotel Posta has been run by the same family since 1921 and has an excellent location in the historic centre, just a five-minute walk from Teatro Massimo, plus there’s a sun terrace and bar.

Taormina: Hotel Villa Esperia (night 8)

Highlights of Sicily

Our final night is normally spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has one restaurant: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes. On some departures, we use an alternative hotel, Hotel Ipanema.

Worth knowing

Some hotels require you to wear a swimming cap in the pool.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Francesco Genzone

Expert Leader: Sicily

Introducing Francesco: Born and raised in Palermo, Francesco is passionate about sharing the true soul of Sicily with Exodus groups.

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: This is a comprehensive itinerary, with a few long, busy days due to the distance we cover. There is gentle walking on most days during the sightseeing, but it won’t be strenuous.

Hiking: We hike up Mount Etna on this trip, a two-hour hike on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash, and sand. Should you prefer not to join, there is a cafe close to the trail where you can wait for the rest of the group.

Transport: All transfers are by private air-conditioned minibus allowing us to enjoy comfortable journeys. Due to traffic restrictions in the historic centres, you may have to carry your suitcase over cobbled pavements, although the bus will be leaving you as close as possible to your hotel.

Accommodation: Some hotels don’t have a lift.

Key information

Start hotel: Grand Hotel Villa Itria, Via Antonio Aniante, 3, 95029 Viagrande CT
Phone: +39 095 226 6111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm in the evening.
Airport: Catania (CTA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take a group transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

The start hotel is not easily accessible by public transport as there are no direct connections from either Catania Airport or the city centre, however you can reach the start hotel easily by taxi. A cab from the airport costs €55-€70. For information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the cultures that have occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate for the cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more — not to mention all of the seafood, tuna and swordfish caught just off the coast. The result? A cuisine that’s fresh, varied and delicious. Sicilian wines, such as Marsala and Moscato, are superb and known to be strong and syrupy.

Sicily has a good year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 35C (95F). The earlier and later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer, there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

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Highlights of Sicily

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Uncover one of Europe’s great cultural destinations, where a rich history meets Mediterranean beauty

Key Information

What's Included

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Three- and four-star hotels

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Italy

Reviews

Temples Food and The Sea Coast!

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There are many treasures that Sicily holds

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Interesting and captivating.

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Magic around every corner

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Outstanding trip!

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An very well organised tour which included so much in a week

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Treasures upon treasures

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Best Exodus Tour Yet!

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Sept 2023

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Amazing Sicily!

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The Adventure Begins Here