Treasures of Sicily

Name: Treasures of Sicily
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (69 reviews)

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9 Days Excluding Flights

9 Days from

£ 1999

£ 2349

4.5/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

6 - 18

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ADZ

Carbon Footprint :

14kg CO2e per person per day

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 day in Zingaro National Reserve offers magnificent views over the coast, while there’s also plenty of opportunities to discover the history and heritage of the biggest island in the Mediterranean.

Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! The departure starting in Viagrande on 7 September 2024 features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a traditional puppet show, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag.

Highlights

Explore baroque heritage in Noto and Ragusa Ibla
Visit archeological sites in Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte
Cover the island's highlights and best heritage sites in nine days

Key Information

Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 6 Classic nights (hotels)
Sightseeing on foot and two day walks
Group normally 6 to 18, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts and one wine tasting
All accommodation
Tour leader throughout
Special guided tours in main Unesco sites and cities
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation
Visa or vaccinations
Local city taxes approximately €10-€15

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
For several years we have accommodated guests in an ancient “Baglio” (Masseria or Casale, old manor house) located in the countryside which enables our groups to experience Sicilian culture while contributing to the economy of a rural family.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re–usable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. On this trip we visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mt Etna, Syracuse, Agrigento and Selnunte. We also spend a day in Zingaro National Reserve.
With our partners, Rewilding Apennines, we rewild 100 square meters (1,075 sqft) of land per passenger who travels with us.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
We do two walks on this trip at Zingaro and Etna which reduces the use of private transport.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re–usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

TRIP

ADZ - Treasures of Sicily

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Viagrande 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. The ancient Roman road that led to Messina gives the name to the village (Viagrande means big road).

Depending on the arrival time of the group, we have a welcome briefing at the hotel either this evening or tomorrow morning; a great chance to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We hike past 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). 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.

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

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Della Valle (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Our day starts with a transfer to Selinunte (90 minutes) to explore one of the most important archeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (90 minutes), and stop en route for a view of the Mozia salt flats, which are dotted with characteristic windmills (time permitting). Once in Erice, we have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best almond biscuits on the island. We stay overnight in the town of Buseto Palizzolo or Trapani.

Accommodation: Baglio Fontana or B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning head to the coast to explore the idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4.3mi (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves and pristine beaches. We take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails, with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon we make our way to Palermo (approximately 1hr 30min) where we can enjoy time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars.

Accommodation: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (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.

Accommodation: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (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.

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

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. All transfers are by private air-conditioned minibus allowing us to enjoy comfortable journeys. Please note that 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. Please also be aware that sometimes hotels don’t have a lift. There are also two excursions on foot included in this trip: on Mount Etna, we walk for up to two hours on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash, and sand. A second walk will take place in the stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve, where we will walk for up to three hours (including stops) along the idyllic Mediterranean coast. Both of these walks are optional. Should you prefer not to join these walks, there is a café (Mount Etna) or seating area (Zingaro Nature Reserve) close to the trail where you can wait for the rest of the group.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

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 in the evening or the following morning, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
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 an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. 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 flight to London, UK. 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.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Viagrande
Location end: Taormina

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

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.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and a wine tasting on Mount Etna included.

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.

Weather

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.

TRIP

ADZ - Treasures of Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

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Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Three- and four-star hotels

Agriturismo Baglio Fontana, Buseto Palizzolo

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:

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

Treasures 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)

Treasures 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 offers views and a spot for a sundowner.

Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle (night 4)

Treasures 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, plus a Mediterranean garden with palms and pines. Alternatively, you may prefer to find a shady spot for a drink.

Buseto Palizzolo or Trapani: Baglio Fontana or B&B Trapani Crystal (night 5)

Treasures of Sicily

In Buseto Palizzolo, we stay at either at Baglio Fontana (above) or in Trapani at B&B Trapani Crystal, depending on availability. The former is a historic agriturismo (converted farmhouse) with a working farm producing wines and olive oil, plus there’s an outdoor pool. The latter 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 or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (nights 6-7)

Treasures of Sicily

In Palermo, the group stays at either Hotel Posta (above) or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti. 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. Our alternative stay, Quattro Canti, is within walking distance of the Quattro Canti piazza, where the four ancient quarters of the city meet, plus there’s a rooftop terrace with views over Palermo.

Taormina: Hotel Villa Esperia (night 8)

Treasures of Sicily

Our final night is 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.

Worth knowing

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

TRIP

ADZ - Treasures of Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Try and pack lighter as you are moving hotels most nights and sometimes the bus isn't able to park outside the hotel

Rachel Poole

Reviewed July 2023

Beautiful Sicily

The tour explores around beautiful Sicily’s historical towns and cities. Sicily has so much to bring to the table from local foods, history, culture and scenery and more. Look forward to visiting again!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tiziano was a brilliant host to Sicily, he was passionate, energetic and organised - giving us restaurant recommendations and local foods to try in each area we stopped at. In addition, he was super knowledgeable about the history of the island and also arranged for additional stop offs during the trip so we could see more places of interest. The local guides where also very knowledgeable during the city tour and archeological sites.

Barbara Thomas

Sitting in Noto in the warmth of the evening in the golden light off the beautiful buildings Stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well informed and engagingly honest about Sicily. Helpful at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light and keep up!

Read All Reviews

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

The Adventure Begins Here

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Treasures of Sicily

4.5/5 from

9 Days Excluding Flights

9 Days from

£ 1999

£ 2349

Treasures of Sicily

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

People, Places & Planet

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Viagrande Taormina

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

Passport

Visa

Italy

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Three- and four-star hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Simone Sarnataro

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Outstanding trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Treasures upon treasures

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best Exodus Tour Yet!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sept 2023

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing Sicily!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful Sicily

Thoughts on Group Leader

I.ll be back!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exceptional

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fast trip to see the very best of Sicily

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

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Treasures of Sicily