Salute to Sicily Tour
April 29 – May 8, 2024
Discover Sicily
Discover the Foods, Wines, and Treasures of Sicily
Sicily. Few parts of the world can claim so rich a store of art, history, architecture, culture, and food, or so intense a range of natural beauty.
Our comprehensive “Salute to Sicily” tour is the ideal way to experience all that this region of Italy has to offer!
You’ll see the best of Sicily in a cultural experience that includes major historical sites as well as off-the-beaten path destinations, and of course, savoring delicious regional cuisine and wines.
With numerous destinations and an itinerary that allows for personal time to explore, we’ll discover the legendary cities and towns of Palermo, Cefalu, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, and Taormina, as well as some of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks, including ancient Greek and Roman sites and the island’s famous volcano, Mt. Etna.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, this tour offers an authentic and intimate experience to explore the beauty and captivating culture of Sicily in a small group tour setting, exploring off-the-beaten-path places that most tourists never see.
You’ll begin your Sicilian adventure in the capital city of Palermo. Take in its fascinating mix of architectural styles which are a result of its rich cultural heritage including centuries of occupancy by various civilizations.
Travel south to Agrigento to marvel at the iconic ancient Greek structures in the Valley of the Temples, or view the beautiful mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale before visiting the bustling city of Syracuse. We’ll visit the baroque old town of Noto, as well as Modica and Ragusa for some breathtaking sites and tasty cuisine. From there, ascend up Mt. Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, and be rewarded by mesmerizing views over the island terrain.
Finally, we’ll make our way to Taormina where you can savor picturesque panoramas from its hilltop position while exploring cobblestoned lined with boutique cafes and restaurants serving delicious regional specialties.
Tour Highlights
- 10 Days/9 Nights
- - 3 nights in Palermo
- - 3 nights in Syracuse
- - 3 nights in Taormina
- Palermo Streetfood walking tour
- Guided visit to Monreale Cathedreal
- Guided visit to the Valley of the Temples
- Food market tour & cooking lesson
- Chocolate tasting
- Olive farm tour with tasting
- Visit to Mt. Etna
- Several winery tours and tastings
- Dinner with a local family
Itinerary:*
Day 1 - Arrival Day/ Benvenuti!
Welcome to Sicily! After arriving to the Palermo Airport (PMO), the group will be met for a private transfer to our accommodations in the historical center of Palermo.
Your accommodations for the next three (3) nights are in 5-star luxury hotel with old-world charm, set in the heart of Palermo and close to restaurants, shops and important sites.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax after your overseas travel. In the evening, the group will gather for a welcome dinner.
(D)
Day 2 - Monreale & Palermo Highlights
After breakfast at your hotel we'll meet up with our local guide for a private visit to Monreale Cathedral, as well, the group will enjoy a Palermo Streetfood & Highlights Walking Tour
(B, L)
Day 3 - Cefalu
After breakfast, our private driver will transfer the group to Cefalu. We'll enjoy a private guided visit of town and lunch in small family restaurant.
.(B, L)
Day 4 - Agrigento and Valley of the Temples
4
This morning we will check out of our Palermo hotel and transfer to Agrigento.
We'll enjoy a private guided tour of the Valley of the Temples. Valle dei Templi or Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site in Agrigento. It is one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and architecture, and is one of the main attractions of Sicily. It comprises the temples of the gods, as well as the necropolis area and the extra-moenia sanctuaries.
After our tour, the group will have lunch in a boutique restaurant.
In the afternoon, we'll transfer to Syracuse and check into our boutique hotel with sea views (3 nights).
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - Syracuse & Ortigia
After breakfast, we'll meet up with our private guide for a morning Walking Tour of Ortigia.
This will be followed by a Syracuse Food Market tour with a local chef and a home cooking class. After the cooking class, we'll enjoy all the Sicilian dishes that we have created.
(B, L)
Day 6 - Ragusa & Modica
After breakfast we will depart for a full-day guided tour of of Ragusa and Modica, two charming Baroque towns located in the heart of the Val di Noto.
An ancient historical center of the city of Ragusa, Ragusa Ibla is famous for its more than 50 Baroque churches, including the lavish Duomo of San Giorgio. Perched on a hill, it dominates the valley and enjoys increased notoriety thanks to the TV series Inspector Montalbano.
Modica is a charming town located in the province of Ragusa, famous for its artistic treasures and Baroque architecture, and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. However, Modica is known around the world for its ancient tradition of confectionery, chocolate.
This famous chocolate of Modica is an extraordinary and unique product that is produced with an ancient and original Aztec recipe. It originates from the Spanish domination of the island when the invaders introduced its manufacture to the "County of Modica", once the largest in the Kingdom of Sicily. Unlike in the rest of the world, this chocolate has never become an industrialized product, therefore preserving an authentic flavor based on the purity of its ingredients and craftsmanship throughout the centuries, deserving of the PGI name (Protected Geographical Indication).
In Ragusa we'll have a cheese tasting, while in Modica, the group will enjoy a chocolate tour & tasting. Lunch will be in an authentic family-run restaurant.
(B, L)
Day 7 - Noto, Olive oil , and Wine
Today we'll visit one more of the famous Baroque gems of the Val di Noto - Noto itself.
We'll have a private guided tour of this town followed by a visit to an olive farm with olive oil tasting. The group will also visit a local winery with a wine tasting and lunch.
Later in the afternoon, we'll transfer to Taormina, our last stop on this tour. Check in to your hotel with sea views set in the historical center of Taormina (3 nights).
(B, L)
Day 8 - Taormina
We’ll begin the day with a guided walking tour of Taormina's Greek Theater.
The afternoon is free for you to rest or take in some more sites. You can shop for those souvenirs or just grab a gelato and people watch.
A special dinner with local family (B, D)
Day 9 - Mt. Etna with Food and Wine
Today the group will head to Mt. Etna - the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Standing at 3327 meters tall, Mt. Etna dominates the entire island with its size.
Along the way, we'll visit a winery for a tour and tasting.
We'll enjoy a farm lunch at a local agriturismo.
(B, L)
Day 10 - Departure Day
Breakfast is provided depending on our time of departure. We'll say our goodbyes to our new friends in the group.
Private transfer to Catania Airport (CTA).
Bid "Arrivederci" to Italy! Or...you could add days on to your tour.
Key: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner, included
*Itineraries are subject to change. Vitalia Tours and its partners will strive to provide you with the best possible tour and experience. It is our intention to adhere to the outlined itinerary as published. However, please be advised that it may be occasionally necessary to substitute an activity due to events that cannot be predicted. Therefore, Vitalia Tours reserves the right to make changes in accommodations, tours or excursions, meals, and itineraries at any time should it become necessary or desirable.
This Tour Includes:
- Small group size: Maximum of only 12 travelers
- 3 Nights Palermo in a luxury hotel
- 3 Nights Syracuse in a boutique hotel
- 3 Nights Taormina in a hotel with stunning sea views
- All breakfasts - buffet style, 7 Lunches, 2 Dinners
- Land transportation for the duration of the tour
- Private full-time escort, interpreter and driver
- Private bus/van for our daily excursions
- Guided walking tours of several cities and towns
- Guided tour of Valley of the Temples
- Palermo street food tour
- Market tour
- Cooking lesson
- Mt Etna excursion
- Dinner with a local family
- Chocolate tasting
- Winery tours and tastings
- Cheese & olive oil tasting events
- All excursions and entrance fees as outlined by the itinerary
- Airport Transfers (From PMO/To CTA)
- Pre-trip information packet
- Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, and parking fees
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Travel insurance*
- Travel documents & fees: i.e. passport and visas (if required)
- All costs associated with COVID or illness
- Any telephone, cell, data & internet usage**
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel-related expenses outside of the tour itinerary
- Any food or beverage ordered by traveler that is not included or presented during meals including: wine and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks & gelato
- Any taxes on personal items purchased
- Optional tips to guides, staff or drivers. These are not required and are given at your discretion.
* We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. This is to ensure that you are covered in the event of loss of deposit and cancellation fees, medical emergency or health expenses, personal accident, flight cancellation or delays and to protect your luggage against any loss or damage.
** There is free wifi at our accommodations
Details
Dates: April 29 - May 8, 2024
10 Days/9 Nights
Where: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, and Taormina
Group size: 12 Guests Maximum
Tour Cost: $5,695 USD per person/double occupancy
Single Supplement: $850 USD
Deposit: $2000.00 USD at time of booking to reserve your spot
Balance due: 60 days before tour start date
All tours are quoted in U.S. Dollars
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