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8-Day Sicily Highlights: Etna, Taormina & Palermo

The 8-day small-group expedition explores Sicily's main attractions which include both eastern and western parts of the island. The journey through Taormina leads travelers to Mount Etna's volcanic terrain which displays the full range of Sicilian cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The journey starts at Agrigento's ancient ruins and ends at Palermo which showcases historic buildings and active public squares that demonstrate the island's multiple cultural traditions. This immersive itinerary combines guided tours with local culinary experiences and real-life activities which create an exceptional Italy travel package that showcases Italian culture and natural beauty and culinary traditions.

Durations
8 days
Cities
Catania Noto Agrigento Palermo Taormina Syracuse

8-Day Sicily Highlights: Etna, Taormina & Palermo

The journey begins at Catania International Airport which serves as the starting point for all travelers to Catania Catania Catania Italy. The first thing about Sicily that people will experience is its beautiful atmosphere. Your travel adventure will begin once you arrive at Catania airport. The first person you will meet at the airport is your driver. The driver will take you to your amazing hotel in Taormina but you still have time to meet more people in the town. 

Evening Taormina Food and Wine Tour experience - At 18:00 Meet your local guide in the city center when it starts to cool down and discover ideal places to get a real taste of Taormina. The people who maintain traditional food and wine practices will help you experience the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the city while you taste its delicious food. Your guide will take you through the town to show you all the places where local people eat and drink. Your tour will finish at around 21:30 in the heart of Taormina so after you can still enjoy the town at night.

Overnight in Taormina

The hotel breakfast leads to your guide who meets you in the lobby to depart for a half-day tour which visits the mountain-based antique villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agro. The Godfather movie locations allow visitors to experience the most famous scenes while they visit the place where Michael and Apollonia first met. The movie-making secrets reveal the real facts which describe how mafia activity operates. The most famous Sicilian bar“Vitelli” serves refreshing aperitif drinks while customers dine on typical seasonal food in an exceptional terrace area. After you return from your hotel you will need to relax before you start your exciting night out in Taormina. 

The local guide will lead you on an easy walk after you complete your rest period. The guide will explain Taormina's cultural and architectural and natural and political history through his stories about Sicilian people and their customs. The Roman and Greek and Arab and Byzantine and Norman invasions created a historical background which lets Taormina show its diverse architectural styles. The hidden alleys and secret spots of Taormina create a unique beauty. The Greek Theatre entrance leads you to experience the daily activities of Your first destination.

Overnight in Taormina 

meals Breakfast, Lunch

The beautiful Mount Etna had more than 50 volcanic eruptions throughout the year 2021. The 'Mother of Sicily' performs an amazing display when she wakes up from her slumber. The hiking trails and base camp may create concerns about safety but they actually provide secure areas that deserve your time to explore.

You will start your first day with breakfast at the hotel before your Mount Etna adventure begins. The first part of your journey will take you to the base camp Refuge Sapienza which stands at an elevation of 1 900 meters. You can explore the beautiful Silvestri craters which have become extinct and take photos to show your visit to the Silvestri craters. The visitors receive free time to walk on the ancient lava flows. The group will ascend to 3000 mt through a combination of cable car and Jeep transportation which leads to the main authorized craters area during the optional part of the trip. An Alpine Guide who speaks English will accompany you throughout the journey. The lunar landscape offers visitors a 45-minute tour which creates an unforgettable experience.

The hiking tour will take you to the Etna slope Winery which produces its special vulcanic wines and organic food. After the guided tour of the estate and cellars visitors will experience wine tasting which includes at least 5 wines together with matching cold appetizers and a light lunch. The hotel drop-off service brings you back to your accommodation and you will have a free evening to explore the beautiful Taormina area.

The visitors will stay overnight at the Taormina Hotel Ariston which provides a sea view room.

meals Breakfast, Lunch

The UNESCO Heritage Site designation for the Baroque city of Noto which people call The Pearl of Sicily received approval in 2002. The town was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt in 1693 after an earthquake. Your private driver will deliver you to the awe-inspiring, symmetrical, limestone township, where you will meet your local guide. A Modica chocolate tasting experience awaits you as you walk through the streets which have been built in perfect design before you reach Marsamemi, a real Sicilian fishing village. A delicious lunch of fresh fish in a typical tavern will replenish you before to are transferred to your hotel in romantic Syracuse.

Overnight in Syracuse

meals Lunch

The city of Syracuse showcases its everlasting beauty and historical heritage through its stunning architectural structures. 

The hotel provides breakfast after which visitors will meet their local guide who will lead them through a two-hour walking tour of Syracuse old town which begins from its central city point. The Apollo Temple presents visitors with an impressive view which they can enjoy before starting their journey through Via Cavour, an exceptional street that artists and noble people of Ortigia frequent during nighttime. The Archimede Fountain became visible to us as we traveled toward the Jewish district which had its beginnings in the third century before Christ. The Duomo Square marks the central location of Ortigia Island. This square ranks among Italy's most attractive public spaces which features the beautiful Duomo and St. Lucy Church. Your guide will present residents' complete way of life together with their local customs and daily practices. The town possesses an everlasting charm which stays in memory. You have full freedom to discover Syracuse at your own pace during the afternoon and evening hours.

Visitors will spend the night at Hotel Domus Benessere Mariae or comparable accommodation in Syracuse.

meals Breakfast

Your journey to the historic and cultural site of Palermo begins after you have finished your breakfast at your hotel. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel. The Temple Valley will take you to your destination after 2 hours of travel time because your local guide will greet you at the location for a 2-hour tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After the visit, you will have a fresh seasonal lunch at a local taverna before continuing your trip to your Palermo hotel. The Sicilian capital offers you a complete evening to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

The Hotel Garibaldi in Palermo offers overnight accommodations.

meals Breakfast, Lunch

The hotel provides breakfast, which leads to a two-hour walking tour that showcases Palermo's complete beauty. Your Hotel serves as the meeting point for the local guide at 10.00.

The Tour, led by a local expert guide, explores the fascinating mixture of Sicily’s capital. Visitors will discover the highly authentic area of Authentic Palermitan area. The guide will show you the main attractions of Palermo old town which includes Martorana Church, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti and the Cathedral while sharing historical information.

The typical Palermo wine will be served with a glass for you to enjoy, and you will have free time to explore Palermo after the tour ends.

The group will spend the night at Hotel Garibaldi or an equivalent hotel in Palermo.

meals Breakfast

The final destination of the trip leads to Palermo which is located in the city of Palermo in Italy. 
Savor your final breakfast in Sicily at this beautiful location before you proceed to Palermo airport. 

The service provides customers with the ability to reserve additional overnight stays.

meals Breakfast

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Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

What's included/Excluded

Accommodation 

  • 7 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels.
  • 3 nights in Taormina: Hotel Ariston 4*, Sea View Room (Or similar)
  • 2 nights in Syracuse: Hotel Domus Benessere Mariae 4*, Classic Room - (Or similar)
  • 2 nights in Palermo: Hotel Garibaldi / Politeama 4* Classic Room - (Or similar)

Guide 

  • Local licensed guide for all activities

Meals 

  • 7 breakfasts in hotel, 4 lunches and 1 dinner during activities
  • All other food and wine tastings mentioned in itinerary

Additional Services 

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Taormina Food&Wine Tour
  • Godfather vs Mafia Tour with Lunch
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Greek Theatre
  • Etna Trip until 1900mt & Lunch in Etna Winery
  • Noto Walking Tour & Lunch in Marzamemi
  • Syracuse Walking Tour
  • Trip to Agrigento, Guided visit of Temple Valley and Lunch
  • Palermo Walking Tour & Wine

Transport 

  • All transportation with A/C 8 seats Mercedes minivan
  • Airport Meet & Greet with Private Transfers
  • No luggage restrictions

Flights

  • International flights are not included

Insurance 

  • Insurance not included

Optional 

  • Pre/Post accommodation at the hotels
  • Optional Etna ascent until 3000mt 
  • Single Room on request

Additional Services 

  • Entrance fees to monuments
  • City tax to be paid in hotel
  • Other activities and services are not included
highlights
  • Taormina
  • Savoca
  • Forza d'Agro
  • Vitelli Bar
  • Mount Etna
  • Refuge Sapienza
  • Silvestri Craters
  • Noto
  • Marsamemi
  • Apollo Temple
  • Church of St. Lucy
  • Duomo Square
  • Via Cavour
  • Archimede Fountain
  • Temple Valley
  • Martorana Church
  • Piazza Pretoria
  • Quattro Canti

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