Name: A Sicilian Adventure!
Start: 2022-05-06T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-05-16T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Sicily, Italy

Golden Journeys Travel

Email address verified

14 reviews

May 6 - 16, 2022

Group size: 2 - 12

A Sicilian Adventure!

Sicily, Italy

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Golden Journeys Travel

Email address verified

14 reviews

May 6 - 16, 2022

Group size: 2 - 12

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is just off the "toe" of Italy's "boot." Originator of the cannoli, Sicily is also the 3rd largest producer of wine in Italy and boasts Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. Due to its strategic location, Sicily has been inhabited over the years by Greeks, Romans, Germans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. This rich and varied history is reflected in its architecture, language, culture, and food.

Our itinerary is designed to have you experience the best that Sicily has to offer, explored through a combination of group outings and time on your own. From beautiful beaches to resplendent cathedrals, magnificent Greek temples, gorgeous Baroque palaces, and picturesque hilltop castles, Sicily is a treasure trove for the senses. Many of the places we’ll visit are UNESCO World Heritage sites, local favorites, or off-the-beaten path gems. Along the way, we’ll sample local foods and wines, and even indulge in a couple of Michelin-star restaurant experiences!

Accommodations
Ten nights in 4-star hotels: 3 nights in Palermo; 1 in Trapani; 2 in Agrigento; 2 in Noto; 2 in Taormina
Transfers
Transfers from and to the airport on arrival into Palermo and departure out of Catania
Meals
All breakfasts, six lunches (including a Michelin 2-star experience), and six dinners (including a Michelin 1-star)
Guided Tours
Palermo, Monreale Cathedral, Agrigento's Valley of the Temples,, Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa, Modica chocolate factory
Town Visits
Additional visits to some of Sicily’s most beautiful towns: Mondello, Erice, Trapani, Noto, Modica, and Taormina
Wine tastings
Two private vineyard tours and wine tastings, including a marsala tasting
Transportation
Air-conditioned luxury mini coach
Pre-travel Assistance
Help booking airfare to/from Italy and Sicily, travel insurance, or any pre- or post-trip travel within Europe

Day 1 (May 6)
Day 1 (May 6)
Arrive Palermo
Arrival in Palermo and transfer from the airport to our hotel. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Palermo’s historic district.
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Day 2 (May 7)
Day 2 (May 7)
Explore Palermo
This morning explore Palermo’s vibrant outdoor markets, then in the afternoon we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Palermo’s Arab-Norman architectural highlights. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Palermo.
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Day 3 (May 8)
Day 3 (May 8)
Day Trip to Cefalu`
Morning at leisure to explore more of Palermo’s cultural offerings. Afternoon outing to the seaside town of Cefalu`, known for its beautiful beach and UNESCO listed cathedral. Lunch and dinner on your own so you can explore this town as you please. We'll return to Palermo after dinner.
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Day 4 (May 9)
Day 4 (May 9)
Monreale Cathedral to Erice to Trapani
Take off this morning to visit the UNESCO listed Monreale Cathedral, filled with brilliant gold Byzantine mosaics, then the fairytale town of Erice, with castles perched high atop cliffs. That night we’ll stay in the seaside town of Trapani on Sicily’s western shore.
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Day 5 (May 10)
Day 5 (May 10)
Marsala wine tasting lunch
Mid-morning we’ll depart for a vineyard tour near the town of Marsala. There we’ll enjoy a wine and marsala tasting lunch before heading on to Agrigento, where we’ll be staying overnight near the Valley of the Temples.
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Day 6 (May 11)
Day 6 (May 11)
Valley of the Temples
This morning we’ll tour the UNESCO listed Valley of the Temples, some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Afternoon at leisure to further explore the valley and neighboring botanical garden, or head to the beach that’s walking distance from our hotel. Overnight in Agrigento.
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Day 7 (May 12)
Day 7 (May 12)
Villa Romana del Casale's famous mosaics
Today, we pass from Sicily’s Greek roots to its Roman past with a tour of the UNESCO listed 4th c. Villa Romana del Casale, which contains a breathtaking collection of mosaics in their original setting. Following lunch, we’ll head to southeast Sicily to explore the Baroque town of Noto. Overnight outside Noto.
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Day 8 (May 13)
Day 8 (May 13)
Ragusa and Modica
Day trip to soak in the UNESCO listed Baroque churches and palaces of Ragusa and Modica. Enjoy a guided walking tour in Ragusa, followed by a 2-star Michelin lunch. In Modica, we’ll visit one of its famous chocolate houses that still produces artisanal chocolates according to ancient recipes and methods, then leave you free time to explore. Overnight outside Noto.
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Day 9 (May 14)
Day 9 (May 14)
Annual Flower Festival in Noto and wine tasting lunch
Today we’ll depart Noto, but not before stopping to take in “L’Infiorata”, the annual festival that turns one entire street in town into an avenue of flower art created by teams from around the world! En route to Taormina, we’ll stop for a vineyard tour, wine tasting and local production lunch at the base of Mt. Etna. Overnight in Taormina.
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Day 1 (May 6)

Arrive Palermo

Arrival in Palermo and transfer from the airport to our hotel. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Palermo’s historic district.

For my second visit to The Sea Garden, it did not disappoint. Friendly staff, nice weather provided beautiful views. It like the convenience it offers with proximity to restaurants, convenience market, pharmacy and excursions. Rhythm of the Night show always is a grand hit! Ventured to Busarias for another city day trip exploration, with a cute artistic community and cozy boutiques for retail therapy. Tamara and Doug, our gracious hosts, and were available for any support or much appreciated recommendations.

By JULIE C for Nuevo Vallarta Winter Getaway! on Jan 23, 2024

This is our third trip through Golden Journeys Travel. As usual everything was top notch. Tamara always finds the best resorts, the best Restaurants and the best excursions. I highly recommend using Golden Journeys Travel for your next trip!

By Drew H for Mexican Winter Getaway! on Jan 23, 2024

So much fun! The resort was beautiful. The staff was extremely helpful and they took great care of us. Tamara is the best - I don't want to go anywhere without Tamara planning it.

By Sheri C for Mexican Winter Getaway! on Jan 23, 2024

What a fabulous experience at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta! This resort is just stunning--you are surrounded by pristine, gorgeous tropical nature, and there are so many walking paths to explore, not to mention walking all along the beach shore. The food is delicious with so many choices for your taste buds and budget. The staff are kind and warmhearted. Tamara made it an easy, no-brainer yes to go on this Mexican winter getaway. She's a true professional and gem of a human being who made the trip such a pleasurable experience for my husband and me. Thank you so much!! We look forward to joining you again on another fabulous journey.

By Rebecca M for Mexican Winter Getaway! on Jan 22, 2024

As always, Tamara created a great experience. The resort was beautiful, the ocean beach amazing and oh!!! The food! Thank you again Tamara, Golden Travel is the best. Devorah