Did you wish upon a star? Because this two-week adventure through Sicily’s north and south coasts is absolutely a dream come true. You’ll stroll through the seaside city of Cefalù, get immersed in the postcard-worthy scenery of the Aeolian Islands, and spot breathtaking volcanoes along the way. But oh no, the fun doesn’t stop here. You’ll then continue further south for a Sicilian cooking class, storied medieval villages, sunny seaside towns, and non-stop Italian history and culture. If this sounds like the Sicilian adventure you’ve always dreamed of, well, you’re 100% right. 

Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal. 

Your Welcome Moment:

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. 

Accommodation:

Hotel Vecchio Borgo (or similar) 

Head out for an orientation walk of Palermo's historic city centre. Continue to Cefalú, often cited as one of Italy's most beautiful townships, and stroll through cobbled streets to a picturesque cove by the beach. With free time, observe local fisherman working on their boats, visit the 12th century Duomo di Cefalú, opt to enjoy an aperitivo with incredible views, or simply wander around this postcard-pretty town which director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso. 

Palermo Orientation Walk:

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo, this city has been the crossroad of so many civilizations from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, very unusual squares as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral. 

Private Transfer from Palermo to Cefalu

1 hour 30 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

Free Time in Cefalu

There's lots to see and do in this beautiful Sicilian town. 

Accommodation:

Hotel La Giara or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Cefalu Beach Visit

Cefalù's crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular along the whole Sicilian coast. Enjoy a quick dip in the waters, or simply lounge on the beach.

Salita Saraceni Visit

The Salita Saraceni is an enormous staircase that winds up through three tiers of city walls. Spend 30 to 45 minutes heading up to the summit of La Rocca - from here, you'll have wonderful views of the town below. 

Duomo di Cafalu

Have an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo and visit Cefalù's cathedral, one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown. Opt to climb the towers themselves for great views of the area. 

Travel to the Aeolian Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic lands known as "the pearls of Italy" for their intriguing natural formations. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, spend the next few days exploring pockets of this coastal paradise. Take a car and ferry to reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to visit a local beach, or take another short ferry to see Vulcano's active crater. 

Private Transfer from Cefalu to Milazzo

2 hours

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

Ferry-Milazzon to Lipari

1 hour 

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat. 

Free Time in Lipari

Explore the beautiful island of Lipari with a free afternoon.

Accommodation:

Hotel Borgo Eolie Lipari or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Town Center Visit

One of Lipari's great pleasures is simply going for a passeggiate (afternoon stroll) around the island's streets, taking in its laid-back atmosphere. Head to Corso Vittorio Emanuele - the liveliest street in town - and visit one of its many inviting bars, cafes and restaurants. 

Spiaggia di Canneto Beach  Visit

Head to the island's most popular swimming spot - the long, pebbly strip at Canneto - and spend a day on the beach like a local. 

Ferry to Vulcano Island (12EUR per person)

Take a 10 min ferry ride to nearby Vulcano, a small volcanic island, visited since ancient Roman times. Opt to take an hour-long crater hike. 

Enjoy a free morning in Lipari. Later, head out for an excursion to explore the beautiful islands of Panarea and Stromboli by boat. Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Junco, stroll through Panarea's scenic whitewashed village, and explore the town of Stromboli before taking an unforgettable sunset cruise. In the night breeze of the open sea, witness active Mount Stromboli's spectacular eruptions. 

Free Time in Lapari

Take the morning to relax or leisurely wander through town. 

Panarea & Stromboli Islands Boat Excursion

Set sail for a journey through the stunning Aeolian Islands, stopping at Panarea and Stromboli. On Panarea, visit Cala Junco beach and wander through the village, then see Basiluzzo - the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. Continue to Stromboli and enjoy free time to explore local shops in town. As sunset approaches, cruise back to the islet of Stombolicchio to arrive, just as it starts to get dark, under the Scara del Fuoco - considered the best spot for viewing Mount Stromboli's eruptions. This is the last stop and for many, the most awaited. (Please note: this activity begins at 2pm and ends at 10pm. We recommend bringing a sweater as the evening breeze gets chilly aboard the boat!) 

Accommodation:

Hotel Borgo Eolie Lipari or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and ferry back to the mainland, then continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most visited destinations. After a short orientation walk, enjoy free time to visit the stunning Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheatre with commanding views of Mount Etna. Travel onwards to Catania for the evening. 

Ferry-Lipari to Milazzo

1 hour 

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat. 

Private Transfer-Milazzo to Iaormina

1 hour 30 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

Taormina Orientation Walk

Join your CEO for a brief introduction to this beautifully situated hilltop town, once part of the "Grand Tour" many affluent Europeans took in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Private Transfer-Taormina to Catania

1 hour 

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

Accommodation:

Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Catania Orientation Walk

Head out with your CEO for an introduction to this elegant and lively city. 

Teatro Greco Taormina (10EUR per person)

Built in the 3rd century BC and still in use today, Teatro Greco is one of the most dramatically situated Greek theatres in the world. 

Corso Umberto Visit

Taormina's chief delight is wandering this pedestrian-friendly, boutique-lined thoroughfare. 

Villa Comunale Gardens

Created by Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century, these beautiful public gardens offer breathtaking views of the coast and Mt Etna. 

Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk to get your bearings in Catania. Afterwards, you'll have free time to continue exploring this town and all of its museums and historic attractions. Maybe visit La Pescheria market or walk the Via Etnea. 

CEO Led Orientation Walk

Your CEO will take you around Catania so you can get your bearings and see some of the city's main sites. Full of heritage and culture there's no shortage of interesting structures and museums to see. Best part? If something catches your eye, there will plenty of opportunity for you to go and see it on your own during your free time after this walk.  

Free Time in Catania

Enjoy a full free day to explore.

 Accommodation:

Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour

Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). After, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives and bread, paired with excellent local wines. 

La Pescheria Visit

Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7am-2pm. 

Piazza del Duomo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata. 

Via Etnea Walk

Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local unfold. 

Spend another whole free day in Catania. Choose to visit Mt. Etna, Catania's cathedral located in the centre of the old town, or the Piazza Del Duomo just near the port area in the heart of the city. Later in day perhaps head out with the group for a delicious Sicilian meal. 

Free Time in Catania

Spend a free day in the second largest city on the Italian island of Sicily. Catania also happens to be an important economic hub for the country. Located on the eastern coast, directly between Pachino in the south and Messina in the north. This city maintains a huge amount of its heritage and culture within its museums like the Basilica Sant’Agata and the Museo Civici. Catania is also in close proximity to the legendary Mount Eta there are plenty of opportunities for day trips an outdoor excursions. 

Accommodation:

Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour

Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). After, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives and bread, paired with excellent local wines. 

La Pescheria Visit

Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7am-2pm. 

Piazza del Duomo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata. 

Via Etnea Walk

Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local unfold.  

Travel to Syracuse, an enchanting city by the Ionian Sea that was once at the centre of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Take a cooking class on arrival and learn how to make Arancini — an iconic Sicilian specialty — to enjoy as a light lunch! Later, explore the old town's baroque piazzas and medieval side streets with a CEO-led orientation walk. 

Your Hands-On Moment-Arancini Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare a delicious snack enjoyed beyond the borders of Sicily: deep-fried arancini, a ball of creamy risotto rice typically filled with a savoury cheese or meat filling. 

Private Transfer-Catania to Syracuse

1 hour

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

Orientation Walk

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended. 

Accommodation:

Hotel Posta or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast/Lunch

Enjoy a full free day in Syracuse. Opt to visit the impressive Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, or travel to nearby Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city renowned for its baroque architecture built with a unique golden limestone. 

Free Time 

There is lots to see and do.  Get out and explore.

Accommodation:

Hotel Posta or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Noto Visit (12EUR per person)

Take a local bus to Noto, about an hour southwest of Syracuse. Home to one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centres, stroll through the Arco di Trionfo to reach Corso Vittorio Emanuele and visit the majestic 18th century Noto Cathedral. 

Parco Archeologico della Neapolis Visit (10EUR per person)

Uncover the city's ancient past at the Parco Archeologico della Neapoli, home to Syracuse's sprawling Teatro Greco. First constructed in the 5th century BC, today visitors can wander the grounds and imagine what 2nd century gladiator combats and horse races at the Anfiteatro Romano may have looked like. 

Travel to the baroque city of Ragusa before heading to the medieval hilltop town of Piazza Armerina. Visit the world's most varied collection of Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Known for their incredibly well-preserved state "in situ", or in their original location, observe ancient scenes of hunting, fishing and athletics depicted beautifully in mosaic tile. Continue to Agrigento. 

Private Transfer-Syracuse to Ragusa

1 hour 45 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ragusa Visit

Enjoy some free time to explore the alleyways and the squares of this hilltop city, rich with baroque architecture. 

Private Transfer-Ragusa to Piazza Armerina

1 hour 45 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Villa Romana del Casale Visit

Admire the finest Roman floor mosaics in existence at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 4th century, the villa's exquisitely preserved mosaics and frescoes are outstanding examples of early Roman art. 

Private Transfer-Piazza Armerina to Agrigento

1 hour 45 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation:

Colleverde Park Hotel or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Take a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's best-known attractions. Learn the history of this magnificent site as you explore the ruins of its seven temples, nestled on a ridge below Agrigento. Continue to Trapani, stopping en route in Marsala to see some of Europe's oldest salt marshes. 

Valley of the Temples Guided Tour

Regarded as the best example of ancient Hellenic architecture in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples' oldest structures date back to the 5th century. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Concordia, with its majestic columns, and learn about the site's history from a local guide. 

Private Transfer-Agrigento to Marsala

2 hour 30 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Marsala Salt Marshes

Visit some of Europe's oldest traditional salt marshes, where sea salt is still harvested in the same way it's been for hundreds of years. 

Private Transfer-Marsala to Trapani

45 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation:

B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast 

Enjoy a free day to explore the charms of Trapani and its nearby towns. Opt to cruise the idyllic Egadi Islands, spend the day hiking at a nature reserve filled with local flora and fauna, or hop on a funicular to explore the walled town of Erice.

Free Time 

Take the day to explore Trapani at your leisure.

Accommodation:

B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Optional Activities: 

Egadi Islands Excursion (50-75EUR per person)

The crystal-clear seas off western Sicily are home to the idyllic Aegadian islands of Favignana and Levanzo. Cruise through the coastal waters and drop anchor in beautiful spots around the islands. 

Erice Excursion (9EUR per person)

Head to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, a walled 12th century village perched high above the sea. Take a cable car from Trapani's city centre to reach Erice and spend a few hours wandering its picturesque streets.

Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro Excursion (50-70EUR per person)

Visit the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily's first nature reserve located about an hour from Trapani. Perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, spend the day hiking on spectacular trails that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. 

Travel to Monreale to visit the 11th century Monreale Cathedral, intricately decorated with thousands of gold mosaic tiles. Admire panoramic views of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Continue to Palermo and enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival. 

Private Transfer-Trapani to Monreale

1 hour 30 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Monreale Cathedral Visit

Visit the World Heritage–listed Cattedrale di Monreale, or Monreale Cathedral, considered one of Europe's greatest examples of Norman architecture with a heavy Moorish and Byzantine influence. 

Palermo Orientation Walk

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo, this city has been the crossroad of so many civilizations from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, very unusual squares as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral. 

Private Transfer-Monreale to Palermo

15-30 minutes

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation:

Hotel Vecchio Borgo or similar

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Depart at anytime.

Meals Included:

Breakfast