Complicated, misunderstood, generous, outrageous, sensual and seductive, Sicily is pure opera. If you think you know Italy but haven’t been to Sicily, you are in for a mind-bending treat. 3000 years of history piled up like a sweet cassata cake is waiting for your exploration. And the food. It’s all about the food. This tour is part of a duo, you can pair it with our Sicilian Pleasures tour for the full Sicilian experience.

Day 1 - Benvenuti in Sicilia

In the afternoon we will meet at our hotel in the heart of Palermo. Tonight, we will be welcomed by the effervescent Contessa Alwine Federico for a tour of her home. After our visit, we will take a stroll through the city and enjoy dinner together.

Day 2 - In the morning we will be joined by local guide and professional photographer Domenico Aronica for a munch and learn walking tour. We will enjoy the back streets that only a local knows, and sample some street food specialties. In the evening, our group will attend a private show at the Cuticchio Puppet Theater, the most famous theater for traditional Sicilian Opera dei Pupi.

Day 3 - We will venture outside of Palermo on our bus today to visit the magnificent cathedral of Monreale. Covered in glittering Byzantine mosaics, Monreale is one of the great legacies of the Middle Ages. After lunch, we will drive to Agrigento and enjoy a dinner together.

Day 4 - Our focus today is on the magnificent ruins of the Valley of the Temples. We will visit the museum, and have time to stroll the upper town of Agrigento to find hidden treasures.

Day 5 - We will dive into the heart of the island today, starting with a visit to the Roman Villa del Casale. This mosaic cycle is one of the largest and most impressive from the ancient Roman world. After a country lunch, we will drive to the east coast and sleep on the island of Ortygia.

Day 6 - We will have the whole day free to enjoy the many delights of Syracuse. Your guide will help you choose the best activities to suit your energy level.

Day 7 - Leaving the southeast, we will drive up the coast and stop in the busy city of Catania. Our stroll through town will take us to the fish market and cathedral. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our home base in the old-time resort town of Taormina.

Day 8 - Our final full day will be spent enjoying the beauty of Sicily’s famous resort town. In the morning, we will stroll to have granita and brioche, then enjoy the ancient Greek-Roman theater. Tonight, we will gather for our final dinner to celebrate this beautiful island.

Day 9 - Our sweet farewell is after breakfast. Your guide can help you arrange transportation to the Catania airport. For those staying on for the Sicilian Pleasures tour, you’ll transfer to the first hotel with your guide.