Do you know Sicily? If you’ve been once, it’s just scratching the surface. In this tour, we will surprise and delight return visitors and also welcome first-timers who prefer the quiet of the country and the pace of village life. We don’t want to spoil the surprises, so the following is an outline. This tour complements our Highlights tour and can be done together for a full Sicilian experience.

Day 1 - Today we will meet in the town of Taormina for our orientation meeting, and then head off to the north face of Etna. We will dine together at our countryside hotel and sample the famous local wines.

Day 2 - We will get a fully immersive experience with the mother of Sicily, Etna. First, we will take a cable car and 4×4 vehicle to the top and inspect the smoking craters. Then, we will head into wine country and sample the culinary gifts of this famous volcano.

Day 3 - The goal today is to explore the Baroque side of the island. The southeast corner is full of lovely architecture, and we will visit the best in Noto and our homebase of Ragusa.

Day 4 - Today will be a joyride through the lush countryside around Ragusa. We will sample chocolate in Modica, walk on the beach, and visit a palace.

Day 5 - After a morning drive, we will tour Europe’s largest archaeological park at the Greek city of Selinunte. We will enjoy a beachfront lunch, and then check in to our country hotel near Marsala.

Day 6 - Our day today will be determined by the time of year and weather. If it’s summery, we will take an excursion to the Egadi Islands. In the colder months, we will explore the town of Marsala and the nearby salt flats.

Day 7 - Leaving Marsala, we will visit the mystical hilltop village of Erice and sample their famous pastries. After lunch, we will all get a chance to sing our hearts out in a functioning Greek theater at Segesta. To finish our day, we will check in and have an orientation stroll around the fishing village of Cefalu.

Day 8 - Our final full day will be spent however you want. You may choose to swim or lay on the sandy beach, hike to the top of the rock that hovers over the city, or eat a granita in the town square. Tonight, we will gather for a traditional seafood feast and toast to our adventure.

Day 9 - Our sweet farewell is after breakfast. Your guide can help you arrange transportation to the Palermo airport. Arrivederci!