Explore Southern Sicily
8 days, Catania to Palermo
Itinerary
Day 1Catania
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal.
We recommend booking an additional night in Catania in order to take part in the optional Catania Food Tour should you wish to take part in that activity. In addition, special meal requirements cannot be accommodated.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Catania Food Tour
Head out on the town with a local expert, discovering the culinary delights of Catania’s vibrant food scene. Stroll through picturesque alleyways and marvel at the iconic landmarks while sampling classic treats like arancini, cannoli, fried fish, and flavourful cipollina. You’re sure to be captivated by the colours, aromas, and lively energy found in the historic Pescheria Market, as your guide uncovers Catania’s rich, local history. This is, quite possibly, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo (or similar)
Day 2Catania/Syracuse
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 Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
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 Gran Bretagna Siracusa (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Syracuse
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's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Noto Visit
12EUR per personTake 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 personUncover 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.
Accommodation
Hotel Gran Bretagna Siracusa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Syracuse/Agrigento
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 Vehicle
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 Vehicle
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. To get even more out of your visit to the luxury countryside villa, opt to upgrade to a guided tour.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Colleverde Park Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Agrigento/Trapani
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 Vehicle
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 Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Trapani
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.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Egadi Islands Excursion (Full-Day)
50-75EUR per personThe 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 (Half-Day)
9EUR per personHead 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 (Full-Day)
50-70EUR per personVisit 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.
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Trapani/Palermo
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 Vehicle
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 Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Vecchio Borgo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Palermo
Depart at any time.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Palermo food tour
There’s no better way to connect with a new city than by exploring the local food scene, so dive into Palermo with this street food and market tour. Set off on foot from Central Station and whet your palate with several popular street food options as you amble through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, toward towards Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. Explore Palermo as it is meant to be seen, off the beaten path. You’ll leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of what makes Palermo so special.