HIGHLIGHTS OF SICILY TOUR DESCRIPTION
Come with us to Sicily for the adventure of a lifetime exploring the island’s ancient and Baroque past. Discover vibrant, exciting towns and landscapes, ancient sites, beautiful beaches, meet the locals and enjoy experiences that you’ll keep in your heart forever.
We take in the best of Sicily in this 12 day tour starting in the capital Palermo and ending in the shadow of Mt Etna in Catania.
Together, we journey through the lesser traversed West coast that’s a little more wild, natural, and slower paced than its Eastern side. Invaded by Phoenicians and Greeks, Romans, Normans and Arabs, these cultures have all left their mark on the landscape, food, and way of life. Whilst Eastern Sicily has noticeably Greek origins, the West’s landscapes, food, and culture feel more Arabic. West Sicily is home to hilltop vineyards, stunning beaches, coastal saltpans and picture perfect islands off the mainland and our tour encapsulates the very best of all this coast has to offer.
We begin in the vibrant and somewhat gritty (but always incredible) capital Palermo with delicious street food, and walks past one-time noble palazzi. A detour to enchanting Cefalù is a delightful contrast before heading south to the famous salt pans near Trapani, trying local Marsala wine, and of course, visiting the magical Agrigento archaeological site.
Next we explore Eastern Sicily – a heady combination of history, culture, local tastes, brilliant wine and artisan crafts passed down by generations. And, of course, remarkable people. Our tour itinerary takes you to many of the island’s classic highlights. Plus, in the Untold Italy way, we uncover a myriad of hidden secrets. From breathtaking Taormina to the slopes of Mount Etna and charming Ortigia, you’ll experience ancient ruins, magical landscapes and the ultimate in Sicilian hospitality.
From our countryside relais near Mt Etna, we spend a day in Taormina. Here we explore the impressive remains of an Ancient Greek theatre and you have plenty of time to live out your own ‘White Lotus’ fantasies. Mount Etna is calling us too. Get up close to the island’s great nurturer and destroyer before tasting her bounty and how it’s celebrated at a local winery.
Our tour ends in the beauty that is the island of Ortigia, a city that brims with two and a half thousand years of history. This is our final base to head inland and discover the Baroque towns of Val di Noto. We learn about their resurgence after the devastating earthquake of 1693. This area of Sicily is diverse and exciting, so you’ll also discover layers of culture that have endured and evolved over centuries.
Of course the highlight of any visit to Sicily is the abundant, delicious and seasonally thoughtful food and wine. Through shared meals and tasting experiences you’ll learn how Sicilians are brilliantly applying modern techniques to ancient traditions and ensuring the sustainability of their environment.
We’re excited to show you the contrasts and rhythm of this land and let it seep into all of your senses so that you’re craving more and wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.
