Sicily and Its Isles

You’re on your way to Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Look past the Italy you think you know and see how this coastal farmland balances ancient traditions and modern comforts.
Hotel Name: Hotel Porta Felice

Arrive in Palermo (UNESCO), Sicily’s welcoming capital city. Uncover the island’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces and delicate Classical designs. Come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Palermo
Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily with nearly a million inhabitants. The history of the city’s many rulers is on full display through the architecture of the monumental palaces, theaters and churches. Arabs, Normans and Spanish have all called the city home and left their mark on the people, their culture and food. The city is full of vibrant markets, lively eateries and bustling piazzas just waiting to be explored.

Begin your adventure tasting your way through Palermo’s lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city’s historical center and introducing you to traditional Sicilian street food. Palermo’s culinary heritage layers Arab and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel, olives, and spices. This afternoon, head to Monreale Cathedral, ascending on foot to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the cathedral’s cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird’s-eye view over Palermo.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Stella D'Italia

Visit Area: Monreale
Monreale is famous for its Norman Cathedral that is covered with nearly 70,000 square feet of gold-leaf mosaics. The church was built in the 12th century by the Norman King William II. The mosaics depict stories of the Old Testament and the life stories of Saints Peter and Paul. The church is a national monument and highlight of any trip to Sicily.

Make your way to Alcamo, a hilltop town deeply nestled in Sicily’s largest wine-producing region. Venture off the beaten path and meet a local winemaker. Learn about the local types of grapes and production techniques, before joining a hands-on cooking class. Share the meal you prepared for lunch, paired with the farm’s own wines. Late this afternoon, settle into your hotel in coastal Marsala for a three-night stay. Perhaps you’ll take a sunset walk along the waterfront before heading out for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Monreale Cathedral - Cloisters or Terrace Visit
During your visit in Monreale you have the choice between two activities. Your first choice is to explore more of the Cathedral’s monastic complex during a guided tour of the cloisters with its elegant combination of Romanesque arches and Oriental decorations. Your second choice is to ascend to the Cathedral’s terraces* via the steep stairs of the southern tower for a bird-eye’s view of the monastery and Palermo's Golden Valley. Monreale Cathedral - Cloisters Visit Activity Level: 2 The visit's duration is approx 30 minutes walking and standing on flat, paved terrain. Monreale Cathedral - Terrace Visit Activity Level: 4 *Visiting the terraces requires walking thru narrow passages (less than 3 feet wide/1 meter) and climbing the equivalent of 4 sets of stairs (approximately 20 steps each) to reach the lower terrace. The upper terrace can be reached by climbing a further set of stairs (approx 15). This choice is NOT suitable for travelers suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo or those with mobility issues.

Discover the ancient craft of sea-salt harvesting during a guided visit to the salt pans of the Stagnone Lagoon, once at the confluence of Phoenician, Greek and Roman civilizations. Hop on a local boat* and take in the views of the lagoon and surrounding, low-laying islands before returning to Marsala for an afternoon at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Cooking Class and Wine-Pairing Lunch

The day is yours to explore Marsala as you please. Perhaps you’ll visit one of the city’s numerous wineries, noted for producing the eponymous fortified wine. Or, you may join a full day optional excursion to Favignana. A short waterjet ride* from Sicily’s mainland, Favignana island is part of the Egadi archipelago. Once famous for its tuna fish production, this small island boasts crystal clear waters and enchanting gardens.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Baia di Ulisse Hotel

Visit Area: Marsala

This morning, experience an Impact Moment when you visit an olive oil maker who uses ethical farming methods to produce EVOO. Hear this local man’s story, his dedication to sustainable farming, and how he stands up against the rules that the Mafia tries to impose on local farmers. Explore the olive groves on foot and pause for a rustic picnic-style lunch before continuing to Agrigento’s seaside. Settle in for a one-night stay and dinner at your hotel.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Mangia's Pollina Resort

Admittance: Stagnone Salt Pans & Lagoon Sailing

In company of an expert guide, wander through the imposing Greek ruins of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO). Discover the myths enshrouding the foundation of ancient Akragas, and watch history come alive. Then, relax aboard your motorcoach during a full afternoon transfer to Sicily’s northern coast. As the sun sets, acquaint yourself with the extensive grounds of your cliffside resort.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Impact Moment

Today, set off for the seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the medieval streets and enjoy ample free time to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll peek into the city's impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture, or take in Sicilian medieval art at the Mandralisca museum. Return to your coastal resort mid-afternoon. You will have time to venture down to the resort’s private beach and dip your feet in the Mediterranean, if you choose.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hotel La Salina Borgo Di Mare

Admittance: Olive Oil Farm
Take a trip to the countryside and explore an olive grove. Try samples of olive oil while gazing out at the sprawling rows of olive trees.

Grab your bags** and hop on a ferry in Milazzo. Sail by Vulcano and Lipari on your way to Salina,* a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Somewhat off the beaten path, Salina is one of the less-traveled Aeolian Islands, preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. Start your 2-night stay and slow your rhythm to the gentle pace of this small island.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Agrigento
Agrigento is a provincial capital on the southern coast of Sicily. The city is famous as a tourist destination because of the Greek archeological park called the Valley of the Temples. The Valley of the Temples is home to seven Greek temples that date back to the Golden Age of Magna Grecia, when Greek city-states dominated Sicily and Southern Italy. The site, known as Akragas in ancient Greek, was added to the UNESCO Heritage list in 1997 because of the ancient Greek temples’ high state of preservation.

Dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards pass you by on your way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. Wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll find a café by the sea and soak in the local life while sampling their every flavor of granita ice-slush.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Excelsior Palace Hotel

Admittance: Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is a Greek archeological site located on the outskirts of the Sicilian city of Agrigento. The site, known as Akragas in ancient Greek, was added to the UNESCO Heritage list in 1997 because of the Ancient Greek Temples’ high quality state of preservation. The most famous of the temples is the so-called Temple of Concordia which was utilized as a church during the medieval ages. In total the site has seven temples and covers an area of over 3000 acres.

Early this morning, ferry* back to mainland Sicilia. Journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. Discover its well-preserved Greek theatre in company of a local guide. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent sea. Spend the evening on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Cefalù
Cefalù is a small seaside resort built along the north shore of Sicily. As one approaches Cefalù they will be struck by the large rock (known as the “Rocco”) that looms over the city. The town started as a small fishing village around an excellent harbor at the base of the Rocco. Later it took on greater importance when the Norman King Roger II, built the first Norman church of Sicily in the 11th century. Today the village has maintained its historic charms and serves as a hub of activity for visiting tourists.

See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening, toast to your Sicilian sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Isle of Salina
Discover the Isle of Salina, one of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands and a popular vacation destination for Italians. Bask in the warm glow of this region’s relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds of this Mediterranean paradise.

Your journey through Sicily comes to a close today. Return home with memories of Italy’s favorite island.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Caper Farm
Go on a tour of a caper farm and learn about the techniques of cultivating this edible flower, accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine. Witness the process of preparing capers the traditional, Sicilian way and then enjoy a tasting.