Italy: Best of Sicily

Here are our recommendations on what you can do in Palermo. The Cathedral is a great place to start where you can see various architectural styles across the centuries like Gothic, Baroque, Moorish, and others merge to create a unique landmark. Capture panoramic views of the city from the top, and proceed to the iconic Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, which you might remember from the ending scene of Godfather III! Admire the grand interiors and learn about its intriguing history by joining one of the many guided tours. While in Palermo, do visit the Chiesa della Martorana, the majestic 12th century Byzantine church whose stunning gold mosaics and frescoes will take your breath away. If you feel hungry while sightseeing, then be sure to make a stop at Mondello, a popular beachside locality of Palermo lined with local pizzerias, pastry shops and quaint cafés. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)

Explore Palermo city centre while teasing your taste buds with popular culinary delights. Reach Teatro Massimo to meet your local guide for the day. Stroll along the main squares and street markets of Palermo’s city center, sampling delectable street food as recommended by your guide. Sample the region’s authentic flavors and textures as you walk down the heart of town, learning more about the history and traditions of Palermo. Discover hidden gems and pick up fascinating trivia from your guide along the way. Return to your hotel at the end of a most insightful food trail! (Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private Activity; Food tasting/sampling included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to inform ahead of time regarding any food allergies).

Starting at the top of the valley with your guide, you’ll be able to enjoy a gentle stroll down through the archaeological area and learn about the ruins of what was once the great city of Akragas, founded in 581 BC. Today, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes a grid of ancient streets as well as the five massive Doric temples from which the valley takes its name. The two most spectacular temples within the site are the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno. The Temple of Concordia is a colossal structure that offers a real sense of how prosperous and significant Akragas once was. The building is one of the largest and most intact Doric temples in the world. Its proportions and elegantly simple design are largely untouched, despite being converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century AD. Nearby, the similar Temple of Juno was damaged by an earthquake in the Middle Ages, but is still fascinating to visit. The oldest surviving temple though is that of Hercules, which dates from the end of the 6th century BC and sits among a cluster of impressive ruins in the eastern portion of the site.

Travel to the town of Piazza Armerina that is home to the splendid Villa Romana del Casale known for the world’s biggest collection of Roman mosaics. Get a closer look at the mosaics that depict scenes from daily life in a bygone era. Learn about the history of this mansion as you wander around the rooms visualizing life as it was centuries ago. Have lunch at a local restaurant before heading off to your next destination. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities).

Watch the Sicilian hill town of Ragusa come alive before your eyes! After an early breakfast in your hotel, meet your local guide, before strolling around one of the most fascinating towns in Sicily. Enjoy walking along the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto and visit a host of the town’s heritage buildings protected by UNESCO. Take in the grand Baroque art and architecture of the city, discovering hidden gems and picking up trivia from your guide along the way. Stop to enjoy a leisurely lunch break at a traditional trattoria, feasting on local Sicilian dishes, washed down with delicious Sicilian wine. Walk back to your hotel after an enjoyable meal. (Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private Activity & Guide; Lunch included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes and inform ahead of food allergies, if any. Entrance fees not included.).

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the archeological wonders of Syracuse and the island of Ortigia. After an early breakfast in your hotel, drive down to the ancient town of Syracuse. Walk among the spectacular ruins and discover the history and splendid arts of the Greco-Roman, medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Pay a visit to the town’s ancient theatre, which continues to put up plays and performances to this day. Drive down to the lively little Sicilian island of Ortigia next. Stroll down the pretty cobblestoned streets of this charming old town. Don’t miss the historic city center, before arriving at your hotel in Taormina. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities).

Here are our recommendations on what you can do in Taormina. This city is the picture-postcard Sicilian seaside resort that instantly wants to make you let your hair down and relax! Probably one of its most noted attractions is the Roman Theatre at the heart of the town, which still hosts plays and events during the summer. Stroll through the ancient ruins, exploring the nook and crannies, walking through the gardens and then climb up. Settle down in one of the higher seats of the amphitheater to capture panoramic views of the shimmering sea and Mount Etna in the distance. If you want better views of both the sea and the mountain, consider heading for Castelmola, a pretty medieval village on a hill with a number of quaint cafés in the colorful Piazza Chiesa Madre. Isola Bella is also another tiny little island near Taormina where you can spend a few hours unwinding on the beach. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities.)

Explore Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the volcano. Once you reach, meet your guide at the base station and begin your ascent. As you trek up, you will pass seven lateral craters formed in 1865, referred to as ‘buttons’ due to their cone-shaped structures. Listen to interesting details about Mount Etna’s history and unique geography from your guide. Make your way inside a volcanic cave and spot rocks such as scoria and lapilli. Reach the summit and feel the heat of the magma flowing underneath the main crater. Take in breathtaking views of the Sicilian landscape before beginning your descent. (Duration: half day; Time: 0815 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 16 ppl; Meals are not included; Fitness level: difficult, please note that this activity is not suitable for people with physical challenges)