10 days The Sicilian (2022)
Crossed over by half of the ancient civilized world, modern day Sicily ironically presents an off-the-beaten-path vacation for those eager to discover a completely different side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, Marsala wine, and a tasting at Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, only sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY | Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) |
| 2 | PALERMO | PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. [LF] Lunch with Sicilian specialties panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini (stuffed rice balls), and cannoli (fried pastry rolls with sweet ricotta cheese). (B,L) |
| 3 | PALERMO–ERICE–MARSALA–MAZARA DEL VALLO | ERICE Visit the hilltop town and sample almond biscuits and Marsala wine at the well-known Pasticceria Maria Grammatico. MARSALA Visit a salt mill en route to Mazara del Vallo. (B,D) 99 mi / 160 km |
| 4 | MAZARA DEL VALLO–SCIACCA–AGRIGENTO | MAZARA DEL VALLO Guided sightseeing includes the cathedral and a walk in the Old Town.SCIACCA Photo stop at the panoramic viewpoint. AGRIGENTO Guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples. (B,D) 93 mi / 150 km |
| 5 | AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–CALTAGIRONE–RAGUSA | PIAZZA ARMERINA Guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. CALTAGIRONE Orientation and free time to see the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte en route to Ragusa. (B,D) 130 mi / 210 km |
| 6 | RAGUSA. EXCURSION TO MODICA | RAGUSA Guided walking tour includes the city’s oldest district, the Ibla, the 19th-century gardens of Giardini Iblei, and St. George Cathedral. Free time. MODICA Orientation walk in the center and a [LF] chocolate tasting at the famous Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory. RAGUSA Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 68 mi / 110 km |
| 7 | RAGUSA–NOTO–SYRACUSE | NOTO Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire San Nicolò Cathedral. SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater. (B) 93 mi / 150 km ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Syracuse with an excursion to the island of Ortigia. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app. |
| 8 | SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA | CATANIA Orientation walk and free time to browse in Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea.Scenic drive en route to Taormina Riviera and free time this afternoon and evening. (B)112 mi / 180 km |
| 9 | TAORMINA RIVIERA EXCURSION TO SAVOCA | SAVOCA Orientation walk followed by a [LF] Granita (semi-frozen drink) tasting, and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. TAORMINA RIVIERA Orientation walk and free time for lunch. Visit the Greek Theater. Farewell dinner at Villa Antonio restaurant. (B,D) 43 mi / 70 km |
| 10 | TAORMINA RIVIERA | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania. (B) |