Sicilian Wonders Palaces, Islands, and Temples

Welcome to Palermo. On arrival, we’ll arrange your transfer to the hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the day free to unwind or start exploring at your own pace. Capital of Sicily and home to more than half a million people, Palermo is a city of striking contrasts – its architecture blends Arab, Norman, Aragonese and Baroque influences, and its mild climate, vibrant energy and rich culinary traditions make a memorable first impression.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We set out on a guided tour of Palermo, taking in the Cathedral with its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs, and the Norman Palace – the former Royal Palace – along with the city’s fountains, markets and gardens. We then continue to Monreale to visit its Cathedral – admission included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its golden mosaics. Afterward, we return to Palermo and you have the afternoon free to explore or relax as you wish. Please note that if the group is very small, this visit may be operated with other travellers by a local tour company rather than as a private tour.

We leave Palermo and follow the scenic Tyrrhenian coast before heading inland to Castelbuono, a picturesque mountain town with ancient walls, a castle and a characterful historic centre. Returning to the coast, we continue to Cefalù to explore its charming old town and visit the Norman Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable mosaics. You’ll have time for lunch at leisure. We then travel on to Tindari to visit the hilltop Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, which offers superb views of the sea – nearby lie the remains of an ancient Greek city. Our day concludes in Milazzo, a lively port overlooking the Aeolian Islands.

From Milazzo, we board a hydrofoil to Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands – a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its ongoing volcanic activity. On arrival, the island’s fumaroles and the tang of sulphur are unmistakable, with the main crater dominating the landscape. Vulcano is known for its hot water beaches – you can choose to bathe in the sulphurous springs and mud pools, often noted for their skin benefits.We then take a 15 minute hydrofoil to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with its historic centre, castle and lively atmosphere. You’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll. Afterwards, we return by boat to Milazzo and continue to Taormina, arriving by the end of the day. Dinner is included. Note – during summer or on certain dates, accommodation may be arranged in Messina instead of Taormina.

Set below Mount Etna, Taormina – once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth – invites a relaxed day. You have time to explore the lively historic centre, with its ancient Greek theatre dominating the landscape, or unwind on the beach. We include dinner this evening.

After breakfast we travel by coach from Taormina to Catania, set at the foot of Mount Etna. We explore its UNESCO‑listed Baroque centre – noted for its fine squares and palaces – and visit the lively fish market. We then continue to Syracuse, an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the Ionian Sea. Ortigia – the island quarter linked by bridges – is the oldest part of the city, with narrow streets, a cathedral, an ancient castle, waterfront terraces and markets. You’ll have free time to wander and find lunch. In the afternoon we head inland to Agrigento, admiring the Valley of the Temples complex from the coach before arriving at the hotel. Dinner included.

We begin with a visit to the Valley of the Temples with a local guide – an impressive archaeological site renowned as one of the most complete complexes of ancient Greek temples – with admission included. We then travel to Marsala, a historic city known for its lively atmosphere and wine, where you will have time for lunch. Continuing around the scenic Marsala salt pans, we reach Erice, a Phoenician town overlooking the sea, where you can take a leisurely stroll. We continue to Palermo, where dinner is included.

After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Palermo – tour services end here. We hope you leave with lasting memories.