Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Sicily, with a change of planes in Rome.
We arrive in Palermo and transfer to our hotel for a 4-night stay.
Travel to the hilltop town of Monreale, renowned for its Arabinfluenced Cathedral adorned with magnificent mosaics dating back to 1194 AD. Continue to Palermo to visit the Duomo and explore the historic old town, including the lively Capo Market, known for its fresh produce and artisan goods.
This morning we drive to beautiful Mount Pellegrino to visit the Shrine of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo. Afternoon at leisure. You may want to explore one of the main markets, reminiscent of Arab souks, with their abundant variety of food, and theatrical vendors.
Visit Cefalù, a charming seaside town on Sicily’s northern coast, known for its picturesque old town and sandy beach. Explore the magnificent Cefalù Cathedral (UNESCO-listed), famed for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Enjoy a walking tour through narrow medieval streets, artisan shops, and the historic Lavatoio Medievale, followed by free time to soak in the atmosphere or relax by the sea.
Today begins with a visit to Segesta, one of the best preserved and most beautiful Greek archaeological sites in Sicily. We then spend time in the historic mountaintop town of Erice, perched 750 metres above sea level with sweeping views over Trapani. Our included lunch features typical Sicilian fare. We then continue to Marsala for a 4-night stay.
This morning we enjoy a guided visit of the historical centre of town, to see the many Moorish and Norman churches and the beautiful cathedral, and take a stroll in the kasbah followed by a visit to a local winery to sample some wines. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner will be at a local pizzeria.
We enjoy a boat ride to the island of Mozia to visit what was once an ancient Phoenician city. We will see the original landscape of the salt marshes, windmills, and vineyards. We then visit a winery for a light lunch and tasting followed by a visit to the historic centre of Marsala.
We enjoy a visit of the historical centre of Trapani, which features prestigious buildings and the Purgatory Church with its beautiful facade.
We travel to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most important sights in Sicily, and one of the most impressive complexes of ancient Greek buildings outside of Greece. Then we proceed to our hotel in Agrigento for an overnight stay.
Travel to Piazza Armerina, a charming inland town known for its rich history and artistic heritage. Visit the remarkable Villa Romana del Casale (UNESCO-listed), famed for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman mosaics, among the finest in the world. Enjoy free time to explore and soak in the town’s atmosphere before proceeding to Taormina for a 7-night stay.
We begin with a walking tour of Taormina, followed by some free time to enjoy the spectacular views, elegant gardens, cafés, and shops of this old-world resort town. We will then proceed for a traditional pastry workshop.
Today we tour Catania, exploring its historic centre and famous fish market. Enjoy free time in the elegant Piazza Duomo and along the main shopping street before returning to our hotel via a scenic drive along the Riviera of the Cyclops, the legendary stretch of coastline north of Catania.
We visit the unspoiled and typical Sicilian hilltop towns of Savoca and Forza d’Agro as seen in Francis Ford Coppola’s famous Godfather trilogy! We will enjoy lunch at a local pizzeria before we return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Set off to explore majestic Mount Etna—Europe’s highest active volcano. Discover its ancient craters and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a charming local restaurant.
A full-day tour to the ancient city of Syracuse on the island of Ortigia. We will visit the archaeological zone to see the Roman Amphitheatre and the Spring of Arethusa Fountain. There will be some free time to enjoy the historical centre.
A final day at leisure. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.
We fly home, via Rome.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
