Treasures of Sicily Small Group Escorted Tour

From Europe’s largest active volcano to golden sandy beaches and historic ancient Greek ruins, we’ll help you navigate the top sights and attractions of this wonderful island on our Treasures of Sicily Escorted Tour. Spend eight days taking in pretty villages perched on mountains, bustling markets full of local delicacies, traditional vineyards and excellent Baroque architecture. Try Sicilian street food, fresh olives, Etna wine and lots more as you chat to locals and take in the stunning landscapes.

Please be advised that our escorted tours are dependent on minimum numbers. The minimum numbers on all tours is 6. Please speak to our Italy Experts for more information.

Due to the amount of walking and steps involved with this tour, it is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.  

2025 Tour Departures Dates

  • 07 May 2025
  • 04 June 2025
  • 10 September 2025
  • 24 September 2025

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At a glance

  • Exclusive to Citalia
  • Explore temples, ruins and buildings dating back to ancient Greece
  • Immerse yourself in the Greek mythology of ancient times
  • Maximum group size 18
  • Take in the beautiful Baroque architecture of the area
  • Try fine local wines and appetisers in a traditional winery
  • Visit Sicily's largest market and try local delicacies and street food
  • Visit the majestic Mount Etna and maybe see smoke from the top
  • Wander through cobbled streets which overlook the sparkling Mediterranean

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Catania

Arrive at Catania Airport. A driver will be waiting to take you to your first hotel, the 4* Nettuno in Catania, where you will stay for one night. Enjoy a welcome drink, and later a traditional Italian dinner.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel Nettuno 

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2 : Piazza Armerina – Cefalù

After breakfast, meet with the tour leader and set off by coach to Piazza Armerina, which is located in the heart of Sicily. Here, you will visit the Roman Villa which dates back to the 4th Century A.D.

Thereafter, visit Cefalù and its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to Norman times and offers beautiful architecture along with ornate interiors. The Arabian bathhouse is next on your list. Wander through the dark, monastic style interiors and pretty courtyard, before you return to your hotel for dinner.

Transfer to your hotel in Cefalu' for some free time and overnight rest.

Accommodation: 4* Astro Suite Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3 : Palermo Market - Street Food - Monreale

Start the day with a visit to one of Palermo’s biggest markets, the Capo Market. Your English-speaking guide will take you through the bustling lanes and vibrant stalls as you watch the locals haggle for fresh Sicilian produce and succulent street food. Taste some of the delicious varieties of street food, with rich flavours and influences from Arabic, Mediterranean and traditional Italian cuisine.

Spend the rest of the day wandering through the scenic streets and taking in the tangle of houses, juxtaposed with the peaceful courtyards, churches and gardens your guide will lead you through. Some of the top highlights include the ornate Palatine Chapel, the impressive cathedral with its blend of European and Moorish architecture, and the majestic Martorana Church. Your last stop is the Cathedral of Monreale, where you can take in the intricate patterns of the mosaics and breathtaking views. You will spend the night in Cefalu', with a chance to enjoy the evening in the bustling old town with its with its picturesque narrow lanes. 

Accommodation: 4* Astro Suite Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4 : Agrigento – the Valley of the Temples

Spend the morning on a tour of some of Agrigento’s most historic attractions. Visit the Valley of the Temples, which is located on a platform and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Wander through seven partially preserved temples and take in their size, beauty and history with connections to Greek mythology. The temples are dedicated to Zeus, Hercules, Pollax and more, giving you a fascinating insight into the area’s history and the myths of ancient Greece. Later in the day you’ll be driven to Taormina where you will stay for the next four nights. Dinner at leisure.

Accommodation: 4* Eurostars Monte Tauro

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5 : Taormina

Enjoy a 2-hour walking tour in the morning, which includes the ancient Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops. 

Rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: 4* Eurostars Monte Tauro

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6 : Etna and Wine Tasting

Spend the morning exploring the majestic Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The bus will take you to an elevation of 1,900 metres on the south side and your guide will take you to see lava streams and huge craters. From autumn to spring, the mountain is covered with snow and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Take in the luscious scenery created by the humidity and fertile earth from volcanic activity, and maybe even spot smoke coming from the top of the volcano. Depending on the weather, you can also choose to explore further, for a supplement (approx. €70 per person), and visit the main crater by cable car and Jeep.

On your way back to Taormina you will stop at a local winery for some wine tasting on the Etna slopes.

Accommodation: 4* Eurostars Monte Tauro

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7 : Syracuse

Spend the morning in Syracuse, the most important city on the island during its Greek rule. Take in the well-preserved buildings and ruins as you visit Ortigia, which is located on a small island stretching into the Mediterranean. Enjoy some free time on the island before visiting the majestic cathedral with your local guide. The picturesque Arethusa Fountain is a must see.

In the afternoon you will visit the archaeological area, where you can take in the history of the ancient Greek Theatre and the former stone quarries, surrounded by luscious gardens.

Accommodation: 4* Eurostars Monte Tauro

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8 : Return Home

Enjoy a continental breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

8 days from £2,399 per person

What's included:

  • 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • English speaking guide from day two to day seven
  • Wine tasting on the Etna slopes
  • All mentioned site entrance fees (unless specified)
  • Hotel porterage
  • Private airport transfers for arrival and departure are included in the price shown, however, these can be discussed and tailored at the point of booking

 

What's not included:

  • Drinks at dinner in Catania (other than water)
  • All lunches and 6 dinners
  • Tips
  • Tourist tax (approx. €24 per person)

 

Practical Information

Flight Information

Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Italy from the UK and there are plenty of direct flights available to most airports within Italy. The biggest choice of flights are available from London and Manchester but you'll also be able to fly to certain destinations from regional airports. Flights take from 2 to 4 hours depending on where you fly from/to.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up. 
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.
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