The Trip

Day 0 – April 14: Fly from the US to Sicily – Palermo airport

Day 1 – April 15 – Sunday: Palermo
Palermo is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural antiquities. Upon arrival in this diverse metropolis, you will have time to rest up from your flight before meeting your guide and co-travelers for a welcome talk and dinner. Sleep in Palermo

Day 2 – April 16 – Monday: Palermo
We will spend the morning visiting Palermo’s greatest attractions including the recently refurbished Palatine Chapel, Piazza Pretoria and narrow alleys packed with merchandise from all corners of the Mediterranean. You will have an incredible lunch with local specialties and then will have the afternoon on your own to discover more of this very special city. Sleep in Palermo

Day 3 – April 17 – Tuesday: Monreale and Segesta
This morning we will make our way to the small hill town of Monreale. Here you will behold themosaics of the Norman Cathedral which are among the most extraordinary in Italy. This amazing monument is a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles all framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Nowhere else on the planet can you find such a perfect blend between the Christian and Muslim artistic worlds of the 12th century. Later, we will take in the amazing temple of Segesta and continue down the road to the sleepy seaside town of Marsala. Sleep in Marsala

Day 4 – April 18 – Wednesday: Erice, Trapani and Marsala:
This morning we will drive to Erice, a delightful medieval village nestled on a 2,200-foot cliff. Walk Erice’s narrow streets and make your way to a traditional pastry shop where you can sample some of the world’s most amazing almond pastries. We recommend that you also try the Cannoli and the shop's famed Cassata. These delicious treats will augment the breathtaking views over the Egadi Islands below. In the afternoon we will explore Trapani and sample Marsala’s famous sweet wine before returning to our hotel. Sleep in Marsala

Day 5 – April 19 – Thursday: Salt Road and Selinunte
Today we will enjoy an amazing seascape as we stop to learn about the history of the saltpans and windmills along the famed Salt Road. The highlight of the day will no doubt be Selinunte, one of Europe's largest archaeological parks. The contrast of these ancient Greek ruins over the blue Mediterranean Sea is a sight you will never forget. In the afternoon we will drive along one of the most beautiful stretches of Sicilian farmland to Agrigento. Sleep outside Agrigento

Day 6 – April 20 - Friday: Agrigento
This morning you will visit the Ancient Valley of the Temples, one of the richest archaeological areas of the world. A passionate and knowledgeable art historian will tour you among the remains of approximately 20 ancient Greek temples including the Temple of Concord, Castor, Pollux and Hercule. In the afternoon you will learn more about the awesome wines of the Island.  Sleep outside Agrigento

Day 7 – April 21 - Saturday: Piazza Armerina
Our first destination this morning will be Piazza Armerina and the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale. This ancient Roman hunting lodge and beauty spa was well known among the Who’s Who of the 4th century. You will have plenty of time to view the original mosaics that decorate the lodge’s former exercise rooms and baths. Later in the day we will drive to Noto. Sleep just outside Noto

Day 8 – April 22 - Sunday: Val di Noto, Modica, Noto
This morning you will explore the “Val di’ Noto,” a valley that is so beautiful and unique that the United Nations declared it a World Heritage site in 2002. In Modica, one of the valley’s most beautiful towns, you will sample dark chocolate treats before heading to a nearby farm house where you will see how traditional ricotta cheese is made. You’ll cap off a tremendous local meal with “Cannoli Siciliani” – one of Sicily’s most famous desserts. Sleep just outside Noto

Day 9 - April 23 - Monday: Siracusa
Siracusa was ancient Greece’s most important colony and it remains one of Sicily’s foremost jewels today. A full day of sightseeing here is required! You will wander the streets of this beautiful seaside city in the morning, stopping to explore the Piazza del Duomo and the artistic Fountain of Arethusa. You will then rest and have lunch in a very picturesque restaurant overlooking the sea. In the afternoon you will stroll through the amazing Archaeological Park of Neapolis and enjoy its incredible Greek theatre, limestone quarries and the famous Ear of Dyonisus. Later, you will return to Noto where you can tour one of Italy’s most beautiful baroque towns.  Sleep just outside Noto

Day 10 – April 24 – Tuesday: Mount Etna and wine tasting
Today we will explore the amazing volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Learn about the many legends connected with its magic lava-crusted slopes, and enjoy fabulous views of the region before heading to a winery where you will savour local wines and food specialties. Sleep in Giardini di Naxos

Day 11 – April 25 - Wednesday: Taormina
Start the day with a beautiful drive to Taormina, one of the pearls of the Mediterranean Sea.You will enjoy a guided visit of Taormina’s historic Greek theatre, walk along colourful cobble-stoned streets and hanging gardens and perhaps enjoy a true Sicilian classic: iced coffee with cream. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore more of Taormina. Sleep in Giardini di Naxos

Day 12 – April 26 - Thursday:  Aeolian Islands
This morning we will head towards the coastal town of Milazzo where, weather permitting, we will catch a mini-cruise along the fascinating Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano. The town of Lipari, with its 16th century castle, is the largest and one of the oldest settlements on the islands. It was believed by the ancients that Lipari was the home of Aeolus, God of the Winds. From the sea you will then behold amazing white-sand beaches, the Lovers Cave and dramatic cliffs before heading to the hot sulphur waters and black-sand beaches of Vulcano. We will enjoy a fish feast for lunch. (Please note that if the sea is too rough, this excursion will be substituted with another activity).Later in the day you will reach amazing Cefalu’. Sleep in Cefalu’

Day 13 – April 27 - Friday: Cefalu’
This morning we will discover Cefalu, a quaint town famous for both its amazing beaches and the beauty of its historical centre. We will visit Cefalu’s imposing Norman Cathedral and intriguing Arab laundries. We will then take the time to visit the local museum, where you willmarvel at the smallest painting you will probably ever see: Portrait of a Stranger, by Antonello da Messina. Tonight you will enjoy a special farewell dinner. Sleep in Cefalu’

Day 14 – April 28 - Saturday: Fly home
Today you will be transferred to Palermo airport for your flight out to Rome or another international gateway. We hope Sicily will always hold a place in your heart!

Important: Please note that it takes around one and a half hours to reach the airport from Cefalu – it is therefore important your departure flight is not too early.  We are planning for two group transfers: one at around 5:30 am and another at around 7:30 am. Individual transfers can be arranged for later in the day at an additional price.

Optional:

• Cancellation insurance in double room: $195 USD per person
• Cancellation insurance in single room: $225 USD per person

14 days, 13 nights
$3,995 per person in double room
$695 single room supplement

Itinerary details:
2 nights in Palermo
2 nights in Marsala
2 nights outside Agrigento
2 nights in Val di Noto
2 nights in Giardini di Naxos (Taormina)   2 nights in Cefalu