Sizzling Sicily - 7 days
7 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Taormina, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, Mount Etna, Taormina
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2514/SZSI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 50
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Sicily with the "Sizzling Sicily" tour, exploring the island's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Palermo, where you'll delve into the city's 3,000-year-old history with a guided tour of its cathedral and Old Town. Discover the medieval charm of Erice and enjoy a wine tasting in Marsala. Marvel at the ancient Greek architecture in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. In Ragusa, admire Baroque architecture and relax in the Giardini Iblei. Visit Syracuse's historic Ortigia and conclude your adventure in Taormina, with an optional hike on Mount Etna. Stay in comfortable 4-star hotels and enjoy local cuisine, all while being escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of guided sightseeing and leisure time, ensuring an unforgettable Sicilian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro
Meals Included: Dinner
Benvenuto! Welcome to Palermo, capital of the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily. Make your own way to our start hotel and spend your first evening in the city at leisure.
Day 2: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit Monreale, located in the fertile valley of La Conca d'Oro and renowned for its almonds, citrus fruits, and olive oil. We'll visit UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral and there will be time for some lunch and shopping if you choose.
Returning to Palermo, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the Sicilian capital. This 3,000-year-old city has a rich history which our local guide will share with you. Step back in time as we explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the impressive Palermo Cathedral. After our tour, you will have free time to further sightsee independently.
Day 3: Saline Della Laguna
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Hotel Della Valle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Palermo - Erice - Saline della Laguna - Marsala - Agrigento. We enjoy a busy day of Sicilian sightseeing today! Departing Palermo, we head to the medieval village of Erice, where little has changed since the 6th century. Hewn into the side of Monte San Giuliano, Erice offers incredible views and delightful labyrinthine lanes to explore.
Our next stop is Saline della Laguna, a historic salt pan. We then continue to a traditional tavern in the wine-producing region of Marsala. Here we can visit the wine cellar before enjoying included wine tasting and lunch. Then it's onwards to Agrigento, on Sicily's south coast.
This afternoon we visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most outstanding surviving examples of Ancient Greek architecture in the world. We take in the incredible Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Jupiter, which was once the largest Doric temple ever constructed.
Reaching our hotel, the evening is at leisure.
Day 4: Ragusa
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Poggio Del Sole Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Agrigento - Ragusa. Today we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa. Here we visit the enchanting historical centre, known for its Baroque palaces and churches. We see the old gate of San Giorgio, and the Giardini Iblei, a picturesque public garden with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Then we head to Piazza Pola to visit the Baroque Church of San Giuseppe, a hidden gem in the city. We also see the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio and Cosentini Palace, a beautiful Baroque villa protected by UNESCO.
Day 5: Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Splendid Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ragusa - Noto - Syracuse - Taormina. Our first stop after departing Ragusa this morning is the picturesque town of Noto. We visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, rebuilt in the years following an earthquake in 1990.
Driving along the coast, we then reach Syracuse, at Sicily's southeastern tip. Here we visit Ortygia, an island that is also home to Syracuse's oldest area, with lots of medieval streets and Baroque architecture to admire. There is free time to explore this fascinating and historic area. Continuing to Taormina, the evening is at leisure.
Day 6: Taormina
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: Splendid Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit the largest active volcano in Europe - Mount Etna. This stratovolcano last erupted in 2022, and you may well see signs of volcanic activity including smoke billowing from the top of the volcano. On our visit, we learn about this volcanic activity and see the lava fields from previous eruptions. Weather and conditions permitting, we have the opportunity to hike to the summit, 1,800m above sea level.
Returning to Taormina, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this hilltop coastal town. We recommend visiting the Ancient Greek amphitheatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is still in use today.
Day 7: Taormina
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Splendid Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before our Sicilian adventure comes to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 5 dinners
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6 nights 4 star hotels
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Escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing
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Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets and onboard toilet
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Guided sightseeing with local guides in Palermo, Agrigento, and Syracuse
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Visit of a historic wine cellar, lunch and wine tasting in Marsala
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Entrance tickets to archaeological sites mentioned in itinerary
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Porterage service
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Note: Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. You will join travellers who booked through other operators for sightseeing each day, some staying in different hotels, and spend your evenings at leisure. The group
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Additional meals and drinks unless specified
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Airport transfers
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Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city), to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out. See Trip Notes for details. Please note we recommend paying your city tax when checking in or in the evening during your stay to save time on c
Accommodation
Stay in the modern Mercure Palermo Centro, centrally located with refined design and amenities like free Wi-Fi and a daily buffet breakfast. Enjoy Hotel Della Valle's beautiful gardens, outdoor pool, and Sicilian cuisine. Experience Poggio Del Sole's 19th-century charm and Splendid Hotel's stunning sea views in Taormina.
Age Policy
No minimum age. Children under 6 travel free
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with deluxe coach transportation featuring Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet. The tour includes guided sightseeing with local guides in Palermo, Agrigento, and Syracuse, ensuring a seamless and informative journey through Sicily's highlights.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in 4-star hotels such as Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro, Hotel Della Valle, Poggio Del Sole Hotel, and Splendid Hotel Taormina. These hotels offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, and various dining options.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader, and there are specialist guides for some sightseeing activities.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Entrance tickets to archaeological sites mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The group size can vary from 20 to 50 persons, and the tour is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided by a deluxe coach equipped with Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet.
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Will there be opportunities for wine tasting during the tour?
Yes, there is a visit to a historic wine cellar in Marsala, where wine tasting and lunch are included.
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Is there an option to hike Mount Etna during the tour?
Yes, weather and conditions permitting, there is an opportunity to hike to the summit of Mount Etna, which is 1,800 meters above sea level.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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