Tour Inclusions

9 Nights
14 Meals 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Hotel
Driver
Tour Leader

Splendours of Sicily

10 days
Italy
Max 18 Passengers

Overview

Prepare to be unwrapped by Sicily’s superb landscapes, intoxicating diversity and ancient wonders. Centuries-old monasteries and Norman churches. Ancient Greek temples and bustling local markets. Sheer gorges and golden beaches. This dazzling Mediterranean island will tantalise your every desire and capture your heart with its fascinating culture.

Tour Starts/Ends
1 Overnight Stop
Day Stop

Tour Highlights

Embark on a locally guided walking tour of Palermo and gain a unique insight into the city’s anti-Mafia movement
Discover the fascinating history behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples
Unlock the exotic and eclectic flavours of Sicilian cuisine with several unique tasting experiences

Gallery

Tour Itinerary

Expand Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Palermo (Sicily)
An intoxicatingly vibrant capital, Palermo is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible Sicilian journey. Our included dinner tonight is an opportunity to get to know one another better and sample some of Sicily’s sumptuous cuisine. Here’s to the fantastic trip ahead! Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Opera (or similar)
- Meals
  - Dinner
Day 2 - Palermo – Monreale – Selinunte
This morning we’ll take to the streets to dive into Palermo’s fascinating anti-Mafia movement with a local guide – visiting the house of anti-Mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino, as we go. Then: it’s onwards to Monreale. Perched atop the Monte Caputo, overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro – Monreale is renowned for its awe-inspiring Cathedral. Here, we’ll spend some time admiring the Norman-Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics, before moving on to our idyllic accommodation in Selinunte. Accommodation: Agriturismo Case di Latomie (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 3 - Selinunte – Agrigento – Favara
This morning, we're in for a culinary treat: prepare to sample a local farm’s tasty olives, award-winning oil and fresh breads. Then: en route to Favara, we’ll stop by Agrigento to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples. One of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek monuments in the world – a local guide will reveal the history of this enchanting archaeological site. Afterwards, we’ll move on to our hotel in Favara where we’ll enjoy a delicious local dinner together as a group. Accommodation: The Alba Palace Hotel (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Dinner
Day 4 - Favara – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy another ancient history lesson with a visit to Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale, which contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Then, we’ll spend the afternoon at leisure in the magnificent hilltop town of Ragusa where our idyllic accommodation awaits. Wander around the old town’s picturesque, cobbled streets and browse various artisan shops. Accommodation: Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 5 - Ragusa – Modica – Ragusa
We’ll start our day in indulgent style: with a chocolate tasting session in Modica. And then? The gastronomic theme continues as we venture into the countryside for a fascinating lesson in cheese-making. We’ll gain a unique insight into the rustic lifestyle of Sicilian shepherds from a local breeder – and learn the secrets behind creating the area’s famed provola ragusana cheese. After a delicious tasting session, we’ll return to Ragusa – where the rest of the day is free to wander the sloping alleyways and historic Ragusa Ibla at our leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 6 - Ragusa – Noto – Syracuse
On today’s agenda: a visit to the city of Noto, where we’ll learn more about almond cultivation with a local expert. After indulging in an almond-themed lunch, we’ll press on to lovely Syracuse. Here, a local guide will take us around the ancient archaeological park – home to the impressive Teatro Greco. This evening, we’ll enjoy some free time relaxing at our hotel or exploring the nearby Ortigia area – Syracuse’s ancient town centre. Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Lunch
Day 7 - Syracuse
Coastal Syracuse – which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece – is yours for the taking today. We recommend arranging a boat trip to visit the enchanting hidden caves here. Or spending your free time wandering the array of ancient temples before losing yourself in the city’s winding streets, which open onto magnificent baroque piazzas, enticing boutique storefronts and beautiful sea views. How you spend your day is up to you – but a visit to the stunning Piazza Duomo is a must! Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 8 - Syracuse – Mt Etna – Etna Region
Today we head towards Mt Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the rugged surrounding landscape. We’ll take in the views from Rifugio Sapienza and have an opportunity to ride the cable car for a closer look at its smouldering craters. Then: we’ll move on to a local winery for an indulgent lunch and wine pairing experience. Later, we'll make tracks for our accommodation in the foothills of Etna – where we’ll spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Lunch
Day 9 - Etna Region – Taormina – Etna Region
Today will be spent exploring the spectacular mountainside town of Taormina. Here, we will have plenty of time to indulge in some Sicilian dolce vita – but first: a guided visit to the dramatically situated ancient Greek theatre is in order. After a day spent exploring, tonight’s farewell dinner will be well deserved. Accommodation: Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Dinner
Day 10 - Etna Region – Catania
Today our adventure will end in Catania, but not before a walking tour of the ancient port city. Here we'll pay a visit to the city’s famous fish market, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the lively atmosphere. We’ll even stop by a historic pâtisserie to fill our own cannoli with ricotta cheese, and sample some traditional local sweets. What a way to round off the trip!
- Meals
  - Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

Accommodation

- 9 nights in hand-picked accommodation

The Crew

- Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Transport

- Premium mini-coach transportation

Reviews

56 reviews

Reviews Rating

30th July 2024
Review rating

This tour delivered everything we expected it to. Our tour leader Danielle was great. Our tour group was great. Enjoyed every moment of the trip.
18th July 2024
Review rating

Interesting places and a varied schedule. Some of the accommodation was pretty average, small rooms and air conditioning that failed to function satisfactorily. Some of the provided meals were also less than of a satisfactory standard.
16th July 2024
Review rating

I had a really fun time with a great bunch of people. Danielle our Tour Manager was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble to make sure everyone was happy. I liked the fact that you weren't bound to do everything with everyone. There was free time to peruse other things to your liking. We had some very interesting visits to the Anti Marfia HQ in Palermo, an Olive Grove, an Almond Grove, a Buffalo Farm and some very nice lunches, to which we found that dinner was not necessary. A great sized bus, and our bus driver Salvadore was also very friendly and helpful. Accommodation was good, although it was very difficult to find an iron anywhere, so was a bit frustrating having to wear un-ironed clothing. All in all, I would definitely recommend Backroads Touring Sicily.