Real Sicily | Classic | 2024
Real Sicily | Classic | 2024
Real Sicily | Classic | 2024
8 Days Starting in Catania and ending in Palermo
Visiting: Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBCPMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 24
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the authentic charm of Sicily on this immersive summer tour in 2024. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Catania, exploring its UNESCO-listed historic core before savoring a delicious Sicilian dinner. Travel to the picturesque town of Taormina, perched on a mountainside, where you can enjoy stunning beach views and perhaps take a cooking class. Experience the majesty of Mt. Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, and delve into the rich history of Syracuse and Noto. Wander through the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, relax on Cefalu's beautiful beaches, and conclude your adventure in Palermo, learning about its unique history and vibrant culture. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable Sicilian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: Mercure Catania Excelsior (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Catania! This colorful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Is Sicilian cuisine the best in the world? It has to be up there...
Day 2: Catania To Taormina
Location: Catania, Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina.
Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic center with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.
Day 3: Taormina
Location: Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Main Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theater or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.
Day 4: Taormina To Syracuse Via Noto
Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Syracuse
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse.
We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?).
Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered!
And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.
Day 5: Syracuse To Cefalu Via Agrigento
Location: Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without a tour of the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.
Day 6: Cefalu
Location: Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.
Day 7: Cefalu To Palermo
Location: Cefalù, Palermo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital.
Palermo is vivacious, colorful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic center, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.
Day 8: End Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.
What's Included
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Dinner in Catania
An included dinner in a local restaurant in Catania.
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Cable Car Ride in Taormina
A cable car ride connecting Taormina's historic center with its beaches.
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Tour of the Valley of the Temples
An included tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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Dinner in Cefalu
An included dinner of Sicilian delicacies in Cefalu.
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Farewell Dinner in Palermo
A farewell dinner at Al Fresco, the 'bistro of second chances' in Palermo.
What's Not Included
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Optional Cooking Class in Taormina
An optional cooking class with local masterchefs in Taormina.
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Optional Mt Etna Tour
An optional adrenaline-filled ride on Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano.
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Optional Coastal Cruise in Cefalu
An optional coastal cruise to soak up the scenery in Cefalu.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort as you explore Sicily, with included transportation between Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalu, and Palermo, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Mercure Catania Excelsior, Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your Sicilian adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Taormina?
In Taormina, you can enjoy a cable car ride connecting the historic center with its beaches, sunbathe, and optionally participate in a cooking class with local masterchefs. You can also explore the town, visit the Roman theater, or relax with a drink.
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Is there an opportunity to visit Mt Etna during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional tour to Mt Etna, where you can experience an adrenaline-filled ride on Europe's highest active volcano, passing vineyards and orchards on the fertile slopes.
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What historical sites will we visit in Syracuse?
In Syracuse, you will have free time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known for its rich Roman and Greek history, including ancient amphitheaters and architecture.
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What is included in the tour of the Valley of the Temples?
The tour includes an exploration of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where you will discover ancient temples, sanctuaries, and a necropolis amidst blooming almond trees.
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What can I do in Cefalu?
In Cefalu, you can relax on some of Sicily's best beaches, admire impressive Arabic architecture, participate in water sports, or opt for a coastal cruise. You can also explore the town's cobbled streets, watch fishermen, and enjoy the local foodie and nightlife scene.
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What is the focus of the walking tour in Palermo?
The walking tour in Palermo focuses on the history of the Mafia and the civil anti-Mafia movement. It is part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience.
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Are there any special dinners included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special dinners: an included dinner in a local restaurant in Catania, a dinner of Sicilian delicacies in Cefalu, and a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, the 'bistro of second chances' in Palermo.
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Is there an optional cooking class available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional cooking class available in Taormina, where you can learn to make local delicacies like Arancini and Cannoli with local masterchefs.
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What kind of experience is offered at the organic farm in Noto?
In Noto, you will visit an organic farm for a 'Tastes of Sicily' experience, where you can enjoy the freshest Sicilian ingredients brought directly from farm to table.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD 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 contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions