Sicily

Sicily

921 Views
8 Days From

$1523

$1364

Sicily

8 Days Starting and ending in PALERMO

Visiting: Arrive In Palermo, Italy, Palermo, Trapani, Erice, Marsala, Selinunte, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina Area, Taormina Area. Excursion To Mount Etna, Cefalù

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6280-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $1523 $1364 Operator discount: -$159

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Join us on a budget-friendly vacation in Sicily—the Mediterranean’s largest island, just off the toe of Italy’s “boot.” Your discovery of this fascinating island, rich in culture, warm welcomes, and beauty starts in Palermo, a vibrant city of churches, squares, marketplaces, and palazzos of every style. Take in stunning views with a cable-car ride to the medieval hilltop town of Erice—with cobblestone streets, fortifications, ancient churches, and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of Trapani, set on a harbor that was once a powerful trading network, and visit Marsala, known for its aromatic wine. See the Acropolis and the temples in Selinunte, and take a guided tour of the spectacular ancient Greek temples near Agrigento. Visit the Roman Villa at Casale, famous for its mosaics, like the “Bikini Girls.” Visit elegant Taormina and the coastal town of Cefalù. Enjoy an excursion on Mount Etna, the majestic volcano overlooking the city of Catania, the verdant valleys, and the shimmering blue Mediterranean waters. Celebrate your Sicilian adventure ending your affordable adventure in Palermo.

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of Palermo with its rich history and culture

  • Visit the enchanting harbor city of Trapani and the medieval hilltop town of Erice

  • Discover the archaeological wonders of Selinunte and the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento

  • Marvel at the well-preserved Roman villa and its famous mosaics in Piazza Armerina

  • Experience the breathtaking views from Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano

  • Stroll through the charming streets of Taormina, overlooking the Ionian Sea

  • Visit the Norman cathedral in the coastal town of Cefalù

Places You'll See

B&B Quattro Canti

President

Grand Hotel Mose

Kalos Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Palermo,Italy

Location: Arrive In Palermo, Italy

Meals Included: Dinner

Check into your hotel. Spend the rest of your day exploring this great city with tips, maps, and recommendations on your CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: Palermo

Location: Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full day to enjoy this busy and brilliant city with many interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style—from Moorish to Baroque. Join the included sightseeing tour to learn more about the history and culture and visit the magnificent Baroque St. Catherine Church.

Day 3: Palermo,Trapani,Erice,Marsala

Location: Palermo, Trapani, Erice, Marsala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Two Sicilian treats are on the agenda today. First, visit enchanting Trapani with a Local Guide. Set on a harbor that was once at the heart of a powerful trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice, the city center skirts the port and was built primarily in Baroque style. Next, take a cable car to visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Situated about 2,500 feet above sea level, it immediately impresses with its defensive walls and castle, affording breathtaking views over the Gulf of Trapani and Egadi Islands. On clear days, see all the way to the African coast. Overnight in nearby Marsala. Today’s Distance: 105 mi/ 170 km

Day 4: Marsala,Selinunte,Agrigento

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wandering_jana

Location: Marsala, Selinunte, Agrigento

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, spend some time on your own in Marsala, or awaken your palate with an optional excursion to learn about Sicilian wine and to experience the ancient salt pans and mills, created by the Phoenicians and still active today. The salt pans, according to temperature, weather, and water evaporation, display different colors reflecting the Sicilian sky. Then head towards Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting archaeological sites in Sicily. Here, you will see the remains of the acropolis, with its temples and fortifications. Continue to Agrigento. Today’s Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km

Day 5: Agrigento,Piazza Armerina,Taormina Area

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wandering_jana

Location: Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina Area

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a guided visit of the spectacular Doric temple of Concord, and the temple of Juno Lacinia, archaeological jewels of the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento. On to Piazza Armerina, a maze of steep streets positively overflowing with the vibrant atmosphere of Sicilian life. At nearby Casale, visit the well-preserved Roman villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its mosaics, including the whimsical “Bikini Girls.” Tonight, we’ll save you a seat at the table for an optional Sicilian dinner. The tastes and aromas of colorful Sicilian food never fail to please, especially when paired with traditional music and entertainment.Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km

Day 6: Taormina Area. Excursion To Mount Etna

Location: Taormina Area. Excursion To Mount Etna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive up the heights of Mount Etna with the option of a jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of Europe’s largest active volcano (subject to weather conditions). Descend to sun-kissed Taormina, magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau overlooking the Ionian Sea. The heart of Taormina is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unmatched views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take a stroll along the Corso Umberto, and maybe taste a refreshing granita or a sumptuous cannolo. Today’s Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km

Day 7: Taormina Area,Cefalù,Palermo

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Location: Taormina Area, Cefalù, Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in the coastal town of Cefalù, featuring medieval squares, narrow streets, and ancient churches. During your visit, marvel at the sight of the Norman cathedral, a 12th-century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. Later, return to Palermo. During your final day in this glorious city, catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city on your own. Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km

Day 8: Palermo

Location: Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in comfortable and elegant hotels throughout Sicily, including B&B Quattro Canti in Palermo, Hotel President Marsala, Grand Hotel Mosè, and Kalos Hotel.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners.

  • Sightseeing Highlights

    Explore Palermo, Trapani, Erice, Marsala, Selinunte, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina, Mount Etna, and Cefalù with guided tours and visits to major attractions.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Visit the Archaeological area of Agrigento, Mount Etna, and Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina).

  • Transport

    Travel by coach between destinations and to/from included excursions.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is recommended but not included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included.

  • Meals Not Mentioned

    Any meals not mentioned in the inclusions are excluded.

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips, are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners

UNESCO Sites

Archeological area of Agrigento|Mount Etna|Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina)

Accommodation

Palermo:B&B Quattro Canti
Marsala:President
Agrigento:Grand Hotel Mose
Taormina Area:Kalos Hotel

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Sicily tour?

    The highlights of the Sicily tour include exploring the vibrant city of Palermo, visiting the harbor city of Trapani and the medieval town of Erice, discovering archaeological sites like Selinunte and the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, marveling at the Roman villa in Piazza Armerina, experiencing Mount Etna, strolling through Taormina, and visiting the Norman cathedral in Cefalù.

  • What type of accommodations are included in the tour?

    The tour includes stays in comfortable and elegant hotels throughout Sicily, such as B&B Quattro Canti in Palermo, Hotel President Marsala, Grand Hotel Mosè, and Kalos Hotel.

  • Are meals included in the Sicily tour?

    Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners.

  • What UNESCO World Heritage Sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour visits the Archaeological area of Agrigento, Mount Etna, and Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina) as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Is airfare included in the tour package?

    No, international and domestic airfare is not included in the tour package.

  • What is the mode of transport between destinations on the tour?

    Travel between destinations and to/from included excursions is by coach.

  • Are there any optional excursions, and are they included in the price?

    Yes, there are optional excursions available, but they are not included in the price.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
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Operator discount: -$159

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Operator discount: -$254

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Operator discount: -$254

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Operator discount: -$254

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Operator discount: -$254

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Operator discount: -$254

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Operator discount: -$254

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.