Flavours of Sicily
Flavours of Sicily
Flavours of Sicily
9 Days Starting in Catania, Italy and ending in Palermo, Italy
Visiting: Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Agrigento, Marsala, Palermo
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
1 - 2
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily with the "Flavours of Sicily" tour. This 9-day adventure begins in Catania and ends in Palermo, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Discover the majestic Mount Etna, explore the ancient ruins of Syracuse, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Marzamemi. Wander through the baroque streets of Ragusa, marvel at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and savor the rich flavors of Sicilian street food in Palermo. Enjoy wine tastings in the Etna Volcano area and Marsala, and stay in charming accommodations, including a splendid wine resort and a farmhouse. Travel comfortably with a rental car, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Catania Arrival
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: wine resort
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at the Catania airport, pick up your rental car and then start your journey towards Mount Etna (40 km) — the symbol of Sicily. You will spend the night in a splendid area on the slopes of a volcano, at a fully equipped wine resort surrounded by vineyards. Once you arrive you will be greeted with a tasting of local wines. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Etna area.
Overnight in the Etna Area
Day 2: Etna Area – Taormina – Etna Area (80 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will set out to explore Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,357 meters). You can drive up to about 2,000 meters freely by car and reach the Silvestri Craters — volcanic cones which are now inactive, surrounded by the most recent lava flows. Those who want to get even closer to the top of the volcano can continue their journey by cable car and then a 4x4 car, accompanied by an expert mountain guide. Alternatively, you can stop at a local winery and pay a visit to the vineyards, where you can taste 5 wines and enjoy a light lunch with local products. This afternoon will be dedicated to exploring Taormina, a mesmerizing town suspended between the rocks and the sea, famous for its natural landscape, historic monuments, and the unforgettable panorama with Mount Etna in the background. In addition to strolling through the delightful alleys of the medieval centre and shopping at the artisan shops, we recommend you do not miss a visit to the famous ancient theatre. At the end of this tour, you will return to the farmhouse.
Overnight in the Etna Area
Day 3: Etna Area — Syracuse (100 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Syracuse
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will depart for Syracuse, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. We recommend starting your trip with a visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which preserves a magnificent Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre, remains of temples and tombs, and several caves, including the one called “the Dionysus' Ear“. In the afternoon you can explore the islet of Ortigia on your own, the heart of the city, with its splendid Baroque cathedral and the historic Aretusa Fountain — one of the most famous freshwater springs in the Greek world!
Overnight in Syracuse
Day 4: Syracuse – Noto – Marzamemi – Syracuse (120 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Syracuse
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Noto, the “capital of the Sicilian Baroque”. This city is known for its richly decorated churches, magnificent noble palaces, and elegant iron-wrought balconies. A typical “granita” is a must-try in one of the many bars on the main street — not only to cool off from the heat but also to taste an unforgettable flavor. In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the seaside village of Marzamemi, where you can spend time away from the crowds, and unwind on one of the splendid beaches of Southeastern Sicily, where the sea is crystal clear. The most beautiful waters can be found in the Vendicari Marine Reserve (Calamosche and Cittadella dei Maccari), in Marzamemi (San Lorenzo and Spinazza), and in Portopalo (Carratois).
Overnight in Syracuse
Day 5: Syracuse – Ragusa – Agrigento (230 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Agrigento
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will travel to Ragusa, the cradle of the Sicilian late-baroque style, which houses 18 buildings protected by UNESCO. Not to be missed is a tour of the Ragusa Ibla Quarter — the oldest in the historic centre, known for its churches, eighteenth-century buildings, and the luxuriant Ibleo Garden! Just outside the city lies the majestic Donnafugata Castle, which is certainly worth a stop, with its huge park and amusing stone labyrinth. Famous fine wines are produced in this area, such as Nero d'Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria. For those who wish, we can organize a trip to a local vinery cellar with wine tasting and a light lunch. From there, you will continue driving towards Agrigento, where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Agrigento
Day 6: Agrigento – Alcamo (120 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: wine resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
The entire morning will be dedicated to visiting the Valley of the Temples, one of the World Heritage Sites dubbed by UNESCO. The archaeological area preserves 11 Doric temples from the 5th century BC, along with caves, necropolises, and tombs, in a landscape embellished with hundreds of almond trees. Leaving Agrigento, you will continue your journey north-westwards towards Alcamo. An overnight stay is scheduled in a wine resort surrounded by green landscapes. In this area, wine and oil are produced with organic agriculture methods. The underground cellars of the wineries, with cool temperatures all year round, offer the perfect conditions for the production and storage of wine, and house dozens of large barrels.
Overnight in Alcamo
Day 7: Alcamo – Marsala – Alcamo (140 Km Drive) (B/L/-)
Location: Marsala
Accommodation Name: farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to Marsala on the Western coast of Sicily. This area is rich with salt marshes, and since ancient times it has developed intense activities of extraction of salt from the seawater; Trapani salt flats testify to this, with their characteristic windmills, and the interesting Salt Museum. For lunch, a wine tasting at a historic winery in the area will be included, combined with local gastronomic products. The centre of Marsala will be worth a visit in the afternoon, known for its baroque churches and colorful cityscapes, with a fascinating contrast between the yellow of the houses, the blue of the sea, and the green of the vineyards. At the end of this tour, you will return to the farmhouse where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Alcamo
Day 8: Alcamo – Palermo (90 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will travel to Palermo. The entire day will be dedicated to exploring the Sicilian capital, which is rich in history and monuments with varying architectural styles, reflecting the island's multicultural past. A tour of the city on an 'Ape Calessino' (a 3-wheeled vehicle) will be scheduled to explore the treasures of Palermo: the beautiful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, Pretoria Square (with the large Pretoria Fountain), and the frenetic Vucciria market, animated by the sellers screams. An artistic-gastronomic walk will also be included, with a series of stops to taste the typical products of the Palermo Street cuisine, such as “arancini” (stuffed and fried rice balls), the “panelle” (chickpea flour fritters), and the potato croquettes. In the afternoon we recommend visiting Monreale nearby, to admire the Cathedral with its polychrome mosaics and the wonderful cloister in Arab-Norman style.
Overnight in Palermo
Day 9: Palermo — (B/-/-)
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel and some free time in the morning, drive to the airport to return your car and board your international flight back home.
What's Included
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08 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable stays at listed hotels or similar accommodations for 8 nights.
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Daily breakfast
Start each day with a delicious breakfast included in your stay.
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One Way supplement
One-way travel supplement is included in the package.
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Unlimited km
Drive as much as you want with unlimited kilometers included.
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RCA insurance, vehicle license fee
RCA insurance and vehicle license fee are covered.
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Zero Excess coverage
Zero Excess coverage includes zero deductible in case of damage, excluding roof, bottom of the car, windows, and tires, and cancellation of the deductible in case of theft.
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Pick-up on day 2 in Catania
Vehicle pick-up is available on day 2 in Catania from 08:00-22:30 hrs.
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Drop-off on day 10 in Palermo
Vehicle drop-off is available on day 10 in Palermo from 08:00-22:30 hrs.
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Wine tasting experience in the Etna Volcano area
Enjoy a wine tasting experience in the Etna Volcano area.
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Visit to a winery with tasting of organic wines in the Alcamo area
Visit a winery and taste organic wines in the Alcamo area.
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities
Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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International driving license (mandatory for North American travelers)
An international driving license is mandatory for North American travelers and is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Optional tours
Optional tours are not included and can be booked separately.
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Visa fees if applicable
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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Local city taxes (to be paid directly at the hotel)
Local city taxes are not included and must be paid directly at the hotel.
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Items not mentioned as included
Any items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a rental car, including unlimited kilometers, RCA insurance, vehicle license fee, and zero excess coverage. Pick-up in Catania and drop-off in Palermo are included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, including stays at a splendid wine resort on the slopes of Mount Etna and a charming farmhouse in Alcamo.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar. This includes stays at a splendid wine resort on the slopes of Mount Etna and a charming farmhouse in Alcamo.
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What kind of vehicle insurance is included with the rental car?
The rental car comes with RCA insurance, a vehicle license fee, and zero excess coverage. The zero excess coverage includes zero deductible in case of damage, excluding the roof, bottom of the car, windows, and tires, and cancellation of the deductible in case of theft.
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Are there any wine tasting experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting experience in the Etna Volcano area, a visit to a winery with tasting of organic wines in the Alcamo area, and wine and food tasting in Marsala.
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What is the street food tour in Palermo like?
The street food tour in Palermo includes tasting local delicacies such as 'arancini' (stuffed and fried rice balls), 'panelle' (chickpea flour fritters), and potato croquettes. The tour also explores the city's vibrant markets and historical sites.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and the ancient theatre in Taormina. Additionally, the tour explores the Baroque city of Noto and the historic Aretusa Fountain in Ortigia.
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What activities are available on Mount Etna?
On Mount Etna, you can drive up to about 2,000 meters to reach the Silvestri Craters. For those who want to get closer to the top, there is an option to continue by cable car and then a 4x4 car, accompanied by an expert mountain guide. Alternatively, you can visit a local winery for wine tasting and a light lunch.
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What is included in the daily breakfast?
The daily breakfast is included in your stay and provides a delicious start to each day of the tour.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Ragusa?
In Ragusa, the tour highlights include a visit to the Ragusa Ibla Quarter, known for its churches, eighteenth-century buildings, and the luxuriant Ibleo Garden. Additionally, the majestic Donnafugata Castle with its huge park and stone labyrinth is a must-see.
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What can I expect during the visit to Marsala?
In Marsala, you will visit the salt marshes and the Salt Museum, followed by a wine tasting at a historic winery combined with local gastronomic products. The tour also includes exploring the baroque churches and colorful cityscapes of Marsala.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes a rental car with unlimited kilometers, RCA insurance, vehicle license fee, and zero excess coverage. The vehicle pick-up is on day 2 in Catania and drop-off is on day 10 in Palermo.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.