Sicily in Depth - Classic Group
Sicily in Depth - Classic Group
Sicily in Depth - Classic Group
9 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Taormina, Catania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E934MN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Sicily in Depth - Classic Group" tour, exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Italy's largest island. Begin in Palermo, where you can choose between a walking tour of the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel or an insightful Anti-Mafia tour. Discover the ancient salt pans of Trapani, savor Marsala's renowned wines, and marvel at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Visit the luxurious Villa Romana del Casale and the Baroque architecture of Ragusa. Indulge in Modica's celebrated handmade chocolate and explore Syracuse's ancient Greek theater. Conclude your adventure in Taormina, with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy the comfort of luxurious coaches, complimentary Wi-Fi, and seamless luggage handling throughout this immersive Sicilian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Dinner
Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Palermo & The Golden Age Of The Normans
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Palermo through Insight Choice. Opt for a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime in Palermo. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 3: Trapani And Marsala
Location: Trapani
Accommodation Name: Seawater, Marsala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you’ll enjoy the town’s renowned wine amidst beautiful surroundings.
Day 4: Explore The Valley Of The Temples
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.
Day 5: Discover Villa Romana Del Casale And Ragusa
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized since 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with our Local Expert. This town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who lent their name to Sicily. Admire the significant Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition.
Day 6: Modica
Location: Modica
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later discover Modica's artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.
Day 7: Ancient Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sightseeing with your Local Expert begins at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theater, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming town of Giardini Naxos.
Day 8: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theater, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, featuring delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine and exquisite Italian wines.
Day 9: Depart Catania
Location: Catania
Meals Included: Breakfast
Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way to the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
5 Dinners with Wine, 8 Breakfasts, and 1 Dinner are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Palermo.
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Palatine Chapel Visit
Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel in Palermo.
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Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement in Palermo.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Your Travel Director will occasionally provide a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Val di Noto tour and the Mount Etna tour are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are available.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including Seawater in Marsala, The Scala dei Turchi Resort in Agrigento, Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa, and RG Naxos Hotel in Taormina.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Palermo tour?
In Palermo, you have the option to either take a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert or engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime.
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What can I expect during the visit to Trapani and Marsala?
In Trapani, you will visit the colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill to learn about the age-old tradition of salt production. In Marsala, you will enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, savoring the town's renowned wine amidst beautiful surroundings.
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What will I see in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento?
In the Valley of the Temples, you will explore exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture, including the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea.
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What is special about the Villa Romana del Casale?
The Villa Romana del Casale is a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the opulence of ancient Rome.
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What can I do in Modica?
In Modica, you can discover the town's celebrated handmade chocolate and learn about the artisanal techniques used to create it.
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What are the highlights of the Syracuse tour?
In Syracuse, you will visit the Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, and the impressive Greek theater, one of the largest of the ancient world. You will also explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces.
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What can I expect during the visit to Taormina?
In Taormina, you will visit the ancient Greek theater set on a cliff with breathtaking views of Mount Etna. You will also stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. The day concludes with a Farm-to-Table dinner featuring delicious Italian cuisine and wines.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations 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.
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Terms and Conditions