Unveiling Sicily's Treasures: Taormina, Ragusa, Palermo and beyond
Unveiling Sicily's Treasures: Taormina, Ragusa, Palermo and beyond
Unveiling Sicily's Treasures: Taormina, Ragusa, Palermo and beyond
8 Days Starting in 98037 Letojanni, Metropolitan City of Messina, Italy and ending in Palermo, PA, Italy
Visiting: Taormina, Mount Etna, Ragusa, Free municipal consortium of Syracuse, Modica, Agrigento, Palermo, Cefalù
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E7SICLRPS
Specialist Group:
Fifty+
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
2-95
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Here with Meet and Greet Italy, embark on an enchanting journey through Sicily. Start in Taormina, explore its sites and marvel at Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Traverse scenic routes aboard the Circumetnea train. Enjoy food and wine tasting at a local winery. Take a scenic train to Syracuse, known for its rich history. Explore the Archaeological Park and visit Ortigia’s charming streets and cathedral. Explore the cities of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, renowned for Sicilian Baroque. Marvel at sumptuous palaces and ornate balconies. Visit Agrigento’s Temples’ Valley, a UNESCO site. Discover well-preserved ancient temples. Conclude in Palermo, with Teatro Massimo and Monreale Cathedral. Then, enjoy a day in picturesque Cefalù
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Taormina
Location: Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Albatross - Letojannni
Meals Included: Breakfast
Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel in Letojanni, check-in and take your time to settle. In the afternoon meet your group and the tour leader. After an introductive briefing, reach Taormina and enjoy a guided walking tour of one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily. Admire its natural terrace
overlooking the sea dominated by the majestic volcano Mount Etna and visit the Greek-Romans Theater. Back to your hotel partake a welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Mount Etna
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Albatross - Letojanni
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will discover the Mt. Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. After breakfast walk along the beach to Letojanni train station and reach the village of Giarre where you’re going to get on the Circumetnea train an historic railway inaugurated in 1898 which travels around the volcano passing through many villages, offering to its travelers’ picturesque glimpses of this unique view. The excursion will continue by bus to reach “Silvestri Craters” (about 1.900 mt). Enjoy food and wine tasting in a local winery and have the option to reach higher peaks by jeep. Return to hotel in Letojanni.
Day 3 : Siracusa & Ortigia
Location: Ragusa, Free municipal consortium of Syracuse
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterraneo Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will admire the coast and the sea from your train window travelling from Taormina to Syracuse, one of the most interesting sites on the island. A guide will lead you to the discovery of the Archaeological Park, famous for its Roman amphitheater, the Greek theater, and the ear of Dionysus. Continue your visit by going to the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city, characteristic for its narrow alleys, for its sea views and for the wonderful square with its splendid cathedral. In the afternoon continue the journey by bus and reach your next destination, Ragusa.
Day 4 : Sicilian Baroque
Location: Ragusa, Modica
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterraneo Palaca
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day to discover the less known part of Sicily, dominated by the sumptuous and majestic Baroque style of the buildings, characterized by the numerous UNESCO sites, also known for the television series “Il Commissario Montalbano”. Start your visit from the historic center of the city of Ragusa, “Ibla”, the aristocratic city of Val di Noto, characterized by the numerous baroque churches and palaces, as well as by the characteristic domes that dominate the city. Continue to Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage city especially known for its chocolate as well as for its wonderful buildings. Last stop will be Noto, the capital of late Sicilian Baroque. Cross the famous Arco, stroll in the center admiring the wonderful aristocratic palaces with the famous decorated balconies, the sumptuous churches full of decorations, the cathedral with its staircase, and the city theater, all built in Baroque style. Return to the hotel in Ragusa for overnight.
Day 5 : Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Piazza della Borsa
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast departure by bus for Agrigento. Arriving in Agrigento enjoy a lunch overlooking the Temple Valley. After lunch, meet the guide who will reveal all the secrets of the Temples’ Valley, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde (one of the best preserved Doric temples in the whole Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Castor and Pollux. At the end of the visit we will have lunch all together; afterward, reach Agrigento Centrale Train Station and embark on an extraordinary train journey through the Sicilian countryside to reach Palermo. Upon arrival in Palermo transfer to the hotel and check in.
Day 6 : Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Piazza della Borsa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day dedicated to the discovery of Palermo: in the morning a walking tour of the city center, starting from Teatro Massimo continue the walk through the famous “u Capo” local market and taste some Sicilian specialties as Arancina or drink the famous “AUTISTA”, an “explosive” lemonade. Continue to the Cathedral and walk to “I Quattro canti”. After some free time for lunch take the local bus to Monreale, a lovely town on the slopes of Monte Caputo overlooking Palermo. Walk with your guide to Monreale Cathedral, considered one of the finest Norman constructions in the world.
Day 7 : Cefalu'
Location: Palermo, Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Piazza della Borsa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, with your tour leader, reach Cefalù by train in half an hour. Cefalù is a beautiful medieval fishers’ village, at the slopes of a promontory, hosts as well as Unesco World Heritage site, the Arabic-Norman Cathedral, that looks like a fortress. You will have the whole day at your disposal to relax on the beach, do shopping or hike up La Rocca! Back to Palermo by regional train, enjoy your last night in Sicily!
Day 8 : Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Piazza della Borsa
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our trip to the discovery of the Italian beauties comes to an end, hoping you always keep this unique experience in your heart. Feel free to book some extra nights in Sicily or a private transfer to Palermo’s airport.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
Professional English and French-speaking guide for the entire duration of the tour.
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Transport
Train transfers in First class Luxury air-conditioned coach on route not covered by railway
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Meals
7 breakfasts 1 dinner 2 lunches
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WORRY FREE LUGGAGE
Thanks to our included porterage service at railway stations and/or our “luggage bus” that delivers luggage from hotel to hotel, we make train travel stress-free.
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CARBON OFFSET
We'll offset all the carbon emissions of your trip! We supports international environmental projects oriented to carbon offset (according to Gold Standard, Verra standard or CDM standard) and plants native tree species across Italy.
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INCLUDED GROUP ACTIVITIES
INCLUDED GROUP ACTIVITIES •TAORMINA / LETOJANNI: guided walking tour of Taormina & Mount Etna full day discovery by train •SIRACUSA: guided walking tour of Siracusa and Ortigia •RAGUSA: full day guided tour discovery of Sicilian Baroque: Noto and Modica •AGRIGENTO: guided tour of Temple’ Valley •PALERMO: guided walking tour of Palermo and Monreale & full day discovery tour of Cefalù by train.
What's Not Included
Tips, Extras, Hotel city taxes ( to be paid on spot), whatever not listed in “Price Includes”
Optional Extras
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EXPLORER PACKAGE
2 stunnig experience to discover even more deeply the beauty of Italy: - Etna Superior Craters Trek - Boat tour of Siracusa
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FOODIE PACKAGE
2 stunnig experience to discover even more deeply the beauty of Italy & the best of Italian cousins in every city: - Etna Superior Craters Trek - Boat tour of Siracusa - Ragusa Typical dinner - Palermo Sicilian delights dinner
Mode of Transport
Train and coach
Accommodation
Letojanni /Taormina: Hotel Albatross
Ragusa: Hotel Mediterraneo Palace
Palermo: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Our solo travelers will have their private rooms. This allows you to participate in our tours with the comfort and privacy of your own room.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive a summary of itinerary with all the inclusions confirmed, with all the addresses and contacts needed.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, the hotels apply safety regulations. We select the best locations, all conforming to high international standards.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We donate to FAI (Fondo Ambientale Italiano), whose purpose is to protect elements of Italy’s physical heritage that might otherwise be lost. Especially, we have “adopted” the Abbey of San Fruttuoso near Portofino to protect its beauty and uniqueness for future generations.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
In 2021 we received the GSTC and TRAVELIFE certifications, formalizing our efforts and actions. We are working to become a B Corp: our goal is to get the certification within the first half of 2023.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our Independent Tours are private and self-guided, ready to be enjoyed at your pace. Our Small Group Tours have scheduled departure, with a group of 26 or fewer, fully guided by a Tour Leader. Here you will pass your days with fellow travelers from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Our company has been operating in Italy since 2015.
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Is this tour Carbon Neutral?
The tour's emissions are all offset thanks to our partnership.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see cancellation policies.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is not possible to join a tour once it has departed. It is possible to customize the tour by adding pre or post-nights, to best align your arrival and departure from Italy with the tour you would like to enjoy.
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Meet & Greet Italy requires a minimum deposit of 10% 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 meet & greet italy charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.