Treasures of Sicily
8 Days Starting and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Catania, Siracusa, Palermo, Agrigento, Mount Etna, Metropolitan city of Catania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1683
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
7-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the "Treasures of Sicily" on this immersive cultural tour through Italy's enchanting island. Begin your journey in Catania, exploring the historical center of Ortigia and the archaeological wonders of Syracuse. Wander through the Baroque beauty of Noto and the lush Botanical Park of Radicepura in Giarre. Experience the vibrant history of Palermo and Monreale, and savor the flavors of Sicily with tastings of almond sweets, honey, and local wines. Ascend the majestic Mount Etna and explore the ancient theater of Taormina. Enjoy 4-star accommodations, full board meals, and guided tours with a multilingual guide, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Catania Arrival
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Catania and hotel check-in (available from 4:00 pm). Before dinner, we will gather for an introduction with our tour guide, who will present an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the Catania, Giardini Naxos, or surrounding area.
Day 2 : Siracusa And Noto
Location: Siracusa
Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Our morning exploration will take us to the historical center of Ortigia, where we'll marvel at the Temple of Minerva and the enchanting Fountain of Arethusa. The adventure continues with a visit to the archaeological area, featuring the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, the Latomie, and the Ear of Dionysus. Enjoy a delightful lunch during the excursion. In the afternoon, we'll take a stroll through Noto, a true gem of Sicilian Baroque. Return to your hotel in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area, and savor a delicious dinner.
Day 3 : Giarre, Catania And Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Politeama, Palermo, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Following this, embark on a journey to Giarre to explore the Botanical Park of Radicepura, a sprawling 5-hectare expanse housing more than 3,000 plant species. After the botanical adventure, make your way to Catania and take a stroll through its historic center. Indulge in a delightful snack along the charming streets of Catania, which may include a seasonal treat such as an 'arancina' (a fried rice ball typical of the region), ice cream, slush, and more. Depending on the season, savor the flavors of the local cuisine. Conclude the day by heading to the western area, where you'll check in to a hotel in the Palermo region. Enjoy a delicious dinner to cap off the day.
Day 4 : Palermo And Monreale
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Politeama, Palermo, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to Monreale, where you will explore the Cathedral and the Benedictine Cloister. Afterward, return to Palermo for a captivating walking tour of the historic center. The tour includes the Cathedral of Palermo, the 'Four Canti,' Piazza Pretoria with the famous 'Fountain of Shame,' and the vibrant baroque beauty of the Church of Santa Caterina. Explore the cloister of the church, and you'll find your way to an adjacent pastry shop renowned for delicacies crafted with ancient recipes from the nuns. Enjoy lunch during this excursion, and the afternoon is free for you to explore the city center at your leisure. As the day concludes, return to your hotel and relish a delicious dinner.
Day 5 : Erice, Marsala, Selinunte And Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kore, Agrigento, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Head to Erice and explore the charming town. As you wander through its streets, enjoy a tasting of typical almond sweets. Note that if road closures prevent reaching Erice, a visit to Trapani will be substituted. Continue your journey to Marsala, where you'll visit a winery and partake in a small tasting. Indulge in lunch during the excursion, and in the afternoon, explore the eastern hill of Selinunte. Afterward, proceed to Agrigento, where you'll check in to your hotel in the Agrigento area. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner.
Day 6 : Agrigento And Piazza Armerina
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a visit to the impressive Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Explore the ancient archaeological site, home to well-preserved Greek temples. Afterward, continue your journey to Piazza Armerina, where you'll indulge in a thematic 'Ancient Rome' lunch during the excursion. Following this, visit the renowned Roman Villa known as 'Del Casale,' celebrated for its intricate mosaics depicting scenes from ancient life. Late on, travel to the eastern part of the island and check in to your accommodation in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area. Enjoy a satisfying dinner at the hotel to cap off your day.
Day 7 : Mount Etna And Taormina
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Commence your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Embark on an exciting excursion to Mount Etna, where you'll ascend by coach up to 1,900 meters. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there is the option (with a direct payment supplement) to ascend further using an all-terrain bus and an authorized guide to explore the main craters. Enjoy a small tasting of local honey during the excursion. Please note that, in the case of adverse weather conditions, the ascent may be limited to 700 meters, and the tour will stop at Zafferana Etnea, where you can observe the remains of the eruption of 1992. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting town of Taormina and visit its Ancient Theater. Enjoy some free time to explore the area at your own pace. Later in the day, return to your hotel in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area, and savor a delicious dinner.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Metropolitan city of Catania
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a morning breakfast at the hotel before checking out. For added convenience, consider the optional private transfer to the airport or train station. Arrivederci!
What's Included
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4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or surroundings
Accommodation for 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area.
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1 night in the Agrigento area
Accommodation for 1 night in the Agrigento area.
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2 nights in Palermo
Accommodation for 2 nights in Palermo.
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Accommodation in 4-star hotels
Stay in 4-star hotels throughout the tour.
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Guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide
Enjoy a guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide.
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Full board meal basis
All meals from dinner on the 1st day to breakfast on the 8th day are included.
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4-course regional set menu with beverages
Enjoy a delightful 4-course regional set menu, accompanied by beverages during meals, and savor a cup of coffee during lunch.
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Welcome cocktail
Kick off the tour with a welcome cocktail.
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Complimentary use of audio-receiving devices
Complimentary use of audio-receiving devices throughout the entire duration of the tour.
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Small seasonal snack in Catania
Enjoy a small seasonal snack in Catania.
What's Not Included
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International or domestic airfare
International or domestic airfare is not included.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
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Gratuities to guides and drivers
Gratuities to guides and drivers are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Porterage service
Porterage service is not included.
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Additional meals
Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Entrance fees to monuments or museums
Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.
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Local city tax for overnight stays
Local city tax for overnight stays is not included.
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Visas
Visas required for entry into the country as necessary are not included.
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Personal expenses
Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably on a guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide, including two nightly departures via bus for convenient transportation to and from the hotel.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4-star accommodations throughout your journey, with 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or surroundings, 1 night in the Agrigento area, and 2 nights in Palermo.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time to explore the city center of Palermo at your leisure on Day 4 and some free time to explore Taormina on Day 7.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, entrance fees are included for several attractions such as Selinunte, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Roman Villa of Casale, Greek Theater of Taormina, Archaeological Park of Neapolis, Cathedral of Ortigia, Radicepura Botanical Park, Cathedral of Monreale, Cloister of Monreale, and Church of Santa Caterina.
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What kind of guided tours are included?
The tour includes guided tours in various locations such as Selinunte, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, and Monreale.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided via a guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide. Additionally, there are two nightly departures via bus for convenient transportation to and from the hotel.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
No, airport transfers are not included in the tour package. However, an optional private transfer to the airport or train station can be arranged on the departure day.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 4-star accommodations throughout the journey, with 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area, 1 night in the Agrigento area, and 2 nights in Palermo.
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Are there any tasting experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a winery visit with a tasting experience in Marsala, a tasting of typical almond sweets in Erice, and a small tasting of local honey during the Mount Etna excursion.
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Is there an option for a more adventurous ascent on Mount Etna?
Yes, there is an option for a more adventurous ascent on Mount Etna using an all-terrain bus and an authorized guide to explore the main craters. This option requires a direct payment supplement.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour operates on a full board meal basis, covering all meals from dinner on the 1st day to breakfast on the 8th day. This includes a 4-course regional set menu with beverages and a cup of coffee during lunch.
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What happens if the weather conditions are adverse during the Mount Etna excursion?
In case of adverse weather conditions, the ascent may be limited to 700 meters, and the tour will stop at Zafferana Etnea, where you can observe the remains of the eruption of 1992.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Free Date Changes
Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person 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 omega tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.