Colors of Sicily
Colors of Sicily
$2525
Colors of Sicily
9 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, Modica, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Sicily
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ISICZN120
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily with the "Colors of Sicily" tour, where you'll explore the island's rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Palermo, delving into its diverse architectural heritage, and continue to Monreale to marvel at its 12th-century cathedral. Discover the ancient salt pans of Marsala, the Greek temples of Agrigento, and the baroque beauty of Modica. Experience the historic charm of Syracuse and the dramatic vistas of Taormina, with its ancient Greek amphitheater overlooking Mount Etna. Enjoy local specialties, including Modica chocolate and Sicilian cuisine, while staying in handpicked hotels and traveling in luxury. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and free time, ensuring an unforgettable Sicilian adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Dinner
Start your Sicilian journey in Palermo, whose rich trading history has left its unforgettable mark on the city’s Italian, Arab and Norman-styled piazzas, street markets and churches. Enjoy some free time to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure.
Day 2: Explore The Capital Of Sicily
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo where a Local Specialist will guide you through one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture, the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience to the beautiful fishing village of Sferracavallo, at the foot of Mount Capo Gallo? Here, you’ll feast on Palermitano specialties, perfectly paired with delicious Sicilian wine.
Day 3: Journey To Ancient Marsala Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Location: Marsala
Accommodation Name: Seawater
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Leaving Palermo behind, we head to Erice to explore the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches' and enjoy free time for lunch. Next, stop at the Infersa Mill salt pans and learn about the ancient 'culture of salt', an industry which has shaped this region for centuries. Later, we arrive in Marsala, home to the wine which shares its name. During your evening at leisure explore picture-perfect Marsala or opt to join the Optional Experience at a Marsala winery followed by a dinner of regional dishes.
Day 4: Onwards To Agrigento And Ragusa
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Poggio del Sole
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s first stop is Agrigento where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. You’ll explore one of the world’s most treasured centers of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There’s time for lunch before you head to Ragusa, a city with two very different souls – the lower and older Ragusa Ibla and higher Ragusa Superiore are separated dramatically by a deep ravine, the Valle dei Ponti.
Day 5: Explore Beautiful Baroque Modica Dive Into Culture
Location: Modica
Accommodation Name: Poggio del Sole
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Modica. Your Travel Director will show you the sights on an orientation of this Baroque beauty before learning about the secrets of Modican chocolate. Later, return to Ragusa to discover the rebuilding of the city following a 17th-century earthquake which destroyed most of it. Your Local Specialist will reveal how this devastating seismic event led to the development of an entirely new city on a nearby ridge, while some of its brave residents remained to rebuild what was lost. You’ll hear how it was only in the early 20th century that the two were eventually fused together. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, or perhaps consider joining an optional experience to a unique local farm restaurant.
Day 6: Off To Historic Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Aretusa Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Once a major Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, the historic city of Syracuse takes center stage this morning as you join your Local Specialist for in-depth insights into its colorful past. You'll see some of its treasures at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of the city connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Your afternoon is open to spend as you wish. This evening you’ll join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Venture Past Mount Etna To Taormina
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue up the coast to Catania, the city that lies in Mount Etna’s shadow. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own and perhaps sample arancini, a favorite Catania snack. Later join a Local Specialist to delve into the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A particular highlight of this afternoon will be a visit to the beautifully preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina. Imagine masked actors performing against the backdrop of glorious sea views more than 2,500 years ago. You’ll have an evening on your own to spend as you wish or consider joining an optional experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties.
Day 8: Taormina Free Day Connect With Locals
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Taormina is yours for the taking today. During your free time, you could choose to explore the elegant boutiques along Corso Umberto. Work up an appetite and stop for some of the city's signature cannoli or cool down with a famous Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a piping-hot brioche. Movie buffs will delight in an Optional Experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village of 'The Godfather'. Later this evening, learn the art of Sicilian cuisine on a charming Be My Guest experience.
Day 9: Farewell Sicily
Location: Sicily
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through Sicily has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your return journey home.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available for you to explore.
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Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not provided and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included.
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Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver
Gratuities for the tour director and driver are not included and are at your discretion.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout Sicily.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Garibaldi in Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, Poggio del Sole in Ragusa, Aretusa Palace in Syracuse, and Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos in Taormina, all tried and trusted for their quality and comfort.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique cultural experiences can I expect on the Colors of Sicily tour?
On the Colors of Sicily tour, you will have several unique cultural experiences, including learning about the civil anti-mafia movement in Palermo, exploring the 'Culture of Salt' at the Salina della Laguna in Marsala, and discovering the secrets of Modican chocolate in Modica. Additionally, you will have a Be My Guest experience in Acireale where you will be treated to home-cooked cuisine and learn about local life on a farm.
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What kind of local specialties will I get to taste during the tour?
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste various local specialties such as Modica chocolate, Sicilian wine, and regional dishes in Marsala. You can also sample arancini in Catania and enjoy Sicilian granita and cannoli in Taormina.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional experiences available during the tour. For example, you can join an optional experience to the fishing village of Sferracavallo for a feast of Palermitano specialties, visit a Marsala winery followed by a dinner of regional dishes, and take an optional experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties in Taormina. Additionally, there is an optional experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village featured in 'The Godfather'.
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What kind of historical sites will I visit on this tour?
On this tour, you will visit several historical sites including the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse, and the ancient Greek Theater in Taormina. You will also explore the medieval town of Erice and the historic island of Ortigia in Syracuse.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. Specific accommodations mentioned include the Garibaldi in Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, Poggio del Sole in Ragusa, Aretusa Palace in Syracuse, and Caesar Palace Giardini Naxos in Taormina. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Will there be any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there will be free time during the tour to explore on your own. For example, you will have free time in Palermo, Erice, Marsala, and Catania. Additionally, there is a free day in Taormina where you can explore the city at your leisure.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys. This ensures comfortable and convenient travel between destinations.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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