The Sicilian

10 days from Palermo to Taormina Riviera


Vacation Overview

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, Marsala wine, and a tasting at Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, only sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily.

Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles

VIP Access
Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.

Perfect Hotels
We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.

Tour Directors
Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.

Transportation
Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Learn how Globus is reducing transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Itinerary

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY

Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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DinnerDinner

Day 2 PALERMO

Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. Scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Enjoy lunch with Sicilian specialties panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini (stuffed rice balls), and cannoli (fried pastry rolls with sweet ricotta cheese).

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Sicily’s love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavours and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures with traditional specialties and sweet confections savouring some of the world-renowned delicacies.


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Breakfast Breakfast
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Day 3 PALERMO–ERICE–MARSALA–MAZARA DEL VALLO

Sweet & Salty Sicily ERICE Visit the hilltop town and sample almond biscuits and Marsala wine at the well-known Pasticceria Maria Grammatico.
MARSALA Visit a salt mill en route to Mazara del Vallo.
99 mi / 160 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.


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Day 4 MAZARA DEL VALLO–SCIACCA–AGRIGENTO

Timeless Temples MAZARA DEL VALLO Guided sightseeing includes the cathedral and a walk in the Old Town.
SCIACCA Photo stop at the panoramic viewpoint.
AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour at the Valley of Temples.
93 mi / 150 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.


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Day 5 AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–CALTAGIRONE–RAGUSA

Ancient Artistry in Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
CALTAGIRONE Orientation and free time to see the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte en route to Ragusa.
130 mi / 210 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.


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Day 6 RAGUSA. EXCURSION TO MODICA

Historic Streets & Sweets RAGUSA Guided walking tour includes the city’s oldest district, the Ibla, the 19th-century gardens of Giardini Iblei, and St. George Cathedral. Visit an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop. Free time.
MODICA Enjoy an orientation walk with a chocolate tasting at the famous Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory. Dinner at a local restaurant.
20 mi / 32 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES For 150 years, the family tradition of chocolate making has been passed down through the generations of the Banajuto family in Modica. L’Antica Dolceria Bonajuto delights chocolate lovers with its traditional recipes and confections as it has done for more than a century.


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Day 7 RAGUSA–NOTO–SYRACUSE

World Stages NOTO Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire San Nicolò Cathedral.
SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre.
56 mi / 90 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

Coastal Treasures CATANIA Take an orientation walk with free time to browse in Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea. Take a scenic drive en route to Taormina Riviera with free time this afternoon and evening.
75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 TAORMINA RIVIERA EXCURSION TO SAVOCA

Frozen in Time SAVOCA Orientation walk followed by a Granita (semi-frozen drink), and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli.
TAORMINA RIVIERA Orientation walk and free time for lunch. Visit the Greek Theatre, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
43 mi / 70 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily’s take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.


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Day 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Vacation Highlights

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.

Hotels

Palermo

Mercure Palermo Centro

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby.

Mazara Del Vallo

Mahara Hotel & Wellness

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Ideally located on Sicily's southwest coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Mahara Hotel & Wellness is just a short walk away from the center of Mazara del Vallo. This relaxed 81-room property offers free Wi-Fi, a wellness center complete with Turkish bath, chromotherapy shower, and hot tub, as well as a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and sun loungers. The elegant guestrooms are spacious, air conditioned, and equipped with satellite TV and minibar with either a balcony or a terrace. The in-house restaurant is recommended by Italy's most prestigious food guides and serves traditional Sicilian dishes for lunch and dinner. Drinks and snacks are available in the lounge bar.

Agrigento

Della Valle

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Set amid a beautiful garden with olive and palm trees, Hotel Della Valle features a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day, an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants one located in the park and one overlooking the swimming pool - where to enjoy international cuisine, and traditional Sicilian dishes. All 112 guest rooms are modern and decorated in Sicilian style, offering air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The famous Temples Valley is within easy reach.

Ragusa

Poggio Del Sole Resort

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Poggio del Sole Resort is beautifully situated in the hyblean landscape. Those buldings which were once parts of an elegant "masseria" now frame a tastefully and uniquely designed hotel with restaurants, bars and Spa. The hotel, in spite of its rustic location and origins, comes with all modern comfort and is elegantly embellished by a sober mix of contemporary and traditional sicilian furniture. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a lounge bar are also available.

Syracuse

Mercure Siracusa Prometeo

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

The modern, comfortable Mercure Siracusa Prometeo offers 93 rooms with all the comforts. The hotel has a bar/bistro, a fitness room and a wellness center. In Summer a roof panoramic outdoor swimming-pool with a solarium area on the 6th floor will be available. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property.

Taormina Riviera

Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch.

No Excursions are available at this time.

Dates and Prices

Find the vacation dates that work for you, click "Reserve Now" for a vacation quote. You'll be able to select the number of people traveling, add Travel Protection, and also get an air-inclusive vacation price. You'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free air-inclusive vacations where you receive free airport transfers and flights coordinated with vacation dates.

The price listed does not include your airfare, taxes or fees. Once you click "Reserve Now", you will be able to receive an air quote and a final vacation quote.

Reservation Process

Departure
Details
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
 Status
4/20/2024 4/29/2024
$2,879
Not Available
4/27/2024 5/6/2024
$2,899
Please Call
5/4/2024 5/13/2024
$2,959
Please Call
5/11/2024 5/20/2024
$2,899
Not Available
5/18/2024 5/27/2024
$2,899
Not Available
5/25/2024 6/3/2024
$2,899
Not Available
Popular Departure
6/1/2024 6/10/2024
$2,899
Book Now!
6/8/2024 6/17/2024
$3,399
Not Available
Popular Departure
6/15/2024 6/24/2024
$2,899
Book Now!
Popular Departure
6/22/2024 7/1/2024
$3,369
Book Now!
Popular Departure
8/24/2024 9/2/2024
$2,899
Book Now!
Popular Departure
8/31/2024 9/9/2024
$2,899
Book Now!
9/7/2024 9/16/2024
$3,399
Not Available
9/14/2024 9/23/2024
$2,899
Not Available
9/21/2024 9/30/2024
$2,899
Not Available
9/28/2024 10/7/2024
$2,879
Not Available
10/5/2024 10/14/2024
$2,879
Not Available
10/12/2024 10/21/2024
$3,359
Not Available
10/12/2024 10/21/2024
$3,359
Not Available
10/19/2024 10/28/2024
$2,699
Not Available
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.




Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions

Important Notes

  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Globus Group Leader in Cuba, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air
For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable per person service fee ($30 for North/Central America, $50 for Europe/Middle East and $80 for all other destinations. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.