From CAD 8,125
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of an island in the heart of the Mediterranean. Join an expert local leader on a fully immersive 10-day Premium journey – with a sprinkling of Arab, Norman, Greek and Roman influence, this region is a hive of history and culture. See intricate mosaics, towering palaces, crumbling ruins and marble-lined laneways. Head out of the main hubs to discover Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. Taste Genovesi, arancini, local dishes like caponata and cannoli, and take a traditional cooking class to get the most out of Sicily’s celebrated cuisine. With Exclusive Experiences and a gorgeous Feature Stay in the countryside, what are you waiting for?
Highlights
- Discover Palermo’s most symbolic places of rebellion and meet the local people who are taking a stance against the Mafia on an Anti-Mafia Movement tour.
- Get a taste for Sicily’s finest cuisines with a traditional cooking class in Palermo, a Genovesi tasting in Erice and mouth-watering cheese and chocolate tastings (yes, please) on your way to Siracusa.
- Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, as you walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave.
- Spend two unforgettable nights in the Sicilian countryside at your Feature Stay accommodation – Baglio della Luna Foresteria, a countryside estate built within a medieval watch tower.
- Be swept away by Sicilian charm as you explore the backstreets and cobblestone alleys in the timeless old town of Erice, Taormina and Ragusa.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3211
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMPL
Starts: Palermo, Italy
Finishes: Catania, Italy
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (1), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (7 nights). Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 8125 (CAD 812 /day)
Itinerary
Bongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Palermo - Welcome Meeting
- Palermo - Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways, buzzing colourful market squares and winding roads. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create delicious Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of these dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner. You will also have the chance to taste some local wines, should you wish.
Included Activities:
- Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
- Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll head to a special Genovesi (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream) tasting. After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble paved streets as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
- Erice - Town Visit
- Erice - Genovesi Tasting
- Erice - Cable Car
This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
- Scala dei Turchi - Visit
This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit and watch the world go by.
Included Activities:
- Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel and its limestone structures sparkle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
- Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
- Noto - Guided Walk
- Ragusa - Visit
This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You might like to uncover the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk
Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to Catania. The city has a unique energy – an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty bar culture that fuels the nightlife scene, and on the other hand, there’s the Late Baroque towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of the city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.
Included Activities:
- Catania - Mount Etna Visit
After breakfast today, take a day trip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for your final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.
Included Activities:
- Taormina - Guided Walk
- Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
- Catania - Farewell Dinner
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Catania, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
John - Traveled, September 2023
This tour covered diverse aspect of Sicily, many beyond our expectations. The tour group dynamic added real pleasure and were well handled by the tour leader
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Carol - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid is a thoroughly well organised professional adventure organiser. Leaders are passionate about their subject and are very caring about their group, enhancing the enjoyment if their travels. Competently managed and excellent drivers. Felt safe throughout. Thank you Intrepid and Jacob
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Kerry - Traveled, September 2023
This small group Intrepid tour was the best way to see Sicily for the first time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Vincenzo - Traveled, October 2023
A highly engaging and enjoyable tour, which provided a comprehensive introduction to Sicily's geography, history and culture. Our outstanding tour manager, Gabriella, along with a range of expert local tour guides provided our group with many fascinating insights about a region which is a cultural melting pot. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Margot - Traveled, October 2023
A wonderfully stimulating, fun journey into Sicily's past and present, travelling in comfort at a pace to enjoy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Avram - Traveled, October 2023
The Premium tour of Sicily was exceptional. Our tour leader, Gabriella was extremely knowledgeable of the culture, history, food and people of Sicily. She was a true delight. She made the tour truly memorable. The accommodations, excursions, transportation and guides were fantastic. If you had one small group tour to recommend to see Sicily, it would be this one,
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Derrick - Traveled, October 2023
This is my seventh Intrepid tour, and it was excellent (the other best two were Turkey and Cuba): it was very well-designed and executed. Gabriella the Tour Leader is top-notch: professional, but more than that, she is highly personable and authentic. Great job, Gabriella!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2023
Sally - Traveled, October 2023
The Premium Sicily Tour was a truly great experience. If you want that little bit extra comfort and your time slightly more organised this is that tour. Guides were all very knowledgable and the extra activities fun and interesting. There is a bit of walking, wandering around each city or town for a few hours and with the guided tours which will use up the extra energy gained from delicious food experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Rangitamoe - Traveled, October 2023
The benefits of traveling with Intrepid are small group size, ability to share a room as a sole traveler and the fact that everything is organized, along with gaps to allow for time to do your own thing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Vickie - Traveled, September 2023
The Premium Sicily Tour was excellent! My companion is a third generation Sicilian-American and had never been to Europe. It was heartwarming to see his dream realized, to finally see the country his Grandparents came from, and we were not disappointed. We enjoyed the hotels, the restaurants, getting to know the other people in our group and our tour leader, Jocopo was excellent and we loved him. The tour guides at the various destinations and coach driver were also excellent. We definitely got our moneys worth. It was a stress free and enjoyable trip, which I would highly recommend to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
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