01904 521 936
Tour Search



The Magic of Sicily

Save
8 days From £1,945 per person
4.1 stars(20 reviews)
Gallery
Map

Jaw-dropping natural wonders, ancient history, fantastic architecture, vibrant Mediterranean culture and delicious food and drink await on an astounding holiday to stunning Sicily.

Mobility Rating 3

2024 Tour code: PTJ24

About the tour

Uncover the charms of the fascinating island of Sicily from bases in cosmopolitan Palermo and the laid-back coastal resort of Giardini Naxos.

Discover the historic towns of Monreale and Syracuse filled with incredible architecture that showcases the lengthy history and many cultural influences of Sicily.

Explore the bewitching Valley of the Temples and Taormina's Greek theatre where ancient classical culture is brought to life.

Visit Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna, and enjoy a train ride past the lava fields of this spectacular natural wonder.

Sample local street food at a thriving market in Palermo, savour Sicilian wines, and indulge in a farm-to-fork lunch of regional produce at an 'agriturismo'.

Unforgettable experiences

View Mount Etna and ride on the Circumetnea Train
View Mount Etna and ride on the Circumetnea Train
Explore the craters and surreal landscape of the most active volcano in Europe, enjoy a train ride past the lava fields on the most scenic stretch of a charming narrow-gauge railway, and visit a local winery for lunch.
Enjoy a street-food experience at Palermo’s Capo Market
Enjoy a street-food experience at Palermo’s Capo Market
Savour the flavours of Sicily on a tour of Palermo’s vibrant Capo Market, indulging in a street-food tasting of the island’s excellent local flavours.
Explore the ancient Valley of the Temples
Explore the ancient Valley of the Temples
Travel back in time to the ancient city of Agrigento to discover the mesmerising Valley of the Temples, one of the best-preserved locations of ancient classical culture in Sicily.
Visit buzzing Palermo and majestic Monreale
Visit buzzing Palermo and majestic Monreale
Uncover the spectacular sights of Sicily’s capital on a tour of the golden mosaics of the jaw-dropping Palatine Chapel, before viewing Monreale’s UNESCO-listed cathedral.
Discover Sicily’s Greek history in Taormina and Ortigia
Discover Sicily’s Greek history in Taormina and Ortigia
Delve into the island’s storied past at Taormina’s amazing Greek theatre, dug out of a mountain in the 3rd century BC, and wander amongst the ancient streets of Ortigia – Syracuse’s island town founded in 733 BC.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Flight to Sicily

We meet our fellow travellers and Tour Manager at London Gatwick airport, ready for our flight to Sicily. On arrival in Catania, we transfer by coach to the island's capital, Palermo. The city is a treasure trove of rich history, art and culture, as well as fantastic food.

Our 4-Star hotel is perfectly located in the cultural heart of Palermo, close to numerous museums and theatres and the main shopping streets. With spacious and elegant rooms, and a wellness area, it is an ideal base for both exploration and relaxation. The hotel has a lounge bar and a restaurant - and it is here that we enjoy a three-course dinner tonight.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Discovering the sights and flavours of Palermo

On our first morning in Sicily, we explore Palermo's most renowned attraction - the Palatine Chapel. Located in the grand 9th-century Norman Palace, the sparkling chapel glistens with jaw-dropping golden mosaics and marble floors. The breathtaking interior shimmers with lustrous gems underneath the painted wooden ceiling. With a blend of Norman, Byzantine and Arab influences, the 12th-century building represents the fascinating history of Palermo.

Just before lunchtime we transfer to Capo Market to experience the sights and smells of a traditional Sicilian market. The fruit and veg stalls abound with vibrant greens, reds and purples, with displays of colourful spices and the sizzle of grills creating an incredible treat for the senses. Our guide is on hand as we enjoy excellent local flavours on a street-food tasting before we have time to explore independently.

After lunch, we travel by coach to Monreale to view its spectacular cathedral. As a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, the cathedral is recognised as one of the most important medieval churches in the world. The exterior of this 12th-century church is an elegant blend of Norman and Arabic architecture with decorative twin-column cloisters. The interior is a swirl of golden mosaics and motifs leading to the jaw-dropping beauty of a colossal representation of Christ at the centre of the apse, creating an other-worldly visual effect that seems to illuminate the church.

There is free time to explore the cathedral and its grounds. Monreale has a charming town centre, and the main piazza outside the cathedral is a great place to soak up the sun in a local bar with great views of the church in front of you.

We return to Palermo in the early evening and enjoy a three-course dinner at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Into the Valley of the Temples

Today, we travel to the south of Sicily for a full-day excursion to Agrigento to discover the mesmerising Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO-listed site is scattered by enchanting Greek temples and is one of the most important and best-preserved locations of ancient classical culture in Sicily. Amid groves of almond trees dappled across the rolling valley, there are the remains of exquisite temples to the likes of Zeus, Juno and Hercules. With the oldest dating from around 460BC, the Valley of the Temples demonstrates the importance of this Mediterranean island throughout the ages. Amongst the Doric columns, wild cacti and succulents dot the arid landscape, lending an alien atmosphere to this truly fascinating complex.

Later, we head to a nearby 'agriturismo' for drinks and a four-course lunch. These establishments are popular in Italy and are the best way to experience rural life, providing fresh farm-to-fork food and traditional Sicilian flavours in idyllic surroundings.

We return to Palermo in the late afternoon and, this evening, you're free to explore Palermo at your own pace where there is no shortage of inspiring trattorias and other tempting places to eat.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Train to Taormina and the Greek theatre

This morning, we leave Palermo and travel by train along the north coast of the island to Messina with the azure Tyrrhenian Sea never far from view. From Messina, we transfer by coach to the historic town of Taormina.

We have a two-hour guided tour of this delightful town, including the amazing Greek theatre that is believed to date from around the third century BC. Dug out of Mount Taurus, this vast venue could seat upwards of 5,000 spectators who would gather to watch Greek tragedies or comedies and, during the later Roman period, gladiators. While the amphitheatre is impressive in its own right, it also offers beautiful views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the active volcano that dominates the east coast of Sicily.

Our tour concludes at a local cake shop or 'pasticceria', where we are treated to a sweet taste of Sicily - a cannolo. Meaning 'little tube', these delicious crisp pastries are filled with creamy ricotta and are the island's most famous dessert.

We arrive at our new hotel, in neighbouring Giardini Naxos, in the early evening, where our luggage will be waiting for us. With great views over the sea, our elegant beachfront hotel has a private beach, a pool and a wellness centre. In the evening, we gather in the restaurant for a three-course dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Exploring Mount Etna: Europe’s most active volcano

A highlight of our trip to Sicily awaits today as we visit the island's most iconic sight. An active volcano with a height of more than 10,000 feet and a circumference of around 93 miles, Mount Etna has captivated visitors for centuries.

We travel to Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point of vehicular access on Mount Etna, where there is free time to view the Silvestri craters and the elemental volcanic scenery. With basalt rocks formed from drying lava flows strewn across the ashen surface, this almost lunar-like landscape is mind-blowing. This afternoon we get a different view of Mount Etna as we continue to Adrano by coach to join the Circumetnea Railway on part of the route, to Randazzo. This is the most scenic stretch of the charming narrow-gauge railway that travels round the base of Mount Etna. On the journey, we get to view the surrounding lava fields from new perspectives, often encroaching on towns.

The unique soils here mean the slopes are an excellent place to grow grapes for wine, which we soon discover on a visit to a winery this afternoon. After a tour of the winery, we enjoy a lunch of Sicilian produce and a tasting of the different wines in beautiful surroundings.

We return to our hotel and have a free evening to spend as we please.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Day at leisure in Giardini Naxos

Today is free to explore the local area as you wish. You might be tempted to simply relax and make the most of the facilities at our hotel, perhaps spending some time on the private beach or lounging by the pool.

Another option is to take a boat tour from Giardini Naxos harbour to the picturesque marine park of Isola Bella. This tiny outcrop is connected to the mainland by a thin ribbon of sand rising above the turquoise Ionian Sea.

History buffs may like to visit the archaeological park near the hotel, where you can walk among the ruins of ancient Naxos. It is believed that Naxos is the oldest Greek settlement in Sicily, being founded by settlers in the 7th century BC. There is also a museum with interesting artefacts recovered from the settlement.

In Giardini Naxos, you'll find a good choice of restaurants in the area surrounding Piazza Municipio and local specialities include seafood such as swordfish, and the baked pasta dish 'ncasciata.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Syracuse and Ortigia Island

After breakfast this morning, we travel south by coach to Syracuse. The heart of this historic city is Ortigia, a beautiful island inhabited for nearly 3000 years and renowned for its Greek heritage. It is believed Syracuse was founded on Ortigia by Greeks in around 733 BC and rivalled Athens in size by the 5th century BC. The birthplace of Archimedes, Ortigia is a UNESCO-listed landmark due to its importance to Mediterranean cultures over the centuries.

On a guided tour, we visit some of Ortigia's best sights, such as the stunning cathedral - a Baroque church built on the site of the Greek Temple of Athena, part of which still remains inside. The cathedral stands resplendent on the majestic Piazza Duomo, regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

The attractive Arethusa Spring is shrouded in myth and legend. This ancient freshwater pond near the sea is bedecked with papyrus plants and is believed to be the place where nymph Arethusa came back to the surface after escaping Arcadia. Palazzos and fountains punctuate Ortigia and, with a free afternoon to explore independently, you might want to wander the sun-soaked streets to uncover the ancient charm of old Syracuse. Perhaps you would like to treat yourself to lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the peaceful bay.

We return to Giardini Naxos this evening for a three-course dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Homeward bound

We bid farewell to Giardini Naxos this morning as we transfer by coach to Catania airport for our flight back to London Gatwick.

Departing this astounding island, we look back on the many highlights of our holiday to Sicily. While the might of nature looms large, a lengthy and vibrant human history has left a significant impression on Sicily's spectacular architecture and delicious cuisine.

On arrival in London, we say goodbye to our fellow travellers who have shared our unforgettable experiences of magical Sicily.

Includes
  • Scheduled flights
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour features the same excursions, they may not necessarily be in the order listed above.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Hellenia Yachting Hotel, Giardini Naxos

View hotel

Grand Hotel Federico II

Grand Hotel Federico II, Palermo

View hotel

Train

The Circumetnea Train

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections
Door to door luggage service

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 20 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (7)
  2. 4 stars
    (8)
  3. 3 stars
    (5)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Paul Fitzpatrick

5 stars

Submitted 28 Sep 2023

We had a wonderful time. The itinerary was extremely interesting with plenty of sightseeing and historic sites to visit. We highly recommend this tour

Collected by Trustpilot

Ann Gilbody

5 stars

Submitted 24 Sep 2023

The holiday in Sicily was great. The first Hotel Acacia was the best and the food there was a fabulous buffet. The outings were excellent. Our guide Brenda was friendly and cheerful and looked after everyone. We had a lovely sail on a boat on our free day. The weather was sunny and hot. Our only negative was we had to fly from Glasgow to Gatwick the day before and our flight was cancelled by easyJet. Airport staff got us a flight to Luton which cost us £160 in taxi fares to Gatwick arriving just before midnight.

Collected by Trustpilot

Marion Edwards

3 stars

Submitted 04 Jul 2023

Sicily was lovely but we expected better food. Not particularly recommended if you have a food intolerance or allergy. But we are now making caponata at home now. Delicious.

Collected by Trustpilot

M Read

4 stars

Submitted 04 Jul 2023

It did what it said on the can!

Collected by Trustpilot

Yvonne

3 stars

Submitted 30 Jun 2023

Very disappointed as the rail journey was cancelled.

Collected by Trustpilot

S J

4 stars

Submitted 29 Jun 2023

There were trips every day with early starts

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews