Treasures of Sicily

Treasures of Sicily

2,562 Views
9 Days From

$2848

$2363

Treasures of Sicily

9 Days Starting in Acireale and ending in Taormina

Visiting: Viagrande, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Province of Agrigento, Selinunte, Erice, Nature Reserve Zingaro, Palermo, Cattedrale di Monreale, Cefalù, Taormina

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

ADZ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 18

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$2848
$2363 (USD) Operator discount: -$418 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$67 -17%
See local operators tour description
- Sign In

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Sicily is one of the most fascinating islands in Europe, thanks to the indelible marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish civilisations. This comprehensive tour explores its sophisticated cities, picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites, and splendid scenery. It starts with an excursion on Mt Etna, continuing to the towns of Syracuse, Agrigento, and Selinunte - all listed as UNESCO heritage sites. There is also a day in Zingaro National Reserve with magnificent views of the Mediterranean.

Highlights

  • Cover the island's highlights and best heritage sites in nine days

  • Visit archaeological sites in Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte 

  • Explore Baroque heritage in Noto and Ragusa Ibla

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start In Acireale

Location: Viagrande

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)

Meals Included: No Meals

Our tour starts in Acireale, a charming historic town at the foot of Etna

and overlooking the sea. The town is considered the birthplace of Sicilian

baroque and boasts a magnificent Piazza del Duomo. Churches worth visiting

include San Sebastiano, patron saint of the town, with its ten statues of old

testament figures and the frescoes of the painter Paolo Vasta.



Day 2 : Excursion On Mt Etna, Europe's Highest Active Volcano; Afternoon Wine Tasting.

Location: Mount Etna, Viagrande

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mt Etna, Europe's

highest active volcano. We hike up past several old lava flows to be rewarded

with a dramatic panoramic view of the volcanic landscape and old craters (1

to 2 hours walking, 5 km). You are strongly advised to take a

waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. In the

afternoon we enjoy a delicious wine & cheese tasting in one of the famous

wine cellars of the area. Transfer back to Acireale.



Day 3 : Drive To Syracuse To Visit Its Archaeological Site; On To The Unesco Baroque Town Of Noto.

Location: Syracuse, Noto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Flora (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to Syracuse (approx. 1h 20 mins drive), the most

powerful city-state in the Greek world and briefly capital of the Byzantine

Empire. Here we visit the superb Neapolis Archaelological Park with its

spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied

by a local guide. In the afternoon we drive to our next destination, the

UNESCO World Heritage site of Noto (approx. 45 mins). This is an absolute

gem: a beautiful town built in the unique Sicilian baroque style using

beautiful honey-coloured stone.

**



Day 4 : Morning Visit The Hilltop Town Of Ragusa Ibla; Transfer To Agrigento's Valley Of The Temples.

Location: Ragusa Ibla, Province of Agrigento

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Della Valle (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approx. 1hr 30

mins), a fascinating maze of winding streets dotted with remarkable baroque

churches, and continue on to Agrigento (2hrs 30 mins). Here we enjoy a guided

visit of its magnificent Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno, the

Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved Doric temples in all the

Greek world, the Temple of Ercules and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. We

then overnight in Agrigento.



Day 5 : Visit Ruins Of Selinunte, Overlooking The Mediterranean; Drive To The Hilltop Village Of Erice.

Location: Selinunte, Erice

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Baglio Fontana or B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our day starts with a transfer to Selinunte (1hr 30 mins) to explore one of

the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high

overlooking the sea. We then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (1hr

30 mins) , and stop en route for a view of the famous salt flats of Mozia,

dotted with characteristic wind mills (time permitting). Once in Erice, we

have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best

almond cakes (cassata) on the island. Overnight near San Vito Lo Capo.



Day 6 : Walk In The Stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve; Afternoon Transfer To Palermo.

Location: Nature Reserve Zingaro, Palermo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take a break from the cultural highlights of the island and

head to the coast to explore one of the best examples of idyllic

Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 7km between

the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west,

the Zingaro Nature Reserve boasts some stunning walking trails with views out

to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves and pristine beaches. We

take a leisurely walk for up to 3 hours (including stops) along beautiful

coastal trails with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the

bus. In the afternoon we make our way to Palermo (approx. 2hrs) where we can

enjoy some time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively

streets filled with restaurants and bars. We then overnight in Palermo.



Day 7 : Morning Visit To Monreale Cathedral; Guided Tour Of Palermo And Free Time.

Location: Cattedrale di Monreale, Palermo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a short transfer to Monreale (approx. 1 hr), we visit its extraordinary

cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the

world. We then head to Palermo (approx. 1 hr) and our local guide will show

us the most important sites of this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti,

Pretoria Square, the Cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon we have

some free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace. We

overnight in Palermo.



Day 8 : Drive To The Fishing Village Of Cefalu To Visit Its Norman Cathedral; On To Charming Taormina; Free Time To Explore.

Location: Cefalù, Taormina

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Villa Esperia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approx. 1 hr 15

mins), where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine

mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding mediaeval streets.

Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming

town of Taormina (approx. 2hrs 40 mins drive). We have time to visit its

Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mt Etna and the sea. We

overnight in Taormina.



Day 9 : End In Taormina.

Location: Taormina

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour ends in Taormina in the morning of day 9. 



What's Included

  • Special guided tours in main UNESCO sites and cities

  • All breakfasts and 1 wine tasting

  • All accommodation

  • London flights (if booking incl. flights)

  • Trasport by private air-conditioned bus throughout the trip

  • Airport transfers for group flights

What's Not Included

  • Local city taxes approx. €10-15 

  • Travel insurance 

  • Single accommodation 

  • Visa or vaccinations

Food


All breakfasts and a wine tasting on Mt Etna included.

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the different cultures that have
occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is
incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate which is ideal for the
cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, eggplants,
tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes, and more — not to mention all of the
seafood, tuna and swordfish fished right off the coast. The result? A cuisine
that’s fresh, varied, and absolutely delicious! Sicilian wines are also
superb and known to be strong and syrupy, like Marsala and Moscato.

Accommodation

On this cultural trip in Sicily, we use a varied selection of three- and four-star hotels. The places we stay are often near historic centres, allowing us to easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time.



Below are the accommodations we typically use:



Viagrande: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (nights 1-2)







With an outdoor pool, restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients, and a cocktail bar-lounge, Villa Itria is an excellent spot to ease ourselves into the trip. There’s also a wellness centre for an additional cost.



Noto: Hotel Flora (night 3)







Our time in Noto is spent at Hotel Flora, which is ideally located in the historic centre of town. Noto Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo are just a 10-minute walk away, while the hotel terrace offers views and a spot for a sundowner.



Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle (night 4)







Now well into the trip, Hotel Della Valle is a great place to relax as a group. When it’s hot, head to the swimming pool area, where you’ll find loungers, parasols and tables, plus a Mediterranean garden with palms and pines. Alternatively, you may prefer to find a shady spot for a drink.



Buseto Palizzolo: Baglio Fontana or B&B Trapani Crystal (night 5)







In Buseto Palizzolo, we stay at either Baglio Fontana (above) or B&B Trapani Crystal, depending on availability. The former is a historic agriturismo (converted farmhouse) with a working farm producing wines and olive oil, plus there's an outdoor pool. The latter is a contemporary retreat with an excellent location, just a short walk from the ancient wonders of the historic centre.



Palermo: Hotel Posta or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (nights 6-7)







In Palermo, the group stays at either Hotel Posta (above) or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti. Hotel Posta has been run by the same family since 1921 and has an excellent location in the historic centre, just a five-minute walk from Teatro Massimo, plus there's a sun terrace and bar. Our alternative stay, Quattro Canti, is within walking distance of the Quattro Canti piazza, where the four ancient quarters of the city meet, plus there’s a rooftop terrace with views over Palermo.



Taormina: Hotel Villa Esperia (night 8)







Our final night is spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has two restaurants: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes, and Mazzarino, a pizzeria.



Worth knowing



Some hotels require you to wear a swimming cap in the pool.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Treasures of Sicily

Well balanced holiday with a good guide as well as

Well balanced holiday with a good guide as well as good local guides who had more detailed knowledge of the sites. Plenty of variety in the other activities,

Treasures of Sicily

I had a great trip to Sicily with this tour and wo

I had a great trip to Sicily with this tour and would never had enough knowledge or time to get to and see half the places the tour took us to.

TREASURES OF SICILY

A good introduction to a fascinating Island.

A good introduction to a fascinating Island.

The magic of Sicily

A great trip and although quite a fast pace there

A great trip and although quite a fast pace there was plenty of time to enjoy the towns, ruins and magnificent scenery. The food and wine was of course splendid wherever we went our wonderful guide Mileena was there with her extremely helpful maps of every town and ruin visited. There is something in this trip for everyone. If you can't walk far there is always a cafe with a lovely outlook to sit at, on the other hand if you want to walk and climb steps for wonderful views, then you can do that too

Treasures of Sicily

This is a very intensive tour all round the island

This is a very intensive tour all round the island. The climb up Mount. Etna was good as far as we could go which was curtailed due to heavy mist. There are several visits to ruins of Temples and Theatres. with plenty of time to explore.

Treasures upon treasures

What a wonderful week offering a great overview of

What a wonderful week offering a great overview of Sicily, its culture, history and people, not to mention food and pastries! We packed so much into the week, always something new and unexpected, each day having its particular wow factor.

TREASURES OF SICILY

An eclectic mix of Spanish, Norman, Arab, Greek an

An eclectic mix of Spanish, Norman, Arab, Greek and Roman culture make up this sunshine island.  Italy at its best!

Very Comprehensive and Interesting

This was a very well put together itinerary with a

This was a very well put together itinerary with a very good balance between organised time and the opportunity to explore individually. The standard of accommodation and transport was high. A really great trip for those interested in history and architecture/archaeology.

Sicily

October is a good month for weather, not too hot f

October is a good month for weather, not too hot for sightseeing, but still sunny. Guide (Fabio) was knowledgeable. Plenty to see and do.

A whirl wind tour of Sicily

This trip was wonderful but not quite sure where t

This trip was wonderful but not quite sure where the 'leisurely' rating comes from. It is very full on and really offers a tantalising taste of what Sicily has to offer. Days are jam packed and you often find yourself wishing you could spend more time in certain places. I had no idea it was such a beautiful island and would definitely like to return to do it more slowly.

Read all 61 reviews

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

May 18, 2024 - May 26, 2024
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024
$2773 $2567 (USD)

Operator discount: -$133 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$73 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 24, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024
$2850 $2772 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$78 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024
$2848 $2363 (USD)

Operator discount: -$418 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$67 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$2775 $2699 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$76 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$2700 $2626 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$74 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
$2700 $2626 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$74 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
$2700 $2626 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$74 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 02, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
$2700 $2626 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$74 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024
$2700 $2626 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$74 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

May 03, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$3150 $3063 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$87 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$3150 $3063 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$87 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$3150 $3063 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$87 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$3000 $2918 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.

pts logo

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews