Sicily off the Beaten Track
Sicily off the Beaten Track
Sicily off the Beaten Track
Visiting: Italy, Sicily
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
16 - 26
Physical rating:
Casual
Age range:
Adults
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Sicily is a beguiling land of contrasts. A pleasant all-year round climate, friendly people, superb food and wine, stunning landscapes and a heady mix of cultural attractions — Sicily has it all! Upon arrival, although technically in Italy, your senses tell you otherwise. This beautiful island's rich and colourful past, colonized by the Greeks, Romans, Normans, and Moors, has given rise to an incredible land of diversity, from the fascinating souks of Palermo to the majestic Greek temples of Agrigento and the Baroque treasures of the south east.
During this 'off the beaten track' tour, we visit and experience a range of Greek, Roman and Norman attractions intermingled with local flavour and colour, staying in parts of the more 'authentic' Sicily, and dining out in local trattorie — meaning you will get a feel for the 'real' life on this bewitching island. Both the west and south/south east areas of Sicily will be covered, avoiding the main tourist resorts on the island.
Highlights
- Experience an authentic Sicily and immerse yourself in its culture
- Visit the unforgettable medieval Arabic hilltop town, Erice
- Explore the Greek temple and amphitheatre of the ancient city, Segesta
- View the Norman mosaics of Monreale
- Visit the Greek sites of Selinunte and the Valley of the Temples
Itinerary
Day 1 (D)
On arrival at Palermo’s airport, transfer to Castellammare del Golfo with a coffee stop en route.
Castellammare del Golfo is a traditional Sicilian fishing town, with winding alleyways leading to the gorgeous harbour, where fishing boats bob on their moorings and local fisherman supply their catch to the many seafood restaurants lining the waterfront.
Enjoy a light evening meal at a local trattoria
Overnight: Castellammare del Golfo
Day 2 (B,D)
Visit the medieval Arabic hilltop town of Erice, with free time for a snack for lunch.
This afternoon, explore the Greek temple and amphitheatre at Segesta, arriving back at the hotel in time for an evening meal at a typical local trattoria in Castellamare del Golfo.
Overnight: Castellammare del Golfo
Day 3 (B,D)
A full day encompassing Monreale and Palermo.
Marvel at the gold leaf mosaics at Monreale, stroll through a typical Palermo street market, and visit the Palatine Chapel.
After a short evening rest at the hotel, enjoy a meal at Baglio Fontana, which includes a wine tasting and traditional meal, with an explanation of the tuna fishing industry in Sicily.
Overnight: Castellammare del Golfo
Day 4 (B, L, D)
Visit the Greek site of Selinunte, one of the largest and most impressive Greek archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Enjoy a long and leisurely seafood lunch at the fabulous Da Vittorio Ristorante, a fish restaurant located on the beach in Porto Palo di Menfi (as seen on Sicily Unpacked and Rick Stein’s Great Mediterranean Escapes). There is no set menu; dishes depend on what the fishermen have caught that day.
In the afternoon, take the scenic coastal drive to Agrigento, where we arrive in the early evening at our hotel for the next two nights.
Overnight: Agrigento
Day 5 (B, L, D)
Depart for a morning walking tour of the Greek archaeological site, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
After a late lunch and a visit to the working olive oil farm of Mandranova, (including, of course, an olive oil tasting and a delicious lunch), visit the hilltop town of Naro, with its medieval castle and fabulous views of the surrounding area—made even more special by being off the tourist trail.
Return for a light evening meal at the hotel.
Overnight: Agrigento
Day 6 (B, D)
Transfer to the Roman Villa del Casale, near Piazza Armerina, for a guided tour and free time for lunch.
Continue to the Baroque south east, where we arrive in the early evening at Modica and check in to our hotel, where we are be based for the next two nights. Dinner at a local trattoria.
Overnight: Modica
Day 7 (B, D)
Enjoy a leisurely guided walk around the Baroque treasure of Modica. Free time for a snack lunch, and perhaps even chocolate tastings — for which Modica is renowned, hosting an international festival every year.
This afternoon, visit Scicli, featured in popular scenes from the detective series Montalbano, to discover its fabulous churches and Baroque architecture.
Overnight: Modica
Day 8 (B, D)
Depart to the nearby Baroque town, Ibla di Ragusa, a UNESCO gem, including a short guided tour. Free time for lunch before returning to Modica for time at leisure.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the superb boutique Relais Torre Marabino, an ex-Norman fortress which produces its own organic fares and wines.
Overnight: Modica
Day 9 (B, L)
Morning visit to the stunning Baroque peninsula of Ortigia (Siracusa), with a guided walking tour and lunch in a typical trattoria.
After lunch, check in to our final hotel, with free time in the evening to wander around the beautiful town and choose from numerous fantastic trattorie for dinner.
Overnight: Ortigia
Day 10 (B)
Transfer to the airport for departure.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3 and 4 star hotels -
Meals
Daily breakfast, three lunches, seven dinners
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Amman
- 9 nights in good standard accommodation
- Daily breakfast, three lunches and seven evening meals
- All excursions and entrance fees
- All overseas transport and English-speaking guides
- Services of a Prestige Holidays Tour Manager
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Prestige Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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