Sicilian Escape

7 Day Tour from Palermo to Taormina Riviera


Vacation Overview

Escape to Sicily for seven days of beauty, cuisine, and history—without the crowds you’d find in the high season. Begin in Palermo and meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Spend the following day on a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo’s ornate Piazza Bellini and Capo Market. See the stunning baroque features of the Church of the Immacolata, and visit the historic Palermo Cathedral. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro in Monreale, and visit the 12th-century Norman Cathedral with its treasured byzantine mosaics.

Walk through the 24-centuries-old Valley of the Temples with your Local Guide in Agrigento, visit Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale to admire the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. In Syracuse, the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes, you’ll take a guided visit to the archaeological site of the 5th-century-BC Greek Theater, Garden of Paradise, Ear of Dionysus, Altar of Hieron II, Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmaker’s Cave. Travel to Catania, where you’ll sample Sicily’s famous Arancino, and spend two nights on the spectacular Taormina Riviera, your base for a fascinating excursion to Mount Etna—the largest active volcano in Europe. Explore Taormina, and complete your Sicilian Escape with a fabulous farewell dinner at a local restaurant. You’ll treasure the time spent exploring Sicily’s famous sights and stunning scenery—without the crowds of the busy travel season on this spectacular guided tour of Sicily!

Itinerary

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY

Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.


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DinnerDinner

Day 2 PALERMO

Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the cathedral. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the Bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 PALERMO–AGRIGENTO

Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples. 87 mi / 140 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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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSE

Ancient Artistry In Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. 162 mi / 260 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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Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch

Day 5 SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

Coastal Treasures SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater.
CATANIA Arancino tasting and free time on the way to Taormina Riviera. 75 mi / 120 km

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 flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures with a traditional arancino tasting one of Sicily’s most famous street food.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 TAORMINA RIVIERA

The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Guided excursion to Mount Etna. Orientation walk through Taormina town and free time. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDER Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 7 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

Hotels

Palermo

Garibaldi

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

This casual 71-room Hotel is housed in a Liberty-style building located directly opposite Palermo's famous Politeama Theater. The contemporary styled guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi access. The on-site restaurant serves a varied buffet breakfast and a modern American Bar is also at Guest's disposal.

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.

Syracuse

Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class

This 100-room historical hotel is itself a part of Syracuse's rich history, located north of the city centre close to Siracuse¿s famed archaeological zone. Set in a magnificent 19th-century former noble residence, the villa has glamorous interior features echoing the Art Deco era and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Local Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant and there is a lounge bar serving a good choice of international liqueurs as well as classical Italian aperitivi and digestivi. The elegant Liberty style guest rooms feature Art-Nouveau furniture and are equipped with air conditioning, minibar and hardwood or parquet floors. Free Wi-Fi internet access 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.

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date the vacation starts and the date you'll return.  

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers for flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare from Canada. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Departure
Details
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
 Status
Popular Departure
2024-10-25 2024-10-31
$2,799
Book Now!
2024-10-27 2024-11-02
$2,129
Not Available
2024-11-03 2024-11-09
$2,129
Not Available
2024-11-08 2024-11-14
$2,799
Book Now!
2024-11-10 2024-11-16
$2,069
Not Available
2024-11-10 2024-11-16
$2,069
Not Available
2024-11-17 2024-11-23
$2,069
Not Available
Popular Departure
2024-11-17 2024-11-23
$2,069
Book Now!
2024-11-22 2024-11-28
$2,799
Book Now!
2024-11-24 2024-11-30
$2,069
Not Available
2024-12-01 2024-12-07
$1,999
Book Now!
2025-02-02 2025-02-08
$1,999
Book Now!
2025-02-09 2025-02-15
$1,999
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2025-02-16 2025-02-22
$1,869
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2025-02-21 2025-02-27
$2,659
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2025-02-23 2025-03-01
$1,999
Book Now!
2025-03-02 2025-03-08
$2,069
Book Now!
2025-03-07 2025-03-13
$2,799
Book Now!
2025-03-09 2025-03-15
$2,129
Book Now!
Popular Departure
2025-03-16 2025-03-22
$2,129
Book Now!
2025-03-21 2025-03-27
$2,799
Book Now!
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.



Dates & Prices do not include international air travel.

Travel Terms & Conditions

The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you 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, Travellers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travellers, 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

  • The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View full Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Insurance premiums; 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 travelling from Canada (with some exceptions from the United States, depending on the selected itinerary). 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 a non-refundable service fee of $80 per person. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. 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 price quotes will include all 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. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked. For return travel from some countries, international travellers 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 traveller at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.