The Sicilian (LP)

10 days from Palermo to Taormina Riviera

2027 Tour Details View 2025 Tour Details » View 2026 Tour Details »

Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, and Marsala wine serve to sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily.

PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.

Special Features Included in this Tour:
• Guided sightseeing in Palermo followed by a scenic drive to Monreale
• Visit to a traditional salt mill with wine-tasting experience in Marsala
• Guided walking tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples
• Guided sightseeing in Mazaro del Vallo
• Guided visit to Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina
• Guided walking tour of Ragusa Ibla
• Globus Choice excursions in Ragusa – Included in your tour with your choice of a visit to an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop or a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti with a guided owner-led tour
• Guided visit to Syracuse’s Archaeological Park
• Complimentary [LF] Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at the Bar Vitelli of Savoca− “The Godfather” filming location
• Visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater
• Orientation walks in Catania and Taormina
• Visit Erice and Noto

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.268.3636

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Notes:

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY

Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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Dinner

Day 2 PALERMO

Sicilian Sights Your introduction to Palermo starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo’s highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as 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

Day 3 PALERMO–ERICE–MARSALA–MAZARA DEL VALLO

Sweet & Salty Sicily Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Drive to the coastal town of Marsala, learn about one of its oldest industries with a guided visit of a Salt Mill. Later, try the famous Marsala wine during a tasting experience.
99 mi / 160 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.

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Breakfast

Day 4 MAZARA DEL VALLO–AGRIGENTO

Timeless Temples This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Mazara del Vallo which includes a visit to the cathedral and old town. Appreciate the Arabic influence on the town when you follow a Local Guide through the alleyways of the Kasbah. Later, continue to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples.
93 mi / 150 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 a 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

Dinner

Day 5 AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–RAGUSA

Ancient Artistry in Sicily Travel through Central Sicily and stop in Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, housing one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Ancient Bikini Girls.” Later, continue your journey to Ragusa.
118 mi / 190 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

Dinner

Day 6 RAGUSA

Spend your day your way in Ragusa This morning, join a Local Guide for a walking tour of Ibla, Ragusa’s historic center and admire the Baroque buildings. Visit the 19th century Giardini Iblei, and St. George’s Cathedral. Explore more of Ragusa with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.

Echoes of Aristocracy

Feel the nostalgic allure of a historic noble residence with a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti. The owner takes you on a personal tour, featuring the palace's elegant furnishings, frescoed ceilings, and marble floors, while sharing fascinating stories of family ancestors and traditions.

Cart Art

Discover one of Sicily's beloved symbols¿the Sicilian carretti (carts)¿an artistic tradition passed down through generations. Visit a workshop in Ragusa Ibla to learn how these donkey-drawn carts developed from work vehicles into vibrant works of art. Hear how this proud Sicilian tradition rolls on!

Enjoy leisure time this evening.

Breakfast

Day 7 RAGUSA–NOTO–SYRACUSE

World Stages Enjoy free time in Noto, a town famed for its Baroque architecture. Walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire San Nicolò Cathedral. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers’ Cave.
56 mi / 90 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.

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Breakfast

Day 8 SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

Coastal Treasures Drive to the bustling city of Catania. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and to browse the stores along Via Etnea. Try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this afternoon and evening.
75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

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Breakfast

Day 9 TAORMINA RIVIERA. EXCURSION TO SAVOCA

Frozen in Time This morning visit Savoca, one of the film locations for “The Godfather.” After an orientation walk enjoy a Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. Later, join an orientation walk in Taormina with a visit to the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore the town, stroll along stylish Corso Umberto and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
56 mi / 90 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily’s take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 10 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

Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

LINO NEFANDO

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“My life is a journey... Born in Southern Italy, my passion is history and rediscovering the traditions and the most refined art of this country. I love to share with my customers on the Globus tours moments of the breathtaking coastlines, the monuments and the unbelievable recipes of Italy. Follow me, I am going to make you live the Italian experience as if you were a part of this never-ending show.”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

Ragusa Area

Cart Art

Price Range: $

Echoes of Aristocracy

Price Range: $

Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $4,096*
18 guests in a party: $1,020*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.

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.

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