12 Days Small Group Tour Sicily

Experience the Sicilian lifestyle and tradition with a Sicily small group tour limited to 12/14 travelers only! Travel to Sicily with its idyllic climate, archaeology treasures, dramatic vistas and hearty cuisine that embodies all things Sicilian. On this small group tour journey, you'll delve into one of the most fascinating and coveted regions in Italy.

Stare face to face with some of the world's best Byzantine mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale. Marvel at the rich archaeological ruins of Siracusa dating to the 5th century BC. Explore the brilliant Roman floor mosaics in the Villa del Casale. Be enchanted by an Italian evening Opera in Taormina and have fun during a pizza making experience.

Sicily has some of Italy's best beaches and on this tour we make sure that you'll have time to enjoy them.The cuisine of Sicily varies from one province to the next as do the wines. Perhaps the most beautiful and ornate churches in the world, extraordinary seafood markets and incredible pistachio pastries, cassata gelati, home of the Mafia and amazing wineries alongside the best preserved Greek and Roman ruins in Europe. This is the contradiction and enigma of Sicily;”Italy's best-kept secret”.

We have a real passion for touring in Sicily and look forward to sharing it with you !

12 DAYS SICILY SMALL GROUP TOUR

“SICILY AMORE MIO TRAVEL ITINERARY”

SICILY SMALL GROUP TOUR LIMITED TO 12/14 PARTICIPANTS FROM PALERMO TO CATANIA

DAY 1 : WELCOME TO MONUMENTAL PALERMO

Arrive in Palermo Airport and travel to the city center for a three nights stay at the “CENTRALE PALACE HOTEL” close to the city's architecturally treasures.At 6.00 pm meet your tour director for a welcome drink followed by dinner in a local tavern where you will feel like one of the family.Eat like a local! Overnight in PALERMO.

DAY 2 : HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO & BIBLICAL MONREALE

Start your discovery of Sicily with a guided walking tour of PALERMO, a crossroads of history, being the world's most conquered city and a melting pot of civilizations. Today we have included a visit to the Byzantine MARTORANA CHURCH, famous for its impressive Norman mosaics, the evocative PALATINE CHAPEL, dating back to the 12th century and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE. After a discovery of the famous CAPO MARKET for a foodie experience, you'll drive to the hills of Palermo to uncover the beauty of MONREALE, known for one of Sicily's great sites – the stunning 12th century Norman cathedral literally wallpapered with golden mosaics that tell the stories of the bible. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in PALERMO

DAY 3 : ALONG THE AFRICAN COAST:ANCIENT SEGESTA, SLEEPY ERICE & TRAPANI SALT PANS

Today, we'll take a panoramic drive to SEGESTA, a unique archaeological site famous for its magnificent never completed 5th century Doric temple. We continue travelling to the perfectly preserved treasure hill town of ERICE which combines medieval charm with astounding 360-degree views. It boasts a breathtaking setting high above the Tyrrhenian Sea and an imposing Castle with views over the Egadi Islands. After an included lunch in the best local tavern, we'll descend to Trapani by a 10 mins cable-way ride (weather permitting), passing Salt Pans and windmills, learning about the history and process of salt harvesting at the Museum of the Salt in TRAPANI.Rest of the evening is on your own.Overnight stay in PALERMO

DAY 4 : INTRIGUING CORLEONE & VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES IN AGRIGENTO

This morning's visit takes you south-west from Palermo to the town of CORLEONE,well-known as the birthplace of several Mafia bosses. Here you'll learn about the MAFIA, during an informative discussion with a member of the community. Afterwards, arrive to the ancient city of AGRIGENTO, a UNESCO heritage site where a local expert will shed light on the VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES, an incredible concentration of Greek temples in varying states of ruin and reconstruction.This historic site was the heart of one of the most important cities in the ancient world and is the prime example of the magnificence of MAGNA GRECIA.Tonight you'll be staying at the hotel “BAGLIO DELLA LUNA” or similar, with an included dinner.Overnight stay in AGRIGENTO

DAY 5 :ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS & SIRACUSA'S ELEGANCE

Your transfer to SIRACUSA features a stop at the ROMAN VILLA ,one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, built in the first quarter of the 4th century. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.Following a hearty included lunch in a family restaurant, your journey continues to the town of SIRACUSA for the next three nights at the 19th century staying at “ALGILA' HOTEL“or similar.The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to make your own discoveries or simply wandering its colorful winding streets and alleys.Overnight stay in SIRACUSA

DAY 6 : “TAPESTRY OF CULTURES” IN SIRACUSA

In the morning, you'll explore this major outpost of the Greek empire with a local expert guide.The city boasts an incredible historical heritage, starting from the Archaeological Park, featuring the ancient Greek Theater now used for classical performances, the Latomie del Paradiso, the largest quarry in the ancient urban settlement and the Ear Of Dionysus, a subterranean artificial cave quarry used as a prison. You'll see numerous elegant Baroque town houses, rebuilt after the earthquake that severely damaged the city in 1693, the elegant Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral's baroque facade and the Temple of Athena from the 5th century BC lying behind it.After a foodie experience at the lively market, you'll have the rest of the day and dinner is on your own.Overnight in SIRACUSA

DAY 7 :BAROQUE TREASURES OF NOTO, RAGUSA & ANCIENT PALAZZO

A full day's journey today takes you south-east to witness the splendors of the Sicilian Baroque architecture, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.In 1693 this corner of Sicily was devastated by an earthquake. Towns were rapidly rebuilt out of the glowing local limestone. Visit the stunning UNESCO town of NOTO, with its remarkable architectural integrity, honey-color buildings and famous domed Cathedral. Following this, drive to the ancient town of RAGUSA IBLA, famous for its labyrinth of crooked lanes and tiny squares.Here we'll visit an ancient aristocratic palace inhabited by the same family for over 200 years.Time on your own for lunch.Dinner is included in a local tavern. Overnight stay in SIRACUSA

DAY 8 :VOLCANIC CATANIA,CYCLOPS COASTLINE & TAORMINA BOAT TOUR

This morning, depart for TAORMINA, one of the island's most ancient destinations in Sicily. On the way you'll discover the vibrant city of CATANIA, which owes its Baroque architecture in gloomy black lava to the last quake of 1693. During your free time,you might consider visiting the Cathedral of St. Agatha, where the reliquary of the patron saint is housed, the cathedral square, the Bellini theater, the Villa Gardens or the lively fish market.Continue along the panoramic cyclops coastline to reach the fishing village of GIARDINI NAXOS,the site of the first Greek settlement in Sicily for an included seafood lunch on a private sandy beach.We end the day with a private boat cruise around the ISOLA BELLA in Taormina.Spend the last 4 nights at the central”HOTEL VILLA PARADISO” or similar,with breakfast included.Clamped to a rocky bluff planted with cypresses,pines and lush subtropical vegetation,the exquisitely maintained medieval town of TAORMINA is Sicily's glitziest and most dramatically situated resort.Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight stay in TAORMINA

DAY 9 :UNKNOWN SAVOCA, HOME-HOSTED FAMILY EXPERIENCE & TAORMINA ANCIENT THEATER

The morning starts with a panoramic drive to the trapped-in-time picturesque village of SAVOCA, set on the foothills of the Peloritani Mountains to discover the real Sicily.Seems unchanged since medieval times,with its gated walls,stone cottages and haunting churches.Here you'll view the 18th century bar Vitelli, one of Coppola's favorite spots and the church of St.Lucia.Afterwards,a Sicilian family welcomes you for a traditional home-hosted lunch, a delightful way to experience everyday life.End the day with a visit to the crowning Greek/Roman theatre in Taormina, one of Sicily's great sights, with its dramatic views over Mount Etna.Remainder of the day is on your own for more explorations.Overnight stay in TAORMINA

DAY 10 :IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNT ETNA & WINERY

Explore majestic MOUNT ETNA, the highest and largest volcano in Europe and one of the world's most active.The peak changes in size over the years. It currently rises at 11,000 feet above sea level and literally towers above Sicily's Ionian coast.Due to its scientific value supporting endemic flora and fauna, and its historical significance, Mount Etna was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Descend to the village of LINGUAGLOSSA to visit a family run winery for a wine tour.Enjoy La Dolce Vita in Taormina.Overnight stay in TAORMINA

DAY 11 : HANDS -ON-PIZZA MAKING EXPERIENCE & DOLCE FAR NIENTE IN TAORMINA

In the morning,visit a popular pizzeria where a professional pizza chef will give you an introduction to the history of pizza and how to make it. After a light pizza lunch, enjoy the rest of the day in “bella” Taormina. Wander through its elegant gardens, posh cafes, and shops or explore the nearby mountain top village of Castelmola.In the evening celebrate your Sicilian adventure during a dinner sharing travel memories and toasting new friends.Overnight stay in TAORMINA

DAY 12:ARRIVEDERCI SICILIA

Morning transfers to Catania airport or train station for your journey home.You might extend your tour to PUGLIA, SARDINIA ISLAND, the region of MALTA ISLAND or our beautiful 13 Days Small Group Tour To CROATIA & SLOVENIA