Sicilian Sun
Fully Escorted Tour
Say "si!" to Sicily with this 7-night vacation package! You'll stay in charming hotels while being treated to the experience of a lifetime without the hassle; enjoy seamless airport transfers, guided tours, tastings of Sicilian cuisine, luxury transportation and more.
Escorted tours offer expert guides who provide deep local insights and worry-free planned itineraries. Enjoy the company of like-minded travelers, visit hidden gems not found on typical tours, and enjoy peace of mind with a travel support system.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Catania (CTA)
- Round-trip airport transfers in Catania
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar
- 1 night in Catania at the Hotel Il Principe or Romano House Hotel
- 1 night in Ragusa at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel
- 1 night in Agrigento at the Baia di Ullisse Wellness & Spa
- 2 nights in Palermo at the Mercure Palermo Centro Hotel or Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel
- 2 nights in Catania at the Hotel Il Principe or Romano House Hotel
- Daily breakfast, 2 dinners & 5 lunches
- Sicilian product tastings
- Transportation via deluxe motorcoach or mini-van
- Services of an English-speaking tour escort
- Local tours and entrance fees (as mentioned in the itinerary)
- Porterage at hotels
Great Ways to Explore
-
Explore the salt windmills of Trapani with a guided tour.
- Enjoy meals at specially selected, local restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Sicilian cuisine.
-
Admire Norman palaces and Arab domes one day, take in stunning Byzantine mosaics the next.
-
Sample the famous local dessert wines, from Marsala to Zibbibo.
-
Experience the robust flavor of local produce enriched by the flavor of Mt. Etna's volcanic soil.
Experience stunning Sicily without the stress! You'll stay in accommodations throughout the "toe" of Italy's boot while surrounded by picturesque coastlines.
This escorted vacation takes you through the gems of Sicily; visit the ancient Greek ruins of Siracusa, admire the breathtaking mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, and more.
You'll also be treated to several meals in carefully selected eateries, where you can sample authentic Sicilian cuisine! In additional to traditional Italian food, Sicilian food boasts influences from Greek, French, Arab and Spanish cuisine as well. Sample a forkful of the historic Pasta all Norma paired with a glass of local red wine.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Catania (CTA)
- Round-trip airport transfers in Catania
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar
- 1 night in Catania at the Hotel Il Principe or Romano House Hotel
- 1 night in Ragusa at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel
- 1 night in Agrigento at the Baia di Ullisse Wellness & Spa
- 2 nights in Palermo at the Mercure Palermo Centro Hotel or Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel
- 2 nights in Catania at the Hotel Il Principe or Romano House Hotel
- Daily breakfast, 2 dinners & 5 lunches
- Sicilian product tastings
- Transportation via deluxe motorcoach or mini-van
- Services of an English-speaking tour escort
- Local tours and entrance fees (as mentioned in the itinerary)
- Porterage at hotels
-
Explore the salt windmills of Trapani with a guided tour.
- Enjoy meals at specially selected, local restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Sicilian cuisine.
-
Admire Norman palaces and Arab domes one day, take in stunning Byzantine mosaics the next.
-
Sample the famous local dessert wines, from Marsala to Zibbibo.
-
Experience the robust flavor of local produce enriched by the flavor of Mt. Etna's volcanic soil.
Experience stunning Sicily without the stress! You'll stay in accommodations throughout the "toe" of Italy's boot while surrounded by picturesque coastlines.
This escorted vacation takes you through the gems of Sicily; visit the ancient Greek ruins of Siracusa, admire the breathtaking mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, and more.
You'll also be treated to several meals in carefully selected eateries, where you can sample authentic Sicilian cuisine! In additional to traditional Italian food, Sicilian food boasts influences from Greek, French, Arab and Spanish cuisine as well. Sample a forkful of the historic Pasta all Norma paired with a glass of local red wine.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Sicily!
Upon arrival at the airport in Catania, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Catania. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure until you meet the rest of your travel companions later for a short briefing.
Transfer to hotel
Il Prinicpe Hotel Catania is set in a recently restored aristocratic building, located in the baroque heart of the historical centre of Catania. Enjoy stays in elegant and luxurious rooms while surrounded by stunning Sicilian Architecture! The hotel is located just a 20-minute walk from the beach, one mile from Catania Centrale Train Station, and about two miles from Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
All guest rooms are elegantly designed and furnished with a jacuzzi bath or shower, TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mini-bar, and more. The dining room serves delicious local and international cuisine, and there is also an American piano bar for guests to relax and drink in.
The Romano House Hotel is a stylist return back to the 18th century designated in the center of Baroque Catania, perfectly constructed by artisan crafts and enhanced with modern technology. The environment is a nice crossover of past centuries with contemporary styles making it one of the more unique hotels around the Catania region.
Various designs of guest rooms are available whether you are looking for something simple or something avant-garde. Each room comes with a window, private bath, television, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi which is available throughout the hotel. The hotel's very own luxury restaurant, Il Riccio Restaurant, serves high-end Sicilian and Mediterranean style dishes. A house bar is also available on site, as well as a fitness center.
Set just near Catania's famous nightlife and business district, plenty of attractions are available to guests for outside entertainment and ease of access. Some of the noteworthy ones are the Bellini Theater, Villa Bellini (Park), and the Catania Cathedral. A stay at the Romano House Hotel will not only be extraordinary, but incredibly accessible.
Day 2. Catania – Siracusa – Noto – Ragusa
After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll depart to Syracuse (Siracusa) to visit the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily and UNESCO World Heritage Site! The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius.
From here you’ll visit of the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical center of Syracuse. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence. The façade is a powerful Sicilian-Baroque composition but it gives no hint that this building was once a Doric temple! From Piazza Duomo you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most famous freshwater sources of the Greek world. Enjoy free time for lunch.
Depart for Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of an “open city”, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18th century architecture, where local limestone has been burnt gold by the sun. Noto’s Baroque is a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. Visit the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a beautiful noble residence in Baroque style. You’ll have some free time to walk around the town, before traveling to Ragusa for dinner and overnight.
Check-in - Mediterraneo Palace Hotel
A spacious 4-star accommodation set deep within the Sicily's famous history center, Ragusa, the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel is an excellent choice for all types of visitors. Famously known as a historic hotspot and artistic hub, Ragusa is one of Sicily's prime tourist spots within close proximity to a handful of popular destinations.
The hotel is decorated exquisitely in sleek, modern-style décor and furniture. All rooms have access to free Wi-Fi and are kept clean and air conditioned. Each guest room comes with an assortment of luxurious amenities, such as a private bath with a porcelain tub, large window, television, and a coffee/tea maker. Guests can enjoy the local taste of Mediterranean and Sicilian cuisine at the hotel's very own private restaurant, which also serves a delicious array of breakfast items including fresh pastries. Staff at the hotel are available 24/7 and can offer advice on popular spots and attractions.
The excitement of staying at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel is further enhanced by the hotel's proximity to nearby destinations. Some of these include the IBLA Mountain, historic Ibla district, The Municipal Gardens of Villa Margherita, Piazza Libertà, and many more. Pack your bags and get ready to stay at a chic accommodation right in the heart of Sicily's most historic city!
Day 3. Ragusa – Ibla – Modica – Piazza Armerina – Agrigento
Today you’ll visit Ragusa Ibla and its historical center, known as the cradle of Sicilian Baroque. One of Italy’s 44 Italian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this little precious ancient town hosts more than 50 churches and many Baroque architectural treasures! You will be fascinated by its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful Dome square, and you will love the “Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of the four main gardens in Ragusa.
At over 1,250 feet above sea level, from this beautiful garden you can admire a spectacular panorama! The tour proceeds towards Modica - another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its chest of innumerable Baroque architectural treasures. Walking along the tiny streets of this charming town, you will have a stop to visit Sabadì, one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers, whose chocolate has been awarded as the best in Modica chocolate for the last 9 years! You will enjoy a multisensorial chocolate tasting discovering the authentic Sicilian perfumes… the local nepitella (wild mint), the orange blossom honey, the raw PGI - quality Sicilian lemon and the PGI – quality Sicilian red orange are just some of the many flavors you can taste!
Proceeding on you will visit the beautiful and perfectly preserved noble 17th-century Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi. You will be astonished by its amazing balcony which dominates the town with a spectacular view. The style of the interior has the typical flavor of Sicilian noble palaces, with frescoes of landscapes, wallpapers in splendid satins, vases and furnishings of the most precious manufacture, together with the private collections of Donna Grazietta Grimaldi. You’ll savor some local delicacies under the shadow of the amazing Orti di San Giorgio: 7 gardens suspended between light and beauty.
The day goes on to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire the splendid polychrome mosaics! This majestic villa, which belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments. Travel to Agrigento for dinner and overnight.
Check-in - Baia Di Ulisse Wellness & Spa
This is a resort hotel directly on the beach which offers various activities for its guest from beach volleyball to the solarium, day and night entertainment, internet access, scooter rental, and an outdoor pool. Surrounded by a lush pine forest, the Baia Di Ulisse Wellness & Spa offers nonstop stunning views and upscale service.
Each guest room is comfortable equipped with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, sea or garden views, minifridges, and more. Guests can dive into the sparkling pool while enjoying views of the sparkling sea, or relax at one of the two on-site bars. The hotel's restaurant also serves up delicious local Sicilian cuisine. Guests can also find ultimate R&R at the on-site premier spa where you can enjoy a variety of soothing treatments. Nearby attractions include the Valle dei Templi archeological site about five miles away, and the 11th-century Agrigento Cathedral about ten miles away.
Day 4. Agrigento – Marsala – Salt Road – Palermo
This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Defined by Pyndar as “the most beautiful city of mortals,” and one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5th century, including the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Heracles.
Proceeding on, visit of the charming and well-known town of Marsala, where Garibaldi went ashore in May 1860. Marsala is a Mediterranean modern city, divided between sea and land, featuring unforgettable colors: bright yellow, intense blue, strong red, dazzling white and natural green. After a walk along the city center, enjoy a guided tour of the Florio Cellars. The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine. It continues inside the 3 fascinating barrel chambers, 500 feet long and running beneath 104 arches, under which 1.400 small barrels and about 600 larger barrels and vats of different capacities are arrayed. After a thirty minute tour through the barrel vaults, where the ancient tuff stone floor has been restored, you will reach the avant-garde tasting rooms named Donna Franca and Duca Enrico. Here, you will enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience!
From here you’ll continue on to the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife, and also as an important site of industrial archaeology. Transfer to your hotel in Palermo and enjoy free time for the rest of the day and evening.
Situated conveniently in the heart of Palermo, Italy, the Mercure Palermo Centro Hotel is the perfect accommodation to assist in exploring the beauty of this city! The hotel is just a short walk from various popular attractions including Teatro Politeama and the Teatro Massimo. Other attractions include the Palermo Cathedral, Via Maqueda, and Ballaro Palermo.
Fortunately, the Mercure Palermo Centro hotel is located only 15 miles from the nearest airport, Falcone-Borsellino. This magnificent accommodation features 93 comfortably modern rooms, two business meeting rooms, and a lavish Lobby Bar. Guests also have access to free WIFI, an attentive concierge service, and an on-site restaurant. Visitors are in for a wonderful stay in the heart of Palermo during their time at the Mercure Palermo Centro Hotel!
Located in the center of Palermo, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal is a short walk to several forms of transportation including the ferry port and the train station! Additionally, visitors are within a 15-mile radius of the Falcone-Borsellino Airport. Around the hotel, visitors can enjoy a range of tourist attractions including the Palermo Cathedral, Foro Italico, and the Church of the Gesu.
During their stay, guests have access to an on-site bar and restaurant as well as a hot tub/jacuzzi! Guest rooms feature air-conditioning with complimentary Wi-Fi, a satellite LCD TV, and a mini-bar. All of the rooms include toiletries and a hairdryer as well. Complete with modern amenities and close proximity to an array of attractions, the Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal is a perfect choice for a long-term or short-term stay in Palermo!
Day 5. Monreale – Palermo
After breakfast in the hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style an admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! Later you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art.
Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino, a headland described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past: Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, 17th century squares, including an elegant opera house. Visit the wonderful and eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, an admirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view of how different cultures, religions and ways of thinking that are typically incompatible, can coexist. You'll stop for a typical local lunch. Along the way you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with 16th century sculptures. Enjoy free time on your own for the remainder of the day and evening, in Palermo.
Day 6. Cefalu – Catania
After breakfast, transfer to Cefalù, a charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. You’ll visit its stunning Norman Dome and have free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum, followed by lunch in a local restaurant.. .
Continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage listed historical city center of Catania, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The color scheme of the city-center buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows, creating an effect that is extremely elegant! The walking tour will start from the scenic Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. Not far from here we will reach University Square and we will have a walk along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, the most representative 18th century street in Catania, where we will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the visit enjoy a break in an historical city center bar to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. Enjoy the evening on your own, exploring Catania.
Il Prinicpe Hotel Catania is set in a recently restored aristocratic building, located in the baroque heart of the historical centre of Catania. Enjoy stays in elegant and luxurious rooms while surrounded by stunning Sicilian Architecture! The hotel is located just a 20-minute walk from the beach, one mile from Catania Centrale Train Station, and about two miles from Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
All guest rooms are elegantly designed and furnished with a jacuzzi bath or shower, TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mini-bar, and more. The dining room serves delicious local and international cuisine, and there is also an American piano bar for guests to relax and drink in.
The Romano House Hotel is a stylist return back to the 18th century designated in the center of Baroque Catania, perfectly constructed by artisan crafts and enhanced with modern technology. The environment is a nice crossover of past centuries with contemporary styles making it one of the more unique hotels around the Catania region.
Various designs of guest rooms are available whether you are looking for something simple or something avant-garde. Each room comes with a window, private bath, television, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi which is available throughout the hotel. The hotel's very own luxury restaurant, Il Riccio Restaurant, serves high-end Sicilian and Mediterranean style dishes. A house bar is also available on site, as well as a fitness center.
Set just near Catania's famous nightlife and business district, plenty of attractions are available to guests for outside entertainment and ease of access. Some of the noteworthy ones are the Bellini Theater, Villa Bellini (Park), and the Catania Cathedral. A stay at the Romano House Hotel will not only be extraordinary, but incredibly accessible.
Day 7. Etna – Taormina - Catania
This morning after a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its regional park protects 145,000 acres of unique geology, flora and fauna, villages and farms, and traditional methods of forestry, bee-keeping, wine manufacture, stonework and carpentry.
Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you as you head to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters, can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have a stop to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area, and will stop for lunch in a lovely restaurant.
The tour continues towards Taormina, a charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea, commanding a celebrated view of Etna. You'll visit Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre, which will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos bay and the Etna mountain!
Enjoy free time for a nice walk among the picturesque Medieval typical narrow streets, to perhaps go shopping for the local handicrafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more). The day will end with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi, before returning to Catania for your final evening.
Day 8. Depart Italy
Your Sicilian getaway comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Catania Airport for your return flight home.
Transfer to Catania airport
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.
Cancellations/Changes: Rates are non-refundable. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/change, and depend upon the package type. Trip protection is recommended.
Call 1-800-896-4600 or go to https://www.greatvaluevacations.com/travel/terms-and-conditions for full details on change/cancellation policy.