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| Sep 08 to Sep 19 |
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| Sep 29 to Oct 10 |
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| Oct 13 to Oct 24 |
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Walking Key
Light = Two to four miles of mostly level walking.
Moderate = Four to six miles and/or up and down hills and/or some stairs.
Strenuous = Six to ten miles, lots of stairs, uneven terrain.
Best of Sicily in 12 Days
$2,895 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Taormina and ends in Palermo
Our new all-Sicily tour immerses you in the rich history, sights and culture of Italy's most amazing island.
Flying into Catania is a breeze, with easy access to seaside Taormina, where our laid-back Sicilian adventure begins. In our dozen days together we'll circle the island, savoring a string of seaside towns, mountain villages, a working farm…and an active volcano. You'll also have plenty of time to explore some of Europe's most important Ancient Greek sites, and marvel at island architecture that whimsically blends Roman, Greek, Medieval, Baroque and Arab influences.
We'll wrap up our Sicilian experience amidst the colorful urban energy of Palermo, with easy connections to the states...unless you decide to stay.
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Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 0: Depart USA
Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.
Day 1: Welcome to Sicily
Seductive, seaside Taormina is an easy one-hour bus ride from Catania's airport. We'll gather at our hotel around 5 p.m. for a get-acquainted session before dinner together. Sleep in Taormina (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Old-World Elegance of Taormina
After a morning walking tour of the town and its Greek theater, the rest of your day is free to luxuriate in the cliff-hanging, old-world resort town of Taormina. Wander through its elegant gardens or ride a cable car down to the beach. Sipping iced coffee while overlooking the sea, you'll have a ringside seat to savor la dolce vita, Sicilian style. No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 3: Sizzling Mount Etna and Civilized Syracuse
This morning we'll drive up the lava-crusted slopes of 10,000-foot Mount Etna (weather permitting) and enjoy the fabulous view. Then it's downhill and south along the coast to Syracuse (Siracusa). This evening we'll take a walk through the heart of the historic quarter before dinner together. Sleep in Syracuse (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: Syracuse, Past and Present
This morning we'll explore the roots of modern drama at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, comparing an ancient Greek Theater to a later Roman Amphitheater. The rest of the day you'll be free to explore Sicily's best archeological museum, wander through Syracuse's Greek, Roman, Medieval and Baroque layers, or settle for a park bench with a view. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 5: The Heart of Sicily
Today we leave the seaside and drive up into the Iblei — a range of limestone mountains dramatically scarred by deep canyons and gorges. We'll stop in a characteristic Sicilian town for lunch and exploration. Our destination is a country-comfortable Agriturismo (guest farm) in the heart of Sicily, where we'll enjoy dinner together. Sleep in an Agriturismo near Piazza Armerina (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 6: Villa Casale and Rural Charms
This morning we'll examine the exquisite Roman mosaics of Villa Casale. Then we'll take a short drive to discover some of the hidden gems in Sicily's interior. We'll spend the remainder of the day back at our countryside hotel. Relax in the beautiful surroundings, catch up on your journal, or go for a swim! Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Greek Agrigento and Seaside Scopello
Today we'll visit Sicily's oldest tourist site, Agrigento, where dramatically situated ancient Greek temples await our discovery. Then we'll drive to the Tyrrhenian coast, enjoying rugged vistas en route, where we'll settle in for a gentle dose of small-town Sicily. Sleep in Scopello (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 8: Savor Sleepy Scopello
The day is yours to relax in sleepy Scopello, hike along the coast-hugging trails of Zingaro Natinal Park - or simply luxuriate on the beach. Enjoy the sun-drenched vistas and some good old-fashioned dolce far niente (sweetness of doing nothing). No Bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).
Day 9: Monreale and Cefalù
This morning we'll drive to the hill-topping town of Monreale, renowned for its Arab-flavored cathedral, wallpapered in glittering golden mosaics. After a short drive, we'll drop in at a winery to learn all about Sicilian wines and enjoy a wine-tasting lunch together. Then it's off to Cefalù, a salty fishing town known for its atmospheric old center and sandy beaches, tucked against a sheltering mountain. Sleep in Cefalù (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 10: Free Day to Explore Cefalù
Your day is free to wander through old Cefalù, poke around the fortress-like Norman cathedral, scramble up to the cliff-top fortress, plant yourself on the beach, eat your way through a seafood menu — and join in the local passeggiata to feel the pulse of Sicilian culture. No Bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).
Day 11: A Spicy Day in Palermo
After a short drive, we have all day to dive into Palermo's colorful markets and street life — all spiced with an evocative whiff of Africa. We'll spend the morning on a walking tour with a local guide, leaving the afternoon free to explore more of Palermo's surprises. We'll gather together tonight for an arrivederci dinner. Saluté! Sleep in Palermo (1 night). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.
Day 12: Tour over after breakfast
It's a breeze to reach Palermo's airport by bus. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour
Favorite tour memories from a recent alum:
"Sitting on the rooftop of our Taormina hotel at night. In one direction was the Greek Theater all lit up, in one direction was the beach strand twinkling with lights, and in one direction was Mt. Etna, with red lava flowing down. And then, between us and Mt. Etna, some little village began a fireworks display."
— Vicky in Gresham, OR
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