Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sicily

Seductive, seaside Taormina is an easy one-hour bus ride from Catania's airport (with lots of flight connections from major European airports). We'll gather at our hotel around 5 p.m. for a get-acquainted session before a "Welcome to Sicily" 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 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 and Villa Casale

Today we leave the seaside and drive into Sicily's interior, where we'll examine the world's richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics of Villa Casale. Our destination this afternoon 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 (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 6: Greek Agrigento and Seaside Cefalù

This morning we'll visit Sicily's oldest tourist site, Agrigento, where dramatically situated ancient Greek temples await our discovery. Then we're off to Cefalù, a salty fishing town known for its atmospheric old center and sandy beaches, all tucked against a sheltering mountain. Sleep in Cefalù (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: 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 8: A Spicy Day in Palermo

This morning we'll drive to the hill-topping town of Monreale, renowned for its Arab-flavored cathedral, wallpapered in glittering golden mosaics. Then, after checking into our hotel, we'll go on a walking tour with a local guide discovering Palermo's colorful markets and street life — all spiced with an evocative whiff of Africa. We'll gather together tonight for an arrivederci dinner. Saluté! Sleep in Palermo (1 night). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: 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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