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
Notes: We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant 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. (B)
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 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. (B)
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 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. (B,D)
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 BreakfastDinner
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. (B,D)
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 BreakfastDinner
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.
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. (B)
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 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. (B)
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 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 [LF] 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. (B,D)
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 BreakfastDinner
Day 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania.
Accommodations
Palermo
Palermo
Mazara Del Vallo
Agrigento
Ragusa
Syracuse
Taormina Riviera
Central Palace Hotel Federico II First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Principe Granatelli, 60 Palermo Italy
A fusion of classic and innovative design, Hotel Federico II is a family- run 65 room establishment located near the city's most important streets of culture, tourism and shopping, halfway between the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama. Breakfast is served with a rich buffet while the in-house restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean dishes revisited along with a great wine selection. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
Mercure Palermo Centro First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
via Mariano Stabile, 112 Palermo Italy
The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby.
Mahara Hotel & Wellness First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Lungomare San Vito 3 Mazara del Vallo, Sicily Island Italy
Ideally located on Sicily's southwest coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Mahara Hotel & Wellness is just a short walk away from the center of Mazara del Vallo. This relaxed 81-room property offers free Wi-Fi, a wellness center complete with Turkish bath, chromotherapy shower, and hot tub, as well as a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and sun loungers. The elegant guestrooms are spacious, air conditioned, and equipped with satellite TV and minibar with either a balcony or a terrace. The in-house restaurant is recommended by Italy's most prestigious food guides and serves traditional Sicilian dishes for lunch and dinner. Drinks and snacks are available in the lounge bar.
Della Valle First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Ugo La Malfa 3 Agrigento Italy
Set amid a beautiful garden with olive and palm trees, Hotel Della Valle features a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day, an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants one located in the park and one overlooking the swimming pool - where to enjoy international cuisine, and traditional Sicilian dishes. All 112 guest rooms are modern and decorated in Sicilian style, offering air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The famous Temples Valley is within easy reach.
Poggio Del Sole Resort First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
S.P. 25 Ragusa - Marina Di Ragusa - Km 5,700 Ragusa Area Italy
Poggio del Sole Resort is beautifully situated in the hyblean landscape. Those buldings which were once parts of an elegant "masseria" now frame a tastefully and uniquely designed hotel with restaurants, bars and Spa. The hotel, in spite of its rustic location and origins, comes with all modern comfort and is elegantly embellished by a sober mix of contemporary and traditional sicilian furniture. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a lounge bar are also available.
Grand Hotel Villa Politi First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Maria Politi Laudien, 2 Syracuse Italy
This 100-room historical hotel is itself a part of Syracuse's rich history, located north of the city centre close to Siracuse¿s famed archaeological zone. Set in a magnificent 19th-century former noble residence, the villa has glamorous interior features echoing the Art Deco era and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Local Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant and there is a lounge bar serving a good choice of international liqueurs as well as classical Italian aperitivi and digestivi. The elegant Liberty style guest rooms feature Art-Nouveau furniture and are equipped with air conditioning, minibar and hardwood or parquet floors. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Hellenia Yachting Hotel First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Jannuzzo, 41 Giardini Naxos Italy
Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch.