Colors of Sicily

Start your Sicilian journey in Palermo, whose rich trading history has left its unforgettable mark on the city’s Italian, Arab and Norman-styled piazzas, street markets and churches. Enjoy some free time to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner to kick-start your Sicilian adventure.

Head to Monreale on the slopes of Monte Caputo where a Local Specialist will guide you through the 12th-century Cattedrale di Monreale, one of Sicily’s great Norman landmarks. Later, return to Palermo and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps taking a stroll through its lively streets, browsing local shops or finding a cafe for a taste of Sicilian life. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience with dinner.

Discover hidden Palermo as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you'll learn about the civil anti-mafia movement. Leaving Palermo behind, head to Erice to explore the hilltop 'Town of a Hundred Churches' and enjoy free time for lunch. Next, stop at the Infersa Mill salt pans and learn about the ancient 'culture of salt', an industry that has shaped this region for centuries. Later, arrive in Marsala, home to the wine which shares its name. During your evening at leisure, explore picture-perfect Marsala or opt to join the Optional Experience at a Marsala winery followed by a dinner of regional dishes.

Today’s first stop is Agrigento, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. Explore one of the world’s most treasured centers of Greek art and architecture, including the seven sandstone Doric temples overlooking the city. There’s time for lunch before you head to Ragusa, a city with two very different souls – the lower and older Ragusa Ibla and higher Ragusa Superiore are separated dramatically by a deep ravine, the Valle dei Ponti.

This morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Modica with a visit to a local chocolate workshop to uncover the secrets of its traditional recipe. Later, in Ragusa, your Local Specialist reveals how a 17th-century earthquake reshaped this UNESCO-listed city—leading to the rise of elegant Ragusa Superiore above, while resilient locals rebuilt Ragusa Ibla below. This evening is at leisure, or you may choose to join an Optional Experience to a local farm restaurant.

Once a major Mediterranean power and the birthplace of Archimedes, the historic city of Syracuse takes center stage this morning. Join your Local Specialist for an in-depth look into its vibrant past and discover some of its remarkable treasures at the Archaeological Museum. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to take a boat ride to the island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of Syracuse, linked to the mainland by a stone bridge or simply spend the afternoon strolling through the city’s atmospheric streets at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Continue up the coast to Catania, the city that lies in Mount Etna’s shadow. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own and perhaps sample arancini, a favorite Catania snack. Later join a Local Specialist to delve into the history and culture of the ancient town of Taormina. A particular highlight of this afternoon will be a visit to the beautifully preserved ruins of the Teatro di Taormina. Imagine masked actors performing against the backdrop of glorious sea views more than 2,500 years ago. You’ll have an evening on your own to spend as you wish or consider joining an optional experience evening enjoying Sicilian specialties.

Taormina is yours for the taking today. During your free time, you could choose to explore the elegant boutiques along Corso Umberto. Work up an appetite and stop for some of the city's signature cannoli or cool down with a famous Sicilian granita, a half-frozen dessert served with a piping-hot brioche. Movie buffs will delight in an Optional Experience to Mount Etna and Savoca, the hilltop village of 'The Godfather'. Later this evening, learn the art of Sicilian cuisine on a charming Be My Guest experience.

Your journey through Sicily has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to new friends and take your airport transfer for your return journey home.