6-Nights Sicilian Escape - Escapes from $1,399

Itinerary Details

Sicilian Escape

Day 1ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)




Day 2PALERMOSicilian Specialties 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
HISTORIC FAITH The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the 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.




Day 3PALERMO–AGRIGENTOTimeless Temples This morning, depart Palermo and drive 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)
87 mi / 140 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.




Day 4AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSEAncient 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.” [LF] Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant before continuing to Syracuse. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B,L)
162 mi / 260 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.



Day 5SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERACoastal Treasures This morning, join your Local Guide for a visit to Syracuse’s Archaeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. Continue to the bustling city of Catania and enjoy free time, admire the main square, Piazza del Duomo, browse the stores along Via Etnea, and try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this evening. (B) 75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Sicily’s love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures and take time to sample some of Sicily’s most famous street food.



Day 6TAORMINA RIVIERAThe Pearl of the Mediterranean Come face to face with Europe’s tallest active stratovolcano with a guided excursion to Mount Etna. Enjoy a scenic drive en route to a panoramic viewpoint from where you can observe the extinct craters and solidified lava flows. This afternoon, after an orientation walk, spend some free time exploring the breathtaking town of Taormina. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDER Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.



Day 7TAORMINA RIVIERASafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Catania.) (B)