April 16 - 29, 2028
Medieval Villages and Seaside Towns
Did you wish upon a star? Because this two-week adventure through Sicily’s north and south coasts is absolutely a dream come true. You’ll stroll through the seaside city of Cefalù, get immersed in the postcard-worthy scenery of the Aeolian Islands, and spot breathtaking volcanoes along the way. But oh no, the fun doesn’t stop here. You’ll then continue further south for a Sicilian cooking class, storied medieval villages, sunny seaside towns, and non-stop Italian history and culture. If this sounds like the Sicilian adventure you’ve always dreamed of, well, you’re 100% right.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Small group experience; Max 16
RATES: April 16 - 29, 2028
Tour Cost per person based on double occupancy: CAD $5,799 per person
Single Room Supplement: CAD $1,819
Air Fare: Contact our office for air fares and flight information
Tour price includes:
- Hotel accommodation as per itinerary or similar based on twin share
- All transfers and transportation are by private, air-conditioned coach
- Fully escorted by a Canadian Tour Leader and Local guide
- Meals as noted below:
- 13 x Breakfasts
- 1 x Lunches
- Local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours
- Hotel porterage (1 piece of luggage per person)
Not included: Travel insurance, international air fare.
Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travelers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.
Transfers: Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away, and the cost of your tour, and insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule:
- Tour Deposit: $350.00 per person non-refundable
Final Payment: February 1st, 2028
Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa and Master Card, or email. For information regarding e-mail payments, contact your financial institution. It is easy and convenient
Itinerary
April 16 - Polermo
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Hotel Vecchio Borgo (or similar)
April 17 - Palermo/Cefalù
Head out for an orientation walk of Palermo's historic city centre. This city has been the crossroads of so many civilizations, from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres such as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, very unusual squares such as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral.
Continue to Cefalú, often cited as one of Italy's most beautiful townships. Stroll through cobbled streets to a picturesque cove by the beach. Observe local fisherman working on their boats, visit the 12th-century Duomo di Cefalú, opt to enjoy an aperitivo, or simply wander around this postcard-pretty town which director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso
Activities:
Palermo Food Tour - There’s no better way to connect with a new city than by exploring the local food scene, so dive into Palermo with this street food and market tour. Set off on foot from Central Station and whet your palate with several popular street food options as you amble through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, toward towards Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. Explore Palermo as it is meant to be seen, off the beaten path. You’ll leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of what makes Palermo so special.
Cefalù Beach Visit - Cefalù's crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular along the whole Sicilian coast. Enjoy a quick dip in the waters, or simply lounge on the beach.
Salita Saraceni Visit, Cefalù - The Salita Saraceni is an enormous staircase that winds up through three tiers of city walls. Spend 30 to 45 minutes heading up to the summit of La Rocca - from here, you'll have wonderful views of the town below.
Duomo di Cefalù - Have an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo and visit Cefalù's cathedral, one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab Norman crown. Opt to climb the towers themselves for great views of the area.
Hotel La Giara (or similar)
April 18 - Cefalù / Lipari
Travel to the Aeolian Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic lands known as "the pearls of Italy" for their intriguing natural formations. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, spend the next few days exploring pockets of this coastal paradise. Take a car and ferry to reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to visit a local beach, or take another short ferry to see Vulcano's active crater.
Activities:
Milazzo - Lipari, 1 hours
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat. Explore the beautiful island of Lipari with a free afternoon.
Cefalù - Milazzo, 2 hours
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Borgo Eolie Hotel Lipari (or similar) 2 nights
Optional activities:
Town Centre Visit - One of Lipari's great pleasures is simply going for a passeggiate (afternoon stroll) around the island's streets, taking in its laid-back atmosphere. Head to Corso Vittorio Emanuele - the liveliest street in town - and visit one of its many inviting bars, cafes and restaurants.
Spiaggia di Canneto Beach Visit - Head to the island's most popular swimming spot - the long, pebbly strip at Canneto - and spend a day on the beach like a local.
Ferry to Vulcano Island €12 EUR per person
Take a 10-minute ferry ride to nearby Vulcano, a small volcanic island, visited since ancient Roman times. Opt to take an hour-long crater hike.
April 19 - Lipari
Enjoy a free morning in Lipari. Later, head out for an excursion to explore the beautiful islands of Panarea and Stromboli by boat. Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Junco, stroll through Panarea's scenic whitewashed village, and explore the town of Stromboli before taking an unforgettable sunset cruise. In the night breeze of the open sea, witness active Mount Stromboli's spectacular eruptions.
Activities:
Free time - Take the morning to relax or leisurely wander through town.
Panarea & Stromboli Islands Boat Excursion - Set sail for a journey through the stunning Aeolian Islands, stopping at Panarea and Stromboli. On Panarea, visit Cala Junco beach and wander through the village, then see Basiluzzo - the smallest of the Aeolian Islands.
Continue to Stromboli and enjoy free time to explore local shops in town. As sunset approaches, cruise back to the islet of Stombolicchio to arrive, just as it starts to get dark, under the Scara del Fuoco - considered the best spot for viewing Mount Stromboli's eruptions. This is the last stop and for many, the most awaited. (Please note: this activity begins at 2pm and ends at 10pm. We recommend bringing a sweater as the evening breeze gets chilly aboard the boat!)
April 20 - Lipari / Catania
Say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and ferry back to the mainland, then continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most visited destinations. After a short orientation walk, enjoy free time to visit the stunning Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheater with commanding views of Mount Etna.
Travel onwards to Catania for the evening.
ACTIVITIES:
Ferry - Lipari - Milazzo - 1 hour
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle - Milazzo - Taormina - 1 ½ hours
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Taormina Orientation Walk - Join your CEO for a brief introduction to this beautifully situated hilltop town, once part of the "Grand Tour" many affluent Europeans took in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Private Vehicle - Taormina - Catania - 1 hour
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities
Catania Orientation Walk - Head out with your CEO for an introduction to this elegant and lively city.
Teatro Greco Taormina €14 EUR per person
Built in the 3rd century BC and still in use today, Teatro Greco is one of the most dramatically situated Greek theatres in the world.
Corso Umberto I Visit - Taormina's chief delight is wandering this pedestrian-friendly, boutique-lined thoroughfare.
Villa Comunale Gardens - Created by Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century, these beautiful public gardens offer breathtaking views of the coast and Mt Etna.
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo (or similar) 3 nights
April 21 - Catania
Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk to get your bearings in Catania. Afterwards, you'll have free time to continue exploring this town and all of its museums and historic attractions. Maybe visit La Pescheria market or walk the Via Etnea.
Activities
CEO Led Orientation Walk - Your CEO will take you around Catania so you can get your bearings and see some of the city's main sites. Full of heritage and culture there's no shortage of interesting structures and museums to see. Best part? If something catches your eye, there will plenty of opportunity for you to go and see it on your own during your free time after this walk.
Free time - Enjoy a full free day to explore.
Optional Activities
Catania Food Tour - 2.5hr
Head out on the town with a local expert, discovering the culinary delights of Catania’s vibrant food scene. Stroll through picturesque alleyways and marvel at the iconic landmarks while sampling classic treats like arancini, cannoli, fried fish, and flavourful cipollina. You’re sure to be captivated by the colours, aromas, and lively energy found in the historic Pescheria Market, as your guide uncovers Catania’s rich, local history. This is, quite possibly, the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Please note that special meal requirements cannot be accommodated on this food tour.
Optional Activities
Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour €70 EUR per person
Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old-growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). Afterward, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives, and bread, paired with excellent local wines.
La Pescheria Visit - Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7 am- 2 pm.
Piazza del Duomo - Catania’s Central Piazza - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata.
Via Etnea Walk - Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local life unfold.
April 22 - Catania
Spend another whole free day in Catania. Choose to visit Mt. Etna, Catania's cathedral located in the centre of the old town, or the Piazza Del Duomo just near the port area in the heart of the city.
Later in day perhaps head out with the group for a delicious Sicilian meal. Catania also happens to be an important economic hub for the country. Located on the eastern coast, directly between Pachino in the south and Messina in the north. This city maintains a huge amount of its heritage and culture within its museums like the Basilica Sant’Agata and the Museo Civici. Catania is also in close proximity to the legendary Mount Eta there are plenty of opportunities for day trips and outdoor excursions.
Optional Activities
Enjoy any of the activities that you missed on Day 6.
April 23 - Catania / Syracus - 1 hour
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as you travel to Syracuse. This enchanting city by the Ionian Sea was once at the centre of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Take a cooking class on arrival and learn how to make Arancini — an iconic Sicilian specialty — to enjoy as a light lunch! Later, explore the old town's baroque piazzas and medieval side streets with a CEO-led orientation walk. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Hands-On Moment
Arancini Cooking Class - Learn how to prepare a delicious snack enjoyed beyond the borders of Sicily: deep-fried arancini, a ball of creamy risotto rice typically filled with a savoury cheese or meat filling.
Hotel Gran Bretagna Siracusa (or similar) 2 nights
April 24 - Syracuse
Enjoy a full free day in Syracuse. Opt to visit the impressive Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, or travel to nearby Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city renowned for its baroque architecture built with a unique golden limestone.
Optional Activities
Noto Visit €12 EUR per person
Take a local bus to Noto, about an hour southwest of Syracuse. Home to one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centres, stroll through the Arco di Trionfo to reach Corso Vittorio Emanuele and visit the majestic 18th century Noto Cathedral.
Parco Archeologico della Neapolis Visit €10 EUR per person
Uncover the city's ancient past at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, home to Syracuse's sprawling Teatro Greco. First constructed in the 5th century BC, today visitors can wander the grounds and imagine what 2nd-century gladiator combats and horse races at the Anfiteatro Romano may have looked like.
April 25 - Syracus / Agrigento
Travel to the baroque city of Ragusa before heading to the medieval hilltop town of Piazza Armerina. Visit the world's most varied collection of Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Known for their incredibly well-preserved state "in situ", or in their original location, observe ancient scenes of hunting, fishing, and athletics depicted beautifully in mosaic tile.
Continue to Agrigento.
Syracrus - Ragusa - 1 ¾ hours
Ragusa - Enjoy some free time to explore the alleyways and the squares of this hilltop city, rich with baroque architecture.
Ragusa - Piazza Armerina - 1 ¾ hours
Villa Romana del Casale - Admire the finest Roman floor mosaics in existence at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 4th century, the villa's exquisitely preserved mosaics and frescoes are outstanding examples of early Roman art. To get even more out of your visit to the luxury countryside villa, opt to upgrade to a guided tour.
Piazza Armerina - Agrigento - 1 ¾ hours
Colleverde Park Hotel (or similar)
April 26 - Agrigento / Trapani
Take a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's best-known attractions. Learn the history of this magnificent site as you explore the ruins of its seven temples, nestled on a ridge below Agrigento. Continue to Trapani, stopping en route in Marsala to see some of Europe's oldest salt marshes.
Valley of the Temples Guided Tour
Regarded as the best example of ancient Hellenic architecture in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples' oldest structures date back to the 5th century. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Concordia, with its majestic columns, and learn about the site's history from a local guide.
Agrigento - Marsala, 2 ½ hours
Marsala Salt Marshes -Visit some of Europe's oldest traditional salt marshes, where sea salt is still harvested in the same way it's been for hundreds of years.
Marsala - Trapani, 45 minutes
B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal (or similar) 2 nights
April 27 - Trapani
Enjoy a free day to explore the charms of Trapani and its nearby towns. Opt to cruise the idyllic Egadi Islands, spend the day hiking at a nature reserve filled with local flora and fauna, or hop on a funicular to explore the walled town of Erice.
Optional Activities
Egadi Islands Excursion (Full-Day) €50 EUR - €75 EUR per person
The crystal-clear seas off western Sicily are home to the idyllic Aegadian islands of Favignana and Levanzo. Cruise through the coastal waters and drop anchor in beautiful spots around the islands.
Erice Excursion (Half-Day) €9 EUR per person
Head to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, a walled 12th-century village perched high above the sea. Take a cable car from Trapani's city centre to reach Erice and spend a few hours wandering its picturesque streets.
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro Excursion (Full-Day) €50 EUR - €70 EUR per person
Visit the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily's first nature reserve located about an hour from Trapani. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, spend the day hiking spectacular trails overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
April 28 - Trapani / Palermo
Travel to Monreale to visit the 11th-century Monreale Cathedral, intricately decorated with thousands of gold mosaic tiles. Admire panoramic views of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Continue to Palermo and enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival.
Activities
Trapani - Monreale, 1 hour and 30 minutes
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Monreale Cathedral Visit
Visit the World Heritage–listed Cattedrale di Monreale, or Monreale Cathedral, considered one of Europe's greatest examples of Norman architecture with a heavy Moorish and Byzantine influence.
Monreale - Palermo, 15 minutes
Palermo Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo. This city has been the crossroads of so many civilizations, from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see Baroque and Gothic façades, neoclassical theatres such as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, very unusual squares such as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral.
Hotel Vecchio Borgo (or similar)
April 29 - Palermo
Depart at any time.
Optional Activity
Palermo Food Tour - 3hr
There’s no better way to connect with a new city than by exploring the local food scene, so dive into Palermo with this street food and market tour. Set off on foot from Central Station and whet your palate with several popular street food options as you amble through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, toward towards Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. Explore Palermo as it is meant to be seen, off the beaten path. You’ll leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of what makes Palermo so special.
Magic of Malta
Why not add a few days in Malta??
- Ancient temples
- Breathtaking views
- Fascinating history
- Sea breezes
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