Sicilian Experience | Guided Group Tour | 5 Days

DAY 1:                                   PALERMO 

Upon arrival at Palermo Airport, transfer to your hotel in charming Palermo and enjoy a day at leisure. Overnight in Palermo. 

DAY 2:                                   PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO  

After breakfast, travel to Monreale to visit its magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral and beautiful Benedictine Cloister. Return to Palermo for a guided tour of the city’s remarkable Arab-Norman heritage, including the Cathedral, the Byzantine Church of the Martorana, and the Palatine Chapel-one of Sicily’s finest examples of the harmonious coexistence of different cultures and religions. Along the visit enjoy a food stop. Overnight in Palermo. (B, L)

DAY 3:                                   PALERMO – CELAFU – CATANIA 

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Cefalù, a beautiful medieval maritime village with its Norman Cathedral. Time at leisure to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Continue to Catania for a guided walk through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. Discover elegant Baroque architecture as you stroll past the historic fish market to Piazza del Duomo, home to the city’s striking Cathedral and the iconic lava stone Elephant Fountain. Complete your visit with a taste of the local specialty-refreshing granita served with a traditional brioche. Overnight in Catania. (B, L)

DAY 4:                                   CATANIA – ETNA – TAORMINA – CATANIA 

After breakfast, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s historic fish market before travelling to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the spectacular landscapes of Etna Regional Park as you ascend to Rifugio Sapienza and the Silvestri Craters, where panoramic views extend across the volcanic landscape to the Aeolian Islands and the coast of Calabria. Continue to a local beekeeping farm to learn about honey production and sample regional honey and other local specialties. This afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Taormina to explore the renowned Greco-Roman Theatre overlooking the Bay of Naxos before enjoying scenic views along the spectacular Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to Catania for your overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 5:                                   CATANIA 

Breakfast in the hotel and check-out. End of services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR):  

PALERMO: Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro, or Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal, or Cristal Hotel Palermo  

CATANIA: Il Principe Hotel, or Romano House Hotel 

INCLUDES: 

• 4 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels
• Meals as per itinerary
• Multilingual tour leader
• Local guides or audio-guides where required
• Private arrival transfer from Palermo Airport to hotel
• Transportation by air-conditioned bus from day 2-4
• Sightseeing tours in Monreale, Palermo, Cefalu, Etna, Taormina, and Catania
• Typical product tastings:
  • Palermo (day 2): gastronomic surprise with street food tasting
  • Catania (day 3): “granita and brioche” tasting
  • Etna (day 4): visit to a honey factory, tasting typical Mount Etna products

EXCLUDES: 

• Departure transfer*
• Meals not specified above
• Beverages
• Entrance fees to monuments/museums*
• City taxes*
• Tips and extras in general
• Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling
• Anything not specified under “Includes”

*Not included unless you have pre-purchased the privilege package at the time of booking. 

OPTIONAL ADD-ON: PRIVILEGE PACKAGE 

Privilege Packages are available on request at an additional cost and, if selected, will be confirmed on your booking.

Silver 

• City taxes
• All entrance fees as per program

Gold 

• Private departure transfer (Pick-up between 07:00-20:59 only. Transfers outside of these times will incur a surcharge. This will be advised upon confirmation.)
• City taxes
• All entrance fees as per program

Platinum 

• Upgrade to Superior/Deluxe rooms
• Private departure transfer (Pick-up between 07:00-20:59 only. Transfers outside of these times will incur a surcharge. This will be advised upon confirmation.)
• City taxes
• All entrance fees as per program

THINGS TO NOTE: 

• Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.
• Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore, coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.
• Entrance fees to sights are not included and are to be paid locally, unless you have pre-booked the Privilege Package before departure.
• A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.
• Itinerary may be modified at any time.
• Only 1 suitcase (any size) and 1 handbag per person is allowed.