Sicily & Aeolian Islands | Partially Guided Tour | 9 Days

DAY 1:                                   PALERMO 

Arrival at Palermo Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Palermo. 

DAY 2:                                   PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO  

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to visit Monreale, with its impressive Arab-Norman Cathedral and stunning Cloister. Return to Palermo. This city preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful Cathedral, the fascinating Byzantine Church of the Martorana and the Palatine Chapel, a higher example from the historical-artistic point of view of the coexistence between cultures and religions. Along the visit stop for a food surprise in a local bakery. 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. Proceed to Catania and visit the old town centre with its baroque architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walk in the centre, passing through the old ‘pescheria’ (old fish market) to reach the scenic Piazza del Duomo with its stunning Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (symbol of the city). Stop in a delicious coffee bar to taste the local granita with brioche. Overnight in Catania. (B, L) 

DAY 4:                                   CATANIA – ETNA – TAORMINA – CATANIA 

After breakfast, visit Catania’s historic fish market before heading to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Etna Park, including Rifugio Sapienza and the Crateri Silvestri, enjoying panoramic views of volcanic cones, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria. Stop at a beekeeping farm to see honey production and taste local specialties. Continue to Taormina to visit the Greco-Roman theatre and admire breathtaking views of Naxos Bay and the Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to Catania for overnight. (B, L) 

DAY 5:                                   CATANIA – LIPARI 

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Catania’s city centre. The tour continues without a tour leader. Late morning private transfer to Milazzo, then hydrofoil to Lipari. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Lipari. (B, D) 

DAY 6:                                   LIPARI – SALINA – LIPARI 

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the coves of Lipari and the lush island of Salina. From Lipari Castle, Monte Rosa, and Canneto, continue to Santa Marina di Salina, the island’s main town. Explore the eastern coast with its Malvasia vineyards, Capo Faro, and Malfa, then stop for a swim at Pollara Bay, made famous by Il Postino. On the return, admire Lipari’s caves and enjoy free time for a final swim at Vinci Beach, opposite the Faraglioni. Overnight in Lipari. (B, D) 

DAY 7:                                   LIPARI – PANAREA – STROMBOLI – LIPARI 

After breakfast, depart from Lipari port for a full-day excursion to Panarea and Stromboli. Stop first at the pumice caves before continuing to Panarea to see the Cave of Lovers and the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese, with free time to explore. Sail on to Stromboli, passing the islets and viewing the village of Ginostra from the sea, followed by leisure time on the island. Return to Lipari for overnight. (B, L*) 

*Packed lunch.  

DAY 8:                                   LIPARI – TAORMINA 

After breakfast, transfer by hydrofoil to Milazzo, then continue by private transfer to Taormina, renowned for its scenery, historic monuments, and stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. Enjoy free time to stroll the medieval streets, shop, or sample local specialties. Overnight in Taormina. (B, D) 

DAY 9:                                   TAORMINA 

Breakfast at your hotel and check-out. End of services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

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

CATANIA: Il Principe Hotel, or Romano House Hotel 

LIPARI: Hotel Bougainville, or Hotel Mea 

TAORMINA: Baia Azzurra, or Hotel Caparena Wellness & Spa 

INCLUDES: 

In Sicily 

• 5 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels
• Meals as per itinerary
• Multilingual tour leader from day 1 to day 4
• Local guides or audio-guides when necessary
• Private arrival transfer from Palermo Airport to hotel
• Transportation by air-conditioned bus from day 2 to day 4
• Sightseeing tours* in Monreale, Palermo, Cefalu, Catania, and Etna
• 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 Etna products

In Aeolian Islands  

• 3 nights accommodation in 4* hotels
• Return transfers in Lipari
• Private transfer from Catania hotel to Milazzo port
• Private transfer from Milazzo port to Taormina hotel
• Ferries: Milazzo – Lipari – Milazzo
• Boat rides to Panarea and Stromboli, and to Salina, including entrance fees

EXCLUDES: 

• Departure transfer in Taormina*
• Meals not specified above
• Beverages
• Entrance fees to monuments/museums in Sicily*
• 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 

Silver 

• City taxes
• All entrance fees as per program in Sicily

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 in Sicily

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 in Sicily

Privilege packages are available on request for an additional cost and will be indicated in the booking if selected. 

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.
• Excursions may be modified according to weather conditions and the availability of local service providers. Please note the company is not responsible for any disruption due to weather and sea conditions concerning all hydrofoil and ferry crossings among the islands.
• Only 1 suitcase (any size) and 1 handbag per person is allowed.