Palermo

Welcome to Palermo! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, with some free time to follow. Home to over half a million people, Palermo—the capital of Sicily—is a dynamic city full of contrasts. Its impressive architecture reflects a unique blend of Arab, Norman, Aragonese, and Baroque influences. With a mild climate year-round, vibrant energy, and rich culinary traditions, Palermo is a city that leaves a lasting impression.

Palermo

Total distance covered: 40 km.

09:00 a.m. – Today, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Palermo with a local guide. Highlights of the city include the Cathedral (which we recommend visiting in the afternoon) with its mix of architectural styles and royal tombs, and the Norman Palace (former Royal Palace), along with its fountains, markets, and gardens. You’ll have free time to stroll through the city center. Afterward, we’ll head to Monreale, a charming town on the outskirts of Palermo. You’ll have time for lunch before visiting its Cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning golden mosaics that cover the interior. We’ll then return to Palermo, with the rest of the afternoon free to explore at your leisure.

Note: In some cases, if the group size is very small, the tour may be shared with other travelers through local tour companies rather than being a private tour.

Palermo - Castelbuono - Cefalù - Tindari - Milazzo

Total distance covered: 257 km.

Scenery: Northern Sicily’s landscapes and the Tyrrhenian Sea coast.

08:30 a.m. – After breakfast, we’ll depart from Palermo, following the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea coast.
10:00 a.m. – Castelbuono. We’ll stop in this quaint town nestled in the mountains where you’ll experience the peacefulness of the inland villages and admire the town’s medieval walls, castle, and picturesque streets.

11:15 a.m. – Departure from Castelbueno.
11:45 a.m. - Arrival in Cefalù, a charming coastal town renowned for its Norman cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique architecture and stunning mosaics. The historic center is a delightful mix of narrow streets, sea views, and commercial and tourist life. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Cefalù. We’ll leave the coast behind and head into the mountainous interior.
05:00 p.m. – Arrival in Tindari, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of Tindari, perched high on a mountain with stunning views of the sea. This renowned pilgrimage site is home to the Black Madonna and offers breathtaking scenery. Nearby, you can also explore the ruins of an ancient Greek polis.

06:00 p.m. - Departure from Tindari.
06:45 p.m. – Arrival in Milazzo, a bustling port city with views of the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Milazzo - Vulcano - Lipari - Taormina

Total distance covered by road: 95 km.

Scenery: Boat trips to the volcanic Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Notes:
-We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and swimwear if you plan to experience the mud baths in Vulcano.
-Due to variations in hydrofoil schedules, the timing of this stage may change.

Our day will be brimming with excitement as we set off to explore the mythical islands that bring to life the legends of Greek gods and heroes. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, this enchanting archipelago awaits us. We’ll visit two of the Aeolian Islands, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their continuous volcanic activity.

08:00 a.m. – After breakfast, we’ll head to the port to board a hydrofoil boat to Vulcano, with departure scheduled for 08:30 a.m.
09:20 a.m. – Arrival in Vulcano, the legendary site where Hephaestus, the forger of Zeus’ thunderbolts and Poseidon’s trident, had his forge. The island is permeated by the smell of sulfur and features active fumaroles. Dominated by its crater, Vulcano is known for its hot water beaches and sulfurous thermal baths, with mud renowned for its skin benefits. Don’t miss this unique experience!

11:40 a.m. – Departure from Vulcano. We’ll board another hydrofoil boat for a quick trip to our second island.
11:50 a.m. – Arrival in Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, named after the son of Aeolus. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the most charming island in the archipelago, with its historic center, castle, and lively tourist atmosphere.

04:10 p.m. – Departure from Lipari. We’ll head back to the island of Sicily by boat.
05:10 p.m. – Arrival in Milazzo. From here, we’ll continue our journey to Taormina.
07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Taormina, marking the end of the day. Dinner will be included.

Note: During the summer or on special dates, accommodation may be arranged in Messina instead of Taormina.

Taormina

Taromina – free day. This enchanting and small coastal city, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. Winston Churchill once described it as the most beautiful place on earth. Take time to stroll through the vibrant historic quarter, visit the Greek theatre with its breathtaking views, or relax on the beaches. Dinner will be included.

Taormina - Catania - Caltagirone - Villa Romana del Casale - Agrigento

Total distance covered: 247 km.

Scenery: Beautiful inland landscapes of Sicily.

08:30 a.m. - Taormina. After breakfast, we’ll depart along the coast towards Sicily´s second-largest city.
09:30 a.m. - Arrival in Catania, a city founded by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C. and an important cultural and commercial hub throughout its history. There will be time to stroll through this lively city, which, despite the devastation caused by Etna´s eruptions and earthquakes, boasts a vibrant Baroque center. Highlights include its impressive cathedral.

10:45 a.m. - Departure from Catania as we continue our journey inland.
12:00 p.m. - Arrival in Caltagirone, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant Baroque heritage. We’ll take a guided tour aboard a tourist train to discover the city’s main attractions. Known as the center of ceramics in Sicily, Caltagirone is famous for its shops and workshops, as well as landmarks like its 142-step staircase, each step adorned with unique tiles. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch.

02:45 p.m. - Departure from Caltagirone after lunch.
03:30 p.m. - Arrival at Villa Romana del Casale (admission included). We’ll visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which exemplifies the grandeur of Roman agricultural estates. Not only is the 4th-century architectural layout of the villa remarkably preserved, but the exquisite mosaics decorating nearly every room are considered among the most beautiful in the Roman world.

05:00 p.m. - Departure from Villa Romana.
06:30 p.m. - Agrigento. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning Valley of the Temples from the comfort of our coach. Arrival at the hotel, with dinner included.

Agrigento - Marsala - Erice - Palermo

Total distance covered: 300 km.

Today we’ll explore archaeological sites that highlight the influence of ancient Greece in Sicily. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, an impressive archaeological site renowned for its well-preserved Greek temples (admission included).

11:00 a.m. - Departure from Agrigento.
01:30 p.m. - Marsala. Arrival in this historic city known for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine. We’ll have time for lunch.

03:00 p.m. - Departure from Marsala. We’ll continue our journey around the scenic Marsala salt pans.
04:15 p.m. - Erice. This picturesque Phoenician town, perched atop a hill and surrounded by ancient walls, invites us to take a leisurely stroll.

05:15 p.m. - Departure from Erice.
07:15 p.m. - Palermo. Dinner and accommodation.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.