9-Day Sicily Circle Island Tour

Southern Europe

Overview

Visit Palermo, Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Agrigento, Trapani

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Tour Plan
  • Day   1
    Hometown ✈ Palermo, Sicily
  • Day   2
    Palermo (Free at Leisure)

     Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar
    Palermo: Capital city of Sicily located on the northwestern coast of the island, where you will find a fascinating blend of several architectural styles reflecting its rich history and influence of various civilizations.
  • Day   3
    Palermo – Cefalu (optional) – Villa Romana del Casale (admission incl.) – Taormina

     (B/D: Sicilian Cuisine)

     Taormina Park Hotel or similar
    Cefalu: A picturesque coastal town in northern Sicily with stunning sandy beaches, historic charm and splendid natural scenery, attracting many vacation seekers throughout the year. Villa Romana del Casale: An ancient Roman villa with an extensive collection of well-preserved Roman mosaics offers valuable insights into the daily life, culture, and artistic achievements of the Roman Empire. Recognized a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Sicily. Taormina: One of the most original ancient towns in the Mediterranean with winding medieval streets and characteristic brightly coloured structures along the coastline. This legendary resort town offers the best views of the volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
  • Day   4
    Taormina – Greek Theatre (admission incl.) – Old Town - Isola Bella - Mount Etna (optional)

     B: Hotel / L: On Own / D: On Own

     Taormina Park Hotel or similar
    Greek Theatre: With history dating back to the 3rd century BC, this ancient amphitheatre was originally built by the ancient Greeks and later modified and expanded by the Romans. It is one of the most iconic and visited archaeological sites in Sicily. Being curved into the natural slope of the hill, it offers spectacular panoramic lookouts of the Ionian Sea, shoreline and volcanic Mount Etna. Isola Bella: Referring as “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, this small island is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery, rocky cliffs, pebbly beaches with crystal-clear waters and lush vegetations. It is only accessible by foot through a narrow strip of stony land during low tide. Mount Etna: An active volcano on the east coast of Sicily with a height of 3,326m and a basal diameter of 40km. It is the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. Evidence shows its first eruption happened over several hundred thousand years ago and its unusual planet related geological features made it listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spreading across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south.
  • Day   5
    Taormina - Catania - Cathedral of Sant'Agata - Old Town - Syracuse - Island of Ortigia

     (B/L-Seafood)

     Grande Albergo Alfeo or similar
    Catania: The second largest city in Sicily, after Palermo, located on the east coast at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna and overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea. It was almost destroyed by a major eruption and lava flow from Mount Etna after an earthquake in 1169 and redeveloped with Athens’s architectures and wider roads. Cathedral of Sant'Agata: Also known as Catania Cathedral, this Roman Catholic church is one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in Catania. Dedicated to Saint Agatha, the patron saint of the city who devoted to protecting the city from eruptions of Mount Etna and other disasters. Syracuse: This 2700-year-old city located on the south-eastern coast of Sicily is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. It became even more popular after the shooting of the award-winning film “Malena”. Island of Ortigia: This small island is the historic centre of Syracuse and features ancient buildings with mixed architectural styles, charming alleys, lovely beach, shops and eateries.
  • Day   6
    Syracuse - Agrigento - Valley of the Temples (admission incl.) - The Regional Archeological Museum (admission incl.) - Scala dei Turchi – Trapani

     B: Hotel / L: On Own / D: Local Western Cuisine

     Albergo Vittoria or similar
    Agrigento: This atmospheric historic city on the southern coast of Sicily possessed remarkable significance during the golden age of Ancient Greece and still well preserved with many Greek ruins and its original vibe. Valley of the Temples: This enchanted valley is an archaeological site in Agrigento consists of remains of seven ancient Doric-style temples with the earliest history dating back to the 5th century BC. The site was first discovered in the late 18th century when European travellers explored Sicily. Fantastically overlooking the entire city of Agrigento, it offers unique atmospheric blend of cultural monuments and natural landscape. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The Regional Archaeological Museum: With display over 5688 ancient artifacts presenting in chronological and topographical order in 18 gallery halls, this archaeological museum is definitely the only and best place to learn about the local history and culture. Its collection includes pre-historical architectures, sculptures, arts, tools, household items, etc. Scala dei Turchi: Naming “Turkish Steps” in English, it’s a stunning rocky cliff or stairways stretching along the coast of southern Sicily formed by layers of sedimentary rock of characteristic sparkling white colour, presenting extraordinary natural beauty of the coastal landscape. Get yourself indulge in the soft sea breeze while taking an unforgettable stroll on the beach.
  • Day   7
    Trapani – Salt Pans & Museum (optional) - San Vito lo Capo Beach - Monreale - Duomo di Monreale (admission incl.) – Palermo

     B: Hotel / L: On Own / D: Local Western Cuisine

     Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar
    Salt Pans & Museum: The salt pans in Trapani have been used for producing sea salt since ancient time. The endless piles of crystal white salt and the distinctive traditional windmills though no longer operational form picturesque elements of the unique landscape. As part of the reserved coastal wetland managed by WWF, the area also offers a peaceful shelter to many migratory birds. The Salt Museum offers visitors a valuable opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of salt production and its contributions to Trapani’s trade and economic development. Duomo di Monreale: This grand Roman Catholic Church is one of the most popular attractions in Monreale, a national monument of Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1172 and took almost hundred years to complete. It is an exemplary masterpiece of Norman architecture with glittering gold mosaics throughout the inside, characteristic cloisters in the garden and exquisitely carved stigmas.
  • Day   8
    Palermo – Quattro Canti – Fontana Pretoria - Palermo Cathedral - Porta Nuova - Norman Palace (admission incl.) - Ballaro Market – Free at Leisure

     (B/D: Italian Grilled Steak)

     Mercure Hotel Palermo Centro or similar
    Quattro Canti: Meaning “Four Corners” in Italian, Quattro Canti is a traditional Baroque square at the intersection of two main streets in the heart of Palermo’s old historic district. At the four sides of the Square are four almost identical Baroque buildings consist of fountains with statues representing the four seasons, four kings and four patronesses of Palermo. Norman Palace: This magnificent palace in Palermo integrating Byzantine, Muslim and Norman architectural styles serves both residential and administration functions to the kings and subsequent rulers of Sicily. It is the oldest royal residence in Europe and stands the highest point of the ancient city centre. Ballaro Market: The oldest street market in Palermo, serving local residents with fresh produce, seafood, dairy products, household items, and offering tourists exceptional experience of local life and taste of traditional Sicilian foods.
  • Day   9
    Palermo ✈ Hometown

     B: Hotel / L: On Own / D: On Own
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