Magic of Sicily
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Sicily, with a change of planes in Rome.
We arrive in Palermo and transfer to our hotel for a 3-night stay.
We travel to the hilltop town of Monreale, renowned for its Arab-influenced Cathedral covered in mosaics dating back as far as 1194 AD. We then visit the city of Palermo, including the Duomo (Cathedral) and the old town to see the Capo market selling fresh food and artisan products.
This morning we drive to beautiful Mount Pellegrino to visit the Shrine of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo. Afternoon at leisure. You may want to explore one of the main markets, reminiscent of Arab souks, with their abundant variety of food, and theatrical vendors.
Today begins with a visit of Segesta, one of the best preserved and most beautiful Greek archaeological sites. We then enjoy some time in the historical town of Erice, located on a mountaintop 750 metres above sea level overlooking the city of Trapani. Our included lunch will feature typical Sicilian fare. We then continue to Mazara del Vallo for a 6-night stay.
This morning we enjoy a guided visit of the historical centre of town, to see the many Moorish and Norman churches and the beautiful cathedral. We will visit the Museum of the Dancing Satyr to see the famous bronze statue dragged from the sea by a local fisherman, and take a stroll in the Kasbah. The afternoon is at leisure.
A day at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the area at your own pace. This is a city with a fascinating mix of culture, history, ethnicity, and art. Stroll through the labyrinthine North African Kasbah in the city centre, see the bustling fishing harbour, and the beautiful Piazza delle Repubblica. We recommend to enjoy a coffee at an outdoor cafe in one of the city squares - you will not find a better place for people-watching than here!
We enjoy a boat ride to the island of Mozia to visit what was once an ancient Phoenician city. We will see the original landscape of the salt marshes, windmills, and vineyards. We then see the historic centre of Marsala and enjoy a light lunch (and tasting) at a winery.
We enjoy a visit of the historical centre of Trapani, which features prestigious buildings and the Purgatory Church with its beautiful facade.
Day at leisure.
We travel to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most important sights in Sicily, and one of the most impressive complexes of ancient Greek Buildings outside of Greece. Then we proceed to our hotel in the Taormina area for a 7-night stay.
We begin with a walking tour of Taormina, followed by some free time to enjoy the spectacular views, elegant gardens, cafes, and shops of this old-world resort town. We then enjoy the drive along the seafront of Giardini Naxos, and a stroll along the boardwalk.
Today we tour Catania, with its historical centre and famous fish market. We will have some free time in the main square, the lovely Piazza Duomo and main shopping street before we return to our hotel via a scenic drive along the Riviera of the Cyclops - a legendary stretch of coast north of Catania.
We visit the unspoiled and typical Sicilian hilltop towns of Savoca and Forza d’Agro as seen in Francis Ford Coppola’s famous Godfather trilogy! We will enjoy lunch at a local pizzeria before we return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
A free day to enjoy this lovely resort town at your own pace, or take an optional tour to legendary Mt. Etna.
A full day tour to the ancient city of Syracuse on the island of Ortigia. We will visit the archaeological zone to see the Roman Amphitheatre and the Spring of Arethusa Fountain. There will be some free time to enjoy the historical centre.
A final day at leisure. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.
We fly home, via Rome.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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