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Small-group departure · Italy

Sicily Grand Tour – 9 Days

Discover Sicily from Palermo to Catania on a 9-day tour featuring Monreale, Trapani salt pans, Agrigento, Siracusa, Mount Etna and Taormina.

The route3 cities.
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9 days, 8 nightsDuration
3 citiesWhere you sleep
8 nights in 4-star hotels or similar with breakfastMeals

Why this journey

Start in Palermo, where Sicily’s layered history comes to life in the city centre and inside Teatro Massimo, one of Italy’s most celebrated opera houses. The first day sets the tone with elegant architecture, local character, and time to settle into the island’s capital before the journey turns inland and along the coast.

From there, the route moves through Palermo’s food traditions and on to Monreale, where the cathedral’s gold mosaics are the clear highlight. The tour continues west to the salt pans of Trapani and the medieval streets of Erice, combining working landscapes, hilltop views, and enough free time to enjoy lunch at your own pace.

The southern stretch brings one of Sicily’s defining archaeological sites: Valle dei Templi in Agrigento. After that, the itinerary follows the eastern side of the island to Siracusa and Ortigia, where Greek, Baroque, and Arab influences appear side by side in the streets and around the Duomo. The journey then settles into Catania for the final stretch of the trip.

Nature takes the lead on Mount Etna, with a guided visit that includes off-road sections, short walks near old craters, lava flows, and a lava tube descent with helmet and light. Local tasting stops add a welcome regional touch before the trip finishes in Taormina, where the ancient theatre and sea views frame some of the most memorable scenery in Sicily. A final free day in Catania gives you space to explore independently before departure.

Trip highlights

  • 01Walk through Palermo with a guided introduction to its historic centre and Teatro Massimo
  • 02Taste Sicilian street food in Palermo, including local favourites such as arancini, panelle and cannoli
  • 03See the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral on a guided visit
  • 04Explore the salt pans of Trapani and the hilltop town of Erice in one day
  • 05Visit Valle dei Templi in Agrigento, one of Sicily’s most important archaeological parks
  • 06Discover Siracusa and Ortigia, where Greek, Baroque and Arab influences meet
  • 07Join a guided Mount Etna experience with crater walks, lava tube access and local tastings
  • 08End with Taormina’s Greek Theatre and wide views over the Ionian coast and Mount Etna

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip11 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • 8 nights in 4-star hotels or similar with breakfast
Transfers1
  • All transfers as per the program
Entrances5
  • Entrance ticket to Teatro Massimo
  • Entrance ticket to Monreale Cathedral
  • Entrance ticket to the Trapani salt pans visit
  • Entrance ticket to Valle dei Templi
  • Entrance ticket to the ancient theatre of Taormina
Guides1
  • Guided visits with English-speaking guides as stated in the itinerary
Meals1
  • Daily breakfast throughout the tour
Experiences2
  • Guided Palermo food tour
  • Shared guided Mount Etna visit with local products and wine tasting
Plan and pay separately6 items not covered by this fare
Flights1
  • International flights are not included
Taxes1
  • City taxes are not included
Meals1
  • Meals unless mentioned in the itinerary
Optional Tours1
  • Optional Catania tour is not included
Tips1
  • Tips are not included
Personal Expenses1
  • Personal expenses are not included

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atPalermoReport by On arrival day
You're dropped atCataniaBy about On departure day

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Airport transfers are arranged according to the programme.

11 go inside0 walk through1 exterior only
Palermo5 places
PalermoEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Teatro MassimoEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
MonrealeEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Monreale CathedralEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Trapani Salt PansEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Trapani1 places
EriceSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Agrigento1 places
Valle dei TempliEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Siracusa2 places
SiracusaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
OrtigiaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Mount Etna2 places
Mount EtnaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Taormina Greek TheatreEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Catania1 places
CataniaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Italy

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctGood

Spring and early autumn are ideal to avoid the July–August crowds. Amalfi Coast is best May–Jun.

Rome
Average High
22°C
Rainfall
111mm
Venice
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
70mm
Florence
Average High
20°C
Rainfall
89mm
Amalfi
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
130mm
Essential

Passport and visa responsibility

  • Guests are responsible for valid passports, visas and any required entry documents for Italy.
  • Please check document validity well before departure.
Essential

Travel insurance and personal wellbeing

  • Travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
  • Guests should consider any walking or outdoor activity limitations before booking, especially for Mt. Etna and archaeological sites.

Pack for mixed conditions

  • Sicily can be warm in the daytime and cooler in the evening, especially on higher ground and around Etna.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for city streets, ruins and volcanic terrain.

Transfers follow the published programme

  • Included transfers operate as per the itinerary and may involve timed coach or shared transport arrangements.
  • Pacing can vary depending on local traffic and site access.

Hotel standards and substitutions

  • Hotels are planned at 4-star level or similar.
  • If needed, the operator may substitute accommodation with a comparable property.

Breakfast included, other meals as stated

  • Breakfast is included daily.
  • Lunches and dinners are at your own expense unless specifically listed in the itinerary.

Local expenses to budget for

  • City taxes are excluded from the package.
  • Keep some euros available for personal purchases, snacks, tips and any optional activities.

Mobile coverage and access

  • Coverage is generally reliable in cities such as Palermo, Catania and Taormina.
  • Signal may be less consistent in rural or volcanic areas.

Respect sites and local traditions

  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and cathedrals.
  • Follow on-site guidance at archaeological parks and natural areas.

Common questions

Is this Sicily tour suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It covers many of Sicily’s signature highlights, including Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Siracusa, Mount Etna and Taormina, making it a strong first trip to the island.

Are entrance tickets included on this tour?

Yes, several key admissions are included, including Teatro Massimo, Monreale Cathedral, Saline di Nubia, Valle dei Templi and the ancient theatre of Taormina.

What level of walking should I expect?

Expect a moderate amount of walking, especially in historic centres, archaeological sites and on the Mount Etna excursion.

Is Mount Etna visited as a full guided experience?

Yes. The itinerary includes a shared guided Etna visit with crater walks, lava tube access and local tasting stops.

What is the overnight pattern on this holiday?

The trip begins in Palermo, continues with an overnight in Agrigento, and then follows a base in Catania for the final nights before departure.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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