Flavors of Sicily

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily (D)

Welcome to Sicily! Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be greeted at the Catania airport and escorted to the hotel in Palermo, the capital city. Along the way, stop in Cefalu to walk around the coastal town and enjoy a cannoli tasting at a bakery. This evening, your Sky Vacations ambassador hosts a welcome dinner at an ancient palace overlooking Palermo’s Cathedral.

Day 2: Tour of Palermo and Capo Market (B)

After breakfast is a guided tour of Palermo. Palermo has been at the crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years and is famous for its history, culture and architecture. Visit UNESCO’S World Heritage Monreale Cathedral (admission included). Return to Palermo and experience the vibrancy of local foods and flavors at the historic Capo Market, which feels like and still has the influence of an Arab medina. As you make your way through the stalls, taste Sicilian staples like panelle (chickpea fritters), crocche (fried mash potatoes), and caponata e sfincione (thick pizza). The day continues with a tour of the ancient Old City and its incredible mix of architecture styles.

Day 3: Palermo at Leisure (B)

Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional tour to Trapani & Erice with a visit to a famous pastry stop.

Optional Activity – Tour to Trapani and Erice:

Embark on a scenic journey to western Sicily with a visit to Trapani and Erice. Explore Trapani’s charming harborfront and Baroque architecture before ascending to the hilltop town of Erice. With its cobblestone streets, panoramic views of the coastline, and medieval charm, Erice feels like stepping into another era—complete with pastry shops famous for almond sweets.

Day 4: Valley of Temples (B, L)

Today, travel inland towards Agrigento. First, you will have an excursion to the UNESCO site of the Valley of Temples, the largest and best-preserved temple ruins outside of mainland Greece. Continue to a rural farmhouse rich in authentic traditions and quality agricultural products. Enjoy a sampling lunch of homemade Sicilian food with local olive oil, cheese, grilled meat and cassata cake. Continue to Taormina where you will check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Day 5: Mount Etna (B)

Today you will visit the area around Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano and UNESCO site. You’ll visit the Silvestri craters where lava flows from previous eruptions, and then visit a farmhouse at the foot of Mount Etna with a tasting of homemade honey, olives, olive oil and wine. Learn about the fascinating world of bees from the beekeepers, with the possibility of assisting in the extraction of honey from the hive. Back in Taormina, you’ll sample the pistachios that are often used in Sicilian cuisine, then enjoy a panoramic tour finished with a visit to the ancient Greek Theater, where you’ll enjoy remarkable views of the city and countryside. The rest of the day is at leisure in Taormina to enjoy the delights of the city.

Day 6: Sicilian Cooking Class (B, L)

You’ll start the morning with a guided visit to the historical food and fish market of Catania, Piscaria. Here, gather ingredients for a cooking class hosted in the private home of a Sicilian chef. Learn how to make some of the best traditional Sicilian street food specialties while sipping local wine. Discover the connections between recipes and Sicilian history and culture with storytelling by the chef.

Day 7: Ragusa and Noto (B)

You’ll make your way to Ragusa, a town of two faces: Ragusa Superiore, a busy working town with grid-pattern streets, and Ragusa Ibla, a protected UNESCO historic city center. The Ilba district is located above a hill and is filled with narrow alleys, bridges, and small streets with Sicilian Baroque architecture. Next, visit Noto, another example UNESCO town with beautiful Baroque architecture and an elegant walkway flanked by palazzos and churches. Enjoy refreshing Sicilian gelato, which typically does not contain eggs or cream. Afterward, continue to your hotel in Syracuse for free time.

Day 8: Syracuse, A Step Back to Grecian Sicily (B, D)

Step back in time to the glorious days of Grecian Sicily. Syracuse encapsulates Sicily’s timeless beauty with ancient Greek ruins, citrus orchards, cafe tables on baroque piazzas and medieval streets leading down to the blue sea. Across the water is Ortygia, a beautiful island with beautiful streetscapes and attractive dining and shopping. In the afternoon, you will visit an ancient castle, which is a farm owned by the same family for over a century. Here you’ll have a guided tour of the winery and historic garden followed by a tasting of their wines. Return to your hotel to join together for a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Departure (B)

Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

PLEASE NOTE: B = BREAKFAST | L = LUNCH | D = DINNER

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.