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Sicily: A Cultural Journey

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Sicily: A Cultural Journey

with Taormina Region extension

Duration: 12 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 205

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The Sicilian sun shines light on a different side of Italy.

In the midst of the Mediterranean, discover an island with personality all its own—full of flavor and teeming with one-of-a-kind art and architecture. From multicultural Palermo to breathtaking Taormina, each stop on this tour of Sicily reveals unexpected treasures.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
5 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Cappella Palatina
Monreale Cathedral
Agrigento's Greek ruins
Piazza Armerina
Syracuse Cathedral

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Palermo today.

Palermo3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Palermo

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Palermo & Monreale

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the bayside city of Palermo and the hilltop town of Monreale.

Discover the city’s Baroque architecture as you pass the Quattro Canti piazza in the historic center
Step inside the Cappella Palatina to see the stunning mosaics and artwork
Head to nearby Monreale and enter Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architectural styles

Day 4: Free day in Palermo

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Palermo or add an excursion.

Ancient Ruins: Segesta & Erice

Excursion (additional cost)

Enna Region1 night

Day 5: Enna Region via Agrigento

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel south through the Sicilian countryside to Agrigento for a guided walking tour of the city’s fascinating Greek ruins.

Continue on to the Enna region and sit down for an included dinner.

Syracuse4 nights

Day 6: Syracuse via Piazza Armerina

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On the way to Syracuse, stop for a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and view the stunning mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Syracuse

Included meal: Breakfast

Embark on a guided tour of Syracuse, a historic city known for its rich Greek history.

Visit the Greek theater, the most complete ancient Greek theater still in existence
Tour the massive Paradise Quarry and gardens, featuring the cave that Caravaggio dubbed “The Ear of Dionysius” for its unique acoustics
Visit the Roman amphitheater, then cross a bridge to the Island of Ortygia to see the Temple of Apollo and Syracuse Cathedral

Day 8: Free day in Syracuse

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Syracuse or add an excursion.

Traditions of Sicily: Villa Lunch & Noto Village

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Modica & sightseeing tour of Ragusa

Included meal: Breakfast

Head out into the Sicilian countryside today.

Make a stop in the city of Modica for a tasting at the oldest chocolate shop in Sicily
Head to the hilltop town of Ragusa for a tour with a local guide
Stroll through Ragusa Ibla, the UNESCO-protected old town, past Baroque-style palaces and churches
Step inside a local shop for a tasting of Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine

Taormina Region2 nights

Day 10: Transfer to Taormina & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Taormina, where a local guide introduces you to this scenic town perched high above the sea.

Enjoy views of Mount Etna, Taormina Cathedral, and Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament
Visit the town’s 2nd-century Greek theater

Enjoy a free evening in the Taormina region or add an excursion.

Traditional Sicilian Dinner & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Free day in the Taormina Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in the Taormina region or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner.

Mount Etna: Sicily's Volcanic Landscapes

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Taormina.

Extension to Taormina Region

“Picturesque” is the word that springs to mind when we think of the Taormina region’s pretty piazzas and ocean vistas (although “jaw-dropping” and “mesmerizing” work, too). Extend your stay in Sicily to soak in more of this lovely locale with your Tour Director by your side.

Taormina Region2 nights

Day 12: Free day in the Taormina Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in the Taormina region or add an excursion.

Hidden Sicily: Medieval Savoca & Forza d’Agrò

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Free day in the Taormina Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in the Taormina region or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Museo Storico dello Sbarco & Historic Catania

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

I should have visited Sicily sooner!!!

12/16/2019 by 3rd time traveler Helen H.

My husband and I loved, LOVED this trip! The pace was perfect: we had enough time to see each site and explore a bit as well. I do understand that if someone was a power shopper, he/she would like a slower pace. But that just means this tour isn't for you. Our director Francesco is THE best, super ...

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This is an excellent itinerary for a tour of Sicily

01/16/2020 by 4th time traveler Pat C.

My daughter and I enjoyed this trip. This was my third trip to Sicily, my second with goahead. My daughter had not been before and we enjoyed what we saw and the optional excursions were all excellent. The included sightseeing was also excellent and covered almost all the important sites to see. ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/16/2020

Dear Pat, How wonderful it is to hear that your To...

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Sicily Tour

01/29/2020 by 2nd time traveler Julie C.

Overall we enjoyed the tour but there were some issues. The bus driver Salvo and the tour director Alfredo were wonderful. We loved Sicily! The people were warm and the history and scenery were fascinating. There was a nice balance between guided tours and free time. What was not great were...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/29/2020

Dear Julie, We’re delighted that you enjoyed your ...

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10/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Julie J.

The tour was amazing. The only issue was 3 plane rides, that was very difficult for me.

Sicily 2019

01/16/2020 by 3rd time traveler Laura B.

Palermo was really nice. Hotel was in awesome location but our room was not the best. Agrigento was ok, hotel so-so. Siracusa was very nice. Hotel was in great location, really good dinner at hotel and amazing happy hour. Taormina hotel was amazing with unbelievable views. The challenge for us...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Dioscuri Bay Palace

This beachfront hotel is located in San Leone. Guests enjoy laundry services, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Nearby, you'll find the Temple of Juno, the...

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Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro

This modern hotel is located in the Palermo city center. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a spacious lobby. Nearby, you'll find Teatro Politeama, T...

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Excelsior Palace Palermo

This historic hotel is located in the Politeama Libertà neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Engli...

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Grand Hotel Villa Politi

This grand hotel is located near the historic archeological zone. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find the Greek Theater of Sy...

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Excelsior Palace Hotel Taormina

This historic hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, sun deck, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Corso Umberto,...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and unpaved roads, at high altitudes.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Palermo and depart from Catania. A representative from Go AheadTours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Italy.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Southern Italy is often what diners think of when imagining Italian flavors—pasta with tomato sauces, olives and olive oil, zucchini, veal, and fish are all featured prominently on menus throughout the region.
Sicilian cuisine in particular is heavily influenced by Spanish, Greek, and Arab traditions. The Spanish brought New World influences to the region in the form of tomatoes, chocolate, and maize, while the Arab influence can be tasted in recipes that include rice, spinach, saffron, and citrus fruits. Regional specialties include_arancini_,cannoli, and_granita_.
For more authentic meals, try local_trattorias_,small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like_grappa_or_limoncello_.

Electricity & air conditioning

Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotel may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020

Sicily: A Cultural Journey

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