Skip to main content
logo
1-800-590-1161Help & contactEarn free travel
logo1-800-590-1161
Tours
Europe
Sicily: A Cultural...
 

Sicily: A Cultural Journey

12 days |  14 days with Taormina Region extension
12 days |  14 days with Taormina Region extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

249
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
Fully Refundable Booking Period

Feel good about booking your tour today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you have 60 days to receive a full refund of your payment.

See terms

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
  • 1 wine tasting
  • 1 food tasting
Read more

Included highlights

  • Cappella Palatina
  • Monreale Cathedral
  • Agrigento's Greek ruins
  • Piazza Armerina
  • Syracuse Cathedral
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
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

From $109 per person

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

From $105 per person

Day 9: Modica & sightseeing tour of Ragusa
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Wine tasting

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

From $99 per person

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

From $89 per person

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

From $59 per person

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

From $59 per person

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
Book with peace of mind

We make it easy with down payments as low as $99, fee-free rebooking, and more

Read details

Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 249 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5.0 star rating

    14 Days of Heaven
    8/17/23 by 1st-time traveler Sylvia

    Sabra was the most amazing tour director. The excursion guides were engaging and very knowledgeable. I have fallen in love with Sicily. The culture. The history. The landscape. The art. The food. There was no wasted time. The people were amazing. I would do this tour again. Don’t miss...

    Read more +

    5.0 star rating

    Sicily adventure
    8/17/23 by 2nd-time traveler Kathy

    We had a wonderful trip with alot of special people most importantly our guide Sabra. She let us realize her love of the land culture people and of her job:). Would highly recommend and we did this trip to anyone who would like to see the real Italian melting pot of their country. Locals were friend...

    Read more +

    5.0 star rating

    A Journey of a Lifetime
    8/17/23 by 1st-time traveler Roseann

    I honestly don’t know where to begin. This tour was most definitely a cultural journey and it was excellent. The tour guides were very knowledgeable…. At times the information was extensive However very informative. A journey through time! I was thrilled that we visited so many areas of Sicily . ...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 9/20/23

    Hi, Roseann! Thank you so much for leaving such a ...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    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.
    Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro
    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...

    Read more +
    Federico II Palace Hotel
    Federico II Palace Hotel

    This countryside hotel is located in Enna. Guests enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, spa and elegant on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll find the Vallo...

    Read more +
    Excelsior Palace Hotel Taormina
    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,...

    Read more +

    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 & entry 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.
    • Beginning in 2024, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2024, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SFS.
    Was this information helpful?
    YesNo
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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).
    Was this information helpful?
    Health
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SFS.
    • 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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_.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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 $8USD 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?

    Compare similar tours

    Sicily: A Cultural Journey
    1538
    travelers

    4.7 star rating

    249 reviews
    12 days
    14 days with extension
    Extension
    Taormina Region|2 nights
    Overnight stays
    Overnight Flight|1 night
    Palermo|3 nights
    Enna Region|1 night
    Syracuse|4 nights
    Taormina Region|2 nights
    From $3,059 $2,759*
    Currently viewing
    a row of purple grapes hanging in a vineyard in southern italy
    Food & Wine: Southern Italy & Sicily

    4.7 star rating

    123 reviews
    13 days
    15 days with extension
    Extension
    Rome|2 nights
    Overnight stays
    Overnight Flight|1 night
    Palermo|2 nights
    Catania|3 nights
    Tropea Region|2 nights
    Matera|2 nights
    Amalfi Coast|1 night
    Naples|3 nights
    From $3,829 $3,629*