Catania | Sicilian Carousel Tour | Small Group

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Discover the real essence of Sicily on a journey through the colours, flavours, traditions and ancient history of this fascinating island. On this small-group Sicilian Carousel Tour, you'll visit ancient Greek temples, charming medieval villages & picturesque historic markets, taste local food specialities & wine and discover heavenly beaches, majestic mountains plus one of Europe’s greatest natural wonders, Mt Etna. 

Day 1 : Arrival in Catania

Saturday - On arrival at Catania airport, make your way to your centrally located Catania hotel (an optional private airport transfer is available). This evening you'll enjoy a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner at your hotel in Catania. (D)

Day 2: Catania | Siracusa | Catania

Sunday - After a buffet breakfast, departure to Syracuse: visit the World Heritage Site “Neapolis”. The visit of this archaeological area includes the famous Greek theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the “Dyionisios Ear”. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre of Siracusa; Visit of the beautiful Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Doric Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethusa’s Fountain, and the Temple of Apollo. We will enjoy a “street food” light lunch in the centre of Ortigia. Afternoon at disposal to stroll through the streets of the centre and for shopping. Return to your hotel in Catania. Free evening at your disposal to experience the city and its nightlife and to dine in one of the typical restaurants in the city centre. Overnight. (B,L)

Day 3: Catania | Ragusa

Monday - After a buffet breakfast, departure for a nice walk in Catania, stroll through the city centre and visit the famous fish market “A PISCARIA”, one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. As old as the city itself, it’s a great way to experience the abundant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily, with a very special and authentic atmosphere. Depart to Ragusa, renowned for its cheese production; stop for a tasting of artisan cheeses and sicilian specialties (light lunch). We will enjoy an enchanting panoramic tour of the historical centre “Ibla” by the “Baroque train”. We’ll admire its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will continue to the reserved hotel. Free time at disposal to relax at the swimming pool or at the Spa. Dinner in the hotel and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ragusa | Agrigento | Marsala

Tuesday - After a buffet breakfast, departure to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles. Free time at disposal for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll proceed to Marsala a city on the western coast famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth century baglio, in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the the Egadi Islands. The baglio was a property of Florio family. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking. At the end of the tour, we will enjoy a wine tasting and light dinner at sunset. Overnight. (B,D)

Day 5: Marsala | Salt Route | Erice | Monreale | Palermo

Wednesday - After a buffet breakfast, departure to Erice, via the spectacular “Salt Route”, a road flanked by the salt pans, windmills, and the “salt houses” where they still extract the sea salt as the Phoenicians. Arrival in Erice, on the top of a hill overlooking the Trapani and the Egadi Islands: walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, the winding lanes and, inner courtyards and stop for biscuit tasting. Departure to Monreale, light lunch with local specialties on the way.  Arrival in Monreale, situated on a hill, few kms far from Palermo in panoramic position. Visit of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style. Proceed to Palermo. Accommodation at the hotel and free time at disposal for shopping and dinner. Overnight. (B,L)

Day 6: Palermo | Cefalu | Messina | Taormina

Thursday - After a buffet breakfast walking tour of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. We will start our visit by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Città” Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini. We will visit the Cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments. We will then reach one of the most famous and historical markets of Palermo to experience the authenticity of this wonderful and colourful city. Continue to Cefalù, a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Enjoy a walk to the city centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse built in the rock. Free time at disposal to explore the town and shopping. Lunch on your own.  Proceed to Taormina through the coastal road passing through Messina from where we’ll have the chance to admire the suggestive scenery of the Strait of Messina. Accommodation at your hotel and free time at disposal for dinner. Overnight. (B)

Day 7: Taormina | Mt. Etna | Taormina

Friday - After a buffet breakfast, excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. We will reach a height of 1800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where we’ll enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea. Stop at a local winery on the eastern slopes of Etna and visit a prestigious cellar. We will have the opportunity to taste different local wines accompanied by local cheese and cold cuts. In the afternoon back to Taormina, charming city called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea": enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. Possibility to visit the Greek Roman Theatre on your own. Free time for dinner and overnight. (B)

Day 8: Taormina departure

Saturday - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the airport for your return journey. An optional private transfer is available on request. (B)

Guaranteed English only departures!

Saturday 2026 Departures:  May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 / June 13, 20 / August 29 / September 5, 12, 19, 26 / October 3, 10 17

Not included: Entrance fees - approximately Euros 46,50 per person.

This tour is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. In the case of 8 or fewer participants, the tour will be operated by minivan with an English-speaking driver & local guide services as necessary, and the travel program might be adjusted.