Day 1: Palermo. We’ll meet at the hotel in Palermo this evening for some Sicilian wine tasting, then a short walk to dinner in a local restaurant to get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: We start the day with a guided walking tour to visit Palermo’s 12th century cathedral then by coach up to Monreale to visit the Norman cathedral. We’ll spend the afternoon at the seaside of Mondello for your first chance at the Italian passeggiata, a little stroll. Return to Palermo late afternoon.

Day 3: We’re heading for the Tirreno coast to spend the day exploring the medieval streets of Cefalu. The village is perched high on La Rocca (the rock) and we’ll slowly wind our way down to the seaside. Time to admire the pottery shops and perhaps a seaside luncheon before returning late afternoon to Palermo. We’ll have dinner together to talk about our plans for tomorrow.

Day 4: We leave Palermo for the farm in the countryside and stop enroute to visit Erice. We’ll climb to the top (750m above sea level) where we’ll have views of Trapani. Lunch in an outdoor cafe, then walks through the narrow streets. We’ll arrive at the farm late afternoon.

Day 5: We head for Trapani today to meet our local guide. Weather permitting, we’ll ferry across to the island of Mothia to explore the salt mines. We’ll stop at a vineyard this afternoon to sample the sweet Marsala wine.

Day 6: Today we visit two of Magna Grecia’s ancient sights, Segesta and Seliunte. Plenty of time to explore the temples and the Greek theatre at your own pace. Early return to the farm.

Day 7: We leave for central Sicily today but first a visit to Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples built in the 5th century BC. We’ll also have time to see the city of Agrigento before leaving for the inn in the hills.

Day 8: Saturday morning is market day in the hill towns, and we’ll visit one. This afternoon, we’ll head over to the tiled city of Caltagirone for a demonstration of ceramic tile making, then free time to browse in the hundreds of colorful shops. Late afternoon return to the Inn.

Day 9: This morning, we visit the Villa Romana del Casale. Mosaics cover the walls and floors and it has been restored with raised platform walkways to enhance the views. This afternoon, we’ll explore another hilltown before returning to the Inn.

Day 10: Early morning departure for the east coast of Sicily where we will visit the treasure of Syracuse, the Neapolis Archaeological park. The Greek theatre was carved out of the sparkling white rock in the 5th century, BC. We’ll also see the Garden of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius grotto. We’ll follow the coast north to Taormina, arriving in time for dinner.

Day 11: After breakfast, we’ll meet our guide for a walking tour of picturesque Taormina, including the Greek theatre. Afternoon free to people-watch in an outdoor cafe, sampling a cannoli, the sweet Sicilian pastry.

Day 12: An excursion to Mount Etna this afternoon, one of the world’s largest and most active volcanos. We’ll be back in Taormina by sunset with time to prepare for our farewell dinner.

Day 13: Journey over after breakfast. We can assist in making arrangements for a transfer to Catania airport.

Departure Dates

All tours last thirteen days, twelve nights.

2008

May 14 (sold out)

June 10

September 2 (sold out)

Price of Tour

Tartaruga Tours Inc. are small group journeys with a minimum of ten and maximum of eighteen participants. Euro 3,900 per person, based on double occupancy. A few single spots are available with a single supplement of Euro 500.

Convert euro price to another currency

Make a reservation NOW

What's included