Discovering Classical Sicily

Discovering Classical Sicily

Catania, Sicily, Italy. Cityscape image of Duomo Square in Catania, Sicily with Cathedral of Saint Agatha at sunrise.

The Classic Tour of Sicily is a 7-night itinerary that allows you to explore the island’s entire perimeter, offering a broad and harmonious overview of its cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

The program includes one guided tour per day, with a balanced pace that allows you to appreciate each stop without sacrificing comfort. The itinerary includes the main classical cities and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a testament to Sicily’s extraordinary cultural stratification.
The tour is organized on a breakfast-only basis plus two lunches. Dinners are not included.
Special attention is paid to local gastronomy, a central element of Sicilian identity.
Lunches are designed to showcase the finest local products and typical dishes from the various regions visited, demonstrating Sicily’s deep attachment to its culinary traditions.

Stay at Hotels 4* or similar while discovering classical Sicily

• 2 nights in Palermo Hotel Garibaldi 4*
• 1 night in Agrigento Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace 4*
• 1 night in Syracuse Hotel Alfeo 4*
• 2 nights in Taormina area Hotel Ariston 4*
• 1 night in Palermo Hotel Garibaldi 4*

Optional Excursions

• Etna
• Cooking Class

Detailed Itinerary – Discovering Classical Sicily

Day 1 Palermo ( -) 

Arrival of participants in Palermo. Welcome and transfer to the hotel (rooms available from 3:00 PM). Check-in, dinner at leisure and overnight stay

Day 2 Palermo City Tour ( B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the Classic visit of Palermo:

Duration: 4 hours

Guide: Accompanied by a local guide expert in Sicilian art and culture

Transfers: Walking tour

Includes: local guide, Entrance fees to sites and monuments ( Palazzo dei Normanni, Santa Caterina )

Does not include: Extra fees entrance, lunch

Meet your guide in Hotel

You will visit Piazza Pretoria, home of the Town Hall, the Fontana Pretoria with its allegorical statues, balustrades and sixteenth-century staircases, and the churches of Santa Caterina (internal visit) and San Cataldo (external visit). You will continue with a visit to the Cathedral and the Norman Palace (the royal apartments are not open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).

Return to the hotel

Lunch ( not included)

Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

Day 3 Palermo – Erice – Agrigento ( B/L/D)

Departure from the hotel after breakfast. Visit of Erice. Departure from the hotel after breakfast

Duration: Half day (4–5 hours)

Guide: Art historian or expert guide in Sicilian traditions and culture

Transfers: by private minivan

Includes: local guide, tasting of pastry

Meet the guide in Erice

Arrival in Erice, an ancient medieval village nestled at 750 meters above sea level, suspended between sky and sea, with an extraordinary view of the salt pans of Trapani and the Egadi islands. Guided walk-through cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, Norman architecture and ancient churches.

Highlights of the visit: Castello di Venere: suggestive Norman fortress built on the ruins of a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of love, with breathtaking views of the coast. Spanish Quarter and Punic-Roman city walls. Duomo dell’Assunta and Bell Tower

At the end of the visit, stop at a historic artisan pastry shop in Erice, heir to the conventual tradition of cloistered nuns. Story about the history of Erice pastry and the secret recipes kept in the monasteries.

Lunch In the restaurant ( beverage excluded)

After lunch  transfert to Agrigento

Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay

Day 4 Agrigento- Syracuse  ( B/-/-)

Departure from the hotel after breakfast

Visit to the Valley of the Temples

Duration: 3 Hours

Guide: Expert in history of the area

Transfers: by private minivan with driver

Includes: local guide , entrance fees

The Valley of the Temples, located just outside Agrigento in southern Sicily, is one of the largest and most evocative archaeological parks in Europe, stretching across approximately 1,300 hectares. Its row of grand Doric temples remains one of the most outstanding expressions of Greek art and architecture from the era of Magna Graecia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the Valley is celebrated for its exceptional integrity and cultural importance

Free lunch and transfert to Siracuse

Free dinner and overnight stay

Day 5 Syracuse ( B/-/-)

Departure from the hotel after breakfast

Guided tour of Syracuse Archeological Park

Duration: 4 Hours

Guide: Expert in history of the area

Transfers: by private minivan and walking

Includes: local guide , Entrance fees

Meet your guide in Hotel

Journey into the heart of ancient Sicily with a guided visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse—one of the most important and evocative archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. This vast open-air museum showcases the power and sophistication of ancient Greek and Roman Syracuse, once described by Cicero as “the greatest and most beautiful of all Greek cities.”

The Greek Theatre: One of the largest and best-preserved in the ancient world, carved directly into the rock in the 5th century BC. Still used today for classical performances, it offers breathtaking views over the city and the sea.

The Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio): A mysterious, echoing cave with a unique acoustic effect. According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius used it to eavesdrop on prisoners. Your guide will explain the fascinating blend of myth, geology, and history that surrounds this iconic site.

The Roman Amphitheatre: Dating from the 3rd century AD, this impressive structure was used for gladiatorial games and public spectacles. Though partly ruined, its grandeur still evokes the drama of Roman entertainment.

After Free lunch

Afternoon at leisure

Free dinner and overnight stay

Day 6 Syracuse- Etna – Taormine ( B/L/-)

Departure from the hotel after breakfast For the excursion Etna with wine tasting in a famous winery

Duration: 6 Hours

Guide: Expert in history, gastronomy and nature of the area

Transfers: Private minivan + Walking

Includes: local guide , winetasting and lunch

Volcano Landscapes & Fine Wines on Europe’s Highest Active Volcano

Meet your guide near mount etna

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the southern slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This guided experience combines the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Etna’s volcanic landscapes with a visit to a prestigious local winery—offering a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.

Your day begins with a scenic drive up to the Etna Sud area (Rifugio Sapienza), located at around 1,900 meters above sea level. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore dramatic lava flows, ancient craters, and panoramic trails that showcase the raw power and unique biodiversity of the volcano.

Highlights include:

A walk along the Silvestri Craters, formed during the 1892 eruption, offering stunning views over the Catania plain and the Ionian coast.

Insight into Etna’s geological history, mythology, and its cultural role in Sicilian identity.

After your hike, descend to the foothills for a guided winery visit in the fertile Etna DOC wine region. Thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil and unique climate, this area produces some of Sicily’s most refined and expressive wines.

At the winery, enjoy:

A tour of the vineyards and traditional or modern cellars.

A guided tasting of premium Etna wines, such as Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese), Etna Bianco (Carricante), and special cuvées.

A light lunch or Sicilian aperitif with local cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fresh bread—paired perfectly with the wines.

After lunch Transfer to Taormina

Free dinner and overnight stay

Day 7 Taormina- Catania- Palermo ( B/-/-)

Departure from the hotel after breakfast for the visit of Catania with fish market

Duration: 2 Hours

Guide: Expert in history of the area and gastronomy Transfers: Private minivan with driver + Walking Includes: local guide , tasting

Experience the vibrant soul of Catania with a guided visit to its legendary Fish Market (La Pescheria)—a whirlwind of colors, voices, and aromas that has captured the heart of Sicilian life for centuries.

Known locally as “Il Peccato del Pesce” (“The Sin of the Fish”), this open-air market is not just a place to buy seafood—it’s a theatrical, living tradition that pulses with energy.

Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you’ll explore: The historic market stalls beneath the shadow of the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the ancient city walls.

A dazzling array of freshly caught fish, shellfish, eels, octopus, swordfish, and tuna—displayed with flair and announced with the famous cries of the fishmongers.

Daily life in Catania, where tradition, trade, and folklore blend in a uniquely Mediterranean atmosphere.

Along the way, you’ll stop for a typical street food tasting—a chance to indulge in Catania’s most beloved bites,

After Free lunch

Transfer to Palermo

Free dinner and overnight stay

Day 8 Palermo ( B/-/-)

Transfer to the airport

End of tour Discovering Classical Sicily

Reach the host for additional information.