Italy
14 nights 6 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookA heady blend of ancient sites, stunning scenery, charming towns and glorious churches, this is our ‘grand tour’ of Sicily, its highlights varying from Aeolian Isles to UNESCO sites, Mount Etna to Marsala wine, and the Scicli film locations of Inspector Montalbano
Our ‘Secret Sicily’ and ‘Treasures of Sicily’ tours have always been very popular. Now, following requests from Jules Verne travellers to combine the two, we are delighted to have tailor-made our own ‘grand tour’, a full fortnight of sumptuous Sicilian discovery. Circling coastal highlights, crossing to inland ‘unmissables’, and sailing to offshore islands, the route includes the features of both the shorter tours, and adds a medieval mountain village, Phoenician relics on a tiny islet, and the Savoca setting of The Godfather film.
It visits every one of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento to the exquisite Roman mosaics of Vila del Casale, from the slopes of iconic Mount Etna to the volcanic landscapes of the Aeolian Islands, from the Baroque beauty of Noto to the castle and theatres of Syracuse, the rock tombs of Pantalica, and the grandiose Gothic cathedrals and gilded Byzantine churches and chapels of Palermo, Cefalu and Monreale. Enroute are villas and palazzos, white-washed villages and wind-whipped cliffs, spectacular views and atmospheric alleys in photogenic Taormina, and time to taste Erice’s traditional almond pastries and Marsala’s eponymous wine.
Fly to Palermo, transfer to your centrally located hotel and enjoy a Welcome drink. Two nights at the 4-star Hotel Plaza Opera.
A city tour in Palermo includes the awe-inspiring Norman Byzantine churches, from the crypt and the carved stone columns of the mighty Cathedral, to the triple-domed church of San Cataldo, biblical old-gold mosaics in La Martorana church and the Palatine chapel of the Norman Palace, where barely an inch of wall or ceiling is left unadorned. Continue to the Cathedral of Monreale with its 6,000sqm of Byzantine mosaics.
(B)
Travel west to Trapani province to visit the Greek temple in Segesta and ancient theatre set high on Monte Barbaro; and onward to the mountain-top medieval village of Erice, to enjoy terrific coastal views and taste the speciality almond pastries, traditionally made in the town’s many convents. Continue to Marsala for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Stella d’Italia.
(B)
A major wine-producer, Marsala gave its name to its renowned dessert wine, so wine-tasting in a local winery is a ’must do’. The town was founded by the Phoenicians and (Englishman) Joseph Whitaker discovered and excavated a settlement from that era on the lagoon island of Mozia, to which we sail today.
(B)
The first of today’s visits is to Selinunte, the westernmost of Greek colonies, its several temples, city walls and acropolis ruins set on a seafront cliff. Continue to Agrigento’s Valley of Temples, Concordia the best preserved of the seven striking Doric temples crowning a rocky ridge. Overnight in Agrigento at the 4-star Hotel Colleverde Park.
(B)
Journey into Sicily’s central mountains to visit the 3rd/4th century AD Villa del Casale at Piazza Armerina, with the world’s richest collection of Roman mosaics, illustrating mundane and mythological life. Continue to Ragusa, visiting its Baroque cathedral and enjoying an ‘insider’ glance at the aristocratic Ibla area; and then to Noto for three nights at the historic ‘Villa Favorita’ country house, still owned by the original noble family.
(B, D)
Follow the footsteps (and film sets) of Inspector Montalbano, from the mayor’s office in Scicli to Montalbano’s home in Punta Secca. Return to Noto, its ornate churches and palaces earning it the epithet “the stone garden”, for a walking tour through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the cathedral.
(B)
A full day excursion begins in Syracuse, once ranked amongst Greek cities as second only to Athens, its archaeological area including a Roman amphitheatre and Greek theatre. Continue onto the Ortigia peninsula for Arethusa’s Fountain, and a Baroque cathedral on the site of the Temple of Minerva, with ancient temple columns re-utilised in its walls.
(B)
Travel to Catania, where a walking tour of the city takes in the cathedral and baroque façades of the Via Crociferi; continue to Acireale to visit Palazzo Fiorini; and visit Sicily’s most famous landmark, and Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, climbing the 1,900m to the Rifugio Sapienza by bus (or, at an extra charge, reaching 2,920m by cable-car or 4-wheel drive). Drive to Castelmola, above Taormina, with fine views of Etna and the coast, for two nights at the historic Hotel Villa Sonia.
(B)
Visit the small town of Savoca this morning, the setting for Francis Ford Coppola’s film The Godfather, and perhaps call at the ‘Café Vitelli’ haunt of Corleone. The afternoon in Taormina lets you stroll its medieval lanes, people-watch from a pavement café, and soak-up the spectacular views from its Greco-Roman theatre.
(B)
Travel to Milazzo and sail to the Aeolian Islands, visiting Lipari to see is Citadel, and circling around the island to neighbouring Vulcano. Stay for two nights in the 5-star Hotel Therasia.
(B, D)
Free day to relax at the hotel, enjoy your surroundings and explore the wonderful town of Lipari, or join an optional cruise (weather permitting), sailing late morning to visit Panarea, dropping anchor enroute for a swim in an island bay, and passing tiny Ginostra Island as you sail to Stromboli, with free time here till your sunset sail past Strombolicchio lava-flow reef (pre-bookable). (B)
(B)
Take the ferry back to Milazzo and continue to Cefalú whose Norman cathedral and cloisters dominate the medieval town, while contemporary Cefalú hems the beaches. Free time to relax or explore before returning to Palermo for two nights at the central 4-star Hotel Plaza Opera.
(B)
Discover the less-visited Baroque part of Palermo, with a Palazzo visit and time at the Teatro Massimo and the Villa Malfitano residence of the (archeologist) Whitaker family.
(B)
Transfer to airport for return flight.
(B)
Fly to Palermo, transfer to your centrally located hotel and enjoy a Welcome drink. Two nights at the 4-star Hotel Plaza Opera.
A city tour in Palermo includes the awe-inspiring Norman Byzantine churches, from the crypt and the carved stone columns of the mighty Cathedral, to the triple-domed church of San Cataldo, biblical old-gold mosaics in La Martorana church and the Palatine chapel of the Norman Palace, where barely an inch of wall or ceiling is left unadorned. Continue to the Cathedral of Monreale with its 6,000sqm of Byzantine mosaics.
(B)
Travel west to Trapani province to visit the Greek temple in Segesta and ancient theatre set high on Monte Barbaro; and onward to the mountain-top medieval village of Erice, to enjoy terrific coastal views and taste the speciality almond pastries, traditionally made in the town’s many convents. Continue to Marsala for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Stella d’Italia ( 10 Jun & 2 Sep - Grand Hotel Palace).
(B)
A major wine-producer, Marsala gave its name to its renowned dessert wine, so wine-tasting in a local winery is a ’must do’. The town was founded by the Phoenicians and (Englishman) Joseph Whitaker discovered and excavated a settlement from that era on the lagoon island of Mozia, to which we sail today.
(B)
The first of today’s visits is to Selinunte, the westernmost of Greek colonies, its several temples, city walls and acropolis ruins set on a seafront cliff. Continue to Agrigento’s Valley of Temples, Concordia the best preserved of the seven striking Doric temples crowning a rocky ridge. Overnight in Agrigento at the Colleverde Palace Hotel (16 Sep - Hotel Della Valle).
(B)
Journey into Sicily’s central mountains to visit the 3rd/4th century AD Villa del Casale at Piazza Armerina, with the world’s richest collection of Roman mosaics, illustrating mundane and mythological life. Continue to Ragusa, visiting its Baroque cathedral and enjoying an ‘insider’ glance at the aristocratic Ibla area; and then to Noto for three nights at the Antica Masseria La Corte del Sole (9 Sep - Hotel Villa Giulia).
(B, D)
Follow the footsteps (and film sets) of Inspector Montalbano, from the mayor’s office in Scicli to Montalbano’s home in Punta Secca. Return to Noto, its ornate churches and palaces earning it the epithet “the stone garden”, for a walking tour through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the cathedral.
(B)
A full day excursion begins in Syracuse, once ranked amongst Greek cities as second only to Athens, its archaeological area including a Roman amphitheatre and Greek theatre. Continue onto the Ortigia peninsula for Arethusa’s Fountain, and a Baroque cathedral on the site of the Temple of Minerva, with ancient temple columns re-utilised in its walls.
(B)
Travel to Catania, where a walking tour of the city takes in the cathedral and baroque façades of the Via Crociferi; continue to Acireale to visit Palazzo Fiorini; and visit Sicily’s most famous landmark, and Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, climbing the 1,900m to the Rifugio Sapienza by bus (or, at an extra charge, reaching 2,920m by cable-car or 4-wheel drive). Drive to Castelmola, above Taormina, with fine views of Etna and the coast, for two nights at the historic Hotel Villa Sonia.
(B)
Visit the small town of Savoca this morning, the setting for Francis Ford Coppola’s film The Godfather, and perhaps call at the ‘Café Vitelli’ haunt of Corleone. The afternoon in Taormina lets you stroll its medieval lanes, people-watch from a pavement café, and soak-up the spectacular views from its Greco-Roman theatre.
(B)
Travel to Milazzo and sail to the Aeolian Islands, visiting Lipari to see is Citadel, and circling around the island to neighbouring Vulcano. Stay for two nights in the 4-star Hotel Les Sables Noirs, set on the shore with superb views of all the islands. (13 May & 30 Sep - Therasia Resort Hotel).
(B, D)
Free day to relax at the hotel, enjoy your surroundings and explore the wonderful town of Lipari, or join an optional cruise (weather permitting), sailing late morning to visit Panarea, dropping anchor enroute for a swim in an island bay, and passing tiny Ginostra Island as you sail to Stromboli, with free time here till your sunset sail past Strombolicchio lava-flow reef (pre-bookable). (B)
(B)
Take the ferry back to Milazzo and continue to Cefalú whose Norman cathedral and cloisters dominate the medieval town, while contemporary Cefalú hems the beaches. Free time to relax or explore before returning to Palermo for two nights at the central 4-star Hotel Plaza Opera.
(B)
Discover the less-visited Baroque part of Palermo, with a Palazzo visit and time at the Teatro Massimo and the Villa Malfitano residence of the (archeologist) Whitaker family.
(B)
Transfer to airport for return flight.
(B)
This is a busy and full itinerary and entails morning departures and late evening arrivals at hotels. Sightseeing involves many visits on foot and uneven surfaces.
Due to traffic controlled areas in Sicily, bus/coach may not be able to drop off or pick up as close to site entrances or hotels (in this case you may need to take your luggage up to the hotel).
Itinerary at Aeolian Island depends on weather conditions.
In Palermo a visit to a Palazzo. An unique insight into a historic building and beautifully decorated home. Visit Fiorini and Arezzo-Bertini garden and ‘Circolo di Condersazione’ club and the Donnafugata theatre at Ragusa.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A 4-star hotel in the heart of Palermo, a few steps away from the historic city centre. Lounge bar, WiFi (free) and 47 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally.
A 4-star hotel located in the historic centre of Marsala facing the cathedral and Palazzo VII Aprile. Breakfast room, bar (serving snacks) and WiFi (free). 35 air-conditioned rooms with safe, mini-bar and TV.
A 4-star hotel located in front of Marsala waterfront and close to the town centre. Restaurants, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 54 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, ,mini-bar and satellite TV.
A classic-style 4-star hotel, surrounded by a lush park, overlooking the Valley of the Temples and the sea and a 10-minute drive to the city centre. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 48 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally.
Set on a hill overlooking the famous Vendicari Wildlife Reserve, Hotel La Corte del Sole is a charming, fully renovated, 19th-century farmhouse offering panoramic views of southern Sicily. Located outside of Noto, the hotel boasts an outdoor pool, restaurant and spa (paid for locally). All 36 rooms are individually styled and have air-conditioning, mini-bar (paid for locally) TV and Wi-Fi (free).
A historic hotel in Castelmola, near Taormina. Restaurants, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 44 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally.
Located on the Aeolian Island of Vulcano the contemporary 5-star Therasia Hotel has an amazing location with fine views. A selection of restaurants, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 97 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 4-star boutique hotel recently renovated and located on the Aeolian Island of Vulcano. Private beach, restaurant, pool, spa, lounge bar overlooking the sea and WiFi (free). 53 air-conditioned rooms all equipped with kitchenette and terrace and with hairdryer, safe, fridge and satellite TV.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
Secret Sicily
20 May 25, 23 Sep 25 and 1 more
A very varied journey through Sicily’s less-visited sites, this tour reveals the hidden gems of cultural heritage and contrasting landscapes, from Aeolian Islands to ostentatious Baroque towns, and from fishing villages to the fictional world of Inspector Montalbano
From £2625 pp
incl Flight
Treasures of Sicily
8 Apr 25, 22 Apr 25 and 16 more
A veritable feast of Greek and Roman monuments vie for attention amid the Norman, Phoenician and Saracen landmarks of Sicily’s cultural heritage. The island’s astonishing wealth of well-preserved sites bring the ancient past to life and make this our top tour in Italy
From £2025 pp
incl Flight
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 May 25 (14 nights) |
£4195pp | £5060pp | Book now | |
| 27 May 25 (14 nights) |
£3895pp | £4490pp | Book now | |
| 10 Jun 25 (14 nights) |
£3945pp | £4580pp | Book now | |
| 02 Sep 25 (14 nights) |
£3945pp | £4580pp | Book now | |
| 16 Sep 25 (14 nights) |
£3895pp | £4490pp | Book now | |
| 30 Sep 25 (14 nights) |
£4175pp | £5040pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, entrance fees, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Hotel Plaza Opera (per night) £95 (2025 £115)
Single supplement £45 (2025 £40)
Arrival or departure transfer £120 per vehicle
