Treasures of Sicily

Name: Treasures of Sicily
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.4 (60 reviews)

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9 Days from

USD 2,579

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Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

6 - 18

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ADZ

Discover baroque towns and Greek ruins surrounded by stunning scenery

Sicily is one of the most fascinating islands in Europe, thanks to the indelible marks left by the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish civilisations. This comprehensive tour explores sophisticated cities, picturesque villages, well-preserved archeological sites and splendid scenery. It starts with an excursion on Mount Etna, continuing to the towns of Syracuse, Agrigento, and Selinunte – all Unesco World Heritage sites. There is also a day in Zingaro National Reserve with magnificent views of the Mediterranean.

Highlights

Explore baroque heritage in Noto and Ragusa Ibla
Visit archeological sites in Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte
Cover the island's highlights and best heritage sites in nine days

Key Information

Seven nights in three- and four-star hotels and one night agriturismo
Sightseeing on foot and two day walks
Group normally 6 to 18, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts and one wine tasting
All accommodation
Tour leader throughout
Special guided tours in main Unesco sites and cities
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation
Visa or vaccinations
Local city taxes approximately €10-€15

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
For several years we have accommodated guests in an ancient “Baglio” (Masseria or Casale, old manor house) located in the countryside which enables our groups to experience Sicilian culture while contributing to the economy of a rural family.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re-usable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. On this trip we visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mt Etna, Syracuse, Agrigento and Selnunte. We also spend a day in Zingaro National Reserve.
We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
We do two walks on this trip at Zingaro and Etna which reduces the use of private transport.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re-usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Itinerary

Welcome to Viagrande, a traditional Catanian village with a privileged view of Mount Etna. From its lofty position above the sea it offers stunning views of Mount Etna. The current old town centre was founded in 1408 but Viagrande's first settlement of the village was founded under the Greek domination. The ancient Roman road which led to Messina, gives the name to the village (Viagrande = big road). Important is the territory and the crops that, like the whole of Sicily and the rest of the Mediterranean, are present with vineyards, olive groves, and citrus groves.

Depending on the arrival time of the group, we'll have a welcome briefing at the hotel either this evening or tomorrow morning; a great chance to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Overnight in Viagrande.

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We hike past several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panorama of the volcanic landscape and old craters (one to two hours’ walking, 3.1mi/5km). You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. In the afternoon, we enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in one of the most-celebrated cellars in the area. We transfer back to Viagrande.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to Syracuse (approximately 1hr 15min drive), the most powerful city-state in the ancient Greek world and briefly the capital of the Byzantine empire. Here we visit the superb Neapolis Archeological Park, home to a spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied by a local guide. In the afternoon we drive to our next destination, the Unesco World Heritage site of Noto (approximately 45 mins), a beautiful town built in the Sicilian baroque style using honey-coloured stone.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approximately 90 minutes), a maze of winding streets with remarkable baroque churches, and continue on to Agrigento (2hr 30 min). Here we enjoy a guided visit of the Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno; the Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved doric temples in the ancient Greek world; the Temple of Hercules; and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. We overnight in Agrigento.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our day starts with a transfer to Selinunte (90 minutes) to explore one of the most important archeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice (90 minutes), and stop en route for a view of the Mozia salt flats, which are dotted with characteristic windmills (time permitting). Once in Erice, we have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and will try the best almond biscuits on the island. Overnight near San Vito Lo Capo.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning head to the coast to explore the idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4.3mi (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves and pristine beaches. We take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails, with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon we make our way to Palermo (approximately two hours) where we can enjoy time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars. We stay overnight in Palermo.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a short transfer to Monreale (approximately one hour), we visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We then head to Palermo (approximately one hour) where our local guide will show us the most important sites in this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon, we have free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace. We stay overnight in Palermo.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approximately 1hr 15min), where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding medieval streets. Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min drive). We have time to visit its Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. We stay overnight in Taormina.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast of this Sicilian adventure, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many wonders of this Italian island. Once you’re full, it’s time to start your return journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and a wine tasting on Mount Etna included.

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the cultures that have occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate for the cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more — not to mention all of the seafood, tuna and swordfish caught just off the coast. The result? A cuisine that’s fresh, varied and delicious. Sicilian wines, such as Marsala and Moscato, are superb and known to be strong and syrupy.

Weather

Sicily has a good year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 35C (95F). The earlier and later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer, there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

Is this trip for you?

This is a comprehensive itinerary, with a few long, busy days due to the distance we cover. There is gentle walking on most days during the sightseeing but it won't be strenuous. All transfers are by private air-conditioned minibus allowing us to enjoy comfortable journeys. Please note that due to traffic restrictions in the historic centres, you may have to carry your suitcase over cobbled pavements, although the bus will be leaving you as close as possible to your hotel. Please also be aware that sometimes hotels don't have a lift. There are also two excursions on foot included in this trip: on Mount Etna, we walk for up to two hours on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash, and sand. A second walk will take place in the stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve, where we will walk for up to three hours (including stops) along the idyllic Mediterranean coast. Both of these walks are optional. Should you prefer not to join these walks, there is a café (Mount Etna) or seating area (Zingaro Nature Reserve) close to the trail where you can wait for the rest of the group.

The overall Activity Level for this trip is 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) meaning it is suitable for all people in good health and fitness.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Fran Hall

Reviewed September 2022

Fast trip to see the very best of Sicily

This is 7 days of intense travel round the highlights of Sicily. It is not leisurely and Exodus do longer trips. A huge amount is packed in so come prepared for some early starts and a really active week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in Noto in the warmth of the evening in the golden light off the beautiful buildings Stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well informed and engagingly honest about Sicily. Helpful at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light and keep up!

Suggestions

Just how much we learnt and how much we enjoyed ourselves.

Alan Jordan

Reviewed June 2022

Not Inspiring

This trip lacks to normal expectations of an Exodus trip, no time to get to know your traveling companions, very limited opportunities for meals as a group and no sense of inclusion. It ticks all the boxes for places visited although scheduling could be improved and pacing evened out to prevent the sense of being rushed and then left with excess down time. Hotels used were all good a mostly well located although breakfasts (the only meals included) could have been more appropriate to the class of hotel used.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having time to walk around Selinunte without the herds of tourists, (skipped lunch break for this)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Worked hard most of the time, tried to keep everyone happy, but the lack of an inclusive start meant the group had already fractionated before he could have any influence. At times I felt patronised and talked at (not to).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sicily is crowded so do not expect much peace and quiet, it is also larger than one might expect necessitating some early starts and long drives. Some Italian would be useful since a lot of signs and labels in the attractions are not translated. If possible find a traveling companion, this trip is not very single friendly.

Suggestions

Helen Bouchami

Reviewed May 2022

A Crossroads of Civilisations and Cultures

Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Carthaginians, Berbers, Arabs – even Normans have all left their mark on Sicily – leaving a rich cultural legacy to be discovered by today’s visitors. Because we completed a circuit of the whole island, there were inevitably some longer stints on the coach – but it was roomy and we always had a break halfway on longer stretches.
Hotels were mixed -the one at Agrigento felt rather soulless and the Agroturismo had some problems – the rustic setting was fine but some people had no running water in the morning. I hope this problem can be fixed as I like the idea of giving custom to a local business. But the one in Palermo couldn’t have been more central and the one at Taormina was delightful and so close to the beach (and the beachside restaurant where we had our last dinner)

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the Zingaro reserve and could happily have spent the whole day there, but I understand that all tastes have to be catered to. Taormina is lovely - spectacular views, and I enjoyed pottering around Ragusa Ibla. I have a limited appetite for churches (especially catholic iconography) and temples, but Monreal with its stunning mosaics and the Greek temple at Agrigento were terrific, and enhanced by the explanations of the guide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veronica was excellent - friendly, welcoming, informative. Also a shout out for the drivers, especially Salvatore who was with us for most of the trip - careful, safe and he always welcomed us back to the coach with a smile

Advice for Potential Travellers

I didn't think you could eat badly in Sicily, but we had two bad meals - in Palermo, accompanied by surly service. The food was cold and one of the group was ill. But we ate really well at Taverna Dei Canto around the corner from the hotel in Palermo (lively street - not a quiet venue) My advice would be to check out the latest reviews on Trip Adviser - guide books can be out of date. If you plan to walk in Zingaro (some people preferred to swim) be aware that while not challenging, parts of the path are rocky so a pole can be helpful if you have any knee problems.

June MacDonald

Reviewed May 2022

Describes the itinerary

An excellent way to discover Sicily and her past

Most Inspirational Moment

Valley of the temples

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent Knowledgable Organise Friendly A people person

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for all weathers

Suggestions

Well balanced holiday with a good guide as well as good local guides who had more detailed knowledge of the sites. Plenty of variety in the other activities,

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Straits of Messina AND the meal cooked at the AGRITURISMO hotel in Busseto Palizzolo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was pleasant, engaged, efficient and knowledgable about his homeland

Read All Reviews

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

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Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

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Availability

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

Availability

Availability

Availability

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Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes