10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
PALERMO | MONREALE | AGRIGENTO | MODICA | SYRACUSE | TAORMINA | MOUNT ETNA | CATANIA
COD. KA9-08
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Rolling hills, medieval villages, and a legendary food tradition make Sicily an unparalleled dream destination! This special 10-day journey will take you to the beating heart of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating island, blending ancient art with the pleasures of the table. You will admire the golden mosaics of Monreale and the ancient temples of Agrigento lit up by the sunset. You’ll stroll through the baroque alleys of Ortigia and the elegant streets of Taormina, with Mount Etna as your backdrop. From traditional cooking classes in historic villages to the bustling fish markets of Catania and exclusive Etna DOC wine tastings, join us to experience the true essence of the Sicilian lifestyle!
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Welcome to Sicily: Arrival, Palermo Guided Tour & Traditional Dinner
Your special journey begins today on the island of sun and contrasts. Upon arrival at Palermo Airport (Punta Raisi), we will immediately immerse ourselves in the charm of the capital with a guided tour of its historic center: we will admire the majestic Norman Palace with the breathtaking Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, and the scenic Baroque intersection of Quattro Canti. As evening falls, we will gather for an intimate welcome dinner at a local restaurant dedicated to traditional Palermitan cuisine, offering an authentic first taste of the capital’s flavors.
DAY 2 – Monreale: Golden Mosaics & Culinary Traditions
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Monreale to visit its majestic Cathedral, world-famous for its massive and dazzling golden mosaics—a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. We will wrap up the experience with a delicious stop at a local bakery or pastry shop to taste regional specialties: traditional anise-flavored San Martino cookies or the famous Monreale Bread (a Slow Food Presidium), served warm from the wood-fired oven and “cunzato” (seasoned) with olive oil, oregano, tomato, and caciocavallo cheese. Return to Palermo with the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore independently.
DAY 3 – Palermo Street Food Walking Tour
After breakfast, join a walking tour to discover Palermo’s legendary street food. Led by a local guide, we’ll explore the historic Capo and Vucciria markets, tasting various local specialties including panelle (chickpea fritters), frutta martorana (marzipan), and iconic arancini (or arancine!). Along the way, we’ll admire the majestic Teatro Massimo. Enjoy a free afternoon for shopping or relaxing.
DAY 4 – Cannoli Cooking Class, Agrigento & Valley of the Temples at Sunset
The morning begins in the surroundings of Palermo with a hands-on cooking class dedicated to cannoli, where you’ll learn to make the crispy shell (scorza) and the sweet ricotta cream. After the class, we set off for Agrigento. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a guided tour of the spectacular Valley of the Temples at sunset, enjoying the golden light illuminating the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules, and Zeus. In the evening, check-in at our hotel in Agrigento.
DAY 5 – Agrigento, Modica & Syracuse
After breakfast, depart for an authentic experience at a local lemon farm. Kneading ancient Sicilian grain flour, water, and sourdough starter, we will learn how to bake traditional Sicilian pizza in a wood-fired oven. While the dough rises, we’ll discover the secrets of homemade limoncello. After topping and baking our pizza, we’ll enjoy it hot accompanied by local wine, seasonal fruit, and a surprise dessert, taking home a complimentary bottle of liqueur. In the afternoon, we continue toward Modica to visit Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, featuring a cold-working demonstration of Aztec origin and a tasting. Arrive in Syracuse, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time.
DAY 6 – Syracuse & Ortigia: Archaeology & Seaside Flavors
The morning is dedicated to a guided tour of Syracuse. We’ll start at the Neapolis Archaeological Park (featuring the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius) before moving to the island of Ortigia, the beautiful seaside Baroque heart of the city. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a street food experience with a wide selection of handcrafted Sicilian cheeses and local products. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure: stroll through Ortigia’s charming alleys or relax along the seafront. Overnight stay at the hotel in Syracuse.
DAY 7 – Syracuse, Taormina: Tour, Granita & Seafood Lunch
Early departure this morning heading north toward Taormina. Upon arrival, meet our local guide for a walking tour of the town: we’ll visit the spectacular Greek-Roman Theatre with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, followed by a stroll along Corso Umberto. Right after the tour, we’ll stop at a historic café to enjoy real Sicilian granita with a warm brioche col tuppo, followed by a fresh seafood lunch at a typical restaurant. Afternoon at leisure to browse the elegant boutiques or admire the view of Isola Bella.
DAY 8 – Mount Etna: Volcano Hike, Winery Lunch, Jewelry Visit & Honey Tasting – Catania
After breakfast, we head toward Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Driving through lunar landscapes and ancient craters up to 1,600 meters, we’ll discover its geological secrets. Coming down the volcano, we’ll visit a gorgeous winery on its slopes for a lunch paired with a guided tasting of Etna DOC wines and local products. Afterward, we’ll stop for a honey tasting and visit an exclusive jewelry boutique inside a noble palace. In the late afternoon, transfer to Catania, check into our hotel, and rest.
DAY 9 – Catania: Street Food, The Fish Market & Farewell Pasta alla Norma Dinner
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Catania, a stunning late-Baroque city built from black lava stone. We’ll admire Piazza del Duomo with its Elephant Fountain, Via Etnea, and the remains of the Roman Theatre, making several stops to taste Catania’s famous street food. For lunch, we’ll dive into the colors and aromas of the historic fish market (La Pescheria). The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping. In the evening, we’ll celebrate our final night in Sicily with a memorable farewell dinner featuring authentic Pasta alla Norma.
DAY 10 – Departure: Arrivederci Sicily!
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before checking out. A private transfer will take you directly to Catania Airport (Fontanarossa) in time for your flight home. Take the unforgettable memories of this journey through Sicilian flavors, history, and traditions with you. Arrivederci, Sicily!