sellMagnificient Sicily

Upon arrival in Palermo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance of your hotel.

After breakfast, experience a guided tour of the capital of Sicily, Palermo. This cosmopolitan city, where they live in harmony as a mosaic of cultures, makes the town both mystical and exotic at the same time. The tour begins in the center of town with a visit to the Palace of the Normans and its superb Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral of Palermo, and the Quattro Canti. You will then move towards Monreale, for a visit of the famous Benedictine Abbey, dating from the 12th century, which houses beautiful mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testament, and the Cloister.

This morning, travel to Marsala, a town celebrated for its renowned wine and layered history. Stroll through the historic center, where Punic ruins, Arab-influenced streets, elegant baroque churches, and landmarks linked to Garibaldi—including Porta Garibaldi—tell the story of the city’s past.

Continue along the coast to the salt flats, where you will enjoy lunch and discover the centuries-old tradition of sea salt production dating back to Phoenician times, set against a striking landscape of shimmering pans and windmills.

Later, journey on to Trapani, a historic seaside city known for its salt beds, baroque architecture, and the Church of Purgatory, home to the famous “Misteri” statues. Enjoy free time to browse local shops featuring traditional crafts before returning to Palermo.

Enjoy a day on your own to explore, go shopping, go to the beach, or just relax all day. The day is yours to enjoy!

We suggest a day trip to visit the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are among the greatest Greek ruins in the world!

Today, journey east toward Taormina, stopping along the way in the picturesque seaside town of Cefalù. Begin with a guided visit to the magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral, renowned for its fortress-like architecture and luminous Byzantine mosaics. According to legend, King Roger II commissioned the cathedral in gratitude for surviving a violent storm at sea.

Following the visit, enjoy free time to wander Cefalù’s charming streets, browse local shops, relax by the waterfront, or savor lunch at a seaside café.

In the afternoon, continue on to Taormina, where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Enjoy one of two options on this morning. Either have a morning at your leisure to explore in Taormina or enjoy an optional morning cooking class. After breakfast, join a local chef in Taormina, as he leads you through a guided market tour with the Chef Tour showcasing Sicily’s colorful foods. Visit the fruit and vegetable vendor to find out what is in season and the fishmonger to choose the best fresh catch of the day in Taormina’s historic fish market. Pick up the ingredients for your hands-on cooking class while learning about the local in-season products and local recipe and traditions. After the market tour, everyone returns to the kitchen and begins the cooking class, featuring Sicilian specialties. Each hands-on cooking class includes the preparation of a full Sicilian menu and typical Sicilian dessert. Lunch follows, featuring the foods prepared in class with local Sicilian wines and dessert (drinks included).

In the afternoon, experience a guided walking tour of Taormina. Taormina is a beautiful town situated on a rocky plateau with the Etna Volcano rising majestically in the background. The downtown center represents a variety of historical periods, from the early Greek settlements and the Roman age to the remains of Byzantine and Medieval constructions up to the 15th Century Catalan buildings and 17th Century Baroque churches and Palaces. Not to miss is a visit to the Greek Theater and a stroll down the main street "Corso Umberto" with its art and designers’ shops, Baroque churches, and Palazzi. The rest of your day is at your leisure to explore and dine at a restaurant of your choosing.

Depart from Taormina and drive to Siracusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by Corinthian colonists in 735 B.C. Begin your visit at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, featuring the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, and Paradise Quarry.

Continue to Ortygia Island, the historic heart of Siracusa, linked to the mainland by the Umbertino Bridge. Stroll its charming streets to admire the Baroque Cathedral, Arethusa Fountain, Maniace Castle (external view), Temple of Apollo, and the beautiful palaces around Ortygia.
 

Or Enjoy a free day to explore in beautiful Taormina. Either explore on your own or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere of being in Italy!

Experience one of the greatest and most beautiful tour destinations in Sicily, Mt Etna. This volcano is one of the world's largest and most active volcanoes and has been erupting for many years. This volcano has more than 400 craters, split all over the Catania county. To the ancient Greeks, Mt Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. Mt Etna is a World Heritage Site and from 6,000 feet you can enjoy the best views, as you drive through the fertile slopes and villages that sit on the ancient volcanic eruptions. The tour includes a visit with an inclusive wine tasting and light lunch focusing on Sicilian wines at a local winery. Afterwards you will experience a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Your Sicilian Vacation has come to an end as you transfer from your hotel in Taormina to Catania airport and head back home.

Grazie (Thank you) for choosing Perillo Tours!