Highlights
- explore the colorful streets of tiny Ortigia island, founded in the 8th c. BC by Ancient Greeks
- see the golden-hued Baroque buildings of Noto
- walk amongst the Ancient Greek Temples of Agrigento
- see the spectacular Roman mosaics of the Villa del Casale
- hike on coastal and mountain trails in some of the island’s natural parks
- visit an award-winning cheese producer followed by a delicious lunch
- discover fascinating Palermo, once the most powerful city in the Medieval world
- tour the imposing Norman castle and Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- enjoy lunch at a local winery on the slopes of Mt. Etna with a sampling of their wines
- tour the slopes of Mt. Etna with a professional volcanologist
- stay in wonderful hotels with old-world charm and attentive service
Trip price includes
- 9 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels and 1 country residence
- 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners and 4 lunches
- all visits and transfers as per itinerary
- at least 1 bilingual guide to accompany you throughout the week
Not included
- 3 dinners and 5 lunches
- drinks other than water at meals
- anything not listed in the inclusions
ITINERARY
Days 1 & 2: Ortigia/Siracusa
From the Catania airport we transfer to the tiny island of Ortigia, located at the tip of the ancient city of Siracusa. We’ll visit the grand Duomo (cathedral) that’s built directly over and ancient Greek temple to Diana, see the colorful local market, see an underground area that holds a ritual Jewish Bath (mikveh) as well as an air-raid shelter from WWII, and endless tiny streets and alleyways that criss-cross the island.
Two nights Siracusa/Ortigia.
Days 3 & 4: Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples
Transfer south and spend two nights in Agrigento, stopping en route for a fabulous hike to cold pools and small waterfalls. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit of the ancient Greek temples at Agrigento, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Europe. You’ll love our quiet hotel in the countryside with views to the temples which rise on a ridge. We also have some fun cultural visits in the city of Agrigento.
2 nights Agrigento.
Days 5-7: Palermo & Surroundings
Head north and spend four nights in the vibrant and historical city of Palermo, which was once the cultural capital of the Mediterranean with a thriving arts scene and religious tolerance. Centuries of Arab rule left an imprint on the city’s layout, cuisine and customs while the northern Normans left some of the most spectacular churches and chapels in the world. The Spanish ruled for centuries after that and left opulent Baroque architecture and palaces. A short drive from Palermo brings us to some beautiful coastal hikes as well.
3 nights in Palermo.
** if you’re short on time, you can end your tour here in Palermo and fly out from their airport
Days 8 & 9: Madonie Mountains & Mount Etna
We continue our journey clockwise around the island and stop en route for another beautiful hike in a natural park with monumental trees and charming hilltop villages. Our last two nights are in a small town of the north slopes of Mt Etna, so you get to see some more traditional Sicilian life away from the big cities. We have a hike on Mt. Etna with a professional vulcanologist and end the day with a tasting of local wines.
2 nights on the north side of Mt. Etna.
Day 10: Tour Ends in Catania
A short transfer takes us to Catania, where you can catch onward flights, or ask us if you’d like us to help set up an extension for you to the hilltop town of Taormina.
CONTACT US FOR A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY
You can create your own Sicily itinerary with or without hiking. See our Sicily coast-to-coast itinerary for more ideas!
Prices indicated are usually for a minimum of 6 people (some tours may be different, see each tour page for specifics) and are for our basic itinerary based on double occupancy. A "single supplement" covers hotel prices only, we apply no extra fees. Departures with fewer people or with upgraded hotels will have a higher price. We can organize private departures for any number of people but prices vary depending on number of participants. Please contact us for details!
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment: A non-refundable deposit per person is requested when you sign up to reserve your place on the tour. Full payment is requested 90 days (sometimes 100 days) prior to departure.
Cancellation fees: Up to 90 (or 100) days before departure your full deposit will be retained or -- depending on the tour -- you can transfer it to another trip with us within a year of the date of cancellation.
After that the following fees apply:
89 - 60 days before departure: 33% of the trip price per person
59 - 31 days before departure: 50% of the trip price per person
30 - 15 days before departure: 75% of the trip price per person
15 - 0 days before departure: 100% of the trip price per person
Michelle Mobley –
Wild Sage truly offers the best way to experience Sicily—a breathtaking blend of stunning nature, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. Their exceptional service ensures that every aspect of your trip is meticulously catered to, exceeding all your expectations. I highly recommend Wild Sage to anyone seeking an unforgettable Sicily adventure.