A Two-Centre Tour of Sicily with Syracuse, Taormina, Cefalù & Palermo
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From the ancient streets of Syracuse to the golden beaches of the north-west coast, discover the very best of Sicily on this captivating two-centre escorted tour – a week of history, scenery and Mediterranean flavour.
Tour Highlights
This wonderful 8-night escorted tour reveals the very best of Sicily from two perfectly placed bases. From the ancient streets of Syracuse and the Baroque island of Ortigia in the south-east, to the beaches and culture of the north-west coast, each day brings something new – the smoking heights of Mount Etna, the elegance of Taormina, the dazzling Roman mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale, and the markets and mosaics of Palermo and Monreale. With guided excursions and time to relax by the sea, it's the ideal blend of discovery and relaxation. Accompanied by our Dedicated Tour Manager throughout, you can simply sit back and soak up this captivating island at your own pace.
Your Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Catania
Arrive at Catania Airport, where you'll be met by your Tour Manager and transferred to Syracuse, your home for the first three nights. After settling in, the evening begins in style with a welcome dinner at a restaurant on the enchanting island of Ortigia, the Baroque heart of Syracuse – a wonderful introduction to Sicilian cuisine and the atmosphere of this historic city.
Day 2 Syracuse & Ortigia
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Syracuse, once one of the great cities of the ancient Greek world. Wander through the Baroque streets of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, and visit the magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the remains of an ancient Greek temple. Take in the grand Piazza del Duomo, the freshwater spring of the Fonte Aretusa and the bustling local market. The evening is free to dine as you please among Ortigia's many trattorias.
Day 3 Mount Etna & Taormina
Today brings a full-day excursion to two of Sicily's icons. First, travel up the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Your coach will take you to around 1,900 metres, where you can see the Silvestri Craters and take in the striking volcanic landscape and spectacular views across eastern Sicily. Continue to the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina, where you can stroll its elegant streets, admire the ancient Greek theatre and take in sweeping views of the coast and Etna beyond. Return to Syracuse for dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 Villa Romana del Casale & the Palermo Region
After breakfast, leave Syracuse behind and travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the most extensive and beautiful Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch at a traditional agriturismo before continuing to your hotel in the Palermo region on Sicily's north-west coast, your base for the next four nights. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 Day at Leisure
Today is free to relax and enjoy at your own pace. Unwind by the pool or on the beach, soak up the Sicilian sunshine, or take time to explore your local surroundings and the nearby coast. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6 Cefalù & the Madonie Mountains
Today, travel into the scenic Madonie Mountains, a beautiful area of unspoilt landscapes and traditional hill villages. Afterwards, continue to the charming seaside town of Cefalù, with its magnificent Norman cathedral, golden sandy beach and photogenic old town huddled beneath a dramatic rocky headland. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 7 Palermo & Monreale
A full day exploring Sicily's vibrant capital. In Palermo, take in the grand piazzas, historic markets and a wealth of Arab-Norman architecture, then travel up to nearby Monreale to marvel at its cathedral, glittering with some of the finest golden mosaics in the world. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of Palermo's famous street food – a real highlight for any food lover. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 8 Day at Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Explore independently, browse the local shops and markets, or linger over a long Sicilian lunch. Your tour manager will be on hand with suggestions for making the most of your free time.
Day 9 Belle Époque Palermo & Return Home
Spend your final day discovering Palermo's golden age, when the Florio family helped make the city one of Europe's most fashionable. This morning's guided walk takes in Teatro Massimo, Via Ruggero Settimo, the iconic Teatro Politeama and elegant Via Libertà. After free time for lunch at a local restaurant, your coach visits Villino Florio, a masterpiece of Sicilian Art Nouveau, the luxurious Villa Igiea and the seaside district of Arenella.
Your Sicilian adventure then comes to a close, with a transfer to Palermo Airport for your return flight to Dublin.
Board Basis
This property is offered on a Half Board basis. Dinner is included on 7 of 8 nights.
Room Types
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Single Room
Sleeps 1 guestBeds Single BedRoom Features
- check Ensuite Bath or Shower & WC
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Twin or Double Room
Sleeps 2 guestsBeds Twin or Double BedRoom Features
- check Ensuite Bath or Shower & WC
Important Information
- • Evening meals are included for 7 nights.
- • A local tourist tax of approx. €5 per person per day is payable locally.
- • Some local resort or hotel facilities may be limited or closed in low season, ie swimming pools (dependent on weather conditions), evening entertainment, resort excursions etc.
- • Many Italian local authorities charge a tourist tax. This is not included in your holiday price and if applicable must be paid by you directly in your accommodation.
Location
This two-centre tour is built around two contrasting corners of Sicily. For the first three nights you'll stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Alfeo in Syracuse, on the island's south-east coast and within easy reach of the historic island of Ortigia – perfectly placed for exploring Mount Etna, Taormina and the Baroque south-east. For the final five nights you'll cross to the north-west coast and the Palermo region, staying either at the beachfront VOI Florio Resort near Terrasini. It's an ideal base for discovering Cefalù, Monreale and Palermo itself, with the airport close at hand for an easy journey home.
Transfers
- access_time Catania: 1 hours (63 km)
Your Resort Managers
Lynsey Mackay
My name is Lynsey and although I was born in Scotland, I’ve spent over 12 years working for Topflight across some of Europe’s best-loved mountain and summer destinations, including Austria, France, Andorra and Italy. Skiing has always been a huge part of my life and even after all these years, I still can’t get enough of being in the mountains. When summer arrives, my skis are swapped for sandals and I’m happiest embracing a little la dolce vita. I have a particular love for Italy and enjoying everything that makes an Italian summer so special.
Giuseppe Tonoli
Born and raised in the area of Franciacorta, I grew up surrounded by the glorious landscapes and vineyards, for which the area is well-known. Other than harvesting grapes for the production of my family’s own wine, some of my fondest childhood memories come from spending time at Lake Garda. Whether it’s cycling, climbing or windsurfing, I just can’t get enough of the activities around Lake Garda. At the end of the day, you’ll always find me in a lakeside café, admiring the views and sipping an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine. That to me, is paradise.
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