Sicilian Escape
Sicilian Escape
Sicilian Escape
7 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Taormina Riviera, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, Taormina Riviera
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KIJX-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily with the "Sicilian Escape" tour, a cultural adventure that immerses you in the island's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Palermo, where you'll explore the Church of Immacolata and the Norman Cathedral in Monreale. Discover the ancient ruins of Agrigento's Valley of Temples and marvel at the Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina's Villa Romana del Casale. In Syracuse, visit the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheater before savoring a traditional arancino in Catania. Conclude your trip with a guided excursion to Mount Etna and a farewell dinner in Taormina Riviera. Enjoy first-class accommodations in Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, and Taormina Riviera, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Palermo,Italy
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Breakfast
PALERMO Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the cathedral. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the Bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.
Day 3: Palermo,Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Della Valle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
PALERMO–AGRIGENTO Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples. (B,D) 87 mi / 140 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.
Day 4: Agrigento,Piazza Armerina,Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa Politi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSE Ancient Artistry In Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,L) 162 mi / 260 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.
Day 5: Syracuse,Catania,Taormina Riviera
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Coastal Treasures SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater. CATANIA [LF] Arancino tasting and free time on the way to Taormina Riviera. (B) 75 mi / 120 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Sicily’s love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures with a traditional arancino tasting one of Sicily’s most famous street food.
Day 6: Taormina Riviera
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Guided excursion to Mount Etna. Orientation walk through Taormina town and free time. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.
Day 7: Taormina Riviera
Location: Taormina Riviera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Catania.)TAORMINA RIVIERA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Catania.) (B)
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner
A welcome dinner at the hotel in Palermo on the first day.
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Guided Sightseeing in Palermo
Includes visits to the Church of Immacolata, the cathedral, and the Norman Cathedral in Monreale.
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Guided Walking Tour of the Valley of Temples
A guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento.
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Guided Visit to Villa Romana del Casale
A guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, including lunch with regional specialties.
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Guided Visit to Archaeological Park in Syracuse
Includes visits to the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater.
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Arancino Tasting
An arancino tasting in Catania.
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Guided Excursion to Mount Etna
A guided excursion to Mount Etna, including an orientation walk through Taormina town and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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Daily Breakfast
Breakfast is included every morning.
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Selected Dinners and Lunches
Includes selected dinners and lunches as specified in the itinerary.
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First-Class Accommodation
Accommodation in first-class hotels in Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, and Taormina Riviera.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included unless specified.
UNESCO Sites
Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale|Archeological area of Agrigento|Mount Etna|Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica|Villa Romana del Casale
Accommodation
Palermo: Garibaldi, Agrigento: Della Valle, Syracuse: Grand Hotel Villa Politi, Taormina Riviera: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Notes
High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. The ascent to Mount Etna reaches an elevation of 6,500 ft. (1,981 m).
Meals
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of welcome can I expect upon arrival in Palermo?
Upon arrival in Palermo, you will meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel at 6 pm.
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What are some of the key sites visited in Palermo?
In Palermo, the guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. You will also drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral.
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What will I see in Agrigento?
In Agrigento, you will take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples, which includes the impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia.
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What is special about the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina?
The Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina is known for having the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. It is an extraordinary example of Roman power and luxury.
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What unique culinary experience is included in Catania?
In Catania, you will have an arancino tasting, which is one of Sicily’s most famous street foods. This experience celebrates Sicily’s rich culinary traditions influenced by Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, and North Africans.
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What activities are planned in Taormina Riviera?
In Taormina Riviera, you will have a guided excursion to Mount Etna, an orientation walk through Taormina town, and free time. The day concludes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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How does the tour conclude?
The tour concludes with breakfast in the morning at Taormina Riviera. The nearest airport for departure is in Catania.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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