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Premium Sicily

From NZD7,343
PREMIUM SICILY

Discover Sicily’s history, culture, cuisine and spectacular landscapes

Tour highlights:

  • 10-day Premium small-group journey through Sicily
  • Travel from Palermo to Catania
  • Small group of 1 to 12 travellers
  • Feature Stay at Baglio della Luna countryside estate
  • Explore Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano
  • Anti-Mafia Tour in Palermo
  • Sicilian cooking class and local tastings
  • From NZ$7,343 per person

*Minimum age 15 years. Subject to availability and Intrepid Travel conditions.

  • Trip Type
    ,
  • Activities
    No Activities
  • Group Size
    No size limit - No size limit
  • Locations
    Europe
  • Trip Duration
    10 Day(s) 9 Night(s)
Trip Enquiry
Keywords : Escorted tour , Europe , Intrepid
Trip code :TVST0025
  • Overview

  • Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Includes

  • Trip Excludes

  • Gallery

  • FAQ

PREMIUM SICILY

Tour from:

  • From NZ$7,343 per person*

Destination: Sicily, Italy

Duration: 10 Days

Start / End: Palermo to Catania

Style: Premium Small Group Journey

Group Size: 1 to 12 Travellers

Minimum Age: 15 Years

Tour Overview:

Explore the natural, cultural and historical treasures of Sicily on this immersive Premium journey. Discover a fascinating blend of Arab, Norman, Greek and Roman influences while exploring ancient ruins, charming medieval towns, spectacular coastlines and vibrant cities. Enjoy authentic Sicilian food experiences, visit Europe's largest active volcano and stay in a unique countryside estate featuring a medieval watchtower.

Package Inclusions:

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Private transport throughout
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 5 dinners
  • Premium Feature Stay experience
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • 24/7 local support

Feature Stay:

  • 2 nights at Foresteria Baglio della Luna
  • Historic countryside estate with medieval watchtower
  • Located in the Sicilian countryside near Agrigento
  • Unique boutique accommodation experience

Included Experiences:

  • Welcome Dinner in Palermo
  • Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
  • Sicilian Cooking Class
  • Genovesi pastry tasting in Erice
  • Erice cable car ride
  • Visit Mazara del Vallo's Kasbah Quarter
  • Visit the famous Scala dei Turchi
  • Guided visit to the Valley of the Temples
  • Chocolate tasting in Modica
  • Guided walk through Noto
  • Visit Ragusa
  • Ortigia orientation walk in Siracusa
  • Mt Etna volcano experience
  • Explore a lava cave and extinct crater
  • Guided tour of Taormina
  • Greek Theatre entrance
  • Farewell Dinner in Catania

Day-by-Day Highlights:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Palermo and enjoy a traditional Sicilian welcome dinner.
  • Day 2: Discover Palermo's Anti-Mafia movement and participate in a hands-on Sicilian cooking class with local wine.
  • Day 3: Visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice, enjoy a Genovesi tasting and continue to Marsala.
  • Day 4: Explore Mazara del Vallo's Arab Quarter, visit Scala dei Turchi and arrive at your Feature Stay near Agrigento.
  • Day 5: Explore the magnificent Valley of the Temples archaeological site with a local guide.
  • Day 6: Visit Ragusa, enjoy a chocolate tasting in Modica and discover the Baroque beauty of Noto before arriving in Siracusa.
  • Day 7: Explore Ortigia and enjoy free time in Siracusa.
  • Day 8: Discover Mt Etna, walk into an extinct crater and explore a lava cave before continuing to Aci Trezza.
  • Day 9: Guided tour of Taormina including the famous Greek Theatre, followed by a farewell dinner in Catania.
  • Day 10: Tour concludes in Catania after breakfast.

Sicilian Food & Wine Experiences:

  • Traditional Sicilian Welcome Dinner
  • Hands-on cooking class with local chef
  • Genovesi pastry tasting in Erice
  • Chocolate tasting in Modica
  • Granita tasting overlooking the sea in Aci Trezza
  • Regional cuisine throughout the journey

Why You'll Love This Journey:

  • Explore Sicily's rich Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman heritage
  • Experience authentic Sicilian food and wine culture
  • Visit Europe's largest active volcano, Mt Etna
  • Stay in a historic countryside estate
  • Small-group Premium touring experience
  • Discover UNESCO-listed towns and archaeological treasures
  • Enjoy a perfect balance of sightseeing, culture and leisure time

Travel Information:

  • Style: Premium Explorer
  • Transport: Private Vehicle
  • Accommodation: Comfortable Hotels (7 nights) and Feature Stay (2 nights)
  • Complimentary airport arrival transfer included on Day 1

*Price is from NZ$7,343 per person and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Package includes accommodation, meals as specified, arrival transfer, sightseeing, cultural experiences, transportation and services of an expert local leader. Prices, itinerary and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Intrepid Travel booking conditions apply.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Palermo

Buongiorno! Welcome to Sicily. When you arrive in Palermo, you’ll be met by a local representative for your airport transfer into the city. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo. Explore the main monuments like the uniquely styled cathedral, or cafe-hop to try the best of Sicily’s sweets. After your meeting tonight, you'll head out for a traditional Sicilian dinner as a group and get to know the city’s beloved cuisine at a great local restaurant.
 Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe di Lampedusa or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Dinner
 Included activities
  • Palermo -Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Palermo - Welcome Meeting
  • Palermo - Welcome Dinner
Special information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2

Palermo

Enjoy a free morning to see more of Palermo’s small alleyways and buzzing market squares. In the afternoon, join a walking tour with your local leader to see some of the symbolic places of rebellion and the anti-Mafia movement like the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square. You’ll meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’ – a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia. Then, delve deeper into the local cuisine and learn how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but whatever you make, you’ll tuck into for dinner with a glass of local wine.
 Accommodation
  • Hotel Principe di Lampedusa or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
 Included activities
  • Palermo - Anti-Mafia Tour
  • Palermo - Sicilian Cooking Class

Day 3

Marsala

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Palermo and head towards the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 m above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town showcases architectural styles from its varied history. When you arrive, you’ll do a genovesi tasting (traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream). After, take a cable car back down to the town of Trapani, then continue south towards Marsala – a coastal town where you’ll be staying tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might like to use your free evening to go out and enjoy a sip (or two) or, you can simply stroll the marble-paved streets as the sun sets.
 Accommodation
  • Via Colvento or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
 Included activities
  • Erice - Town Visit
  • Erice - Genovesi Tasting
  • Erice - Cable Car

Day 4

Mazara del Vallo – Agrigento

This morning, head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It’s here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter), you’ll witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70s. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways lined with colourful murals, then continue to Agrigento, stopping at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) on the way – this coastline with its white marble cliffs offered protection from the severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, make your way to Agrigento, where you’ll stay in a boutique hotel built in the 13th century and share a meal with your fellow travellers.
 Accommodation
  • Baglio della Luna (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
 Included activities
  • Mazara del Vallo - Kasbah Visit
  • Scala dei Turchi - Visit

Day 5

Agrigento

This morning after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, this is where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe head to Agrigento's Old Town and wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local cafe, grab a panino and sit back and watch the world go by.
 Accommodation
  • Baglio della Luna (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
 Included activities
  • Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples

Day 6

Modica – Noto – Siracusa

Today, say goodbye to Agrigento and hit the road to Siracusa. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ragusa – one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to Modica, which is particularly famous for its chocolate. After tasting some of the local produce, continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel – its limestone structures sparkle beautifully on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, arrive in Siracusa, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
 Accommodation
  • One Hotel Siracusa or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
 Included activities
  • Modica - Visit and Chocolate Tasting
  • Noto - Guided Walk
  • Ragusa - Visit
Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Day 7

Siracusa

This morning, head out on an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways, you’ll encounter ancient ruins, fountains and trattorias. Return to Siracusa in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore. You might like to head to the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries of the Neapolis Archaeological Site, see more of the Siracusa town or simply relax at your accommodation.
 Accommodation
  • One Hotel Siracusa or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
 Included activities
  • Siracusa - Ortigia Orientation Walk

Day 8

Mt Etna – Aci Trezza

Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that was destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring this fiery natural wonder, continue to the seaside village of Aci Trezza, your base for the next two nights. This village is best known for the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi – according to Homer’s Odyssey, these sea stacks were the rocks that the cyclops Polyphemus hurled at Odysseus as he escaped. Tonight, join your group for a classic granita (an icy Sicilian treat) at Cafe de Mar. Look out over the sea from the cafe’s terrace and perhaps end the evening with a stroll along the seaside.
 Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Faraglioni or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
 Included activities
  • Mt Etna – Volcano Visit
Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Day 9

Taormina - Aci Trezza

After breakfast today, take a daytrip to the city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens and the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral. The afternoon is free, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta, then return to Aci Trezza, where you’ll have some free time to relax. In the late afternoon, head to Catania for your final evening in Italy. Sit down to a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader – here’s to a trip well-travelled!
 Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Faraglioni or similar (1 night)
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
 Included activities
  • Taormina - Guided Walk
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre Admission
  • Catania - Farewell Dinner

Day 10

Catania

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Catania, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
 Meals
  • Breakfast
  • 9 nights accommodation
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Private transport throughout
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 5 dinners
  • Premium Feature Stay experience
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • 24/7 local support

Feature Stay:

  • 2 nights at Foresteria Baglio della Luna
  • Historic countryside estate with medieval watchtower
  • Located in the Sicilian countryside near Agrigento
  • Unique boutique accommodation experience

Included Experiences:

  • Welcome Dinner in Palermo
  • Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
  • Sicilian Cooking Class
  • Genovesi pastry tasting in Erice
  • Erice cable car ride
  • Visit Mazara del Vallo's Kasbah Quarter
  • Visit the famous Scala dei Turchi
  • Guided visit to the Valley of the Temples
  • Chocolate tasting in Modica
  • Guided walk through Noto
  • Visit Ragusa
  • Ortigia orientation walk in Siracusa
  • Mt Etna volcano experience
  • Explore a lava cave and extinct crater
  • Guided tour of Taormina
  • Greek Theatre entrance
  • Farewell Dinner in Catania

Day-by-Day Highlights:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Palermo and enjoy a traditional Sicilian welcome dinner.
  • Day 2: Discover Palermo's Anti-Mafia movement and participate in a hands-on Sicilian cooking class with local wine.
  • Day 3: Visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice, enjoy a Genovesi tasting and continue to Marsala.
  • Day 4: Explore Mazara del Vallo's Arab Quarter, visit Scala dei Turchi and arrive at your Feature Stay near Agrigento.
  • Day 5: Explore the magnificent Valley of the Temples archaeological site with a local guide.
  • Day 6: Visit Ragusa, enjoy a chocolate tasting in Modica and discover the Baroque beauty of Noto before arriving in Siracusa.
  • Day 7: Explore Ortigia and enjoy free time in Siracusa.
  • Day 8: Discover Mt Etna, walk into an extinct crater and explore a lava cave before continuing to Aci Trezza.
  • Day 9: Guided tour of Taormina including the famous Greek Theatre, followed by a farewell dinner in Catania.
  • Day 10: Tour concludes in Catania after breakfast.

Sicilian Food & Wine Experiences:

  • Traditional Sicilian Welcome Dinner
  • Hands-on cooking class with local chef
  • Genovesi pastry tasting in Erice
  • Chocolate tasting in Modica
  • Granita tasting overlooking the sea in Aci Trezza
  • Regional cuisine throughout the journey

Why You'll Love This Journey:

  • Explore Sicily's rich Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman heritage
  • Experience authentic Sicilian food and wine culture
  • Visit Europe's largest active volcano, Mt Etna
  • Stay in a historic countryside estate
  • Small-group Premium touring experience
  • Discover UNESCO-listed towns and archaeological treasures
  • Enjoy a perfect balance of sightseeing, culture and leisure time

Travel Information:

  • Style: Premium Explorer
  • Transport: Private Vehicle
  • Accommodation: Comfortable Hotels (7 nights) and Feature Stay (2 nights)
  • Complimentary airport arrival transfer included on Day 1
  • Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
  • Tourism visa or transit visa if required
  • Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
  • Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
  • Professional service fee's (if any)
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