Sicily Tours
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Sicily, starting in Palermo, the island’s vibrant capital. This small-group tour (maximum 6 people) is designed for those seeking a relaxed and immersive experience, blending comfort with authentic cultural exploration.
Our adventure begins in Palermo, where you'll discover its rich history, vibrant markets, and architectural marvels. From there, we journey eastward, with stops at the majestic Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and the charming town of Favara, known for its artistic flair. Next, we'll explore Piazza Armerina, home to the world-famous Villa Romana del Casale, and then head south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ragusa, renowned for its Baroque architecture.
The picturesque town of Ibla, with its narrow, winding streets, follows before we reach the ancient city of Siracusa, where you'll be enchanted by its classical ruins and timeless beauty. The final leg of the tour takes us to Ortigia, Siracusa’s island gem, and concludes in Catania, a vibrant city framed by Mount Etna’s dramatic presence.
Throughout the tour, you will enjoy leisurely sightseeing, indulgent meals of Sicilian cuisine, and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those seeking to experience the island’s beauty at a relaxed pace.
Exploring the Wonders of Sicily with Dr Fausto Butta and Dr Alredo Savino
"Fausto and Alfredo proved to be knowledgeable guides to Italy and they both bent over backwards to ensure that our travel in Sicily was enjoyable and interesting. They had obviously put a great deal of effort into planning this trip. The result was, we stayed in comfortable apartments in old palaces. Also, we travelled on the back roads which felt far more authentic than whizzing down a modern highway that could be anywhere in the world. We wandered through the historic streets of Palermo, explored the many ancient stairs of Ilba, and stood in awe of the majestic Mount Etna. Fausto and Alfredo gave us an unforgettable holiday.
During our stay, we averaged between 10,000 and 15,000 steps per day, exploring cities and villages, ancient sites and myriad other attractions. We navigated countless steps, both indoors and out, as we ventured through ancient cathedrals and castles. The atmospheric and historic structures evoked scenes from "Game of Thrones" or "Raiders of the Lost Ark," immersing us in a sense of adventure and discovery.
The Italian people we encountered were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Their warmth and hospitality made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. It was clear that they took great pride in their culture and were genuinely happy to share it with visitors. Their tolerance and openness created an inviting atmosphere that enhanced our travel experience.
Thank you, Fausto and Alfredo, for creating a wonderful experience. I will definitely join you on another adventure.
Many thanks, Rhonda Phillips"
When
21 October - 2 November 2025
Transportation
We will travel by a 9-seat van
Fees
Single participant (single room): $8,600
Couple (double room): $7,700 per person
Fees include:
- Accommodations and breakfasts
- Transportation
- Tickets to museums and other sites
- A driver and a tour guide
Number of participants
Minimum 4 - Maximum 6 participants
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Palermo's airport and visit of Palermo city centre
We will pick up participants from Palermo's Falcone and Borsellino Airport and drive to our accommodation. In the afternoon we will start the visit of Palermo city centre (Quattro Canti, Martorana, San Cataldo, Ballaro')
Day 2: Palermo
We will visit Palermo's Cathedral, Normans Palace (with Palatine Chapel), and San John of Hermits Church.
Day 3: Palermo and Monreale
We will start the day with a visit to the Castles of Cuba and Zisa. Then we will go to Monreale for its cathedral and impressive mosaics. On the way back to Palermo we will stop at the Convento dei Cappuccini... Memento mori!
Day 4: Cefalu', Caccamo and transfer to Favara
Visit of Cefalu', its narrow streets and its gothic cathedral. Then we will move to Caccamo where a local guide will tell us more about its Castle's myths and legends. In the afternoon we will transfer to Favara.
Day 5: Agrigento
Visit of one of the most famous Sicilian archaeological sites: the Valley of the Temples. After these Greek temples, we will go to the nearby beach to see a geological phenomenon: the Turks' Stairs. In the afternoon we return to Favara and will visit Favara's Farm Cultural Park, an interesting example of contemporary arts run by local women.
Day 6: Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina
Another famous archaeological site: the Roman Villa del Casale and its massive floor mosaics.
Day 7: Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone and transfer to Ragusa Ibla
Visit of the lovely little town of Piazza Armerina. Then we will move to Caltagirone, famous for its terracotta production. A local artisan will give us a demonstration of his craftmanship. In the afternoon we will transfer to Ragusa Ibla.
Day 8: Ragusa Ibla
Ragusa is a town split in two halves: Upper Ragusa (the new part of town) and Ibla. Walking in Ibla is like stepping into a M.C Escher's painting: narrow streets and hundreds of stairs to get lost in. Like the rest of Sicily's western side, Ragusa is dominated by Baroque.
Day 9: Montalbano's Sicily
The adventure of Inspector Montalbano, main character of Andrea Camilleri's books, are set in these areas. We will visit the Castle of Donnafugata, Punta Secca and Scicli.
Day 10: Modica and transfer to Siracusa/Ortigia
Modica is famous for its Baroque Churches and for its unique chocolate. We will visit the Chocolate factory before transferring to Siracusa. Our accommodation is in Ortigia, Siracusa's little island.
Day 11: Siracusa and Ortigia
In Siracusa there is another famous Greek archaeological site that includes one of the biggest Greek theatres, Dionysus' ear (a cave with an impressive echo) and a Roman Amphitheatre. In the afternoon the visit of Ortigia will include the Dome (one of the first Christian churches in Europe), the Maniace Castle (of Frederick II) and the Aretusa Fountain.
Day 12: Noto, Marzamemi and transfer to Catania
Noto is the Capital city of Sicilian Baroque, while Marzamemi is a lovely fishermen village famous for its Tuna factories. We will visit these towns on our way to Catania.
Day 13: Catania
Our visit of Catania includes a walk through Etnea Avenue, the central elegant avenue of Catania; lunch at La Pescheria, the local fish market with lots of street food shops; the Roman amphitheater, a massive underground stadium; and the Greek Theatre with its Odeon. We can't miss a walk-through Villa Bellini, Catania's public garden.
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Day 14: Mount Etna, Acireale, Acitrezza and Acicastello
Our tour's last day is dedicated to the biggest Vulcano is Europe, the majestic Mount Etna. We will drive to 1900m above sea level and walk on one of its craters. We will have lunch at Santa Maria La Scala, a little fishermen town close to Acireale, Acitrezza and Acicastello, three seaside towns, where Greek poet Homer set Ulysses and the Cyclops' stories.
Day 15: Transfer to Catania's airport
Transfer to Catania's airport or train station