The Splendours of Sicily 2022/2023

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1-888-597-3519

905-639-9954

dhtour@dhtour.ca

10 Days / 9 Nights
Availability : April to July, September & October
Start: Palermo, Sicily, Italy
End: Catania, Sicily, Italy

2022: The Splendours of Sicily: 1 nt Palermo, 1 nt Selinunte, 1 nt Favara, 2 nts Ragusa, 2 nts Syracuse, 2 nts Carruba

2023: The Splendours of Sicily: 1 nt Palermo, 1 nt Selinunte, 1 nt Favara, 2 nts Ragusa, 2 nts Syracuse, 2 nts Etna Region

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book. 

Prepare to be unwrapped by Sicily’s superb landscapes, intoxicating diversity and ancient wonders. Centuries-old monasteries and Norman churches. Ancient Greek temples and bustling local markets. Sheer gorges and golden beaches. This dazzling Mediterranean island will tantalise your every desire and capture your heart with its fascinating culture.

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS / MAX 18 GUESTS

Detail2022 Itinerary2023 ItineraryDates & PricesMapPhotos
Tour Details

The Blue-Roads Difference

– Embark on a locally-guided walking tour of Palermo and gain a unique insight into the city’s anti-Mafia movement
– Discover the fascinating history behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples
– Unlock the exotic and eclectic flavours of Sicilian cuisine with several unique tasting experiences

Pick Up Location & TIme

Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (Palermo)  (Google Map)
6:00pm – Meet tour guide and group for welcome dinner.

Drop off Location & Time

TBA (Catania)
The tour finishes late afternoon/early evening.

Price Includes

2022:

  • 9 nights' in boutique accommodation
  • Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Local guided tour in Palermo and Syracuse - Enjoy a local farm’s tasty olives, award-winning oil and fresh breads - Free time in Sciacca - Visit Valley of Temples and Piazza Armerina's Villa Romana del Casale
  • Chocolate tasting session in Modica - Visit the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina - Walking tour in Catania
  • Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary

2023:

  • 9 nights' in boutique accommodation
  • Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Daily breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary

2022 Meals

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 2 dinners
  • 0 teas

2023 Meals

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 2 dinners
  • 0 teas

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Transfers
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
  • Travel Insurance
What to Expect

Blue Roads Tours are conducted at a leisurely pace; we take our time and avoid rushing from place to place.  Stops are made frequently during the day to avoid extended periods of time on the coach.  On a typical day they might leave at 9am and arrive at the hotel at 5pm.  We endeavor to build rest and relaxation time into our itineraries, an most inclusions are not mandatory – so if you’d rather explore on your own, you’re welcome to meet up with the group at the designated meeting point. 

The Blue Roads Tours are designed so that there is as little time as possible on the mini-coach and plenty to see while on board.  We travel along the scenic route wherever possible, meaning you’ll see more of the countryside and local village life than on a regular tour.  Inevitable, there are days when travelling between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage.  Generally, driving time will not last for more than three or four hours per day.

2022 Itinerary

Day 1Palermo

An intoxicatingly vibrant capital, Palermo is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible Sicilian journey. Our included dinner tonight is an opportunity to get to know one another better and sample some of Sicily’s sumptuous cuisine. Here’s to the fantastic trip ahead! (D)

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar)

Day 2Palermo – Monreale – Selinunte

This morning we’ll take to the streets to dive into Palermo’s fascinating anti-Mafia movement with a local guide – visiting the house of anti-Mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino, as we go. Then: it’s onwards to Monreale. Perched atop the Monte Caputo, overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro – Monreale is renowned for its awe-inspiring Cathedral. Here, we’ll spend some time admiring the Norman-Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics, before moving on to our idyllic accommodation in Selinunte. (B)

Accommodation: Agriturismo Case di Latomie (or similar)

Day 3Selinunte – Mazara Del Vallo – Sciacca – Favara

This morning, we’re in for a culinary treat: prepare to sample a local farm’s tasty olives, award-winning oil and fresh breads. Then: en route to Favara, we’ll stop by Mazara del Vallo to indulge in a delicious antipasti lunch that explores the Arabic influence on Sicilian cuisine. Appetites sufficiently quenched, we’ll continue to the historic fishing port of Sciacca. Dating back to the ancient Greek period, Sciacca has been known for its natural thermal springs and ceramics. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to visit a local ceramic workshop and enjoy some free time to explore – before moving on to our hotel in Favara. (B,L)

Accommodation: The Alba Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 4Favara – Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa

After breakfast we’ll move on to Agrigento to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples. As one of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek monuments in the world – a local guide will reveal the history of this enchanting archaeological site. Then: the ancient history lesson continues with a visit to Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale – which contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. We’ll end our day in the magnificent hilltop town of Ragusa, where our idyllic accommodation in the historic town centre of Ibla, awaits (B)

Day 5Ragusa – Modica – Ragusa

We’ll start our day in indulgent style: with a chocolate tasting session in Modica. And then? The gastronomic theme continues as we venture into the countryside for a fascinating lesson in cheese-making. We’ll gain a unique insight into the rustic lifestyle of Sicilian shepherds from a local breeder – and learn the secrets behind creating the area’s famed provola ragusana cheese. After a delicious tasting session and included lunch, we’ll return to Ragusa – where the rest of the day is free to wander the sloping alleyways and historic Ragusa Ibla at our leisure. (B,L)

Day 6Ragusa – Noto – Syracuse

On today’s agenda: a visit to the city of Noto, where we’ll learn more about almond cultivation with a local expert. After indulging in an almond themed lunch, we’ll press on to lovely Syracuse. Here, a local guide will take us around the ancient archaeological park – home to the impressive Teatro Greco. This evening, we’ll enjoy some free time relaxing at our hotel or exploring the nearby Ortigia area – Syracuse’s ancient town centre. (B,L)

Accommodation: Caportigia Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 7Syracuse

Coastal Syracuse – which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece – is yours for the taking today. We recommend arranging a boat trip to visit the enchanting hidden caves here. Or spending your free time wandering the array of ancient temples before losing yourself in the city’s winding streets – opening onto magnificent baroque piazzas, enticing boutique storefronts and beautiful sea views. How you spend your day is up to you – but a visit to the stunning Piazza Duomo is a must! (B)

Accommodation: Caportigia Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 8Syracuse – Mt Etna – Carruba

Today we head towards Mt Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the rugged surrounding landscape. We’ll take in the views from Rifugio Sapienza and have an opportunity to ride the cable car for a closer look at its smouldering craters. Then: we’ll move on to a local winery for an indulgent lunch and wine pairing experience. Later, our journey continues to the regional village of Carruba – where we’ll spend the next two nights. (B,L)

Accommodation: Donna Carmela Boutique Resort (or similar)

Day 9Carruba – Taormina – Carruba

Today will be spent exploring the spectacular mountainside town of Taormina. Here, we will have plenty of time to indulge in some Sicilian dolce vita – but first: a guided visit to the dramatically situated ancient Greek theatre is in order. After a day spent exploring, tonight’s farewell dinner will be well-deserved. (B,D)

Accommodation: Donna Carmela Boutique Resort (or similar)

Day 10Carruba – Catania

Today, our tour will end in Catania – but not before a walking tour of the ancient port city. With an included visit to the city’s famous fish market, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the enthralling atmosphere. We’ll even pass by Catania’s oldest cannolo shop, where we’ll have the chance to fill our own cannoli with ricotta cheese. What a way to round off the trip!

2023 Itinerary

Day 1Palermo

An intoxicatingly vibrant capital, Palermo is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible Sicilian journey. Our included dinner tonight is an opportunity to get to know one another better and sample some of Sicily’s sumptuous cuisine. Here’s to the fantastic trip ahead! (D)

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar)

Day 2Palermo – Monreale – Selinunte

This morning we’ll take to the streets to dive into Palermo’s fascinating anti-Mafia movement with a local guide – visiting the house of anti-Mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino, as we go. Then: it’s onwards to Monreale. Perched atop the Monte Caputo, overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro – Monreale is renowned for its awe-inspiring Cathedral. Here, we’ll spend some time admiring the Norman-Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics, before moving on to our idyllic accommodation in Selinunte. (B)

Accommodation: Agriturismo Case di Latomie (or similar)

Day 3Selinunte – Mazara Del Vallo – Sciacca – Favara

This morning, we’re in for a culinary treat: prepare to sample a local farm’s tasty olives, award-winning oil and fresh breads. Then: en route to Favara, we’ll stop by Mazara del Vallo to indulge in a delicious antipasti lunch that explores the Arabic influence on Sicilian cuisine. Appetites sufficiently quenched, we’ll continue to the historic fishing port of Sciacca. Dating back to the ancient Greek period, Sciacca has been known for its natural thermal springs and ceramics. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to visit a local ceramic workshop and enjoy some free time to explore – before moving on to our hotel in Favara. (B,L)

Accommodation: The Alba Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 4Favara – Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa

After breakfast we’ll move on to Agrigento to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples. As one of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek monuments in the world – a local guide will reveal the history of this enchanting archaeological site. Then: the ancient history lesson continues with a visit to Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale – which contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. We’ll end our day in the magnificent hilltop town of Ragusa, where our idyllic accommodation in the historic town centre of Ibla, awaits (B)

Accommodation: De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel (or similar)

Day 5Ragusa – Modica – Ragusa

We’ll start our day in indulgent style: with a chocolate tasting session in Modica. And then? The gastronomic theme continues as we venture into the countryside for a fascinating lesson in cheese-making. We’ll gain a unique insight into the rustic lifestyle of Sicilian shepherds from a local breeder – and learn the secrets behind creating the area’s famed provola ragusana cheese. After a delicious tasting session and included lunch, we’ll return to Ragusa – where the rest of the day is free to wander the sloping alleyways and historic Ragusa Ibla at our leisure. (B)

Accommodation: De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel (or similar)

Day 6Ragusa – Noto – Syracuse

On today’s agenda: a visit to the city of Noto, where we’ll learn more about almond cultivation with a local expert. After indulging in an almond themed lunch, we’ll press on to lovely Syracuse. Here, a local guide will take us around the ancient archaeological park – home to the impressive Teatro Greco. This evening, we’ll enjoy some free time relaxing at our hotel or exploring the nearby Ortigia area – Syracuse’s ancient town centre. (B,L)

Accommodation: Hotel Livingston Siracusa (or similar)

Day 7Syracuse

Coastal Syracuse – which rivalled Athens as the most important city of ancient Greece – is yours for the taking today. We recommend arranging a boat trip to visit the enchanting hidden caves here. Or spending your free time wandering the array of ancient temples before losing yourself in the city’s winding streets – opening onto magnificent baroque piazzas, enticing boutique storefronts and beautiful sea views. How you spend your day is up to you – but a visit to the stunning Piazza Duomo is a must! (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Livingston Siracusa (or similar)

Day 8Syracuse – Mt Etna – Etna Region

Today we head towards Mt Etna, a slumbering giant that towers over the rugged surrounding landscape. We’ll take in the views from Rifugio Sapienza and have an opportunity to ride the cable car for a closer look at its smouldering craters. Then: we’ll move on to a local winery for an indulgent lunch and wine pairing experience. Later, we’ll make tracks for our accommodation in the foothills of Etna – where we’ll spend the next two nights. (B,L)

Accommodation:  Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa (or similar)

Day 9Etna Region – Taormina – Etna Region

Today will be spent exploring the spectacular mountainside town of Taormina. Here, we will have plenty of time to indulge in some Sicilian dolce vita – but first: a guided visit to the dramatically situated ancient Greek theatre is in order. After a day spent exploring, tonight’s farewell dinner will be well deserved. (B,D)

Accommodation: Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa (or similar)

Day 10Etna Region – Catania

Today our tour will end in Catania, but not before a walking tour of the ancient port city. Here we’ll pay a visit to the city’s famous fish market, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the lively atmosphere. We’ll even pass by Catania’s oldest cannolo shop for the chance to fill our own cannoli with ricotta cheese. What a way to round off the trip! (B)

Dates and Prices:
Departure Dates Double/Twin (pp) Single Rate
2022: September 25 $5,319 $6,539
2022: October 9* $4,959 $6,099
2023: April 16 $4,779 $5,879
2023: April 30 $5,219 $6,409
2023: May 14, 28 $5,219 $6,409
2023: June 11, 25 $5,219 $6,409
2023: July 30 $5,219 $6,409
2023: September 3, 17 $5,219 $6,409
2023: September 24 $5,129 $6,309
2023: October 8 $4,779 $5,879

Dates shown in green are guaranteed departures.

Dates shown with an Asterisk * are on sale.

 

*SAVE 5% on selected Blue-Roads Touring 2022 departures.
Discount applied at time of booking. New bookings only.
Includes Extended Flexibility Policy benefits.
This offer is combinable with both our Past Passenger and Multi-Tour loyalty discount.
Select dates and validity periods apply.

 

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on twin/ double occupancy.
Rates are in $ CAD.

 


Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca  to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline.

 

Notes
Back-Roads Touring have hand-picked an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary.

Mobility: All of our tours involve walking and require our guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

Luggage:  As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited.  You are allowed 1 x suitcase: 20 kg  and 158 cm total (Length plus Width must equal 158 cm) and 1 x Hand Bag / Small Back Pack

Map

Photos
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