Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean

Arrive at Palermo airport and be greeted by your Wherever Tours tour leader. A private transfer from the airport to the hotel will be available with scheduled arrivals*. After your hotel check-in, relax and enjoy the Five Star hotel during your day in Palermo. A welcome reception will follow with traditional appetizers and a taste of wine. Tonight's included dinner features delicious local cuisine, especially the fresh seafood and regional wines.

This morning, take a tour of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, rich with ancient buildings, cathedrals, and gardens. Palermo has many hidden treasures such as the impressive Monreale Cathedral, an example of Norman architectural style which contains over 2 tons of gold mosaics. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to shop the local stores and colorful food markets. Dinner is at your leisure.

After breakfast, travel by luxury coach along the magnificent northern coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea to Trapani. On the way, we'll stop in the mountaintop town of Erice with its breathtaking views. In the afternoon arrive in Trapani, known for its salt flats and the beautiful Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Later, arrive in Marsala to the Donna Franca, a perfectly preserved and restored baglio from the 19th century. Tonight, enjoy a specially prepared dinner at the hotel's renowned restaurant.

Today visit Segesta, one of the most well-preserved Greek Sicilian temples. After returning to the Donna Franca, take a tour of their popular wine cellar. Taste some appetizers and some of their specialty wines. Afterwards, enjoy a cooking school demonstration followed by dinner, featuring some of the foods that you prepared?

This morning, travel by coach along from Marsala to Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily, on the Mediterranean Sea. A local guide will highlight the important ancient treasures on a tour the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the fifth century BC. Tonight, enjoy a tasty dinner with wine.

Depart for Ragusa Ibla and the Noto Valle, well-known for its baroque style architecture. First, stop in Caltagirone, a town known for its ceramics. Then proceed to Modica, noted for its delicious chocolates. Noto is the next stop before arriving in Ragusa Ibla, whose beautiful buildings are also influenced by the baroque period. Enjoy dinner featuring local cuisine and wines.

Take some free time to shop and explore the beautiful landscapes or the baroque architecture of the area.
Optional Experience: An excursion to the multi-cultural city of Siracusa will be offered by the tour leader.

Visit the Mt. Etna, tallest active volcano in Europe. Stop in the town of Zafferana and visit a local rosticceria to learn how to make the famous arancini rice balls. Indulge in some exquisite cannoli, along with other local foods and wines. This afternoon, check into our breathtaking seaside hotel in Taormina and have a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, take the funicular to the village of Taormina. After a guided tour of the area, including the Greek Roman Amphitheater, there will be plenty of time to explore all of the colorful streets and shops overlooking the Mediterranean east coast. This evening's dinner is at leisure.

In the morning, visit Savoca, the town where Frances Ford Coppola filmed the young Al Pacino on the Sicilian set of "The Godfather". In the afternoon, either go shopping in town, or relax by the pool or on the beach. This evening, feast on a Sicilian style dinner at a local restaurant (with vino, of course).

The last part of our journey takes the group to Milazzo, located on a small peninsula in the northeast corner of Sicily. From Milazzo, embark on a day cruise to the Aeolie Islands, featuring small active volcanos and amazing views. Upon returning to Milazzo, travel by coach to Cefalù for the final stay of our tour.Check into our fantastic seaside hotel for the last two nights. A nice dinner is included at the hotel.

In Cefalu, there is plenty of time to explore its rich ancient history including the Norman cathedral and gorgeous northern shoreline. Enjoy a “last supper” meal in a typical Sicilian style restaurant, owned by a local family. Dinner includes amazing food, wine, music, laughter and stunning views.

Sadly we must say “arrivederci” to Sicily. After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the Palermo airport for your onward journey.