Colours of Sicily: Italy Small Group Tour

22 Apr - 02 May 2024 (11 Days / 10 Nights)
AUD $6,964

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What can you expect?

This tour is guided by the team at Vita Italian Tours and their team of local experts. Your tour leaders will escort you throughout your stay and will ensure you have a wonderful experience.

Natural Wonders of the World

The Colours of Sicily tour highlights the many natural wonders and cultural treasures that entice visitors to the largest island of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by pristine beaches and spectacular cliffside villages, Sicily is full of historic towns with an abundance of ancient architectural gems, churches and museums. Many of these sites, such as Ragusa, Siracusa and Agrigento, are recognised for their historical significance by UNESCO.

Stay in the Heart of Historic Centres

Experience the unique and traditional lifestyles of the locals. Enjoy a stay in Taormina, located on the east coast of Sicily, perched on a hill about 250 metres above the sea, providing incredibly scenic views. It also practically sits in the shadow of Mt.Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano. You can also enjoy the local produce of many renowned wineries which have their vineyards nestled along the sides of the volcano.

Fresh and Authentic Italian Cuisine

On our tours, we take our travellers to famous small local trattoria/eateries, which large tour companies simply cannot get into. Sicily is known across the world for its delicious signature cuisine. You’ll enjoy food and wine cooked by genuine Sicilians using traditional techniques and fresh and seasonal products from each part of the island. Your palate will experience all the seafood specialties, arancini, cannoli and great local wines that Sicily has to offer!

 

Tour Highlights

  • See one of the tallest mountains in Western Europe and natural wonder of the world, Mt Etna.
  • Beginning in Catania, you will explore Aci Trezza, Mt Etna, Ortigia in Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu before finishing in Taormina.
  • Personally guided by experienced and highly knowledgeable experts with extensive understandings of the local area through generations of family living in these areas. You will experience Sicily as the locals do.
  • Maximum of 14 guests in our small group tour.

 

2024 Departures: Colours of Sicily Small Group Tour (11 Days / 10 Nights):

  • 22 April 2024 – 02 May 2024 (Fully Booked)

2025 Departures: Colours of Sicily Small Group Tour (11 Days / 10 Nights):

  • 21 April 2025 – 01 May 2025

Early-bird bookings for the 2025 departure. Places are limited.

Contact us to find out more.

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Private Tour/ Independent Travel: If the tour dates do not fit with your travel plans or independent travel is more your style, why not let Vita Italian Tours plan a tailor-made self-drive or chauffeur driven private itinerary/tour for you. Contact us to enquire today.

What’s included?

  • All land travel in air-conditioned mini buses.
  • Accommodation for 10-Nights in 4 and 5-star centrally located boutique hotels in Catania, Ortigia – Siracusa, Agrigento, Palermo and Taormina.
  • 10 Breakfasts.
  • 4 Lunches.
  • 5 Dinners 
  • Meals include special gastronomical tastings in traditional local restaurants & osterie as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Regional wines & mineral water served with meals.
  • Admission to all galleries, museums, wineries and historical sites included in the itinerary.
  • Personally guided walking tours to all towns, and cities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Services of the experienced professional tour leaders throughout the tour.

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1: Catania (D)
Independent arrival at the hotel in the charming baroque city of Catania. Your tour leaders will meet you at 4:00 PM in the hotel foyer for an introductory talk, followed by a walking tour of the historical centre of Catania: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catania has a unique appeal with its baroque buildings and its streets lined with black lava stone. Highlights include the historic Piazza Duomo with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous statue of the lava-stone elephant, the symbol of the City. We will walk along the magnificent Via dei Crociferi and admire St Benedict’s Monastery. Aperitivo will be served before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Catania / Aci Trezza / Etna (BL)
We begin day 2 with a visit to the famous A' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce, a fish market, to try some local street food. We then journey to the nearby town of Aci Trezza, one of the many fishing villages along the coast just a short drive from Catania. Here you will experience the crystal-clear waters and admire the famous Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the tiny islands formed from Mt Etna hundreds of thousands of years ago. The name Etna is derived from the Greek word Aitne which can be translated as ‘I burn’. Lunch in a traditional seaside restaurant. After lunch, we will drive to nearby Mt Etna, one of the tallest and most active volcanoes in Europe, to experience the spectacular scenery and views. We then return back to Catania, allowing you to explore the area or rest for the evening.
Day 3: Catania / Siracusa / Ortigia (BD)
After breakfast, we drive south to the picturesque island of Ortigia, the historical centre of Siracusa, which will be our home for the next two nights. After arriving at the hotel in the historic heart of the city, there will be some time to freshen up and have a bite for lunch. In the afternoon, a local expert will guide the group through the maze of small streets and piazze of this beautiful island learning of the many civilizations who have left their indelible mark over the centuries. Dinner will be enjoyed in a local restaurant.
Day 4: Siracusa / Noto / Ragusa (BL)
Day 4 will see us visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Noto which is famous for its baroque buildings and churches. The highlight will be a visit to the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a beautiful noble residence in the baroque style. We then make our way to Ragusa for lunch at a traditional trattoria. You will also enjoy a visit to the splendid Piazza Duomo in the heart of the city and the Giardino Ibleo, stunning public gardens with sweeping views. We then will return back to Siracusa to enjoy another night on Ortigia island.
Day 5: Siracusa / Piazza Armerina / Agrigento (BD)
On day 5, we say goodbye to Siracusa as we make our way across Sicily to Agrigento. On the way, we make a stop at the historic town of Piazza Armerina for a visit to Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its magnificent mosaics. We’ll check-in at the hotel in Agrigento before dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 6: Agrigento (BL)
After a leisurely breakfast, a local guide will take the group through the Valley of the Temples which preserves some of the best exponents of the Greek influence on the island of Sicily. Following the morning tour, we will make our way to Agrigento to explore the historical centre. You’ll then have the afternoon and evening free, to do as you please.
Day 7: Agrigento / Palermo (BD)
Day 7, the capital of Sicily awaits us. Before exploring this vibrant capital city, the group will check in at the hotel before some time for lunch. In the afternoon, a local guide will lead the group to explore the important sites of this beautiful city shaped by the different cultures, religions and rulers. Palermo has one of the largest historical centres in Europe, and the tour will culminate at the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral. Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Palermo / Monreale / Cefalu / Taormina (BL)
On the morning of day 8, we will visit Monreale which is only a short drive from Palermo. We will admire the famous Norman Cathedral and its magnificent cloister, which is considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We will see the influence of some of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine and Islamic art. We then make our way to the mediaeval fishing village of Cefalu, one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. After exploring the small streets of the city's historical centre, we’ll stop for lunch in a local trattoria. In the afternoon, we drive to our last stop on the tour, breathtaking Taormina. Aperitivo with stunning views of Mt Etna.
Day 9: Taormina (BL)
After breakfast, a local guide will take the group through this most picturesque and stunning city of Taormina. The highlight of the morning will be a visit to the Greek-Roman Theatre, situated on the edge of town and perched on a cliff face with the most spectacular views of Mt Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. Then to a delightful lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the sea. You will then have a free evening in Taormina, to explore on your own or take the time to rest.
Day 10: Taormina (BD)
Day 10 offers the opportunity to explore the many sites that Taormina has to offer on your own. You may wish to take the cable car ride down to the beach area of Mazzarò and enjoy the beach and views of the picturesque Isola Bella. There is also the option to walk or take the local bus up to the nearby town of Castelmola which sits over 500m above sea level and rewards visitors with sweeping views of the entire coastline. Alternatively, you may wish to stay closer and explore the many boutiques and specialty shops that Taormina has to offer. We will then reconvene to enjoy a farewell dinner together in Taormina.
Day 11: Taormina (B)
After a final farewell breakfast, the Colours of Sicily tour will conclude.

Pricing

AUD $6,964 pp twin share

The cost of the tour, land content only, is AUD $6,964 per person in twin share accommodation. A deposit of AUD $500 is required to reserve a place on the tour which is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled. The full balance is due 90 days before departure. Single supplements are available at an additional cost of AUD $1,296.00. The tour is costed on a minimum of 6 people travelling on the tour with a maximum number of 14 people.

Download the full itinerary here. The program appears to be full; however, it is mixed with long restful lunches and leisure time for your enjoyment and comfort. If you need to, you can always take time off from the organised program.

We recommend that you carefully read the Terms & Conditions applying to a Vita Italian Tour. Please refer to the Booking Page of our website vitaitaliantours.com.au/terms-conditions

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Optional Additions:

Aeolian Islands: You may wish to extend your trip for an extra all-day excursion to the famed Aeolian Islands. The port of Milazzo will be the first stop to catch a private ferry to the island of Lipari, the largest island and gateway to the Aeolian Archipelago. You will explore the narrow streets and shops of Lipari town. The ferry will then allow you to reach the island of Vulcano, the second most active volcano of the Archipelago. You may wish to have a swim in the naturally warm spiaggia dell’aqua calda thanks to the underwater geysers fuelled by volcanic activity. The tour returns to Taormina in the late afternoon.

Malta: Many choose to extend their Mediterranean experience from Sicily to the fascinating island of Malta. We can organise an all-inclusive package including ferry/airfares, accommodation and private guided tours to all the sites such as Medina, Gozo & The Three Cities. There are 2, 3 & 4-day packages available.

Additional information

The weather: April-May in Italy is nearing the end of spring. It can get warm during the day, however the evenings are cool. We recommend you bring breathable and comfortable clothing, as well as a light jacket with your favourite walking shoes. 

Physical expectations: We do not place age limitations on the tour and welcome anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness. It is important to note that the countryside is undulating and hilly. Many hill-towns have their historical centres closed to traffic, therefore walking is required. Be expected to spend a few hours a day at a time on your feet with breaks for sightseeing, coffee and a taste of the local produce.

The program appears to be busy and full; however, it is mixed with long restful lunches and leisure time for your enjoyment and comfort. If you need to, you can always take time off from the organised program.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us here.

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Items not included

  • Airfares. 
  • Travel Insurance – it is compulsory for every traveller to have taken out a travel insurance policy in order to partake on a Vita Italian Tour. If you require, we can assist in organising a policy for you. Please get in touch to discuss your needs. 
  • Admission fees to places other than those specifically itemised in the itinerary.
  • Meals on the tour not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Drinks outside normal mealtimes or additional wine & other drinks in restaurants, including tea & coffee.
  • Personal transport costs, phone calls & any other personal needs.
  • Tourist Accommodation Tax.
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