Duration: 8 Days
Join us on a budget-friendly holiday in Sicily—the Mediterranean’s largest island, just off the toe of Italy’s “boot”. Your discovery of this fascinating island, rich in culture, warm welcomes, and beauty starts in Palermo, a vibrant city of churches, squares, marketplaces, and palazzos of every style. Take in stunning views with a cable-car ride to the medieval hilltop town of Erice—with cobblestone streets, fortifications, ancient churches, and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of Trapani, set on a harbour that was once a powerful trading network, and visit Marsala, known for its aromatic wine.
See the Acropolis and its temples in Selinunte, and take a guided tour of the spectacular ancient Greek temples near Agrigento. Visit the Roman Villa at Casale, famous for its mosaics, like the “Bikini Girls”. Visit elegant Taormina and the coastal town of Cefalù. Enjoy an excursion on Mount Etna, the majestic volcano overlooking the city of Catania, the verdant valleys, and the shimmering blue Mediterranean waters. Celebrate your Sicilian adventure ending your affordable adventure in Palermo.
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Check into your hotel. Spend the rest of your day exploring this great city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
A full day to enjoy this busy and brilliant city full of interesting squares and marketplaces, churches, and palazzos in every style-from Moorish to Baroque. Join the included sightseeing tour to learn more about the history and culture, and visit the magnificent Baroque St. Catherine Church. Later, maybe join an optional excursion to complete your day. (B)
Two Sicilian treats are on the agenda today. First, visit enchanting Trapani with a Local Guide. Set on a harbour that was once at the heart of a powerful trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice, the city centre stretches along the port and was built primarily in Baroque style. Next, visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice, reached by cable car. Situated about 2,500 feet above sea level, it immediately impresses with its defensive walls and castle, affording breathtaking views over the Gulf of Trapani and Egadi Islands. On clear days, see all the way to the African coast. Overnight in nearby Marsala. Today's Distance: 105 mi/ 170 km (B,D)
This morning spend some time on your own in Marsala, known for its celebrated aromatic wine. Then head towards Selinunte, one of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily. Here, you will see the remains of the acropolis, with its temples and fortifications. Continue to Agrigento. Today's Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km (B,D)
Guided visit of the spectacular Doric temple of Concord, and the temple of Juno Lacinia, archaeological jewels of the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento. On to Piazza Armerina, a maze of steep streets positively overflowing with the vibrant atmosphere of Sicilian life. At nearby Casale, visit the well- preserved Roman villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its mosaics, including the whimsical "Bikini Girls." Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)
Drive up the heights of Mount Etna with the option of a jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of Europe's largest active volcano (subject to weather conditions). Descend to sun-kissed Taormina, magnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau overlooking the Ionian Sea. The heart of Taormina is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unmatched views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take a stroll along the Corso Umberto, and maybe taste a refreshing granita or a sumptuous cannolo. Today's Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km (B,D)
Arrive in the coastal town of Cefalu with its medieval squares, streets, and churches. During your visit, see the Norman cathedral, a 12th-century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. Later, return to Palermo. During your final day in this glorious city, catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city on your own. Today's Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
