Best of Sicily in 12 Days Tour

Best of Sicily in 12 Days Tour: An Authentic Mediterranean Adventure

The Best of Sicily in 12 Days tour is a carefully designed travel experience unveiling the vibrant culture, captivating history, exquisite cuisine, and spectacular landscapes of Sicily. This journey, crafted by Rick Steves’ expert team, takes you from the island’s multicultural capital of Palermo to the sunlit slopes of Catania, via archaeological wonders, coastal towns, and the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Explore Sicily’s layered past, its living traditions, and the joyful hospitality of its people, with all the logistics handled for you.

What Makes This Sicily Tour Unique?

• Expert Guides: Every step of the way, professional guides bring Sicily’s complex history and culture alive, with stories, insider access, and genuine passion for the island.
• Inclusive Sightseeing: More than 22 curated group sightseeing events, including ancient ruins, lively food tastings, workshops, and theatrical performances—all included in your tour price.
• Immersive Experiences: Participate in everything from Sicilian pastry-making lessons to traditional puppet theater and local winery visits.
• Authentic Accommodations: Spend 11 nights in characterful, centrally located hotels, handpicked for atmosphere, comfort, and location.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Group transportation, breakfasts, select meals, all tips, and thoughtful extras like a guidebook and a moneybelt are covered.

Tour Itinerary Overview

This 12-day itinerary is meticulously planned to maximize your Sicilian adventure. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of the core experiences and sights covered:

Days 1–3: Palermo & Monreale – Sicily’s Multicultural Capital

• Palazzo Federico: Begin with an introduction to medieval Sicilian nobility with a guided visit to this historic palace.
• Palermo Walking Tour: Explore bustling markets, architectural gems, and the city’s vibrant street life on foot.
• Monreale Cathedral and Cloister: Gaze at stunning golden mosaics and cloistered arcades—an iconic landmark blending Norman, Arab, and Byzantine arts.

Palermo impresses visitors with its unique blend of cultures: Norman cathedrals stand alongside Baroque churches, Arabic domes, and lively outdoor markets where influences from across the Mediterranean come together in daily life.

Days 4–5: Western Wonders – Segesta, Trapani & Erice

• Segesta: Tour the mystical ancient Greek temple and theater set among rolling hills.
• Trapanese Food Tasting: Sample regional delicacies like couscous, cheeses, olives, and Marsala wines in Trapani.
• Sicilian Pastry Lesson: Try your hand at cannoli or cassata during a hands-on demonstration led by local artisans.
• Erice: Visit this perfectly preserved medieval hill town offering panoramic views and winding stone lanes.
• Trapani Orientation: Explore Trapani’s distinct character, shaped by centuries of sea trade and multicultural influence.

Day 6: Salt Flats & Ancient Islands

• Marsala Salt Flats Tour: Learn how salt has been harvested for millennia as you walk beside windmills and crystalline salt pans.
• Mozia Island Walking Tour: Take a boat to this Phoenician archaeological site, an evocative island revealing layers of history amid lagoons.

Days 7–8: Agrigento & The Valley of the Temples

• Valley of the Temples: Wander through one of Europe’s greatest collections of Greek ruins, with magnificent temples standing against rolling Sicilian scenery.
• Agrigento Archaeological Museum: Delve into the region’s past with treasures from ancient Greek, Carthaginian, and Roman civilizations.
• Villa Romana del Casale: Marvel at the extensive and remarkably preserved Roman mosaics at this UNESCO World Heritage site in the countryside near Piazza Armerina.

Days 9–10: Baroque East – Ortygia, Siracusa & Catania

• Ortygia Walking Tour: Stroll through charming streets, ornate piazzas, and vibrant markets of Siracusa’s historic center, uniquely perched on an island.
• Puppet Theater & Museum: Witness the ancient Sicilian tradition of puppet theater, then explore a dedicated museum to learn about this cherished art form.
• Museo dello Sbarco: Visit the moving WWII museum in Catania, illuminating Sicily’s pivotal role in the Allied landings.

Day 11: Mount Etna and Taormina – Nature Meets History

• Mount Etna Volcanologist Talk: Understand the power and science of Europe’s most active volcano from a local volcanologist.
• Taormina Orientation: Discover why this cliffside town has charmed travelers for centuries, with highlights like the Greek Theater overlooking Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea.
• Winery Visit & Tasting: Savor exceptional Sicilian wines and traditional cuisine at a local winery nestled among volcanic vineyards.
• Catania Walking Tour: End the day with a guided stroll through Catania’s energetic streets and famous fish market.

Wrap up your Sicilian adventure as you gather with your new friends to share memories, enjoy local dishes, and raise a toast—Salute!

Day 12: Farewell & Departure

After breakfast in Catania, your tour concludes. Your guide will assist with post-tour planning, airport transfers, and any final needs, helping you transition smoothly to your next adventure.

What’s Included in the Best of Sicily Tour?

• 22 or more group sightseeing events
• Full-time professional Rick Steves guide, plus local experts
• All group transportation from Palermo to Catania
• 11 nights’ accommodations
• All breakfasts and 6 group meals
• Tipping covered for guides and driver
• Comprehensive tour kit, including guidebook and moneybelt
• Guaranteed, locked-in tour price
• Tour alum discount for previous guests

Note: Personal expenses such as drinks, free-time activities, and some meals are not included. See the official tour conditions for details on policies regarding payment, transfers, or cancellations.

Physical Demands & Practical Advice

This tour is physically active and requires a moderate degree of mobility. To fully enjoy the experience, participants should:

• Carry or roll luggage over uneven streets and up stairs
• Walk and stand for up to three hours at a time
• Adapt to some street noise, local weather, and occasional absence of air conditioning
• Be ready for self-guided exploration after orientation sessions
• Negotiate rocky, uneven pathways at archaeological sites

Sample Daily Walking Table

Why Sicily?

Sicily is a crossroads of civilizations, offering millennia of history: Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Norman palaces, Baroque cathedrals, and lively local traditions. Its culinary scene, shaped by centuries of traders, is among Italy’s most diverse, with unique flavors, wines, and desserts. The island’s warm people, dramatic landscapes, and energetic cities immerse every visitor in Mediterranean life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who typically joins this tour, and how large is the group?

A: Groups consist of 24–28 travelers from diverse backgrounds, all sharing a curiosity for Sicilian culture and history.

Q: Is there free time to explore on my own?

A: Yes, while the itinerary is full, most evenings and some afternoons are left free for personal discovery—whether you prefer shopping for ceramics, enjoying a sunset by the sea, or sampling more Sicilian dishes.

Q: How strenuous is the tour physically?

A: You should be comfortable walking several miles each day, sometimes on uneven surfaces, stairs, or steep hills. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Q: Are meals and entrances included?

A: All breakfasts and six group meals are included, along with all group sightseeing events and entrance fees listed. Drinks and several lunches or dinners are at your own expense, allowing flexibility and personal preferences.

Q: Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

A: The tour makes efforts to accommodate most dietary needs when informed in advance, though options may vary in smaller towns.

Start Planning Your Sicilian Adventure

The Best of Sicily in 12 Days tour is an exceptional way to experience the very soul of the Mediterranean. Whether you are drawn by ancient ruins, culinary delights, dramatic coastlines, or living Sicilian culture, the itinerary offers a fulfilling and expertly-guided journey from Palermo to Catania.
Pack your bags and come ready to discover, taste, and explore the unforgettable island of Sicily.