The Grand Sicilian tour is an escorted tour of Siclly’s sightseeing highlights. Sicily’s culture is a result of distinct cultures and civilizations mixing over the course of history. Its culture combined with its sheer natural beauty make it a fascinating and fabulous vacation destination.
The Grand Sicilian escorted tour covers all of Sicily’s most popular attractions. The trip itinerary includes visits to ancient Greek Temples in Agrigento, ancient Greek archaeological sights in Taormina and Siracusa, a visit to a Roman villa in Piazza Armerina to see its ancient Roman mosaics, Sicilian Baroque architecture in Ragusa, and the Norman cathedral in Monreale famous for its Byzantine mosaic.
The tour itinerary sightseeing highlights include unique Sicilian experiences and included meals while traveling from Palermo to Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Modica, Noto, Monreale, Siracusa, and Taormina. Over its 3000+ year history the Sicilians maintain the best of the old while always reinventing itself. In each town you’ll enjoy the Grandeur of Sicily brought to life by your expert guides while staying in 4-star accommodations.
For more information or to book your Grand Sicilian submit the form.
Highlights
Grand Sicilian Tour Sightseeing Highlights
The Grand Sicily vacation itinerary includes an exploration into all the cultures that inhabited this stimulating island.
- Palermo – Guided sightseeing, and visit the cathedral in Palermo
- Monreale – Visit the Norman cathedral
- Erice – Visit the hilltop town and try the famous almond biscuits and Marsala wine
- Marsala Area – Visit a salt mill; couscous dinner with local specialties
- Sciacca – Take pictures from the panoramic viewpoint
- Agrigento – Guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples
- Piazza Armerina – Guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale
- Caltagirones – See the famous Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte
- Ragusa – Guided walking tour of the Ibla district, visit St. George Cathedral
- Modica – Chocolate tasting at the famous Dolceria Bonajuto; dinner at a local restaurant
- Noto – Guided walking tour, visit San Nicolò Cathedral
- Syracuse (Siracusa) – Guided visit of the archaeological site
- Catania – See St. Agata Cathedral, Piazza Duomo, and Via Etnea
- Savoca – See the Church of Santa Lucia
- Taormina – Visit the Greek theater
The tour includes breakfast daily; 1 lunch in Palermo; 6 three-course dinners, including dinners at local restaurants in the Marsala area, Modica, and Taormina.
Hotels
Sicily Tour 4-Star Accommodations:
- Palermo 2 nights – Mercure Palermo Center
- Marsala Area 1 night – Hotel Mahara
- Agrigento 1 night – Della Valle
- Ragusa Area 2 nights – Poggio Del Sole Resort
- Syracuse 1 night – Mercure Siracusa Prometeo
- Taormina Riviera 2 nights – Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Optional Excursions
The optional excursions are not included in the tour itinerary. They are scheduled during what is otherwise free time. The price will be confirmed before final payment. The selection is subject to change.
Palermo – Exclusive private visit to the Palazzo Alliata of Pietratagliata and Sicilian delicacies
Get a true taste of ancient Palermo, capital of Sicily, on this fantastic excursion featuring an exclusive visit to a private noble Palazzo followed by a real Sicilian dinner at a local restaurant.
Syracuse – Ortigia Tour and Pizza Feast
Experience the ancient wonders and impressive Greek ruins of Ortigia Island, historic center of Syracuse, on this exciting guided tour that concludes with a pizza feast at a local pizzeria.
Taormina – Journey to Mount Etna, Europe’s Tallest Volcano
Come face to face with towering Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, on this mesmerizing half-day guided excursion along the eastern coast of Sicily.
11-Day Grand Tour of Sicily
Price published is land only price. For price of Grand Tour of Sicily with airfare enter airport closest to your home and submit form.
Grand Sicilian Tour Daily Itinerary
Sicily’s sightseeing highlights span all historical eras. During the Magna Grecia Hellenic civilization flourished on the island of Sicily and around southern Italy. The ancient Romans adopted some of their customs. Ancient Greek Temples and theaters later updated by the ancient Romans provide incredible windows into how the ancient civilizations evolved here. Medieval Norman architecture, to the Sicilian Baroque are all remnants of the island’s middle age colonizers.
DAY 1 – Depart the United States for Sicily
Depart the United States for Italy. Typically your flight will be overnight. Enjoy dinner and then breakfast on board the airplane. Most flights include video entertainment.
Day 2 – Arrive in Palermo
Upon arrival in Sicily you will be transferred from the airport to your Palermo hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day independently. This evening you’ll meet your tour manager and accompanying guests while enjoying your first authentic Sicilian dinner.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3 – Discover the Normans in Palermo and Monreale
Discover the capital of Sicily with an expert local Palermo tour guide and enjoy a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro. Visit the 12th-century Norman Cathedral in Monreale, famous for its enormous byzantine mosaics. Back in Palermo, see the major sites like the ornate Piazza Bellini, Capo Market, the baroque Church of Immacolata, and visit the magnificent Palermo Cathedral. Today includes lunch with Sicilian specialties like panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini (stuffed rice balls), and cannoli (fried pastry rolls with sweet ricotta cheese) awaits.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 4 – Palermo to Erice, with Marsala Area
Join your Tour Director for an orientation of the hilltop town of Erice, ending at the well-known Pasticceria Maria Grammatico to savor the traditional almond biscuits and Marsala wine. Next, visit a traditional Mediterranean sea salt mill. Later, dinner with local specialties and couscous will be served.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 5 – Marsala to Sciacca then Agrigento
In Sciacca, take pictures from the panoramic viewpoint before continuing to Agrigento. Here, your Local Guide will take you for a spectacular walk through the magnificent Valley of the Temples. Even travelers who have visited Athens and Delphi are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that miraculously survived 2500 years of history.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6 – Agrigento to Piazza Armerina and Ragusa
Drive to Piazza Armerina for your guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world, including the famous “Bikini Girls,” discovered in 1960. Before arriving in Ragusa, stop in Caltagirone and see the mosaic staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, covered with different tiles in a beautiful pattern.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 7 – Ragusa excursion to Modica
Guided sightseeing features a walk through Ragusa’s oldest district, the IBLA, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its beautiful palaces and churches. Walk through the Giardini Iblei, the pleasant public gardens laid out in the 19th century and then, visit the iconic baroque St. George Cathedral. Time on your own to further explore or maybe relax at an outdoor café! In the late afternoon, travel to nearby Modica with its steeply stacked medieval center and spectacular baroque churches. Wander along Corso Umberto I and stop at the famous Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, for a tasting. End the day with a dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 8 – Ragusa to Noto and Siracusa
The baroque town of Noto is renowned for its beautiful historic center that was almost entirely rebuilt in the early 18th century following the 1693 earthquake. Meet your Local Guide for a walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire the magnificent architecture, and visit San Nicolo Cathedral. Continue to Syracuse, birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes. Enter the archaeological site for a guided visit of the 5th century BC sparkling-white Greek Theater, the Garden of Paradise, the Ear of Dionysus, the Altar of Hieron II, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. Tonight, you may wish to join an optional excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 – Catania
In Catania, see St. Agata Cathedral and spend some time on Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea. Later, arrive at your hotel on the Taormina Riviera.
This afternoon there is an optional tour to visit Mt. Etna.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 – Sicily’s Resort Taormina
In the morning, visit classic Sicilian town Savoca. This town was feaatured in the Godfather movie.
Later, in hilltop Taormina, visit the ancient Greek Theater, dating back to the 3rd century BC. This evening, a farewell dinner will be served at restaurant Villa Antonio, an excellent way to say arrivederci Sicilia!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 11 – Ciao Sicily
Your Grand tour of Sicily ends this morning with breakfast and transfer to the Catania airport. Fly home full of fond memories. Or continue your Italy vacation.
For more Sicily vacation options click to view all the 2025 Sicily Tours Packages options.
For more Italy vacations check out our Italy tours page.
