Treasures of Sicily

Treasures of Sicily

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8 Days From

$1882

Treasures of Sicily

8 Days Starting and ending in Catania, Italy

Visiting: Catania, Siracusa, Palermo, Agrigento, Mount Etna, Metropolitan city of Catania

Tour operator:

Omega Tours

Tour code:

1683

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 5

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

7-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1882

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the "Treasures of Sicily" on this immersive cultural tour through Italy's enchanting island. Begin your journey in Catania, exploring the historical center of Ortigia and the archaeological wonders of Syracuse. Wander through the Baroque beauty of Noto and the lush Botanical Park of Radicepura in Giarre. Experience the vibrant history of Palermo and Monreale, and savor the flavors of Sicily with tastings of almond sweets, honey, and local wines. Ascend the majestic Mount Etna and explore the ancient theater of Taormina. Enjoy 4-star accommodations, full board meals, and guided tours with a multilingual guide, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.

Highlights

  • Explore the historical center of Ortigia, including the Temple of Minerva and the Fountain of Arethusa.

  • Visit the archaeological area in Syracuse, featuring the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, the Latomie, and the Ear of Dionysus.

  • Stroll through Noto, a gem of Sicilian Baroque.

  • Discover the Botanical Park of Radicepura in Giarre, home to over 3,000 plant species.

  • Enjoy a walking tour of Palermo's historic center, including the Cathedral of Palermo, the "Four Canti," and the Church of Santa Caterina.

  • Explore the charming town of Erice and taste typical almond sweets.

  • Visit a winery in Marsala and partake in a delightful tasting experience.

  • Ascend Mount Etna by coach and explore its main craters, with an option for a more adventurous ascent.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Catania Arrival

Location: Catania

Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrival in Catania and hotel check-in (available from 4:00 pm). Before dinner, we will gather for an introduction with our tour guide, who will present an overview of the upcoming itinerary. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the Catania, Giardini Naxos, or surrounding area.

Day 2 : Siracusa And Noto

Location: Siracusa

Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Our morning exploration will take us to the historical center of Ortigia, where we'll marvel at the Temple of Minerva and the enchanting Fountain of Arethusa. The adventure continues with a visit to the archaeological area, featuring the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, the Latomie, and the Ear of Dionysus. Enjoy a delightful lunch during the excursion. In the afternoon, we'll take a stroll through Noto, a true gem of Sicilian Baroque. Return to your hotel in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area, and savor a delicious dinner.

Day 3 : Giarre, Catania And Palermo

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Politeama, Palermo, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Commence your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Following this, embark on a journey to Giarre to explore the Botanical Park of Radicepura, a sprawling 5-hectare expanse housing more than 3,000 plant species. After the botanical adventure, make your way to Catania and take a stroll through its historic center. Indulge in a delightful snack along the charming streets of Catania, which may include a seasonal treat such as an 'arancina' (a fried rice ball typical of the region), ice cream, slush, and more. Depending on the season, savor the flavors of the local cuisine. Conclude the day by heading to the western area, where you'll check in to a hotel in the Palermo region. Enjoy a delicious dinner to cap off the day.

Day 4 : Palermo And Monreale

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Politeama, Palermo, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to Monreale, where you will explore the Cathedral and the Benedictine Cloister. Afterward, return to Palermo for a captivating walking tour of the historic center. The tour includes the Cathedral of Palermo, the 'Four Canti,' Piazza Pretoria with the famous 'Fountain of Shame,' and the vibrant baroque beauty of the Church of Santa Caterina. Explore the cloister of the church, and you'll find your way to an adjacent pastry shop renowned for delicacies crafted with ancient recipes from the nuns. Enjoy lunch during this excursion, and the afternoon is free for you to explore the city center at your leisure. As the day concludes, return to your hotel and relish a delicious dinner.

Day 5 : Erice, Marsala, Selinunte And Agrigento

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Location: Agrigento

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kore, Agrigento, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Head to Erice and explore the charming town. As you wander through its streets, enjoy a tasting of typical almond sweets. Note that if road closures prevent reaching Erice, a visit to Trapani will be substituted. Continue your journey to Marsala, where you'll visit a winery and partake in a small tasting. Indulge in lunch during the excursion, and in the afternoon, explore the eastern hill of Selinunte. Afterward, proceed to Agrigento, where you'll check in to your hotel in the Agrigento area. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner.

Day 6 : Agrigento And Piazza Armerina

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Location: Agrigento

Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a visit to the impressive Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Explore the ancient archaeological site, home to well-preserved Greek temples. Afterward, continue your journey to Piazza Armerina, where you'll indulge in a thematic 'Ancient Rome' lunch during the excursion. Following this, visit the renowned Roman Villa known as 'Del Casale,' celebrated for its intricate mosaics depicting scenes from ancient life. Late on, travel to the eastern part of the island and check in to your accommodation in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area. Enjoy a satisfying dinner at the hotel to cap off your day.

Day 7 : Mount Etna And Taormina

Location: Mount Etna

Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro, Catania Area, or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Commence your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Embark on an exciting excursion to Mount Etna, where you'll ascend by coach up to 1,900 meters. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there is the option (with a direct payment supplement) to ascend further using an all-terrain bus and an authorized guide to explore the main craters. Enjoy a small tasting of local honey during the excursion. Please note that, in the case of adverse weather conditions, the ascent may be limited to 700 meters, and the tour will stop at Zafferana Etnea, where you can observe the remains of the eruption of 1992. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting town of Taormina and visit its Ancient Theater. Enjoy some free time to explore the area at your own pace. Later in the day, return to your hotel in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area, and savor a delicious dinner.

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Metropolitan city of Catania

Meals Included: Breakfast

Indulge in a morning breakfast at the hotel before checking out. For added convenience, consider the optional private transfer to the airport or train station. Arrivederci!

What's Included

  • 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or surroundings

    Accommodation for 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area.

  • 1 night in the Agrigento area

    Accommodation for 1 night in the Agrigento area.

  • 2 nights in Palermo

    Accommodation for 2 nights in Palermo.

  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels

    Stay in 4-star hotels throughout the tour.

  • Guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide

    Enjoy a guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide.

  • Full board meal basis

    All meals from dinner on the 1st day to breakfast on the 8th day are included.

  • 4-course regional set menu with beverages

    Enjoy a delightful 4-course regional set menu, accompanied by beverages during meals, and savor a cup of coffee during lunch.

  • Welcome cocktail

    Kick off the tour with a welcome cocktail.

  • Complimentary use of audio-receiving devices

    Complimentary use of audio-receiving devices throughout the entire duration of the tour.

  • Small seasonal snack in Catania

    Enjoy a small seasonal snack in Catania.

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What's Not Included

  • International or domestic airfare

    International or domestic airfare is not included.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included.

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers

    Gratuities to guides and drivers are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Porterage service

    Porterage service is not included.

  • Additional meals

    Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.

  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums

    Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary are not included.

  • Local city tax for overnight stays

    Local city tax for overnight stays is not included.

  • Visas

    Visas required for entry into the country as necessary are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included is not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably on a guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide, including two nightly departures via bus for convenient transportation to and from the hotel.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4-star accommodations throughout your journey, with 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or surroundings, 1 night in the Agrigento area, and 2 nights in Palermo.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 4-star accommodations throughout the journey, with 4 nights in Catania, Giardini Naxos, or the surrounding area, 1 night in the Agrigento area, and 2 nights in Palermo.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour operates on a full board meal basis, covering all meals from dinner on the 1st day to breakfast on the 8th day. This includes a 4-course regional set menu with beverages and a cup of coffee during lunch.

  • Is transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, transportation is provided via a guided motorcoach bus tour with a multilingual guide. Additionally, there are two nightly departures via bus for convenient transportation to and from the hotel.

  • What kind of guided tours are included?

    The tour includes guided tours in various locations such as Selinunte, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, and Monreale.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included?

    Yes, entrance fees are included for several attractions such as Selinunte, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Roman Villa of Casale, Greek Theater of Taormina, Archaeological Park of Neapolis, Cathedral of Ortigia, Radicepura Botanical Park, Cathedral of Monreale, Cloister of Monreale, and Church of Santa Caterina.

  • Is there an option for a more adventurous ascent on Mount Etna?

    Yes, there is an option for a more adventurous ascent on Mount Etna using an all-terrain bus and an authorized guide to explore the main craters. This option requires a direct payment supplement.

  • What happens if the weather conditions are adverse during the Mount Etna excursion?

    In case of adverse weather conditions, the ascent may be limited to 700 meters, and the tour will stop at Zafferana Etnea, where you can observe the remains of the eruption of 1992.

  • Are there any tasting experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a winery visit with a tasting experience in Marsala, a tasting of typical almond sweets in Erice, and a small tasting of local honey during the Mount Etna excursion.

  • Is there any free time during the tour?

    Yes, there is free time to explore the city center of Palermo at your leisure on Day 4 and some free time to explore Taormina on Day 7.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    No, airport transfers are not included in the tour package. However, an optional private transfer to the airport or train station can be arranged on the departure day.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, please enquire for details, we'll be happy to assist wherever we can.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.

Reviews of this operator

Katherine Lagermann (Google Reviewer)  

Incredible tour! This tour option...

18-Nov-2024

Incredible tour! This tour option had a few scheduled tours, but also a lot of time for independent exploration on our own. We felt it was a perfect balance. If you are not the kind of person that likes to be shepherded from place to place on a tight schedule, this is a perfect option. The hotels we stayed at were beautiful, clean, and comfortable. We opted to extend our tour by two extra nights, and while we were not able to stay in the same hotel our whole trip due to booking, the transfer process was still very convenient, and we even got a room upgrade at our second hotel. We would definitely travel with omega tours again!

Janifer Harland (Google Reviewer)  

Easy booking, nothing was a...

28-Oct-2023

Easy booking, nothing was a problem, prompt reply to emails. We did the Pearls of Puglia Tour. Fantastic region to explore, tour guide Sabrina was excellent and our other local guides were also great.

Joe F  

Excellent Service!

01-Mar-2020

Received excellent service and suggestions for a tour we planned for our son and daughter when they toured the Amalfi Coast in August. Hotels were all in great locations close to the action and all excellent 4 or 5 star. Would definitely use or recommend Omega tours to friends or family.

K Ruff (Google Reviewer)  

We used Omega Tours for...

09-May-2024

We used Omega Tours for a trip to Rome & the Amalfi Coast. Michael Rizzo did an outstanding job and answered all of my never ending questions. Planning and arrangements were easy with lots of suggestions and good advice. The drivers they arranged were on time, friendly and informative. The tours that they arranged were on time and the guides were well versed, our only issue was with one of the guides which isn’t a reflection on Omega. The hotels that were selected were very nice. The communication with Omega was good including when we needed some information while on the trip. I would definitely recommend them.

Zeke and Sheree Sanchez (Google Reviewer)  

We totally enjoyed our tour...

15-Jun-2024

We totally enjoyed our tour and it was certainly more than we expected. Our tour guide and our driver were excellent. Our hotels were great and Connie Astarita, our travel agent was outstanding. We will definitely recommend your company to our friends as we have already done so.

Pinx O  

I had wonderful time

04-Oct-2022

Just came back from my 11 days Portugal tours I booked through Omega tours. And I had wonderful time. I joined a small group tours, which is really great. The tour guide Myriam is one of the best tour guide I ever had. I always travel solo( and sometimes join a group tours )and tried to travel every year if I can . I am surely looking forward to booked more tours with you.

Linette Logie (Google Reviewer)  

Was pleasantly surprised that there...

02-Jul-2023

Was pleasantly surprised that there were only 4 people on the Best of Portugal tour. Our guide Cristina was fabulous and was a wealth of information on everything Portugal. A great experience overall and would highly recommend.

Guido P  

Had a great time and an amazing experience!

01-Mar-2020

Had a great time and an amazing experience. The touring company was excellent, punctual with clean buses and friendly and well informed tour guides. Hotels were nice, clean with good location, great service and good breakfast. We are recommending it to everyone and hoping one day we can repeat it.

Adair R  

Very pleased with this well organized tour of Italy

30-Apr-2022

Very pleased with this well organized tour of Italy. A great balance of sightseeing and free time. Exceptional local guide and driver. I’m not sure I would consider the hotels chosen to be 4 star - with the exception of Hotel St Martin in Rome which was great - but the others were very clean and well located. Would definitely choose Omega tours again when booking group travel.

Lisa M  

Most beautiful trip I've ever taken.

07-Jun-2022

Most beautiful trip I've ever taken. Having all my hotels and pickup and drop- offs taken care of by Omega Tours made this trip so easy to enjoy! Michael was amazing. He was always available to answer all of our questions and he made sure we had everything we needed in order to travel internationally during a crazy pandemic!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Omega Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Omega Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform omega tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.

    Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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