Sicily Grand Tour

15 days
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Small Group Tour
The variety and richness of Sicily’s heritage is unparalleled – nowhere else have the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and Italians left such an indelible legacy. On this incredible journey, we sample the best Unesco sites, impressive archaeological treasures, quaint villages and diverse landscapes on the island. With so much t...
26%
$6,278
From$4,650
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore baroque towns and ancient Greek temples
    • See the impressive Piazza Armerina mosaics
    • Take special tours led by local guides
    • Discover the best sights and towns in Sicily

What's this trip about?

    The variety and richness of Sicily’s heritage is unparalleled – nowhere else have the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and Italians left such an indelible legacy. On this incredible journey, we sample the best Unesco sites, impressive archaeological treasures, quaint villages and diverse landscapes on the island. With so much to see and do, a two-week itinerary is ideal to cover the whole island at a reasonable pace. There is also time to venture into the heart of Sicily, to visit the Unesco-listed mosaics of Piazza Armerina.Take a two-week tour around the best towns and Unesco sites in Sicily

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCatania
End CityTaormina

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Mount Etna
  • Palermo
  • Sicily
  • Syracuse
  • Taormina

Activities

  • Culture
  • History

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 7

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 18

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and 1 wine tasting
    • All accommodation
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Special guided tours in main Unesco sites and cities
    • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start in Catania

We begin our Sicilian adventure in Catania, the second-largest city on the island. There are no planned activities today, so take time to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening. Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

Day 2 Excursion on Mount Etna; afternoon wine tasting

After breakfast, we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We hike up, past several old lava flows, to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the volcanic landscape (one to two hours’ walking, approximately 3mi/5km). We stro...

Day 3 Morning sightseeing tour of Catania; afternoon drive to Syracuse and visit archaeological park

Day 4 Free day in Syracuse

The day is free to explore the lovely island of Ortygia, the historical heart of Syracuse. We recommend starting from the Piazza del Duomo, a delightful pedestrian square and home to a wonderful cathedral. The island measures just 124 acres (50ha) and can be easily ex...

Day 5 Visit the Unesco-listed baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa

In the morning, we leave Syracuse and head to the town of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), which has been part of a Unesco World Heritage site, Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, since 2002. The striking architecture is a result of a major earthquake in 1693, in w...

Day 6 Explore town of Modica; transfer and overnight in Piazza Armerina

We start our day with a visit to Modica, another Unesco-listed baroque town with fine architecture, picturesque views and historic lanes. The chocolate made here is one of the most famous products in Sicily. We have the chance to sample some during a visit to the main...

Day 7 Morning guided visit in Piazza Armerina; see the Unesco-protected mosaics collection of Villa Romana del Casale

Today starts with a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and continues with a visit to the Unesco-listed Villa Romana del Casale, considered the top heritage site in Sicily by many visitors. This is one of the best-preserved villas built during the Roman Empire, with extens...

Day 8 Visit the Valley of Temples in Agrigento and archaeological site of Selinunte

Today is one of the longest travel days as we make our way south, first stopping in Agrigento (approximately two hours’ transfer) and then continuing to Selinunte (approximately a 1hr 20min drive) where we stay the night. In Agrigento, we visit the Valley of the Templ...

Day 9 Explore the island of Mozia by ferry and drive to the hilltop town of Erice

An hour’s drive north and a short boat ride bring us to the island of Mozia, an interesting archaeological site in western Sicily, between the towns of Trapani and Marsala. The site was once an important colony of Carthage, the Phoenician-founded city in North Africa,...

Day 10 Half-day walk in Zingaro Nature Reserve; visit Segesta ruins and drive to Palermo

This morning, we take a break from the cultural highlights of the island and head to the coast to explore one of the best examples of idyllic Mediterranean coastline on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4mi (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east t...

Day 11 Morning tour of Monreale and the ‘duomo’; afternoon guided visit to Palermo

We start with a half-day excursion to Monreale (30 minutes’ drive each way) to visit the cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. An extensive area of the interior is covered in gleaming gold mosaics and features a fascinatingcom...

Day 12 Free day in Palermo for individual sightseeing; drive to the picturesque port town of Cefalù

The day is free for further individual exploration of the historic centre. A great way to spend the morning is by heading to one or two of the main street markets (Ballarò, Capo or Vucciria) where the legacy of Palermo’s past as a commercial port continues to manifest...

Day 13 Free day in Cefalù

Today is free to soak up the charming atmosphere of Cefalù. We recommend starting the day with a visit to the impressive Norman cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and a restored 12th-century cloister. Continue with a stroll through the winding medieval st...

Day 14 Transfer to Taormina, visit Greek theatre and free time

This morning, we drive to Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min). On arrival, we enjoy a short orientation tour through picture-perfect alleys followed by a visit to the third-century BCE Greek theatre, from which you can enjoy splendid coastal views. The remainder of the...

Day 15 End Taormina

The tour ends in Taormina after breakfast. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like more time to explore this magnificent island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,650
Price per day$310
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
05 Apr 2025
19 Apr 2025
$5,100
$6,030
03 May 2025
17 May 2025
$5,100
$6,030
31 May 2025
14 Jun 2025
$5,100
$6,030
06 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$5,100
$6,030
20 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$5,100
$6,030
04 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$5,100
$6,030
01 Nov 2025
15 Nov 2025
$5,100
$6,030

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous tour with the best guide ever Milena and a wonderful driver Alessandro

The 15 day tour of Sicily was absolutely fantastic. The best tour guide ever, her name is Milena. A wonderful driver Alessandro. I felt that it was a pretty compre...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

sicily grand tour

fast paced, every day a different town, our guide exceptional, hands on, helping beyond whats expected, every town we had a few hours private down time,first class...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent tour

Do this tour! Excellent itinerary, no early starts, relaxed pace but full on interest, guided tours and "guided" free time to wonder, excellent guide, Tiziano and ...

A

Anonymous

Nov 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Indeed a Grand Tour of Sicily

A good introduction to a wonderful island - its culture, cuisine and history. Selinunte - walking around the ancient streets of this ruined city gave a real perspec...

Write a Review

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Patient and knowledgeable operative

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visa or vaccinations
    • Local city taxes (approx. €30)

Accommodation

Travel by air-conditioned minibus Sightseeing on foot and 2 daywalks Group normally 6 to 18, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs 14 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, all en suite All breakfasts and 1 wine tasting included
We use three- and four-star hotels and occasionally B&Bs. Some were selected for their warm hospitality and typical Sicilian character and others for their location close to the historic centres we visit. Don’t forget your swimwear – some of the hotels have swimming pools.  The accommodations used on this trip are found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout hotels.  Piazza Armerina: Suite d'Autore (nights 6-7)  For something completely different, there’s Suite d'Autore. This art hotel in Piazza Armerina traces the history of design from the 20th century to today through its decor and displays. The rooms are, unsurprisingly, individual, while outside the front door is a honey-coloured cathedral.  Taormina: Villa Esperia (night 14)  Our final night is spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has one restaurant: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts and a wine tasting on Mount Etna included. Sicilian cuisine is a mix of the different cultures that have existed on the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, with a climate ideal for the cultivation of fresh produce, such as olives, oranges, lemons, aubergines (eggplants), tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more – not to mention all the seafood, tuna and swordfish fished off the coast. The result? A fresh, varied and delicious cuisine. Sicilian wines, including marsala and moscato, are superb and known to be strong and syrupy. During the trip, the leader can recommend the best restaurants and cafes. In the evening, they will often organise group dinners but participation is entirely optional.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 14 nights in three- and four-star hotels
  • Sightseeing on foot and two day walks
  • Group normally 6 to 18, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
Trip ID
exodus-ADG

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